The term "Montessori" comes from the founder of this method, Dr. Maria Montessori. Dr. Montessori (1870-1952) was the first woman to graduate from medical school in Italy. After graduation, she chose to work with handicapped and abandoned children. She developed her own philosophy of education based on her years of research and observation. She felt that a child's natural desire to learn should be cultivated by providing an environment that is rich in its potential for exploration and discovery. Maria Montessori's major premise was that children educate themselves, given an environment that lets them discover for themselves. Therefore, the goal of early education is to cultivate interest and confidence, while providing the tools and assistance to make learning possible. Education, for Maria Montessori, was more than just a transmission of knowledge. It promotes the total development of the child, and of the adult she or he becomes. She felt that a truly educated individual is one that continues to learn long after leaving the classroom.

The Montessori method teaches a student how to learn, rather than what to learn. Many accept Dr. Montessori’s idea that the first six years are the most important in the development of the student. In addition, her method of using physical manipulation of the materials to permit the child to absorb abstract concepts is useful for children with many different learning styles.

At KMS, your child will be immersed in a rich learning environment where she/he will be encouraged to make choices. Your child will follow his or her interests, learn from peers and develop at her or his own rate in each area. Faster learners are not held back, and slower learners are not frustrated when they need more time to gain a complete understanding of the topic. He or she develops self-confidence and self-esteem that will carry them through life. It has been said that the two most important gifts you can give your child are roots and wings. At Kanata Montessori School we work every day to help you provide these.

KMS will gladly lend their books on the Montessori Method to interested parents. The school also holds parent workshops. Please check the calendar for dates and times.

In Ottawa-Carleton, the four school boards that offer programs to children virtually ensure that your neighbours' children go to a number of different schools anyway. In addition, the families who choose a Montessori education for their children tend to have similar needs and values that outweigh the convenience of living nearby.

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Our educators have been trained according to the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) standards. AMI was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929, and has functioned as the source of Montessori principles as well as a centre for continuing research and development. Just like other educators in the public and private school systems, most educators complete a bachelor's degree before moving on to teacher training. AMI training provides one year of intensive, hands on training, including practicum placements and the development of classroom materials.

The elementary staff is generally more highly qualified than elementary educators in the public school system. Our staff comes to the school with a standard B.A., B.Ed. or M.Ed., augmented by specific Montessori training. KMS has attracted staff with a diversity of backgrounds and believes strongly that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Surveys repeatedly indicate that the prime reason for satisfaction with the school is the quality of the staff.

KMS is licensed  as an independent school under the Ministry of Education and  under the Day Nursery Act (DNA) by the Ministry of Community and Social Services as a child care centre.

KMS is also accredited by  the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA), the national body for accreditation of Montessori Schools. KMS holds the highest accreditation possible under the CCMA.

You can attend our next Open House or book a tour. If you've decided that KMS is the right choice for your family, please download our Application Form and send it to us. We will contact you soon after we receive your application.

The goal of Montessori education is to develop your child's love of learning so they maintain it throughout life. Most students graduating from KMS to public high schools easily adjust to their new environment. The self-confidence a child gains while attending KMS, allows them to build relationships with peers and communicate easily with educators. Montessori students moving into traditional classroom settings are often academically advanced because they have learned basic concepts with their hands before working with abstract numbers and ideas.

Completing the eight year elementary program in conjunction with up to four years of toddler and Casa programming provides the child with a strong academic foundation in language, arts, sciences, mathematics and social studies. The students gain and develop interpersonal skills through group work. This combination of a good academic foundation and strong social skills permit the child to enter a new educational setting with the confidence to succeed.

If you still would like to find out more, please check out our LINKS or call for a personal tour of KMS.