What is the Montessori Philosophy?

A Montessori education offers a transformative learning journey that empowers students with the skills, independence, and creativity needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. 

Grounded in the philosophy that each child is a unique and capable individual, Montessori fosters a love for learning by tailoring education to individual interests, pacing, and learning styles. Through hands-on exploration, self-directed activities, and a carefully designed environment, students develop not only academic excellence but also vital life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

A Montessori education goes beyond memorization, nurturing a genuine understanding and passion for subjects while cultivating respect for oneself, others, and the environment. By nurturing curiosity and intrinsic motivation, Montessori equips students with a solid foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, adaptability, and success.

What is the difference between Traditional Education vs. Montessori Education?

In traditional education, the teacher generally stands at the front of the classroom, decides what the children need to learn, and teaches the children what they need to know; a top-down approach. It is also a one-size-fits-all approach. The teacher decides that everyone is ready to learn. In Montessori education, there is a dynamic relationship between the child, the adult, and the learning environment. The child is in charge of their own learning, supported by the adult and the environment. The materials are laid out on shelves in a sequential order from easiest to hardest. Each child works at their own pace through the materials, following their interest in that moment. The teacher will observe the child and when it seems that the child has mastered the material, the teacher will then give them a lesson with the next material.

Does my child need to be toilet-trained?

Yes, in order for our school to function at its best, all children must be fully toilet-trained. No diapers or pull-ups allowed.

What schools do children usually move on to after Oakridge Montessori School?

The choice of school after Oakridge Montessori School varies. We support all of student’s academic endeavours. Students transition to our Montessori elementary program, private schools, religious schools, French Immersion and local public schools.

What happens when a child leaves Montessori?

Montessori children are adaptable. They have learned to work independently and cooperatively in groups. Since they have been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem solvers who learn to make choices and manage their time well. They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others developing good communication skills which help to ease the way in new settings. Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, which are based on self-directed, noncompetitive activities, help children develop good self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.

Are you a Ministry of Education authorized School?

As a BC certified independent school, Oakridge Montessori is certified with the BC Ministry of Education as a Group 3 school and our curriculum aligns with the Ministry’s prescribed learning outcomes.  Oakridge Montessori School is a proud to be a member of FISA (Federation of Independent Schools Association). Oakridge Montessori School is licensed by Vancouver Coastal Health and meets all the stringent licensing requirements expected of early learning centres in Vancouver.

Do you have a waitlist?

If your child has been accepted and a space is not immediately available, your child may be placed on our waiting list (completed application and payment of processing fee must be on file).

Once a space becomes available, we will notify you, and acceptance must be confirmed within 5 business days at which time a registration package and deposit must be completed. If acknowledgement is not received within the 5 days, we will offer the space to the next applicant on the waiting list.