For over 30 years, we have been providing quality Montessori education to students in Flamborough, Burlington, and Hamilton. Nestled in the rolling landscape of the Niagara Escarpment, our school offers the perfect setting for students to fall in love with learning.
Waterdown Montessori School is an accredited school that offers an unparalleled educational experience for children aged 18 months – 12 years. Our school holds itself accountable to the high standards set by the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) and the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Located on a picturesque 50-acre property, Waterdown Montessori School sits on the cusp of the Iroquoia section of the Bruce Trail. This scenic location allows students to bring learning outside and explore the world around them. From visiting the horses at the paddock, to spotting white-tailed deer, centuries-old trees and a variety of insects and birds right outside our classrooms, our students truly do learn on nature’s doorstep.
Montessori is a child-centred method of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Using scientific methods of observation, Dr. Montessori forged a theory that children learn best when given autonomy and independence. This theory of child development is now being borne out by emerging research on brain development.
Dr. Montessori succeeded in creating a method of education in which children learn from working with specialized educational materials designed specifically for Montessori classrooms- these learning materials develop the child’s cognitive capabilities through direct experience (seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting and movement) rather than by direct instruction. Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways and are free to pursue their interests and learn at their own pace. Children are encouraged to think critically, to be curious, to ask questions, to probe deeply and to make connections. Montessori education helps to develop children’s emerging “self-regulating” skills through daily routines, carefully designed classrooms and learning materials meticulously arranged in an aesthetically pleasing environment. Hallmarks of the Montessori method include multiage groupings and uninterrupted work periods.
In Montessori classrooms, the schedule allows for long periods of uninterrupted “work time”, with few transitions, to allow for the development of concentration, focus and engagement. Multiage groupings fosters peer learning and supports the concept that learning is a social process and prepares children for the real world where people socialize and work with people of all ages. Authentic Montessori programs also insist on five-day schedules (either full day or half day) and this is based on the belief that children thrive on consistency and only regular attendance provides the continuity they need.
The aim of Montessori education is to help students achieve their potential and become confident, respectful, responsible, self-directed learners with an understanding that learning is for life. Visitors are amazed by the concentration and focus of the children, and the happy hum in each classroom. Because independence and self-discipline are such integral components of the program, children are able to work responsibly and confidently on their own, meaning that the teachers are able to give individual attention to students.
We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and show you our classrooms of actively engaged learners.