Frequently Asked
Questions

Gibbons Park Montessori School is not currently accredited by an external Montessori organisation. As a small, independently owned school, we have chosen to direct our limited resources toward the classroom, our teachers, and the children rather than the cost and administration of a formal accreditation process.

For us, authentic Montessori practice is demonstrated every day—not simply through a certificate. Our classrooms include the full range of Montessori materials, arranged within carefully prepared environments. Our trained guides observe each child closely, follow their interests and readiness, and introduce work at the right moment. Children are encouraged to explore, repeat, question, and progress without being held back by age-based expectations.

The people in the classroom matter profoundly. We believe the integrity of a Montessori school depends on hiring educators who are trained, understand the philosophy deeply, and genuinely believe in respecting and following the child. Gibbons Park was established by trained Montessori teachers more than 40 years ago and continues to be led by trained Montessori teachers today.

We are also thoughtful about adapting with the times. Montessori principles remain our foundation, while our practice continues to respond to current knowledge, the needs of today’s families, and the individual children in front of us. We welcome families to visit, observe the environment, meet our teachers, and see authentic Montessori in action for themselves.

While every school and child-care setting is different, a Montessori classroom is distinguished by its child-centred approach, carefully prepared environment, mixed-age community, and specialized hands-on materials.

In many traditional kindergarten or daycare settings, children of the same age often follow a teacher-directed schedule and participate in the same activity at the same time. In Montessori, children work within a consistent daily rhythm that includes long, uninterrupted periods for choosing purposeful activities, concentrating deeply, repeating work, and progressing at their own pace. Teachers act as observant guides: they introduce materials individually or in small groups, then step back so children can practise, discover, and build genuine independence.

The Montessori materials are intentionally sequenced and often allow children to recognize and correct their own errors. Learning is concrete before it becomes abstract, and practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, culture, grace, and courtesy are woven together rather than treated as isolated subjects.

Because our classrooms are mixed-age communities, younger children learn by observing older classmates, while older children deepen their confidence and understanding by becoming capable role models. Progress is based on each child’s readiness—not simply their age or a whole-group timetable.

The result is not an unstructured environment. Montessori offers freedom within clear, respectful limits: children make meaningful choices in a calm, ordered classroom while trained guides ensure that every child is supported, challenged, and connected to the community.

We begin enrolment for each upcoming school year in late January. Because Gibbons Park is a small school with limited spaces, we encourage families to plan ahead by scheduling a tour and submitting a waiting-list form as early as possible—ideally up to one year before their desired start date.

Joining the waiting list allows us to learn about your family and contact you when an appropriate space becomes available; however, it does not guarantee placement. Availability depends on openings within the requested program and the balance of ages in each Montessori community.

When a suitable space is available, we will contact you to explain the application and enrolment steps. Families interested in starting after the school year has begun are also welcome to inquire, as occasional openings may arise throughout the year.

No. Gibbons Park Montessori School does not participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system.

As an independently owned Montessori school, we have chosen to retain the flexibility to make decisions according to our educational philosophy and the needs of our school community. This independence allows us to hire educators who understand and value Montessori practice, recognize and compensate our staff as skilled professionals, and invest thoughtfully in the people who create each child’s daily experience.

It also allows us to direct resources toward authentic Montessori materials, carefully prepared classroom environments, enrichment opportunities, and special events that are important to our programme. Remaining independent gives us the freedom to preserve the quality, character, and priorities that have guided Gibbons Park for more than 40 years.

We understand that tuition is an important consideration for families and welcome questions about our fees, programmes, and enrolment process.

Separation can be difficult for both children and parents, especially when a toddler is beginning school for the first time. We understand how emotional those early goodbyes can feel, and we are here to support your whole family through the transition.

A warm, confident, and fairly quick goodbye—followed by a predictable morning routine—usually helps children settle more easily. When the same reassuring pattern is repeated each day, children gradually learn that school is a safe place, that their grown-up will return, and that they can manage the separation. These small, supported experiences help build trust, confidence, and resilience over time.

Once your child is in our care, they receive plenty of hugs, reassurance, and gentle help connecting with the classroom. Our teachers respond to each child as an individual and offer the comfort and closeness they need while helping them become familiar with their new environment and daily rhythm.

We also keep parents updated during the day so you know how your child is settling. Most children find their rhythm as trust and familiarity grow, and we will work closely with you if your child needs additional time or support. Saying goodbye is hard for parents too—you do not have to navigate it alone.