The Montessori Learning Centre was established in 1984 and was the first Montessori school in the Pickering area. We are a non-denominational school, owned and operated by a Montessori Directress. The school opened with twenty-five students and has grown to an operating capacity of two hundred.
The school operates with Montessori's philosophies and theories and a full range of her materials through to the end of grade six. Grade seven and eight students usually work in advance of the Ontario School Curriculum and have upper level Montessori materials available for support.
Our Montessori Method is designed to support each child to become a well-rounded, responsible and self-reliant individual who will demonstrate a love of learning, self-confidence and sense of fair play throughout life. The Montessori Method functions without the confines of a traditionally structured classroom. Each child has rights and each has responsibilities.
Studies have found that the financial investment in progressive, self-directed, sound education during the formative years paves the way for success in later academic pursuits and employment.
School Environment and Faculty
Individualized learning and care
Realistic teacher to student ratios
Dedicated staff with low turnover (average 8 to 10 years of service)
Nurturing and supportive environment
Strong sense of school community
Strong and diverse methods of communication with parents and student body
Multicultural recognitions through acknowledgement of all major cultural celebrations
Diversity and flexibility
Academics
Well-balanced programme
Teaches children how to learn
Expects and allows each child to achieve at potential in all subject areas
MLCP students generally work 1 to 2 years ahead of the public curriculum
Well-established academic foundations for both secondary and post-secondary studies
Bilingual programme
Daily French classes
Academic assignments with substance which develop research skills and promote excitement about learning
Developing your Child
Promotes self-confidence and independence from the earliest years
Encourages students to pursue their respective interests and self-expression
Grace and courtesy expectations
Exposure to meaningful community service at the elementary level
Multi-age interactions through onsite and offsite experiences
Preparation & Facilitation for Future Studies
Successful applications to other private institutions
100% acceptance to private secondary schools and International Baccalaureate programmes
Smooth and well-supported transition to high school
Other Benefits
Inter-school sporting events at the elementary level
Extensive extracurricular programmes offered on site
Optional hot lunches prepared on site
Complimentary childcare around academic hours
Before and after onsite care
Parental involvement encouraged and welcomed
Varied life improving specialty classes
As our motto states "Knowledge with Understanding". Allow us to help your child be their most successful.
Staff members are mandated under the MLCP policy manual and annual contracts with regular evaluations. With many of the original teachers still on staff, our staff turn-over remains minimal with an average duration of 10 years. Staff members are required to satisfy criminal reference checks with regular First Aid and CPR updates.
All head teachers are qualified Montessori teachers.
Affliations
American Montessori Society - AMS Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators - CCMA CCEYA Licensed Independent Schools Athletic Association - ISAA International Montessori Society - IMS Ontario Federation of Independent Schools - OFIS