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Grande Prairie Public School Division
Every Student Succeeds
Montessori

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What is Montessori?

Developed by Italian educator, Maria Montessori, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Montessori method is characterized by an emphasis on self-directed activities on the part of the child. It stresses the importance of adapting the child's learning environment to his or her developmental level. The Montessori Method is:

  • Child-directed
  • Individualized
  • Hands-on with tactile materials
  • A process of exploration and discovery
  • Focused on nurturing a natural curiosity and love of learning in a social environment

Dr. Montessori's observations of children led by her to design a number of multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials that facilitate the learning of new skills.​

FOR MORE INFORMATION 


Our Montessori Programming Features

  • Multi-aged groupings (3-6 years, 6-9 years, 9-12 years)
  • Individually prepared lessons (small groups of 2-6 children)
  • Uninterrupted work periods (2-3 hours)
  • Children working and learning together
  • A sensory-rich environment with hands-on learning.
  • Carefully prepared environments
  • Long blocks of uninterrupted, student-directed work periods.
  • Individualized curricula
  • Program staff with specialized Montessori training (North American Montessori Centre) and certified Alberta teachers

Casa dei Bambini

The Parkside Montessori Casa dei Bambini is for children aged 3 to 6 and encompasses Pre-school and Kindergarten.

Preschool Options:

Montessori Preschool runs in 2 hours and 50 minutes half-day sessions.

3-year-old Preschool:

  • Monday/Wednesday mornings or afternoons
  • Tuesday/Thursday mornings or afternoons
4 and 5-year-old Preschool:
  • Monday/Wednesday mornings or afternoons
  • Tuesday/Thursday mornings or afternoons
  • Monday to Thursday mornings or afternoons
  • Monday to Friday mornings or afternoons
  • Monday/Wednesday full day
  • Tuesday/Thursday full day
  • Friday half day can be added to Monday/Wednesday half-day or Tuesday/Thursday half day
  • Friday half-day or full-day can be added to Monday/Wednesday full day or Tuesday/Thursday full day

Cost: Preschool, $34/session with a minimum of 2 sessions per week, monthly payments made by P.A.D (Pre-Authorized Debit)

To register, please bring the following items:
  • Proof of Age: Child's birth certificate must be presented at the time of registration
  • Alberta Health Number
  • Void Cheque or Banking information to set-up P.A.D agreement (Pre-Authorized Debit)

Kindergarten:

Montessori Kindergarten is a half-day Monday to Friday program with a choice of mornings or afternoons.  Sessions are 2 hours and 50 minutes long.

Note:

  • Kindergarten children have the option of adding paid Preschool sessions to their half-day Kindergarten program.  Kindergarten children may add up to 5 half-day sessions.  Kindergarten students who add Preschool sessions will remain at the school throughout the lunch break between morning and afternoon sessions.

Please note that tuition fees are applicable-see tuition payment schedule for more information.

Registration Requirements:

  • Complete the online student registration application (see the links below for New Families to GPPSD and Current Families of GPPSD)
  • Proof of age such as a child’s birth certificate or immigration documentation (for newcomers)
  • Your child’s Alberta Health Number
  • Copies of any court orders affecting student
  • Give us a call for help at 780-532-4491

Program Fees

As a Program of Choice there are the following Montessori Program Fees:
  • Preschool - $34 per session with a minimum of 2 sessions per week.
  • Kindergarten - $250 per year
  • Elementary (Grade 1 to 6) - $450 per year

Register New Families

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Parents are required to create a SchoolEngage account and complete the online registration, where they will indicate their Overall Program Choice as Montessori within the New Student Registration form.

Help links for new parents:

Register Current Families

Sign in to PowerSchool

Click the button above to register a new member of your family by go to the PowerSchool ParentPortal and access SchoolEngage on the left-hand menu.

Help links for current GPPSD parents:

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