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
  

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

• 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