
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