Montessori education is a child-centered approach that fosters independent learning. It encourages children to explore and learn at their own pace, focusing on their individual interests. This method promotes critical thinking and creativity, allowing each child to thrive.

We serve children from pre-primary through elementary ages. Our programs are designed to cater to the developmental needs of each age group. This ensures that every child receives the appropriate support and education.

We assess progress through continuous observation and individualized assessments. Our educators track each child's development and adapt learning plans accordingly. This ensures that every child is progressing in a way that suits their unique learning style.

Our philosophy centers around creating a joy-filled and enriching environment. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and happy. This approach helps them discover their unique gifts and develop a love for learning.

Enrolment starts with a school tour. Contact us via our website & we'll find a time that will allow you to see 'a day in a life' at Harbourview. From there we can discuss enrolment next steps. You don't have to wait for the start of the school year, we can welcome new students all year-round.

Montessori is an educational philosophy and approach that can be found in all sorts of settings, from the most humble to large, well equipped campuses. In general, Montessori schools consciously strive to create and maintain a diverse student body, welcoming families of every ethnic background and religion, and using scholarships and financial aid to keep their school accessible to deserving families. Montessori is also found in the public sector as magnet public-school programs, Headstart centers, and as charter schools.

No. Dr. Montessori simply observed that competition is an ineffective tool to motivate children to learn and work hard in school. Traditionally schools challenge students to compete with each other for grades, class rankings, and special awards. For example, tests are graded on a curve developed from the performance of the students in that class. Students are constantly measured against their classmates, rather than considered for their individual progress. In Montessori schools, students learn to collaborate with each other rather than mindlessly compete. Students discover their own innate abilities and develop a strong sense of independence, self-confidence, and self-discipline. In an atmosphere in which children learn at their own pace and compete only against themselves, they learn not to be afraid of making mistakes. They quickly find that few things in life come easily, and they can try again without fear of embarrassment. Dr. Montessori argued that for an education to profoundly touch children’s hearts and minds, they must learn because they are curious and interested, not simply to earn the highest grade in the class. Montessori children compete with each other every day, both in class and on the playground. Dr. Montessori, herself an extraordinary student and a very high achiever, was never opposed to competition in principle. Her objection was to using competition to create an artificial motivation to get students to achieve. Montessori schools allow competition to evolve naturally among children, without adult interference unless the children begin to show poor sportsmanship. The key is the children’s voluntary decision to compete, rather than having it imposed on them by the school.

All children play. They explore new things playfully. They watch something of interest with a fresh, open mind. They enjoy the company of treasured adults and other children. They make up stories. They dream. They imagine. This impression stems from parents who don’t know what to make of the incredible concentration, order, and self-discipline that we commonly see among Montessori children. Montessori students also tend to take the things they do in school seriously. It is common for them to respond that “this is my work,” when adults ask what they are playing with. They work hard and expect their parents to treat them and their work with respect. But it is joyful, playful, and anything but drudgery.

While Montessori students are allowed considerable latitude to pursue topics that interest them, this freedom is not absolute. Within every society, there are cultural norms; expectations for what a student should know and be able to do by a certain age. Experienced Montessori teachers are conscious of these standards and provide as much structure and support as is necessary to ensure that students live up to them. If for some reason, it appears that a child simply needs time and support until he or she is developmentally ready to catch up, Montessori teachers provide it nonjudgmentally.

Most Montessori educators would agree that Montessori is a good fit for most children — but it may not be the right match for their parents. Everything depends on what your family believes to be true about your children and important in their education. Do you believe that children should be treated with dignity and respect and be encouraged to be independent, self-confident, and self-disciplined? Do you believe that the best way to discipline is by being consistent, modeling the correct behavior, and by consciously teaching children how to do things correctly? Do you believe that education should be enchanting, intriguing, and delightful, rather than traditionally structured and highly competitive? If so, Montessori may be right for you.

At Harbourview Montessori, student assessment prioritizes individual progress and mastery rather than traditional letter grades. Teachers use informal, hands-on methods, such as observing students at work, facilitating peer teaching, and reviewing project-based assignments, to gauge understanding and skill development. Rather than assigning grades, the focus is on personalized feedback, helping students identify strengths and areas for growth. Homework is meaningful and designed to complement classroom learning, fostering self-discipline, organization, and collaboration between parents and children. Standardized tests are used sparingly, primarily as a feedback tool, to ensure students develop practical test-taking skills without undue stress. The overall goal is to nurture a love of learning and empower students with confidence in their abilities.

At Harbourview Montessori, younger grades typically do not receive homework. Homework is generally introduced at the elementary level and focuses on meaningful, engaging assignments that complement classroom learning and promote skill development.