Levels Of Learning
Specialists In The Classroom
FACULTY
Kanata Montessori boasts over 75 highly qualified and experienced educators. In addition to trained Montessori educators, we employ subject matter experts in Art, Music, Physical Education, Math, Science, English, Humanities and French.
Kanata Montessori prides itself in having faculty members who reflect the Canadian mosaic. All of our Montessori educators have internationally recognized training, and we are fortunate to count specialist educators who have joined us from universities, public schools and industry, and the Canadian Olympic team as members of our team. Many of our high school educators have Master’s degrees and all are specialists in their fields. Our French educators are not simply fluent in French, but francophones, who bring love of their culture and language into the classroom.
We are joined with a common vision of what constitutes excellence in education, and we believe strongly that the Montessori method provides the tools and experience that will prepare Kanata Montessori graduates for the 21st century.
18 months - 3 years
Toddler
Trust, Exploration & Independence
The Toddler program meets the unique developmental needs of learners aged 18 to 36 months. Adults in the classroom convey love and acceptance of the student, allowing them to gain a sense of trust and security. A prepared environment enables students to explore and to choose activities that develop both skills and independence. Through practical life experiences, the students learn to care for themselves, each other, and their environment.
Each day includes individual work time; group time for stories, singing and physical movement; snacks and outdoor time. Toddler students have their own fenced playground with equipment and play structures. On most days, the students go for short walks together or play outside. The class is limited to 15 students with one Montessori trained educator and 3 full-time assistants.
3 years - 6 years
Casa
Discovery, Purpose & Communication
Students in the Casa program work at their own level through the discovery of the prepared environment. Students are presented an array of materials and lessons to cultivate a natural desire to explore, work and learn. Educators act as a link between students and their surroundings. Conscious of each student’s stage of development and learning style, the educators guide students to purposeful activities.
Language (including reading and writing), movement, and social development are our primary focus, along with mathematics and sensorial materials. Music, art, biology, geography and history materials are also part of the specially prepared environment. In the Casa program, students also receive daily French instruction.
Each class is led by a Montessori-trained educator and two assistant. Daily outdoor play is a part of the regular schedule.
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6 years - 9 years
Junior Elementary
Imagination, Growth & Understanding
Montessori elementary education speaks to a student’s imagination to begin a life-long voyage of learning and discovery. It balances the imagination with concrete, hands-on materials that help the student understand the abstract.
Students remain in the same class for three years, permitting the educator to become very familiar with each student’s development and to follow their progress throughout as the learner progresses at his or her own pace. The three-year, multi-age class encourages younger students to learn from and emulate older students while pursuing age- and level-appropriate materials. Older students practice leadership and act as role models for younger ones.
Over each three-year segment (Grades 1, 2 and 3 in Junior Elementary and Grades 4, 5 and 6 in Senior Elementary), the student completes a core curriculum that exceeds the standards of the Ontario Ministry of Education. The core program includes Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies. French, Music, Art and Physical Education are delivered by specialists and are integrated into the program.
9 years - 12 years
Senior Elementary
Cooperation, Confidence & Character
Montessori elementary education speaks to a student’s imagination to begin a life-long voyage of learning and discovery. It balances the imagination with concrete, hands-on materials that help the student understand the abstract.
Students remain in the same class for three years, permitting the educator to become very familiar with each student’s development and to follow their progress throughout as the learner progresses at his or her own pace. The three-year, multi-age class encourages younger students to learn from and emulate older students while pursuing age- and level-appropriate materials. Older students practice leadership and act as role models for younger ones.
Over each three-year segment (Grades 1, 2 and 3 in Junior Elementary and Grades 4, 5 and 6 in Senior Elementary), the student completes a core curriculum that exceeds the standards of the Ontario Ministry of Education. The core program includes Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies. French, Music, Art and Physical Education are delivered by specialists and are integrated into the program.
High School
at The Ridge Campus
Kanata Montessori’s high school comprises two programs: Junior High (grades 7-9) and Senior High (grades 10-12). Collectively, they are a fresh approach to high school focusing on high academic standards, increased student engagement, critical thinking, leadership, and innovation. We believe students should be engaged in their learning, and we also understand the importance of a strong academic record. The Ridge offers personalized education which means we cater to everyone’s interests and skills. It’s a lot easier to learn when you have creative, caring, educators and small class sizes. Students genuinely enjoy being together as a community of learners at The Ridge no matter what grade they are in.
12 years - 15 years
Junior High
Adventure, Creativity & Community
The three-year, multi-age class encourages younger students to learn from and emulate older students, while older students practice leadership and act as role models for younger ones.
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Students and educators come to school excited to learn and collaborate in a Montessori-inspired 21st-century learning environment. Small class sizes allow in-depth lessons and individual support. Students thrive in the productive learning environment where they have flexibility in their day. Engagement is a way of life at “The Ridge”. Students in grades 7 to 9 learn Math, English, Science, Coding, History, Geography, French, Art, Drama, Music and Physical Education from subject specialists.
Regardless of grade, students are members of the team. Through in-class and extracurricular collaboration on multi-age group activities, students develop leadership, critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Our model makes it safe for students to challenge themselves and expand their comfort zone, to explore increasingly in-depth academics, and to embrace a strong commitment to community.
Junior High students travel annually to New York City for the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) conference where they meet like-minded, concerned students from across the globe to discuss current international issues. Students spend months preparing for the conference, investigating their assigned country and its position on a specific topic. Students represent their country in New York City where they craft resolutions with other student delegations from across the world. The MMUN process allows students to apply their communication, critical-thought, interpersonal and public speaking skills.
15 years - 18 years
Senior High
Challenges, Innovation & Preparation
The Ridge at KM offers Montessori-inspired, transformative experiences that focus on the whole student as a productive 21st-century community member. The independence and confidence nurtured through a balance of academics and peak, collaborative experiences like international travel prepare students for the social, emotional and academic rigors of post-secondary education.
We are committed to preparing students for the post-secondary program of their choice. Our program is 100% aligned with the Ontario curriculum and awards students an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. By providing students choice and voice, students at The Ridge immerse themselves in projects and topics that are interesting and authentic. From mock elections to engineering tasks, students are engaged and challenged.
Senior high students develop strong academic skills as well as transferable skills like teamwork, problem solving, self advocacy and time management. We equip students with a solid foundation of technology skills. These skills are essential to daily life in university and in the workplace in all disciplines from medicine to arts to law to engineering. Technology is embraced and integrated into everything we do, giving students a head start and competitive edge for the future.
Extended Programs
Extended Care
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Toddler, Casa, and Elementary students have the opportunity to participate in Extended Care from 8:00-9:00 am and 3:30-5:00 pm. Extended Care is designed to encourage students’ social and physical development. During this time, students may play together, do homework, or do art or crafts. Extended Care is supervised by teaching assistants who spend the school day with the students and are familiar with their needs. Extended Care is offered to Full Day students. School Day students who are interested can register on a monthly basis if space is available.
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Extracurricular Programs
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Optional (paid) Extracurricular Programs are offered after school for Casa, Elementary and High School students. Programs vary each season. Examples of programs include drama, dance, music, art, various sports, and ski club. Field trips and special events include but are not limited to; MMUN, Drama Play, Odyssey and Leadership Camp.
Extracurricular Programs are offered by internal staff or external instructors, and for Main Campus start after Thanksgiving.
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Specialists In The Classroom
French
It is the goal of Kanata Montessori to create strong French students. KM creates a bilingual environment by complementing traditional French instruction with bilingual educators who teach non-core subjects in both English and French. Opportunities to practice practical French skills are provided through field trips and activities. Students who continue their French studies in our high school program can earn a Secondary School French Certificate.
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Physical Education
The physical education program at Kanata Montessori focuses on personal development of each student through regular movement and sport. The program emphasizes fundamental skills, team cooperation, a positive attitude, and embracing the importance of regular physical activity for mental and physical well being. Kanata Montessori is an active member of local independent school athletic associations which enable students to test their skills in friendly participation in many sports such as cross-country running, soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton and track.
The Arts
Students from grades 1 through 8 study with a specialist music educator for choral and instrumental training. Senior elementary and high school students have the option of joining the stage band, guitar ensemble and/or jazz band.
Visual Art at Kanata Montessori is delivered by a local professional artist. Students in grade 1 through 12 explore the work of famous artists and create drawings, paintings, sculpture and collage. Our vibrant Drama program culminates each year with a fully staged musical production. The musical is a challenging and authentic learning experience that brings together Drama, Music, Visual Art, Dance, English, and Business classes.
Forest School
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children should spend a lot of time outdoors. She felt that living in harmony with nature and respecting the environment are integral to children’s well-being. Forest School at Kanata Montessori is a hands-on, experiential program where children in grades 1 to 6 spend time in nature exploring their surroundings. Through activities that promote connection with the land and environmental stewardship, children develop communication skills and problem-solving techniques by working together in all kinds of weather. Curricular links with geography, science, physical education, and language provide excellent opportunities for children to take their learning back into the classroom and beyond.
Outdoor Education
For high school students at Kanata Montessori, the Outdoor Education curricular program focuses on connecting students with the natural environment through participation in a variety of outdoor physical and adventure activities. Students are encouraged to develop personal competence in a variety of movement skills through outdoor activities that enhance their recreational activity skill levels and personal fitness. According to grade level, students have the opportunity to take part in excursions ranging from overnight to multi-day expeditions in authentic wilderness environments. As well, students will have access to and gain insight into the equipment, planning, nutrition, cooking skills, and physical skills associated with these trips.
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Program
This award is a globally recognized program with three levels that recognizes and celebrates young people's achievements outside of the classroom. The award allows high school learners to determine what they are passionate about, regardless of their background, culture, or access to resources. By creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, give service, and experience adventure, the award can play a critical role in their development. At Kanata Montessori, our in-house senior-level award leader facilitates this extracurricular program and provides opportunities for participation in the Adventurous Journey component of the award.
