The Complete Guide to Montessori Schools in Victoria BC
The Complete Guide to Montessori Schools in Victoria BC
What Every Parent Should Know
UNDERSTANDING MONTESSORI EDUCATION IN VICTORIA
Thinking about Montessori for your child? Here’s everything Victoria parents need to know about this game-changing educational approach.
“After searching for many years to find the right school for all four of my children to attend, I am proud to say that we have found a wonderful place for them!” These words from Jennifer Macklam, a parent with several children at Westmont Montessori, capture what draws so many Victoria families to Montessori education. “My children have blossomed in the last two years,” she continues. “This is a school that is aiming to teach children how to apply in real life what they are learning—not simply to memorize and sit at a desk.
For many parents researching educational options across Greater Victoria, Montessori remains something of a mystery. You’ve heard it’s “different” and “child-centered,” but what does that actually mean for your child’s daily experience? How do you choose between the various Montessori options scattered across our communities? And perhaps most importantly, how do you know if this approach will truly serve your child’s unique needs?
Whether you’re considering a move from traditional public education or exploring private school options for the first time, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to understand about Montessori education in Victoria, BC.
What is Montessori Education? Understanding the Method
Dr. Maria Montessori revolutionized education over a century ago with a simple yet profound observation: children learn best when they’re free to explore their natural curiosity within a carefully prepared environment. Unlike traditional education, where teachers deliver information to passive students, Montessori flips this dynamic entirely.
In a Montessori classroom, children choose their own activities from a range of options prepared by trained guides. These materials are specifically designed to be self-correcting, allowing students to learn through discovery rather than instruction. The famous pink tower isn’t just about stacking blocks; children internalize concepts about size, dimension, and mathematical relationships through their hands and senses.
The method rests on several core principles that distinguish it from conventional education. Mixed-age classrooms create natural mentoring relationships where older children reinforce their learning by helping younger ones, while younger students are inspired by observing more advanced work. As Ms. Macklam observes about Westmont, “Because of the way the classes are set up, with a three-year age range together, this allows lots of interaction with other ages and the ability to help students younger and older.”
Perhaps most importantly, Montessori education recognizes that children have sensitive periods for learning specific skills. Just as there’s an optimal window for language acquisition, there are natural times when children are primed to absorb mathematical concepts, develop fine motor skills, or explore social relationships. Montessori environments are designed to capitalize on these developmental windows rather than forcing learning according to arbitrary timelines.
The results speak for themselves. Research consistently shows that Montessori students demonstrate stronger problem-solving abilities, greater creativity, and better social skills than their traditionally-educated peers. They learn to think independently, work collaboratively, and approach challenges with confidence rather than anxiety.
Early Learning Through High School: The Montessori Continuum
One of Montessori education’s greatest strengths lies in its continuity across age groups. Unlike traditional schools where children face jarring transitions between elementary and middle school, authentic Montessori programs build seamlessly on previous learning.
Early Childhood (Ages 3-6) forms the foundation of Montessori education. These mixed-age classrooms allow three-year-olds to observe and aspire to the work of kindergarteners, while five-year-olds solidify their understanding by mentoring younger classmates. Children move freely around the classroom, choosing activities that capture their interest and working at their own pace. The prepared environment includes practical life activities like food preparation and plant care, sensorial materials that refine the senses, language work that often results in early reading, and mathematical concepts introduced through concrete manipulatives.
Elementary (Ages 6-12) expands this foundation through what Montessori called “cosmic education.” Children explore the interconnectedness of all knowledge through compelling stories about the universe, earth, and human civilization. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, they discover how history, geography, science, and literature weave together. Research projects emerge from their questions, leading to deep exploration of topics that fascinate them.
Middle School (Ages 12-14) addresses the unique needs of early adolescents through community-oriented projects and real-world applications. Students often engage in collaborative projects that connect their learning to contemporary issues. The emphasis shifts toward collaboration and social awareness while maintaining individual choice and responsibility.
For the High School years (Ages 15 – 18), Westmont Montessori School (unlike Montessori programs which conclude at Grade 8 or 9) offers an innovative High School approach that revolutionizes secondary education entirely. Families can remain at Westmont for the entire K-12 schooling experience and not worry about having to transition to a traditional high school when their children finish middle school.
The Montessori Landscape in Victoria: Your Options
Victoria’s Montessori community offers families a diverse range of options, each with distinct characteristics and philosophies. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed choice.
Maria Montessori Academy stands as one of the largest established programs, serving 350 students from preschool through Grade 12 on a three-acre campus in Gordon Head. Their comprehensive approach includes camp experiences for elementary students and outdoor education programming that intensifies as children mature. Senior students participate in week-long expeditions as part of their learning journey.
Selkirk Montessori School occupies a waterfront setting on Jutland Road in the Burnside neighbourhood of Saanich, serving preschool through Grade 9. Their before and after school care extends from 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM, accommodating working families. The school emphasizes French language learning alongside musical education and athletics, with extracurriculars including cross country, ultimate frisbee, basketball, chess, volleyball, and badminton.
For families with younger children, Blue Heron Montessori in James Bay specializes in early learning for ages 2.5-5. Their progressive approach incorporates current early childhood education research while maintaining authentic Montessori principles in the heart of James Bay’s multicultural community.
Island Montessori House School brings over 50 years of experience to Greater Victoria as a non-profit organization. Operating since 1973, they’ve built a reputation for inclusivity, welcoming children of all abilities in their preschool and daycare programs.
STEM Montessori Academy operates from downtown Victoria, just blocks from the historic Empress Hotel and Royal BC Museum. Their focus centers specifically on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics integration within the Montessori framework.
Victoria Montessori serves preschool programs, with their mission to “guide, nurture and impart good knowledge, which will build a healthy body and mind with a positive mental attitude.”
Each of these schools reflects different interpretations of Montessori principles, from traditional implementations to specialized approaches, serving families across Victoria’s diverse neighborhoods from James Bay to Gordon Head to Saanich.
What Makes Westmont Montessori Different from Other Victoria Schools
After 67 years of continuous innovation on Vancouver Island, Westmont Montessori School has earned recognition from BC’s Ministry of Education for demonstrating the “best implementation of BC’s new curriculum.” This isn’t just another Montessori school; it’s an educational laboratory where traditional principles meet revolutionary approaches.
Westmont’s 143-acre natural campus in Metchosin provides an unparalleled learning environment. As Ms. Macklam describes, “The school location is second to none. It backs onto the beach, forest, waterfall, and trails. There is so much to learn about life outside the school, never mind what it teaches you inside.” While other Victoria Montessori schools operate on smaller urban lots, Westmont students learn alongside forests, streams, and ocean frontage.
The school’s commitment to what they call the “5 I’s” sets them apart: Individuality, Independence, Innovation, Interdisciplinary learning, and Inclusion. These principles guide every aspect of school life, from curriculum design to community interactions.
Most dramatically, Westmont has reimagined high school education through their groundbreaking High School program designed “to disrupt traditional learning models and provide an innovative, project-based education that prepares students for post-secondary life and adulthood.” The program is built on the philosophy that “education must be an invigorating blend of personal interests, academia and real-world experiences,” enabling students to “realize the world is truly their classroom.”
Project-Based Learning (PBL) forms the cornerstone of the curriculum, with the academic year divided into four 8-week cycles. Students engage deeply with subject matter through hands-on projects that integrate curricular content and real-world applications. The Junior Program (Grades 9-10) sees students complete eight projects over two years, while the Senior Program culminates in a year-long capstone project in Grade 12 where students have full autonomy in designing their learning experience.
A robust mentorship program connects students with professionals in their fields of interest, with students required to meet with their mentors at least once every four weeks. Students take the lead in establishing and maintaining these crucial mentor-student relationships, ensuring they play an active role in their own learning and professional development. The program also features an innovative Exploration Lab, a dedicated makerspace equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and other cutting-edge technology that allows students to bring their ideas to life through hands-on creation and prototyping.
The Macklam family’s experience reflects the school’s comprehensive approach: “The teachers are extremely passionate about the Montessori system. Many of them have been teaching for many years, some of whom have gone to the school themselves. Others have written Montessori books for children.” She notes how “the incorporation of hikes, team-building games, daily physical education, and outdoor activities such as a four-day trip to Camp Thunderbird for my older daughter has been life-changing.”
The results validate this innovative approach. Another Westmont parent Peter Scott observes, “My daughters are happy and excited about their time at Westmont. The quality of life there is driven primarily by relationships: with the teachers, the staff, and with fellow students.” Ms. Macklam shares a similar sentiment: “My children are very happy going to school every day. They love that they know what the school day will bring, and they are excited for the day’s and week’s activities.”
Questions Every Victoria Parent Should Ask When Choosing Montessori
Selecting the right Montessori school requires moving beyond surface-level factors to examine fundamental questions about educational philosophy and implementation.
How authentic is their Montessori approach?
Some schools use Montessori materials and terminology while maintaining traditional teaching methods. Look for evidence of student choice, mixed-age classrooms, uninterrupted work periods, and specially trained guides rather than conventional teachers. Ask about teacher certification and ongoing Montessori professional development.
What happens after Grade 8?
Many Victoria Montessori schools conclude at middle school, forcing families to navigate transitions to traditional high schools just when teenagers most need consistency and understanding. If you’re considering elementary enrollment, think ahead to secondary options. Schools like Westmont, which provide innovative high school programming, offer continuity that preserves Montessori principles through graduation.
How do they handle academic standards and university preparation?
While Montessori emphasizes intrinsic motivation over external measures, your child will eventually need to meet university admission requirements. Ask how schools ensure students master essential skills while maintaining child-centered approaches. Schools with strong track records provide detailed information about graduate outcomes and university acceptance rates.
What role does the natural environment play?
Victoria’s spectacular natural setting offers incredible educational opportunities, but schools vary widely in how they utilize these resources. Ms. Macklam notes about Westmont, “Because of where the school is situated, with the beach and forest behind it, there is weekly interaction with nature. The students spend a lot of time outdoors, and because of this, they are better able to focus on their studies indoors.”
How do they support individual learning differences?
Montessori philosophy celebrates diversity, but implementation varies. Ask about support for different learning styles, advanced learners, and students who need additional assistance. Strong programs provide specific examples of how they adapt to individual needs rather than generic statements about meeting every child where they are.
What does their community look like?
Montessori education works best when families share similar values about childhood, learning, and development. Visit during regular school hours, observe parent interactions, and talk with current families about their experiences. Consider whether you’ll feel comfortable in this community and whether your child will find compatible peers.
How do they balance structure and freedom?
Authentic Montessori requires careful balance between student choice and appropriate boundaries. Ms. Macklam describes Westmont as having “a relaxed feel; however, it is strong and consistent in routines, schedules, and academics. The classrooms are very calm with soothing colors, Montessori tools and materials, no distracting toys, no clutter, and immediate access to nature.”
What are the true costs beyond tuition?
Private education involves expenses beyond posted tuition rates. Montessori school tuition varies significantly between Victoria schools, so ask for detailed fee schedules. Additionally, inquire about fees for materials, trips, activities, and camps. Consider commuting costs and time, especially if you’re looking at schools in Metchosin versus urban options.
The answers to these questions will reveal which Victoria Montessori option best aligns with your family’s values, needs, and long-term educational goals.
Ready to see Montessori in action? Schedule a campus tour to experience our approach firsthand.
The journey toward choosing your child’s educational path is deeply personal. Every family brings unique hopes, concerns, and circumstances to this decision. What matters most is finding a school that truly understands and nurtures your child’s individual potential while preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.
Victoria’s Montessori community offers remarkable options for families seeking alternatives to conventional education. From traditional implementations honouring Dr. Montessori’s original vision to innovative programs like Westmont’s High School program that push educational boundaries, you’ll find approaches that prioritize your child’s natural curiosity, independence, and joy in learning.
The investment in Montessori education extends far beyond academics. Students develop self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, and social skills that serve them throughout their lives. They learn to think independently while collaborating effectively. Most importantly, they maintain their natural love of learning rather than having it extinguished by traditional educational pressures.
“In the community that Westmont is striving for and creating, I see a group of staff, parents, and students who are eager to learn and to build strong friendships and relationships—in an environment that is forward-thinking, one that encourages children to follow their passions and dreams.” – Jennifer Macklam, Westmont Parent
As you explore Victoria’s Montessori options, trust your instincts about where your child will thrive. Visit campuses, observe classrooms, and imagine your child in these environments. The right choice will feel authentic to your family’s values while exciting your child’s imagination about the learning adventure ahead.
