A: Montessori in the Woods is not a generic Montessori school like many you see today. We closely follow the pedagogy outlined by AMI (Association Montessori Internationale — see more under Montessori Method on our website). But MITW goes beyond that.
In addition to the Montessori foundation, we integrate a strong emphasis on healthy living. We serve freshly cooked, plant-based meals daily and believe that healthy eating is inseparable from education and development.
Another key aspect of our philosophy is time in nature. We prioritize daily outdoor time, and children spend considerable time in our garden, where they also help grow vegetables. Our holistic approach ensures that children thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.
A: The Montessori method does not prioritize academics over other areas of development. Instead, it nurtures each child’s natural progression.
Children are introduced to reading, writing, and math through hands-on materials and individualized lessons. Some children may read or do math earlier than others, and that’s completely natural. It’s not the role of the Montessori guide to decide when a child should be ready; we follow the child’s lead and support them with developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons — never rushed, never forced.
A: No, we are not part of any government or Region of Peel programs, including CWELCC. We operate as an independent private school.
A: We do not operate like a daycare and therefore do not keep a waiting list. Our program begins at age 2.5, provided the child is independent and toilet trained.
If our philosophy resonates with you, we encourage you to contact us for a tour when your child is approaching 2.5 years old to explore whether our school is the right fit.
A: No, MITW is a specialized private school. Our preschool level is called Casa dei Bambini, which begins at age 2.5. Children typically stay in the Casa classroom for three years, until age 6, after which they continue into our Lower Elementary program.
A: The Casa program is thoughtfully designed for ages 2.5 to 6. Each year builds upon the last — socially, emotionally, and academically. The work is interconnected and developmentally sequenced, making the most sense when completed in full.
If a family plans to attend for only one year and then transition to JK in the public system, the child won't receive the full benefit of the Montessori experience. In such cases, a traditional daycare may be more suitable. Our school is best for families committed to the full Casa journey.
A: One of our standout features is our food philosophy. Our fees include a wholesome lunch and two snacks — all plant-based and freshly prepared onsite. Healthy eating is central to our approach, and we view nutrition as an essential part of education. (See Cooking at School on our website for more.)
A: While MITW is a Montessori school at its core, we also draw inspiration from Rudolf Steiner’s Waldorf philosophy and the principles of Forest Schools. We didn’t want to follow just one educational path — we thoughtfully blend these influences to create a rich, balanced, and holistic environment.
To us, education cannot be separated from nature, creativity, and whole foods. These values are woven into everything we do and reflect our belief in educating the whole child — mind, body, and spirit.