About Us
Ancaster Montessori School is family owned and operated by MACTE accredited A.M.I. and A.M.S. certified teachers.
Our History
The Ancaster Montessori School was originally opened in 1984 by Daylene Lumis. At that time it was known as “The Family of Children Montessori School”. The school operated on Sulphur Springs Rd. in Ancaster until 1996. In the summer of 1996 the school moved to Book Rd. at Southcote Rd., where extensive renovations were done to the building that had formerly been the location of Southcote Public School. Renovations were completed in time for the 1996-1997 school year to begin.
The school name was changed to Ancaster Montessori School in 2004 to reflect its establishment of operating in the community for 20 years. The Ancaster Montessori School is a private school, licensed by the Ministry of Social Services and a member of the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators. It has been family owned and operated now for over 20 years. Our school community of staff, students and parents continue to enjoy our rural setting surrounded by fields, mature trees, and natural wildlife on almost 3 acres of property.
Our school’s location was at the site of the original Southcote School, where a one-room schoolhouse once stood. Shown here is the stone, saved from the schoolhouse and still preserved on the property where it was placed at the time of the school’s demolition. The date on the stone appears to be 1873.
During the summer of 2011, Ancaster Montessori School moved to a bigger location in the Ryerson United Church at 265 Wilson Street East in Ancaster. We now have 3 newly-renovated classrooms, a beautiful fenced playground that includes large shade trees, an auditorium for recess during inclement weather and social events, and the use of other rooms within the building, such as the beautiful Fireside Room.
Features of Ancaster Montessori School
The Ancaster Montessori School offers an authentic Montessori program for children ages 1 ½ to 6 years. Our program is bilingual, with an immersion experience of both French and English, spoken in the classroom. Drawing instruction is offered to full-day students and music lessons are available at an additional cost.
In addition to our Montessori program, our children can enjoy fieldtrips, demonstrations by special guest speakers, and special events, including on-site pony rides and family socials. Parents can become involved in our Parents’ Association and can learn more about the Montessori method of education by attending parent information sessions and by borrowing books from our parents’ library. Although parents can discuss their children’s experiences in the program with teachers throughout the school year, pre-scheduled parent-teacher meetings are held twice each year.
Admission
Admission begins between 15 months and 3 years of age. Our full Montessori program is three years. Quality Montessori programs count on parents’ three-year commitment; however, actual financial commitment is for one year at a time. New students are allowed a 30-day trial period. Otherwise, tuition cannot be refunded mid-year. Application for admission can be made any time, though spaces are held for currently enrolled students and siblings until January 31. Admissions are then on a first come, first served basis.
Hours of Operation
Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Half-day programs run 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. The Montessori school-year is from September to June.
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