At Great Lakes Montessori, we are not a day-care or "pre-school" but a child-centered school. We offer a warm and nurturing atmosphere where teachers are experienced and supportive of each student. Our goal is to make sure that each student develops the skills necessary to succeed in school and in life as an adult. At Great Lakes Montessori, we offer a Montessori-based program from 16 months to 6 years of age. Our school is diverse, inclusive, and dedicated to academic excellence. We partner with parents to provide education within a safe, healthy, and caring environment. Our staff consists of highly qualified MACTE-accredited Early Childhood Educators and MACTE Accredited staff. Schools promote an environment that encourages curiosity so that children can be self-directed learners, problem solvers, and flexible thinkers.
Reviews Summary
Great Lakes Montessori in Vaughan comes highly recommended by both students and parents. The teachers, such as Ms. Illuminata, Ms. Franca, and Ms. Lee, are fabulous and provide an environment where students feel secure and well cared for. The school offers much more than basic education, such as music, nutrition, and French, and the meals, environment, and facility are all child-friendly and organized. Both staff and administration are great at communicating, making parents feel important and stressed. When kids move up the ranks and enter the infant room, the school is quick to address any transitions, ensuring they feel welcomed and loved. Parents also have wonderful things to say about staff and administration, noting that they make them feel part of the family and support family needs when necessary. The school presented students with various experiences through activities, which were sweet experiences such as parents coffee and cake mornings, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas parties, as well as a winter recital and a major concert in the summer, and the staff even gave presents to the families during the expected end of the month. Children are always encouraged to become more independent thinkers and explorers while still being happy and lively. It gives parents security knowing that their babies are progressing and happy.
Location & directions
Vaughan, Ontario
Great Lakes Montessori
Preschool
Address
200 Racco Pkwy Unit A, Thornhill, ON L4J 8X9, Canada
My children have been attending Great Lakes Montessori in Vaughan for a total of 7 years ( My son for 3 and my daughter for 4 years). My daughter will be graduating in June and it makes me sad to leave this wonderful community.
Teachers
My kids have had Miss Illuminata for a total of four years, and she is amazing. She is the most senior teacher for the graduating students, and the children love her. She is both academically strong in teaching, (phonics, to support early reading, cursive, writing, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) and is compassionate and sees the whole child so each student feels valued. All of my children's teachers have been outstanding. As a secondary educator myself, I have always been happy with Great Lakes Montessori. ECEs in the classroom , Ms Franca and Ms Alinda are excellent.
French
Mme Rita is a retired French elementary teacher who is super qualified in her post supporting French Language.
Music
Ms Lee is an excellent pianist and music teacher. She plays at each graduation and event. The kids love her!
Meals
Fresh food prepared by the school cook always includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Excellent value.
Administration
Ms Shazia and Ms Tina have always been professional, receptive, accommodating, and excellent in communicating and accommodating requests to support the well-being of our children.
Special Events
September grandparents day event, Bagel day with coffee. Pancake day with coffee, December Holiday concert, May Mothers Day brunch, June Fathers Day brunch, June Graduation ceremony. Parents receive gifts for special holidays. In fact I just finished a Mother's Day Brunch of melons, clementines, cheese, coffee and croissants with this special gift!