Our Learning

Developed by Italian educator, Maria Montessori, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Montessori method is characterized by an emphasis on self-directed activities on the part of the child. It stresses the importance of adapting the child's learning environment to his or her developmental level. The Montessori Method is:

• Child-directed
• Individualized
• Hands-on with tactile materials
• A process of exploration and discovery
• Focused on nurturing a natural curiosity and love of learning in a social environment

Dr. Montessori's observations of children led by her to design a number of multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials that facilitate the learning of new skills.​

More Information

• Multi-aged groupings (3-6 years, 6-9 years, 9-12 years)
• Individually prepared lessons (small groups of 2-6 children)
• Uninterrupted work periods (2-3 hours)
• Children working and learning together
• A sensory-rich environment with hands-on learning.
• Carefully prepared environments
• Long blocks of uninterrupted, student-directed work periods.
• Individualized curricula
• Program staff with specialized Montessori training (North American Montessori Centre) and certified Alberta teachers

To learn more program fees for Montessori Programming

School Fees

The Parkside Montessori Casa dei Bambini is for children aged 3 to 6 and encompasses Pre-school and Kindergarten.

Montessori Preschool runs in 2 hours and 50 minutes half-day sessions.

3-year-old Preschool:

• Monday/Wednesday mornings or afternoons
• Tuesday/Thursday mornings or afternoons

4 and 5-year-old Preschool:

• Monday/Wednesday mornings or afternoons
• Tuesday/Thursday mornings or afternoons
• Monday to Thursday mornings or afternoons
• Monday to Friday mornings or afternoons
• Monday/Wednesday full day
• Tuesday/Thursday full day
• Friday half day can be added to Monday/Wednesday half-day or Tuesday/Thursday half day
• Friday half-day or full-day can be added to Monday/Wednesday full day or Tuesday/Thursday full day

Cost: Preschool, $34/session with a minimum of 2 sessions per week, monthly payments made by P.A.D (Pre-Authorized Debit)

To register, please bring the following items:

• Proof of Age: Child's birth certificate must be presented at the time of registration
• Alberta Health Number
• Void Cheque or Banking information to set-up P.A.D agreement (Pre-Authorized Debit)

Montessori Kindergarten is a half-day Monday to Friday program with a choice of mornings or afternoons.  Sessions are 2 hours and 50 minutes long.

Note:

• Kindergarten children have the option of adding paid Preschool sessions to their half-day Kindergarten program.  Kindergarten children may add up to 5 half-day sessions.  Kindergarten students who add Preschool sessions will remain at the school throughout the lunch break between morning and afternoon sessions.

Please note that tuition fees are applicable-see tuition payment schedule for more information.

We are part of the Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD) and use the school division's online registration process.

• Complete the online student registration application (see the links below)
• Proof of age such as a child’s birth certificate or immigration documentation (for newcomers)
• Your child’s Alberta Health Number
• Copies of any court orders affecting student
• Give us a call for help at 780-532-4491