ADMISSIONS

General Information

Apply Now

(Enrolment Procedure – New AMS Students)

Montessori education is a unique approach to learning that emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning, independent exploration, and creative thinking. It is an educational method founded by Italian physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s and is relevant today, more than ever before. The many benefits of a Montessori education make it an excellent choice for children of all ages. These benefits include: a focus on individualized learning and meeting the unique needs of each student, a curriculum that places a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, a collaborative student-focused approach to learning, and a deep respect for one another, and the natural world, thereby creating caring global citizens.

To truly get an understanding of our Montessori learning community, we invite you to come to an upcoming Open House or visit the school for a tour.

For All AMS Programs

The AMS academic year runs from September through June. Typically, new students begin in September or January. However, new students may be admitted at any time during the school year on the basis that space is available in the program.

Arrival and dismissal times are staggered depending on school division (Toddler, Casa, or Elementary) and can be anywhere between 8:15 to 9:00 am or 3:15 to 4:00 pm.

Aurora Montessori School offers a Before and After School Program (BASP) that extends the day from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm. Students engage in age-appropriate programming, free play, outdoor time, and indoor/outdoor activities. Students must be registered in advance to participate in BASP as limited spaces are available.

An Application for Admission form must be submitted to be added to our wait pool. There are no fees to apply to AMS. Re-enrolment for current students is completed by mid-February, at which point enrolment is opened to new families. Offers of admission are emailed along with an Acceptance Package. Required documents for acceptance include a recent photograph of the applicant and a copy of the birth certificate. Upon receipt of the completed Acceptance Package, including all forms and required fees, families are onboarded to the AMS community.

Toddler Program
(STUDENTS 18 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS OLD)

18 months to 3 years of age

The Toddler program is a full or half-day program with a 1:5 staff-to-student ratio. There are a limited number of half-day morning spots available for this age group. Students in the Toddler program are toilet learning and napping in the afternoons. Prospective Toddler Program students and parents must tour the school and meet with Admissions before acceptance.

Casa Program
(Students 3 Years To 6 Years Old)

Casa 1 Program – 3 years of age
Casa 2/3 Program – 4 and 5 years of age

Within the Casa program, there are two different levels, Casa 1 and Casa 2/3. Both of these Casa programs provide children at various levels of abilities the opportunity to work together in the classroom community.

The Casa 1 program is full day with a 1:8 staff-to-student ratio. Students in the Casa 1 program are toileting independently and do not use diapers or pull-ups. Afternoon naps are provided.

The Casa 2/3 program, a continuation of Casa 1, is full day with a 1:12 staff-to-student ratio. Ideally, application to the Casa Program must be made before the child’s fourth birthday. Current or previous school report cards (if available) are required.

Prospective Casa Program students and parents must tour the school and meet with Admissions before acceptance.

Elementary Program
(Grades 1 To 8)

Grades 1-8

Our Elementary Program is a natural extension of our Casa Montessori program and encompasses Grades 1 through Grade 8.

The ideal applicant for the Elementary Program has attended a Casa program for at least two years. In special circumstances, consideration will be given to a student who has completed less time in a recognized Casa program or a student with no previous Montessori experience.

Families applying to the Elementary Program must tour the school and meet with Admissions and the Vice Principal of Academics or Principal before acceptance. Prospective students may be invited for a trial day in a classroom and an informal academic assessment. All Elementary applicants must provide a Confidential Teacher Recommendation Form along with copies of current school report cards and final reports from the previous two years.

For more information, please contact an Admissions team member at [email protected]

International Students

Learning about and respecting different cultures, religions, and traditions is an exciting part of student life at AMS. We welcome international students from every corner of the world as their presence enriches our educational environment.

Guide for Those Currently Living Abroad

If your child is not a permanent Canadian resident or does not possess a Canadian citizenship:

With a few exceptions, all minor children are required to apply for a study permit if they wish to study in Canada. In Ontario all individuals under the age of 18 are considered minors.
Successful applicants, with minor children from grades 1-8, are normally given permits that are valid for one year. A request can be made to renew or extend this permit.
Non-US nationalities may be required by law to obtain a TRV or entry visa and may also be asked to complete a medical examination prior to entry. It is highly recommended that you request multiple entry visas as opposed to a single entry TRV.
Make sure that you apply for a study permit well in advance to the desired enrolment period. The Permit applications may be obtained by contacting your nearest Canadian embassy, immigration office or consulate.
It is important to note that the time required to attain a permit may be as long as several months.

The following documents are legally required when applying for a study permit:

A letter of acceptance from Aurora Montessori School, signed by the school’s principal.
Valid identification and Passport.
Proof that the enrolment applicant has the funds necessary to cover living expenditures and tuition.

A full list of the documents required for perspective students can be found here.

The Canadian Embassy, immigration office or Consulate may then provide successful applicants with a Letter of Introduction. All supporting documents, including the letter of introduction, immigration status and citizenship, may be requested at any time by the school administration in keeping with Canadian regulatory policies.

Please contact the AMS administration for more on our international student education program.