Keystone Montessori School

My daughter went to Keystone Montessori for three years until Kindergarten and we cannot be more satisfied with this introduction to her education. I find that the Montessori program has provided a very strong base for my child both academically as well as her individual personality. She is very independent, self - confident and academically sound (maths, language and social science) due to this experience. Prior to Keystone Montessori, my daughters had gone to a regular preschool for a year. A few things very typical of a Montessori program, which I thought would be beneficial for my child, helped me decide to choose it over a regular preschool eventually: 1. Unlike a regular preschool, one doesn’t find plastic toys at a Montessori, but specialized education materials that enable children to apply themselves or a particular skill. I remain impressed with these materials, which allow a child to practice skills ranging from motor to math. For example, at the age of 3, my child was perfectly capable of pouring herself water from a glass jug (thereby also making her more independent) and at the age of 6, she perfectly understands the concept of multiplication and division because of the respective activity boards. 2. The mixed age classroom allowed my November born (missing the cut off September month) child to learn at her own pace. It also gave her the opportunity to learn from kids older than her during her initial years and eventually teaching her younger friends as she came into her kindergarten year. This was a valuable experience for her. 3. I also found the classroom environment very calm, easy to absorb and sensitive to a child’s requirements in that way, very unlike the collage of images and information one typically finds in preschools. 4. My child has always been spirited. I thought the Montessori approach, which nicely balances freedom/ independence (student choice of activity, the constructivist or ‘discovery’ model) and discipline (approach to work) would work well with her personality and become a good base for her learning years ahead. We were particularly impressed with Keystone Montessori because we have found the program very consistent with all that it says on its website and the Montessori Philosophy. The owner and head teacher of the program is very child focused and passionate about this method of learning, which reflects in the school experience. Also commendable is Keystone Montessori’s adherence to eating healthy snacks (no cookies or cupcakes on their snack list). One might think it insignificant, but I feel it is a small detail like this, which gives me the confidence that my child is a part of a learning environment that is nourishing and holistic in every way.

Keystone Montessori has made such a positive difference in my 4yo son. He started out in daycare at Bright Horizons on the Golden Mile, which is fabulous from a care and education standpoint, but my needs changed and I was looking for a part-time preschool. The Montessori approach made such a difference, especially in strengthening fine motor skills (he went from no dominant hand and fist-holding pencils to near-perfect pencil grip) and pushing my very dependent little boy to be much more independent (from refusing to dress himself to serving ME breakfast) in just a few months time. Bringing the Montessori approach into our home has also improved behavior (e.g. using the peace rose to resolve conflicts and sparkle tree to recognize good deeds like sharing and helping with others) and enhanced at-home independent play and learning (e.g. setting up "works" for him to do at home, and he is always begging for more!). I think there are some kids who will benefit from Montessori more than others, but the approach is definitely a good one for all kids. And Keystone also brings a beautiful facility, the best learning tools, and wonderful teachers that create a great environment for kids. My son loved it so much that I changed from half-day to full-day after just a few months. I couldn't be happier with the choice to send him to Keystone.

My daughter did her first year of preschool here. We had her in the afternoon class, she was 3 going on 4. She loved it! They do some great works to show you how the kids improve over the year. She learned a lot and we are very happy and amazed at how much she learned. The teachers are very friendly and really care about the children. We enrolled her again for all day class in the fall and we enrolled her sister in the Junior Montessori class.