KMS FAQ

Accredited Montessori classrooms emphasize self-discipline. Teachers guide children in making choices and solving problems independently. Conflict resolution is encouraged through respectful communication, and children learn to take responsibility
for their actions. Children often develop a strong rapport with their teachers and deep friendships with peers as a result of the three year program.

There are several philosophical benefits to having children in a three year program. The breakdown of the classrooms are as follows: Casa classrooms (preschool, JK, SK), Lower Elementary (grades 1, 2, 3), Upper Elementary (grade 4, 5, 6) and Middle School (grade 7, 8). This is done intentionally for the following reasons: Consistency and stability (teachers know their students very well and their learning needs), individualized learning, mastery of skills, ability to work at one’s own pace, allows for an education that follows the child, greater social and emotional development, fosters independence and self-discipline, and provides greater leadership opportunities.

Parents are encouraged to be partners in their child’s education at KMS. They may be invited to observe their child’s classroom, participate in parent-teacher conferences, and support Montessori principles at home by fostering independence and curiosity. We encourage our families to take part in our school events, engagement activities and parent education sessions.

Children who transition from KMS to a traditional school often adapt very well due to their strong foundation in self-directed learning, problem-solving, and independence. Our Middle School Program acts as a bridge between Montessori pedagogy and traditional education. In combination with a focus on experiential education, students at this level hone in on skills such as test-taking, preparation and studying for exams, note-taking, large group lessons and homework skills. The focus is on the process of developing these skills. Feedback from families strongly supports the success of the transition not only to highschool, but to post-secondary school and future careers. Students often perform academically beyond their peers, are courteous, confident in self advocating and able to independently manage their tasks.

There is an emphasis on strengthening executive functions at all levels at KMS. Students learn executive function language, strategies and the importance of areas such as organization, planning, prioritizing, time management, initiating tasks, sustaining attention, etc. Due to the flow and structure of a Montessori classroom they have the opportunity to practice and strengthen these skills everyday. As a result our graduates are extremely prepared for the transition to highschool. Many of our graduates continue onto private highschools in the area or transition to their local neighbour highschool. Some of our students are accepted to specialized programs in local highschools (i.e. International Baccalaureate, Leadership/Outdoor Education or Arts programs).

In Casa (preschool, JK, SK) we have a 1:8 ratio. Classrooms are capped at 24 students (therefore 3 teachers for 24 students or 2 teachers for 16 students). In the Elementary classes we have 2 teachers in every classroom and cap classes at 24 Students.

Yes. KMS has a bursary program supported through community donations. Funds are provided annually to Elementary and Middle School students whose families can demonstrate financial need through a third party organization (Apple Financial).

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 pm. We have a large parking lot and a smooth and organized drop off and pick up procedure. Children can be dropped off between 8:30-8:45 and picked up between 3:10-3:30 p.m.

Yes, we do. Our ASC is organized and managed by the YMCA. Trained and qualified YMCA staff run an engaging and fun program daily at KMS between 3:30-6:00. They offer flexible options where you can register 5 days a week or choose what days
you need care for.

Due to our large catchment area of our student population, parents/caregivers are required to transport their children to and from school. However, we have many families who carpool. We are also very accessible from many areas of town, making it an easy and short drive.

We have some much loved traditions that our community participates in every year. Students in grades 1-8 go downhill skiing 1-2 times a year. Students in grades 1-6 go to an overnight camp at the end of each school year. Our Middle School students participate in expeditions such as dog sledding in Algonquin park and canoe tripping. Our Elementary and Middle School students often compete in a cross-country running event in October and track and field events in the spring. We have several recess clubs that happen throughout the year (i.e. chess club, cooking club, juggling club, sports/intramurals, yearbook club, spirit club). We also have a 10 hole disc-golf course located on our property that is utilized for various events. Private piano lessons are offered throughout the school day by our highly trained piano teacher. Although, winter lends itself to many outside activities, the students in grade 1-8 go ice skating at a local arena and participate in sports (volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis, pickleball) at an indoor gymnasium at a local fitness centre (i.e. Hybrid Sports) once a week during the winter term. In addition to various whole school events that happen throughout the year, our teachers feel strongly about extending the learning experience beyond the classroom walls and into our community, so the students at all levels go on various field trips throughout the year.

We have 10 acres of land and are located next to a Provincial Park. Our goal at KMS is to spend time outside, and physical education is one more way that we do that. Our physical education classes happen in fresh air and on our large property allowing us to fully engage in many wonderful physical opportunities. Although, winter lends itself to many outside activities too, the students in grade 1-8 go ice skating at a local arena and participate in sports (volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis, pickleball) at an indoor gymnasium at a local fitness centre (i.e. Hybrid Sports) once a week during the winter Term.

In our Casa and Lower Elementary (preschool – grade 3) classrooms, we believe that it is crucial to recognize that children thrive when they have direct contact with tangible objects and human interactions. Children actively engage in self-discovery, explore their world, and build connections with their community through real life, hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. This lays the foundation for important skills needed for future learning. As children enter Upper Elementary (grades 4-6) technology is integrated in the classroom in an intentional and meaningful way. Children have access to laptops that are used for research, presentations, learning how to type and write good copies for longer written assignments. At the Middle School level (grades 7-8), our students bring their own laptops to school and it becomes a larger part of their learning. When technology is required it is supported with lessons, is intentional, meaningful, supervised and monitored. As a result the Middle School students are equipped with technological confidence, competence and skills necessary for highschool and our modern world. We do not feel that children need to spend time at school engaging in computer games and other screen-time activities that often children get plenty of time with at home.

Montessori education does not lack structure; rather, it offers a unique and purposeful structure that differs from traditional schooling. While it may appear less rigid in terms of schedules, and whole group classroom lessons, Montessori schools have a well-designed structure that aligns with the philosophy’s principles.

While the CWELCC program is an initiative that we feel is important and one that we hope to participate in in the future, we are not currently enrolled. The current funding formula would not cover the expenses incurred in our non-profit, licensed classrooms while upholding our quality, authentic, and accredited Montessori program to which we are committed.

Children should be able to use the washroom independently before enrolling at KMS. Teachers are available to assist when needed, but we do not have a facility to accommodate diapers.

In Montessori schools, assessment is a bit different from traditional education methods. Montessori assessment focuses on observing and understanding a child’s development, their interests, progress, and readiness for new challenges. Teachers carefully track individual academic progress, and are constantly giving feedback. Other methods of assessment are collaborative peer assessment, self-assessment, formative assessment and student conferences. As students progress into the Middle School program they begin to receive grades.

We offer Canadian Achievement Testing (standardized testing) once a year for students in grades 3-8 and students in grades 4-8 also participate in the Mathematica Centrum contest each year.

As an accredited Montessori school, all of our classrooms meet the Canadian Council of Montessori Adminstrator’s (CCMA) standards, which require one Montessori-trained teacher to be in each accredited classroom. In addition, as a registered private school, all of our teachers meet the Ministry of Education’s standards. Lastly, as a CCEYA-licensed facility, our Casa classrooms also each have a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). Please see our staff biographies for more details.

It is important to note that we are the only accredited Montessori School in the Kawartha and Peterborough region and that not all Montessori Schools are accredited. This is due to the fact that Maria Montessori was not able to patent her pedagogy and as a result any school can say that they are a Montessori School. We are not-for-profit and held accountable to high standards from the Board of Directors and the CCMA. When you are visiting different schools, talk to teachers and staff, observe classrooms, and ask lots of questions. Consider factors like policies and procedures, location, class size, who they are accountable to, quality and purpose of the materials, teacher and administrators qualifications, and philosophy alignment. Trust your instincts and choose the school that feels like the best fit for your child’s needs and your family’s values.