Bannockburn is a leading, independent private school in Toronto that offers the highly recognized integrated Montessori program. The Montessori program meets the specific needs of children under the age of 12 years and provides an enriched curriculum and environment to facilitate overall development.
The school encompasses three different program levels -toddler, primary and elementary. All children are different; thus, the 12-year program follows an individualized learning process to cater to the rapidly growing minds of children. Our small student-to-teacher ratio ensures that all children get the required attention and care necessary for development from a young age.
The toddler program is offered to children who are between 14 months and three years in age. Children admitted into this program are required to possess certain skills, including walking steadily and being able to carry a small tray. Understanding that children at this age are keen observers and eager to explore, the program is designed to let them gain as much as possible from opportunities that allow them to absorb and master new skills. The skills gained enhance physical, motor, intellectual and creative capabilities. The objective is to develop a persistent desire and ability to learn new things. Toilet training, outdoor activities and interaction with other individuals are a part of the program in order to make children self-sufficient and confident.
The primary program is offered to children who are between three and six years old. The program runs for half a day until the age of four and later transforms into a full-day program. There is focus on five different areas namely: language; mathematics; culture; sensorial and practical life aspects. Since the classrooms function in a multi-age environment, children learn how to behave in a community with grace, courtesy, and independence. Regular assessment by teachers helps in devising the program and exercises accordingly to the children's abilities, and allows children to progress at their own pace.
The elementary program is offered to children who are between six and 12 years old. The program is divided into lower elementary (children between the age of six and nine years) and upper elementary (children between the age of nine and 12 years) classrooms. Having acquired knowledge and skills in reading, writing, arithmetic, geometry and culture through the primary programs, children will be prepared for more complex tasks. Children are inspired to use their imaginations and find reasons for the things that they do and see. The multi-age environment in the classroom provides a rich and dynamic social atmosphere with better learning opportunities. The objective is to help children develop independent thinking, reasoning, exploration and learning.
Completion of the 12-year, integrated Montessori
program at Bannockburn ensures overall academic, physical, emotional and social development. Children grow
into independent, self-motivated and confident young people who can achieve success in all endeavours of
life.•
Photo by sxc / Eastop