Our Programs
Toddler Program
Age Group: 18 months – 3 years old
Teacher Student Ratio: 1:5
Focus: Achieve independence
The Montessori Toddler classroom is suited for children ages 18 months to three years of age. Our teacher to student ratio in this class is 1:5, allowing teachers to connect closely with these youngest of students. The toddler environment is carefully prepared to help the toddler achieve independence. Children who are now comfortably walking are free to move in a space that fits their growing physical needs. At this stage, we stress social interaction with other children, development of language and practical life skills, and music and movement activities.
The curriculum also includes activities that allow the young children to develop fine and gross motor coordination and visual discrimination through the senses. This curriculum prepares the toddler for advancement to the Casa classroom. A growing belief of “I can do it” grows within the child as they explore their learning environment and engage with a wide range of educational materials designed just for them. Children in this program receive daily snack, and a hot catered lunch and nap if here for the full day. Toddlers do not need to be toilet trained. Toddler students are exposed to music, second language instruction and physical education each week.
Casa Program
Age Group: 3-5 years old
Teacher Student Ratio: 1:8
Focus: Learn by doing
Our Casa classrooms, for three to five year olds, are carefully designed for children to “learn by doing.” The Casa classroom is a welcoming, organized space designed to meet a child’s individual needs. Our teacher to student ratio in this class is 1:8. Here, your child experiences a blend of freedom and discipline in a space especially designed for his or her optimal development. The most important function of the Casa program is to provide children with a foundation that includes a positive attitude towards school, inner security, and a sense of order.
Casa students develop a pride in their physical environment, habits of concentration, initiative and persistence, and a sense of responsibility to other members of the classroom. The Casa curriculum is divided into five areas of learning: practical life, mathematics, language, sensorial and culture.
All Casa students must be fully toilet trained and are not permitted to wear diapers or pull-ups to school. Each Casa student receives weekly instruction in music, French and physical education.
Casa students may attend half day or full day classes, all run five days a week. Here are details on each of our Casa programs:
Full Day Threes (FD3) – Junior Campus
Full Day Three Year Olds spend their full day in Montessori Casa classroom specifically designed for first year Casa students. These children are provided with a hot, catered lunch each day, fresh snacks, wear a full uniform, need to be fully toilet trained and have a rest time for about 45 minutes at 12:30pm each day. If parents request a longer nap period for their child, teachers will allow a child to rest for up to 1 1/2 hours. A FD3 enjoys an outdoor recess at least once a day, often twice, unless it is too cold to do so.
Full Day Fours (FD4) – Both Campuses
Full Day Four Year Olds spend their full day in the Casa program and are in a mixed-age class for both morning and afternoon sessions. Students follow a dress-code and start to begin project work during their afternoons. A FD4 does not have a nap time and goes out for recess at least once a day, often twice.
Full Day Fives (FD5) – Main Campus
A Full Day Five Year Old spends all day in a Casa environment. In this classroom, the Fives have a very independent morning, working at their own pace on the full suite of Montessori materials. The Fives, serve as leaders in a mixed-age Casa class. They are the oldest in the class and work on many in-depth, independent projects every afternoon. The Fives are exposed to special school-wide events such as International Day and extra field trips geared for older children. The students follow our dress-code and go out for recess, usually twice each day.
Half-day Casa (3-5 year olds) – Main Campus
Half-day Casa students will spend five mornings a week in a multi-age Montessori classroom. This schedule offers children excellent exposure to the Montessori classroom environment while allowing them to spend the other part of the day at home. Half-day Casa students must be fully toilet trained, wear a uniform and enjoy a morning snack provided by the school.
Elementary Program
Age Group: 6-8 years old
Teacher Student Ratio: 1:16
Focus: Place in the world
The Elementary Program at Trail Ridge guides students from their Montessori foundation through an innovative educational experience that combines the full range of Lower Elementary Montessori materials with the best elements of the Ontario Primary curriculum.
Our classroom encourages Elementary students to begin to think of the world outside our classroom windows and their special place in it. The Montessori philosophies of wonderment, responsibility, independence and a sense of community are at the cornerstone of our approach. Our teacher to student ratio in this room is 1:16.
Summer Program
18 months to 6 years – offered at both locations
Our summer program offers a range of fun and stimulating activities in arts and crafts, outdoor play, Montessori enrichment, and field trips. Each week features a new theme of study. Students will enjoy a camp-style morning session with time for creative play indoors and out. In the afternoon, our youngest students will enjoy a rest-period, followed by snack and outdoor play, while our older school-age students will spend time exploring the Montessori classroom. Come and join us for some summer-time fun! The summer program operates at both our Main and Junior School locations.
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