NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2026/2027 – SCHEDULE A CALL
— CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN THE BEACH —
Avalon Children’s Montessori School: Where Curiosity is Nurtured, and Every Child is Seen
More than a school, Avalon is a community for children ages 2½–14. We provide a stimulating environment where kindness and character are valued alongside academics, ensuring your child is seen, supported, and empowered to develop independence and a lifelong sense of purpose.
— ABOUT AVALON —
25 Years of Putting Children First
Avalon Children’s Montessori School was born from a desire to put children first.
Founders Sherry VanDerKooi, Angie Samis, and Christine Keery are qualified Montessori teachers who saw schools where profit overshadowed philosophy. They chose a different path, founding Avalon in 1999 to ensure that integrity and each child’s happiness remained the number one priority.
Today, Sherry, Angie, and Christine still lead Avalon and teach in our classrooms daily. We believe the true measure of our success is the lasting confidence and growth of the children who walk through our doors.
Est. 1999
Over 25 years of Montessori education in Toronto's Beach neighbourhood.
Ages 2½ – 14
Casa, Elementary, and Middle School programs under one integrated community.
OFIS Member
Proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools.
— WHY MONTESSORI —
Education That Follows the Child
In nurturing the balance of the individual child, love is found. We apply the four foundational pillars of the Montessori method through a lens of warmth to create a space where your child can develop a love of kindness, wisdom, and academics.
A Prepared Environment for Peace
We designed our classrooms to be calm, rich learning environments that feel like a second home. By keeping our spaces ordered yet relaxed, we help children develop deep focus and independence without the noise and pressure of traditional systems.
Specialist Tools for Self-Correction
We use hands-on materials that allow children to explore academic concepts at their own pace. These tools encourage students to learn through discovery rather than performance, building intrinsic motivation without the anxiety of letter grades or testing.
Steady Guides and Long-Term Bonds
At Avalon, our teachers are observers who build meaningful, multi-year relationships with their students. With most staff staying with us for at least 10 years, your child will be supported by a steady team that truly understands their personality and learning style.
A Pedagogy of Respect and Inclusion
We understand every child is a unique individual with their own potential. Avalon is a truly inclusive Montessori school, experienced in supporting diverse learners by focusing on strengths, guiding autonomy and adapting.
— OUR PROGRAMS —
Toronto Montessori Programs
for Every Child
From toddlers stepping into their first classroom to young teens preparing for high school, Avalon offers a continuous Montessori journey.
Ages 2½ – 6
Casa Program
An intro to the Montessori environment. Children develop practical life skills, early literacy, numeracy, and independence in a calm, structured classroom.
Ages 6 – 12
Elementary Program
A deep dive into academics, creative thinking, and collaborative work. Students follow their curiosity across subjects with guidance from trained Montessori teachers.
Ages 12 – 14
Middle School
An alternative middle school experience that prioritizes student voice, real-world learning, and preparation for the transition
to high school.
— OUR DIFFERENCE —
What Sets Avalon Apart
While we follow the Montessori method, it is our unique culture and history that make Avalon a cornerstone of the Beach community.
Founder-led school
Our three founders still teach and lead on campus every day. They are not managing from a distance; they are in the classrooms working with the children to ensure our original mission of integrity remains the foundation.
Deliberately small
We intentionally keep our school small to foster a village atmosphere. This allows for opportunities for peer mentorship and ensures every student is celebrated for who they are.
25 years of stability
Celebrating over two decades in Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood, we offer a grounded, long-term educational journey from toddlerhood through to the transition to high school.
— JOIN US —
Upcoming Events
— TESTIMONIALS —
Hear From Our Families
Avalon is more than a school; it’s a community.
“You truly meet every child where they are and provide unconditional love and support to guide them through their learning… He has matured, gained confidence, patience and has formed his love of learning again! He looks forward to school every day!”
J.W., Avalon Parent
“The loving and curious staff at Avalon took both our kids under their wings instantaneously and provided safety and security for our kids in their transition into Canadian life. Within a few months, both children had acquired English and were able to function socially as well as academically. We consider Avalon our family.”
R.P., Avalon Parent
“Avalon is more than a school, it is a community. We’ve been particularly pleased to note the high level of interaction between students at all grade levels as well as the high level of parent involvement in the school.”
N.C., Avalon Parent
— OUR LOCATIONS —
Two Campuses in Toronto
Avalon operates out of two beautiful campuses in Toronto’s East End.
— CONNECT WITH US —
A Peek Into Daily Life at Avalon
From calm work cycles in our prepared environment to outdoor play, see how our inclusive Montessori community ensures every child feels seen, supported, and valued.
At Avalon, we recognize that every child learns differently. That’s why 1:1 and small-group lessons are an important part of our approach.
Individualized instruction gives teachers the opportunity to truly know their students — how they learn, what motivates them, where they need support and where they are ready to be challenged.
But it’s about more than academics. It’s about relationships and connection.
When a child has meaningful, consistent interactions with their teacher, they feel seen, heard, valued and understood. They develop a sense of belonging and the confidence to ask questions, take risks and persevere when learning gets challenging.
Whether a student needs extra support, a different approach or an opportunity to extend their learning, our learning environment creates space for focused instruction, meaningful feedback and genuine connection.
Because children learn best when they know they matter.
That’s the value of a small school.
That’s the Avalon difference. 💜
Limited spaces are still available for the 2026–2027 school year. If you’re looking for a school where your child will be truly known, supported and valued, we’d love to connect. #Montessori #school #learning #avalonmontessori #smallclasses
Middle School at Avalon
Learning isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about understanding the world around us and finding your voice within it.
In our Middle School, students explore real-world issues and current events, think critically about what they see and hear, and learn to express their ideas thoughtfully and respectfully.
Today, students examined Justin Trudeau’s apology for residential schooling and then put their learning into practice, exploring what makes an apology meaningful and writing one of their own.
This is Montessori education for the middle school years: curious, connected, challenging and purposeful.
At Avalon, we prepare students not only for high school, but for the world beyond it.
Avalon
Small school. High expectations. Big thinking. #middleschool #grade7 #grade8 #school #montessori
The first few days of school have been all about reconnecting with friends, with routines and with the school environment. Our students shared stories about their summer, wrote about what makes them one of a kind, organized their binders and reviewed their cursive writing skills. The energy is high, the attitudes are positive and the learning is natural. #avalonmontessori #montessori #school #backtoschool #elementaryschool
Welcome to the Children’ House, a space that is designed specifically for the young child. This week, our Casa students returned to the classroom and have reconnected with their friends and their teachers and the environment. Here they will build their confidence, independence and skills. We are all so happy to be back. #schooldays #preschool #earlychildhooddevelopment #montessori #avalonmontessori
One more sleep until we roll into school. Wishing everyone the best of luck as you start the school year. It is an exciting time for everyone, from those starting school for the first time to those heading into the their final year. Remember that you can do this and there are many people to support you along the way. Happy September! #avalonmontessori #montessori #backtoschool #september #school
We hope everyone is enjoying the last long weekend of the summer. Wishing all the children fun and sun and family and we can’t wait to see you at school on Tuesday. #avalonmontessori #backtoschool #summer #september #makingmemories
Back to school tip. Choose shoes that your child is able to manage independently. If possible, have your child try them on before buying them. Practice, practice, practice at home to help your child gain confidence as they prepare to head to school. This is true for kids who are just starting school and also for those who are returning. We should do all we can to support their independence and confidence. #backtoschool #confidentkids #shoes #moms #montessori
It’s Meet the Teacher Day! The Avalon team has been working so hard to prepare themselves and the school for the return of the children. We are all eager to see everyone and get the school year started! #avalonmontessori #school #backtoschool #teachers #september
— FAQS —
Common Questions
What ages does Avalon serve?
We welcome children ages 2½ through 14 across our Casa, Elementary, and Middle School programs.
Where is your school located?
Avalon has two campuses: one at 31 Wood Glen Road, Toronto (ages 2.5 to 6), and another at 65 Glen Major Drive, Toronto (JK to Grade 8). We proudly welcome families from across Toronto, including those from The Beaches, Upper Beaches, Birchcliffe-Cliffside, Oakridge, East Danforth, Leslieville, Riverdale, and more.
Do you offer a middle school program?
Yes. Our Middle School serves students ages 12–14 and offers an alternative middle school experience rooted in the Montessori philosophy, with a focus on student agency and real-world learning.
How do I register or learn more?
The best first step is to schedule a call or visit us at an open house. Our registrar, E, is happy to answer any questions and walk you through the enrolment process.
What makes Avalon different from other Montessori schools in Toronto?
Avalon is founder-led. The three teachers who started the school in 1999 are still on campus daily. We keep class sizes deliberately small and prioritize community above growth. Visit our about page to learn more.
Is Avalon accredited?
Yes. Avalon is a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS), and our Wood Glen Campus (2 ½ – 6) is a licensed child care centre.
Why do you use mixed-age classes?
Multi-age groupings (e.g., ages 3–6 or 6–9) allow for peer mentorship and organic leadership. Older students reinforce their knowledge by helping younger ones, while younger students are inspired by what their older peers can accomplish.
What are your school hours?
The Wood Glen Campus (2 ½ – 6) is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Beach Campus (JK – Grade 8) is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
How do I know if Montessori is right for my child?
Montessori is often an excellent fit for naturally curious, self-directed children, those who thrive in a low-pressure environment, or students who may be gifted or neurodivergent. We focus on the whole child rather than standardized testing, which reduces anxiety and builds genuine confidence.
— ENROLMENT —
Now accepting registrations for 2026/27
Spaces are limited. If you’re considering Avalon for your child, we encourage you to reach out today.