NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2026/2027 – SCHEDULE A CALL
— ABOUT AVALON —
A Small School with a Big Vision for Every Child’s Potential
For 25 years, we’ve been a cornerstone of the Beach community. As a small, independent school, we offer a personalized experience in which parents, students, and staff work hand in hand.
By following the Montessori philosophy, we ensure your child isn’t just another student, but a valued individual guided by respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to their lifelong success.
— OUR JOURNEY —
The History of Avalon
Sherry VanDerKooi, Angie Samis, and Christine Keery founded Avalon in the fall of 1999.
As qualified teachers, they had seen many positive examples of Montessori education, but also encountered schools where the guiding principles were driven by money rather than the child. In those environments, the Montessori philosophy was often abandoned, and large numbers of children were housed in small classrooms with unqualified staff.
They decided to start a school where the needs of the children were the absolute priority, and integrity was a key element of daily operation. For over two decades, the happiness and growth of our students has remained the true measure of our success.
Today, we are proud to be a premier children’s Montessori school in Toronto that feels like a village for our families.
As qualified teachers, they had seen many positive examples of Montessori education, but also encountered schools where the guiding principles were driven by money rather than the child. In those environments, the Montessori philosophy was often abandoned, and large numbers of children were housed in small classrooms with unqualified staff.
They decided to start a school where the needs of the children were the absolute priority, and integrity was a key element of daily operation. For over two decades, the happiness and growth of our students has remained the true measure of our success.
Today, we are proud to be a premier children’s Montessori school in Toronto that feels like a village for our families.
— OUR TEAM —
Meet Our Founders and Directors
Avalon is a founder-led school. Our three directors use a team approach to management and teaching, ensuring the smooth running of both campuses while remaining active in the classroom.
Christine Keery
School Director, Casa Directress
Education
Educational Assistant Diploma – Sir Sandford Fleming College
Casa Montessori Diploma – Newborough Training College for Montessori Education
Casa Montessori Diploma – Newborough Training College for Montessori Education
Experience
Chris has been teaching since 1993 and brings a great deal of experience to Avalon. Chris started her teaching career in a small schoolhouse in downtown Toronto. There, she was responsible for developing the entire programme for pre-school-aged children.
Upon completing her Montessori diploma, Chris co-taught in a lower-elementary classroom. It was there that she developed a physical education program based upon the principles of Montessori education, which she continues to implement at Avalon. Chris would later be involved in organizing a citywide track meet for private schools, which led to the formation of the Independent Schools Athletic Association (ISAA). Christine was a Casa Directress for several years, starting a classroom in a growing school before developing and implementing the toddler program at Avalon during our inaugural year.
Upon completing her Montessori diploma, Chris co-taught in a lower-elementary classroom. It was there that she developed a physical education program based upon the principles of Montessori education, which she continues to implement at Avalon. Chris would later be involved in organizing a citywide track meet for private schools, which led to the formation of the Independent Schools Athletic Association (ISAA). Christine was a Casa Directress for several years, starting a classroom in a growing school before developing and implementing the toddler program at Avalon during our inaugural year.
Angie Samis
School Director, Administration
Education
Bachelor of Arts – University of Western Ontario
Casa and Elementary Montessori Diplomas – Toronto Montessori Institute
Experience
While growing up, Angie dreamed of nothing more than becoming a teacher. She loved working with children, but the traditional style of teaching was not the right fit for her. Angie became aware of the Montessori Method of Education in university and immediately fell in love with it. Following the completion of her BA, Angie completed the Teachers’ Training program at the Toronto Montessori Institute and holds both Primary and Elementary Montessori Education teaching diplomas.
Teaching since 1995, Angie has experience at both Casa and Lower Elementary levels. Beginning her teaching career in Perth, ON, she was the Directress of a well-established cooperative school. Not only did Angie head the Casa Department, but she was also responsible for many administrative duties for the school. These included hiring staff, parent education, curriculum development, fund-raising and government licensing. Angie oversaw the school’s relocation and organized the design and renovation of the new location. Upon seeing a need, Angie implemented the school’s first summer program in 1996.
A move back to the GTA in 1998 brought Angie to a Montessori School, where she worked alongside her friends Christine and Sherry, and the idea for Avalon was born. Angie and Sherry worked together in Avalon’s first Casa classroom at the Wood Glen campus. Angie leads our Administration Team and oversees the Casa Program.
Teaching since 1995, Angie has experience at both Casa and Lower Elementary levels. Beginning her teaching career in Perth, ON, she was the Directress of a well-established cooperative school. Not only did Angie head the Casa Department, but she was also responsible for many administrative duties for the school. These included hiring staff, parent education, curriculum development, fund-raising and government licensing. Angie oversaw the school’s relocation and organized the design and renovation of the new location. Upon seeing a need, Angie implemented the school’s first summer program in 1996.
A move back to the GTA in 1998 brought Angie to a Montessori School, where she worked alongside her friends Christine and Sherry, and the idea for Avalon was born. Angie and Sherry worked together in Avalon’s first Casa classroom at the Wood Glen campus. Angie leads our Administration Team and oversees the Casa Program.
Sherry VanDerKooi
School Director, Elementary Principal, Upper Elementary Directress
Education
Private Schools Principal Qualifications – York University
Honours BA in History – Trent University
Casa & Elementary Montessori Diplomas – Toronto Montessori Institute
Experience
Sherry worked with children in a variety of settings before beginning her Montessori career. In addition to working in the public school system for several years, Sherry was a play therapy group leader for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. These experiences helped shape her vision of education, instilling in her an abiding respect for all children. In 1995, Sherry graduated from TMI with teaching diplomas in both Primary and Elementary Montessori Education.
While working in a lower elementary classroom, Sherry became involved in parent education and curriculum development. Promoted to Head of Elementary, Sherry developed and taught an Upper Elementary class for children ages 9-12. Her responsibilities included supervision of all elementary staff, parent education and professional development for School staff.
Sherry served as President of the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers from 1999 to 2003. Following this, Sherry was invited to join the Montessori Program Advisory Committee of Sheridan College to provide professional support for the Teacher Education programs.
Sherry is an extremely enthusiastic teacher and continues to develop her skills through ongoing professional development. She has been trained in the method of shared inquiry by the Great Books Foundation, is a certified JUMP Math instructor, and is trained in the AIM method of French language instruction. Sherry heads Avalon’s Elementary department and is our Elementary School Principal.
— WHY MONTESSORI —
The Montessori Method
The Montessori approach recognizes each child as a unique individual with their own potential. At Avalon, we focus on applying the Montessori curriculum to your child’s needs, allowing them to work at their own pace during sensitive periods of development.
A Carefully Constructed Classroom
Designed to be inviting and ordered without being overwhelming.
Didactic Materials
Hands-on tools that aid the learning process through spontaneous discovery.
A Well-Trained Teacher
Specialists in observation who follow the individual interests of each child.
Pedagogy of Respect
An approach that treats the child as an intelligent individual capable of making independent choices.
— PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS —
Proud Member of OFIS
Avalon is a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS), which ensures we meet high standards of safety, governance, and academic accountability within the Ontario private school system.
— 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.
These children are working together as they reinforce their knowledge of the Canadian provinces and territories using a puzzle map. This is one of the beautifully designed Montessori materials, it has small knobs for the children to lift out the individual pieces. Some kids are still refining their pincer grip ( necessary for holding a pencil) and the design of the map allows for repetition and practice of this movement. Some of the students are transferring their knowledge from the large puzzle map to paper maps, learning to label and shade maps. In addition to being highly enjoyable, this builds focus, precision, fine motor skills, and collaboration while learning about Canada. #montessori #avalonmontessori #grade2 #grade1 #smallclasses
Students explored the creative process in art class. Armed with pipe cleaners and ribbon, they were asked to create headwear. It was inspiring to see the kids collaborating, sharing ideas and articulating their creative choices. Lots of fun and an engaging experience for everyone. #Art #avalonmontessori #collaboration #creativeprocess #schooldays
Our middle school students got out of their seats to find the area of the school. Working in small groups, they used their arm span to measure and calculate the area of the school. They also had a few laughs along the way! It’s wonderful to see them participating so fully. Math can be fun’ #avalonmontessori #mathclass #math #teamwork #middleschool
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Calls to Action 62. We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators, to:
Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.
Provide the necessary funding to post-secondary institutions to educate teachers on how to integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.
Provide the necessary funding to Aboriginal schools to utilize Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods in classrooms.
Establish senior-level positions in government at the assistant deputy minister level or higher dedicated to Aboriginal content in education.
63. We call upon the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to maintain an annual commitment to Aboriginal education issues, including:
Developing and implementing Kindergarten to Grade Twelve curriculum and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples in Canadian history, and the history and legacy of residential schools.
Sharing information and best practices on teaching curriculum related to residential schools and Aboriginal history.
Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
Identifying teacher-training needs relating to the above. #callstoaction #everychildmatters #reconciliation #orangeshirtday
#everychildmatters🧡 #nationaldayfortruthandreconciliation #orangeshirtday #reconciliation
Thanks so much to our Senior students for, once again, leading our Junior Terry Fox Run. It is part of their leadership program and contributes greatly to the sense of community within the school. #avalonmontessori #school #middleschool #leadership #terryfoxrun
The school year is off to a great start because I found the right teacher planner. After 30+ years in the classroom, I certainly know what I like and am always super excited every year to crack open a new planner. Cheers to a wonderful school year. #avalonmontessori #montessori #teachers #teachersofig #school
20+ YEARS.
🏃♀️ 20+ years participating in the Terry Fox Run.
20+ years inspiring young people.
20+ years supporting cancer research.
20+ years, raising over $55,000.
And we’re not stopping here.
For the next 20+ years, we will continue to honour Terry Fox — his courage, his determination, and his vision of a world without cancer. #cancerresearch #terryfox #hero #canadian #avalonmontessori
— FAQS —
Common Questions
Will my child have the same teacher for multiple years?
Yes. One of our greatest strengths is staff retention, with most teachers being at Avalon for over 10 years. This allows your child to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with their educators.
What makes Avalon different from other Montessori schools in Toronto?
Avalon was founded by three teachers who started the school in 1999 and remain on campus daily. We deliberately keep class sizes small and prioritize community over rapid growth.
Does Avalon use traditional letter grades or standardized testing?
We offer a non-competitive learning environment where opportunities for success are supported in meaningful ways. The Montessori curriculum provides regular opportunities for children to learn through their own work, self-correction, and intrinsic motivation rather than external pressures. Tests for subject knowledge are gradually introduced as students progress through Elementary School. Middle School report cards will include marks. All Elementary School report cards are thorough and provide individualized information for each child and their learning profile.
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 you support children with unique learning needs?
We offer a Learning Support Program for students who require additional help with time management, organization, or academic catch-up. Our teachers customize programs to meet each child where they are.
Is there an arts program at the school?
Yes. We have a robust arts program for a Montessori school. Every spring, students put on a show at a local theatre where they are involved in all aspects of the production.
— 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.