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.
Fort building at the Beach. You are never too old to work together on a big project. It can’t hurt that the middle school teacher is also an engineer! #avalonmontessori #schooldays #middleschool #teamwork #thebeach
Sometimes we get mixed up. Sometimes things don’t go as we planned. It happens. Working through challenges, finding solutions, and trusting oneself builds resiliency. A Montessori environment is designed to foster independence, to support kids as they try new things, make mistakes, fall down, and get back up again. #resiliency #montessori #growthmindset #schooldays #middleschool
Playing outside on the last day of summer. Life is good! #recess #schooldays #september #thebeach #capturetheflag
Friday round up. Connecting with classmates, building community and starting off the school year in a positive manner. #avalonmontessori #schooldays #community #september2026 #school
‘What the hand does, the mind remembers.’ Maria Montessori. #montessori #learning #school #kinestheticlearning #handsonlearning
The elementary aged child is gaining independence and exploring life outside the home. School is the place where they should feel safe, where they should have the time and space to explore who they are through interactions with others. Sometimes, those interactions will be smooth and joyful, sometimes they will be bumpy and painful. They are all valuable and help children gain valuable social skills while building resilience. We aim to provide an environment where children feel comfortable to grow and explore while knowing that we are always there for them. This is Avalon. #schooldays #montessori #childhood #growingup #friends
Important message for all of us. Our goal at Avalon is to accept our students for who they are, meet them where they are and support them on their journey. #inclusive #classrooms #avalonmontessori #school #montessori
Fun Times at Avalon Family Fun Day 2026. We have been hosting this event for over 20 years, always on the first Saturday after Labour Day. It is a way to bring our families together, to welcome the new school year and create connections that may last a lifetime. Best wishes to everyone for a wonderful school year. #avalonmontessori #school #community #schoolcommunity #backtoschool
— 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.