— AVALON CHILDREN’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL —
Cliffcrest Montessori School
A Nurturing Montessori Community, Just a Short Trip Down Kingston Road
A welcoming village community for children ages 2½–14, Avalon Children’s Montessori School balances academic excellence with deep respect for character and kindness. We cultivate a peaceful, prepared environment where every student is truly seen, supported, and guided toward confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
— OUR COMMUNITY —
Why Cliffcrest Families Choose Avalon
We are proud to be a trusted choice for Cliffcrest parents. Whether transitioning from local preschools or seeking a supportive program for older students, families choose Avalon for our founder-led care and 25-year history in Scarborough.
Joining our community means giving your child a second home just a short drive from home.
Est. 1999
Over 25 years of Montessori education, including our Wood Glen campus right here in Scarborough.
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 —
Cliffcrest 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 introduction 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 Scarborough 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 serving Toronto and Scarborough families, we offer a grounded, long-term educational journey from toddlerhood through to the transition to high school.
— TESTIMONIALS —
Hear From Our Families
“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!”
“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.”
— 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.
Happy Halloween to everyone! #avalonmontessori #halloween #kids #pumpkins #autumn
A glimpse into the past week at Avalon. We ventured out into the neighbourhood, enjoying all that the beaches have to offer. We are so happy to be part of this community and experience it through the eyes of our students. After 26 years, it’s still where we want to be. #avalonmontessori #school #montessori #beaches #schoollife
We would love to see you at our upcoming open house, Saturday November 7, 10 - noon. Drop by to see our space, chat with the teachers and learn more about our classes, from preschool to grade 8. #openhouse #school #alternativeeducation #smallclasses #montessori
A beautiful day for a walk along Queen Street. We are so fortunate to be in the heart of the beach, our students are able to enjoy the best of the neighbourhood. Today, a small group headed to the local library and returned to school with literary treasures to be shared with all. #avalonmontessori #books #reading #literacy #school
A perfect day to get outside and start a water study unit. Upper Elementary students participated in a field trip facilitated by Reece from @toronotnatureschool. The kids learned a lot about the water cycle as well as water purification. The beaches neighbourhood, our neighbourhood, is the best place to learn about water! #avalonmontessori #torontonatureschool #montessori #science #stem
Keep it simple. Let them explore, let them get dirty. #childhood #outside #explore #montessori #freedom
A quick glance at the funds and it looks like we achieved our goal of raising $1500 for Second Harvest and….all the kids had a great time! #avalonmontessori #studentleadership #endhunger #wecare #montessori
Tonight is the night that the Avalon Leadership Team has been planning for weeks. It promises to be a super fun event, bringing all the students together. In addition, it’s a fantastic way to raise funds for second harvest. We may be a small school, but we have a huge heart and everyone is committed to making a positive impact in the world. #halloween #secondharvest #endhunger #wecare #kidscan
— GETTING HERE —
A Short Drive Along Kingston Road
From the intersection of Kingston Road and McCowan Road, head west on Kingston Road for about 6 kilometres. Turn left onto Wood Glen Road; our Wood Glen campus is just south of Kingston Road, backing onto The Toronto Hunt golf course.
— OUR LOCATIONS —
Two Campuses in Toronto
— FAQS —
Questions Cliffcrest Families Often Ask
Which Avalon campus is closest to Cliffcrest?
Our Wood Glen campus, at 31 Wood Glen Road, is the closest to Cliffcrest, just off Kingston Road. It serves children ages 2½ to 6. Older children are also welcome to consider our Beach campus, along Queen St. East, which serves JK through Grade 8.
Is there a direct way to get to Avalon from Cliffcrest without driving?
TTC bus routes run along Kingston Road and connect to Scarborough GO station on the Lakeshore East line, though many Cliffcrest families find driving the more direct option for daily drop-off.
My child is currently in daycare or preschool in Cliffcrest. How does the transition to Avalon work?
Every child joining us starts with a one-month trial period, which gives your family and our teachers time to settle in together. Many of our current Casa families made a similar move from a daycare or preschool in Cliffcrest or nearby Scarborough neighbourhoods.
Does the Wood Glen campus offer before- and after-school care that would work with a Cliffcrest commute?
Yes. The Wood Glen campus is open from 8 am to 5 pm, with drop-off and pick-up support built around the school day, so it fits comfortably around a short commute from Cliffcrest.
What is the best way to visit our campuses in person before enrolling?
Booking a private tour or attending an open house is the best first step to experience our prepared environments.