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Frequently Asked Questions

We believe that clarity brings peace of mind, so we’ve gathered the answers you need to feel supported and at ease as you explore our school.
About Avalon
The Montessori Way
Casa Program
Middle School
Inclusion & Support
Daily Life & Logistics

– About Avalon –

We welcome children ages 2½ through 14 across our Casa, Elementary, and Middle School programs.

Avalon is founder-led. The three teachers who started the school in 1999—Sherry, Angie, and Christine—are still on campus daily. We are not a corporate institution; we are a small, independent community that prioritizes integrity and the child’s happiness over rapid growth.

Yes. Avalon is a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools  (OFIS). This ensures we meet high standards of safety, teacher qualifications, and academic accountability.

The best first step is to schedule a call or visit us at an open house. Our registrar, Emily, is happy to answer any questions and walk you through the enrolment process.

Yes. Every child is admitted on a trial period of one month. This allows our teachers and your family to ensure the program is the right fit and that your child is transitioning comfortably into our village.

Tuition fees for Avalon’s Casa, Elementary, and Middle School programs are detailed in our fee schedule.

– The Montessori Way –

Montessori is often an excellent fit for children who are naturally curious, 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.

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. In our Elementary environment, this also allows a child to stay with the same teacher for three years, building deep trust.

In our Casa and Elementary Programs, we offer a non-competitive environment without letter grades or EQAO tests. Children learn through their own work, self-correction, and intrinsic motivation. We introduce formal assessments and report cards in our Middle School (Grades 7 and 8) as a bridge to high school readiness.

Our classrooms are calm, rich learning environments designed to feel like a second home. The term “prepared environment” is the manner in which a Montessori classroom is set up so that every aspect of the environment supports the developmental characteristics and interest of the students at that stage of their lives. Our classrooms help children develop deep focus and independence without the noise and pressure of traditional systems.

– Casa Program (Ages 2 ½-6) –

The Casa program is designed for children between 2 ½ and 6 years. Maria Montessori coined the term “absorbent mind” for this stage of development because the child’s mind is like a sponge. The Montessori materials that are designed to foster and develop the child’s skills during these peak sensitive periods for learning. This is the optimal time to enroll.

Children in our Wood Glen Casa Program do not need to be fully toilet-trained. However, children in our Beach Casa Program must be fully toilet-trained before enrolment.

Unlike our Elementary and Middle School levels, uniforms are not required for students in the Casa Program. We encourage comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows children to move freely and practice dressing themselves independently.

Yes. We provide a quiet rest period for children who require it. As children grow and no longer need to sleep, they transition into an afternoon work period to continue their exploration.

We offer both full-time and part-time options. Our standard school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm, with before and after-school care available at both our Wood Glen and Beach campuses.

– Elementary & Middle School (Ages 6–14) –

Yes. Our Middle School serves students ages 12–14 (Grades 7 and 8) and offers an alternative middle school experience rooted in the Montessori philosophy, with a focus on student agency and real-world learning.

Yes. While we have the freedom to follow the interests of the child, we consistently meet and exceed provincial guidelines. We ensure students have a strong foundation in core academics while enjoying enriched opportunities for French, the Arts, and physical education.

We act as a unique bridge. In Middle School, we gradually introduce elements like lockers, report cards, and increased assignment complexity. This ensures students graduate with the “executive functioning” skills needed to meet the expectations of secondary school.

Mandatory uniforms are required for all Elementary and Middle School students to help eliminate social stereotypes and ensure the focus remains on learning and community.

Yes. Every spring, students manage and perform a full-scale show at a local theatre. They are involved in everything from acting to stage management, building immense creative confidence.

– Inclusion & Support –

We are an inclusive school. Our educators are specialists in applying the Montessori curriculum to your child’s specific learning needs. We work with you to help your child find and build the tools they need to support and regulate themselves.

For students in Grades 1 through 8 who require additional help with time management, organization, or academic catch-up, we offer a dedicated Learning Support Program that provides the extra time and attention they need to succeed.

– Daily Life & Logistics –

  • Wood Glen Campus (2 ½ – 6) (31 Wood Glen Road): 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Beach Campus (JK – Grade 8) (65 Glen Manor Drive): 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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.

A nutritionally balanced hot lunch provided by Yummy Catering is included for all full-time Casa and Elementary students. We are a nut-aware environment and strictly manage dietary restrictions and allergies. Parents provide daily snacks on a rotating basis to foster community contribution.

We believe open and transparent communication helps families feel at ease and allows us all to work together to best support our students. Avalon utilizes a number of tools to communicate what is going on in the classrooms and across the whole school. This may include homebooks, SeeSaw app, emails, phone calls, meetings, Google classroom, social media.

— 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.
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