— AVALON CHILDREN’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL —
Leslieville Montessori School
A Nurturing Montessori Community, Just Down Queen St. East From Leslieville
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 —
Avalon’s Leslieville Families
We are proud to be a trusted choice for Leslieville 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 the East End.
Joining our community means giving your child a second home just minutes down the road.
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 —
Leslieville 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 Beach community.
Founder-led school
Deliberately small
25 years of stability
— 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.
A beautiful day to be a kid. A beautiful day to help others. A beautiful day to be part of a community. Thanks to our senior students ( middle school) for participating in the community Thanksgiving lunch. #avalonmontessori #thanksgiving #community #middleschool #wecare
This is the 26/27 student leadership team. We have students from grades 5-8 on the team with a few grade 4 leaders in training. It’s such a privilege to work with these kids, to observe their passion and desire to make a difference. They are currently working on Avalon’s annual We Scare Hunger campaign, to raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity and to raise funds for Second Harvest. #studentleaders #foodinsecurity #secondharvest #leadership #avalonmontessori
Literacy matters. It’s the key to freedom and independence. #literacy #reading #education #school #scienceofreading
These are the sounds of silence that spontaneously occur when children are fully engaged in what they are doing. I was co working in my office with 2 of my students and could not believe how quiet it was. I was trying to type quietly: ) #avalonmontessori #montessori #kids #school #silence
Spending lots of time refining the pincer grip, building hand strength, developing concentration and focussing on details is never time wasted. The specially designed Montessori activities prepare our students for big work in elementary. It’s because of the strong foundation developed in the Children’s House ( preschool, JK, SK) that our students are able to create such beautifully detailed projects. #colouring #montessori #concentration #neatwork #maps
School in the 70’s? School in the 80’s? School in the 90’s? Maybe even school in the ‘new millenium.’ Many of the games remain the same, the same games we all enjoyed playing as kids. Avalon students love when they have time to hang out and just be kids. #boardgames #avalonmontessori #school #notechnology #friends
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
— GETTING HERE —
A Short Drive Along Queen St. East
From the intersection of Queen St. East and Jones Avenue, head east on Queen St. East for about 4 kilometres, passing through Kew Beach. Turn south onto Glen Manor Drive; our Beach campus is just off Queen St. East, a short walk from the boardwalk.
— OUR LOCATIONS —
Two Campuses in Toronto
Avalon Children’s Montessori School operates out of two beautiful campuses in Toronto’s East End, both located just a short distance from Leslieville.
— FAQS —
Questions Leslieville Families Often Ask
Which Avalon campus is closest to Leslieville?
Our Beach campus, at 65 Glen Manor Drive, is the closest to Leslieville, about a 10 to 15 minute drive or streetcar ride east along Queen St. East. It serves children from JK through Grade 8. Families with toddlers ages 2½ to 6 are also welcome to consider our Wood Glen campus in Scarborough.
Is there a direct way to get to Avalon from Leslieville without driving?
Yes. The 501 Queen streetcar runs along the same corridor as our Beach campus, so many Leslieville families make the trip by transit rather than by car.
My child is currently in daycare or preschool in Leslieville. 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 Leslieville or Riverside.
Does the Beach campus offer before- and after-school care that would work with a Leslieville commute?
Yes. The Beach campus is open from 8 am to 6 pm, with care available before the school day starts and after it ends, so drop-off and pick-up can fit around a commute from Leslieville.
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.