NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2026/2027 – SCHEDULE A CALL
— CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN THE BEACH —
Avalon Children’s Montessori School: Where Curiosity is Nurtured, and Every Child is Seen
More than a school, Avalon is a community for children ages 2½–14. We provide a stimulating environment where kindness and character are valued alongside academics, ensuring your child is seen, supported, and empowered to develop independence and a lifelong sense of purpose.
— ABOUT AVALON —
25 Years of Putting Children First
Avalon Children’s Montessori School was born from a desire to put children first.
Founders Sherry VanDerKooi, Angie Samis, and Christine Keery are qualified Montessori teachers who saw schools where profit overshadowed philosophy. They chose a different path, founding Avalon in 1999 to ensure that integrity and each child’s happiness remained the number one priority.
Today, Sherry, Angie, and Christine still lead Avalon and teach in our classrooms daily. We believe the true measure of our success is the lasting confidence and growth of the children who walk through our doors.
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 —
Toronto 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 intro 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
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 in Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood, we offer a grounded, long-term educational journey from toddlerhood through to the transition to high school.
— JOIN US —
Upcoming Events
— From the blog —
What’s Happening at Avalon
A look at life across our two campuses, from classroom moments to the events we hope you’ll join us for.
— TESTIMONIALS —
Hear From Our Families
Avalon is more than a school; it’s a community.
“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!”
J.W., Avalon Parent
“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.”
R.P., Avalon Parent
“Avalon is more than a school, it is a community. We’ve been particularly pleased to note the high level of interaction between students at all grade levels as well as the high level of parent involvement in the school.”
N.C., Avalon Parent
— 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.
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
— FAQS —
Common Questions
What ages does Avalon serve?
We welcome children ages 2½ through 14 across our Casa, Elementary, and Middle School programs.
Where is your school located?
Avalon has two campuses: one at 31 Wood Glen Road, Toronto (ages 2.5 to 6), and another at 65 Glen Major Drive, Toronto (JK to Grade 8). We proudly welcome families from across Toronto, including those from The Beaches, Upper Beaches, Birchcliffe-Cliffside, Cliffcrest, Oakridge, East Danforth, Leslieville, Riverdale, and more.
Do you offer a middle school program?
Yes. Our Middle School serves students ages 12–14 and offers an alternative middle school experience rooted in the Montessori philosophy, with a focus on student agency and real-world learning.
How do I register or learn more?
The best first step is to schedule a call or visit us at an open house. Our registrar, E, is happy to answer any questions and walk you through the enrolment process.
What makes Avalon different from other Montessori schools in Toronto?
Avalon is founder-led. The three teachers who started the school in 1999 are still on campus daily. We keep class sizes deliberately small and prioritize community above growth. Visit our about page to learn more.
Is Avalon accredited?
Yes. Avalon is a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS), and our Wood Glen Campus (2 ½ – 6) is a licensed child care centre.
Why do you use mixed-age classes?
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.
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 I know if Montessori is right for my child?
Montessori is often an excellent fit for naturally curious, self-directed children, 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.
— 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.