Academics

Montessori School | 18 Months - M9

“The most important period of life's learning is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six”.
- Dr. Maria Montessori


Our Montessori program is personalized to meet the needs of each student and cultivate the Montessori values of self-respect, self-discipline, moral development, respect for others, empathy and peacefulness. Through experience with Montessori materials, students make purposeful learning choices that lead to independence and self-motivation.
 
We are CCMA Accredited, upholding the highest standards of an authentic Montessori education.  We offer a program that serves 18 months to 9 years old. Our uniquely trained Montessori faculty members implement strategies that guide the students in their lifelong educational journey.

What characteristics are indicative of an authentic Montessori School?

Individualized teaching and learning Mixed ages
Self-directed learning Collaborative class community
Spontaneous activity Freedom within limits
Respect for others Full range of Montessori materials
Respect for environment Accredited teachers
Concentrated and focused work Responsibility for one's own actions
Joy of learning Integrated curriculum

How is the Montessori method practised at school and supported at home?

List of 2 items.

  • At Home

    A strong partnership between home and school is crucial to the child’s success.
    Experiences at home that complement the Montessori principles build a trusting and
    integrated supportive relationship.
    • IF a child follows their interest they will be engaged in learning.
    • IF a child is allowed to choose they develop responsibility.
    • IF a child works for their own satisfaction, they will develop self-motivation.
    • IF a child works at their own pace, they will meet with success.
    • IF a child thinks and acts for themselves, they will develop independence.
    • IF a child is able to construct their knowledge, their understanding is enriched.

  • At School

    In the prepared environment, the teacher observes the needs, abilities and interests of each individual child and respectfully engages them in appropriate activities. The teacher is the guardian of a class community based upon democratic principles and moral values.

"Prepared Environment"

Our Montessori learning environment was carefully designed to meet the needs of young children in a Montessori setting. This "Prepared Environment" offers an optimal learning design to facilitate exploration and discovery in safe and nurturing setting.

List of 6 items.

  • The Classrooms

    Each room is equipped with the full range of Montessori materials that are required for the mixed ages and stages of the students within that class. All classrooms:
    • have the appropriate size furniture and shelves
    • have easily accessible washrooms
    • are inter-connected to each other and to a large piazza work and meeting space
    • have individual lockers
    • have a large area for floor work

  • The French Room

    This separate classroom is designed to accommodate groups of students in a rotary schedule, enhancing and consolidating the individualized work done in the home rooms. Students:
    • are spoken to in French at all times by Madame
    • enjoy songs and simple expressions beginning at age 3
    • learn to listen to and repeat verbal responses
    • engage in spontaneous conversation
    • build their vocabulary
    • learn to write in French
    • perform skits

  • The Music Room

    The goal of the music program is for students to enhance their musical intelligence with skill development through:
    • communication
    • listening
    • movement
    • theory
    • performances
    • integration
    Our music specialist works in collaboration with each teacher to integrate music and drama within the classroom.

  • The Gymnasia/Athletic Fields

    Built and maintained for the needs of our students. These facilities enable students:
    • to develop a wide variety of physical and athletic skills
    • to be instructed by qualified physical education staff and coaches
    • to have access to a wide range of equipment
    • to participate in interscholastic team sports

  • The Elementary Learning Commons

    Our Learning Commons and staff:
    • support our resource rich classroom programs
    • work in collaboration with classroom teachers

  • The Living Room

    The Swap Centre is an interactive children's museum. Students:
    • are encouraged to collect or swap certain items of interest eg. shells, minerals, stamps, etc.
    • develop research skills appropriate to their age and stage of learning, as they explore and classify collected items.
    • MONTE Banner - Collage of Students

      MONTE Banner - Collage of Students

      MONTE Banner - Collage of Students

    • MONTE Banner - Teacher & Student

      MONTE Banner - Teacher & Student

      MONTE Banner - Teacher & Student

Partnership

A relationship between home and school built on trust, understanding, and mutual support is crucial to a child's success.

  • An OPEN DOOR POLICY encourages parents to visit classes in session once or twice a year to gain a clearer understanding of their child's approach to learning at school.
  • We hold MONTHLY EVENING MEETINGS which are scheduled on our College's calendar. These meetings cover a wide range of topics and provide an opportunity to build this partnership with your child's teacher.
  • Parent/Teacher CONFERENCES are scheduled twice throughout the year or at any other time when a need arises.
  • Written PROGRESS reports are mailed at the end of each of the three terms.
  • Invitations to attend SPECIAL EVENTS i.e. orientations, concerts, open houses, fairs, etc. are sent from time to time.
  • Discussing an area of concern that might arise is only a phone call or e-mail away at any given time throughout the year.


Located in Hamilton, ON, Hillfield Strathallan College is a Canadian independent, co-educational day school.
The academic program runs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12.

Hillfield Strathallan College | 299 Fennell Avenue West | Hamilton, ON L9C 1G3 | 905-389-1367