Maria Montessori called her program for early childhood “the casa dei bambini” or “the children’s house.” The children’s house program takes place in a warm setting scaled to and prepared entirely for children. Unlike our homes which are largely prepared for adults, Montessori early childhood environments offer children a world they can master. Children are guided to work at their own pace to joyfully explore and discover social skills, daily living (practical life) skills, the senses, math and language, science and nature, geography, French, music, movement, and art.
The children ideally work for part of the day in a mixed age group of 3 to 6 year olds. The younger children benefit from learning by the example or direct guidance of the older children. The older children experience the opportunity to be leaders and mentors. They are all guided in their work by educators trained in Montessori methods and philosophy. Bonavista accepts children at 2 ½ years (potty-trained) and Killarney at 19 months.
Uniquely, our Montessori Casa class has been partnered for many years with the public Calgary Montessori kindergarten program. This allows the 5 and 6 year old children to extend their studies and discoveries through a full day. Full day kindergarten children may register for lunch supervision provided by Montessori Casa (additional fees apply). To take advantage of the full-day Kindergarten option, children can enroll for half a day in the Montessori Casa + Lunch program, and half a day in the CBE Montessori Kindergarten.
Additionally, we offer a Montessori-inspired Out of School Care program for children in grades K – 5 who attend Killarney or Lake Bonavista Public Montessori schools in SW Calgary.
See all program offers here.