Where children not only excel academically, but become respectful, responsible and resourceful individuals.

As you enter the warm, home-like vestibule of the Montessori School of Kleinburg, above the waist-high coat hangers, there is a quote from the writer John Ruskin: “Education is the leading of human souls to what is best, and making what is best out of them.” When you step into the bright, light-filled classrooms it’s apparent that school principal Enza Marzano-Pellegrini and her long-time staff understand that there is more to education than just reading, writing and math. “Our goal is to guide each child into the person they are meant to be,” says Marzano-Pellegrini with a smile from her office overlooking the Humber River.

For the past 14 years, Marzano-Pellegrini has done just that by offering the authentic Montessori experience to parents and their children in Vaughan. As one of the few accredited Montessori schools in the area, MSK has not just proven to be a leader in this renowned educational method, but also a trusted institution for developing bright, inquisitive and caring individuals.

Created by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago, the Montessori method fosters critical thinking through a freedom-within-limits approach and an understanding that each child is on a unique educational path. A key component of the process is the specialized Montessori materials that allow students to see the “why” behind the how. Materials can be simple lessons on daily tasks, such as Button and Zipper Frames, or introductions to academics through materials like the Pink Tower. Number Rods also help students understand the sequence of numbers from1 to 10 and the Sandpaper Letters are a child’s first steps to reading. These letters are made from sandpaper and allow for a multi-sensory approach to learning.

Alivia, a graduating Grade 6 student in MSK’s elementary program, enjoys the electrical set, which teaches the basics of electricity. “It’s very hands-on and helps you remember things better than paper and pen,” Alivia says of the material. “You can see for yourself how it works rather than just reading about it.”

Students at MSK are part of three-year cycles, where three age groups, beginning from Toddler (18 months to 2 ½
years), Casa (ages 3 to 6), Grades 1 to 3 and Grades 4 to 6, learn in the same classrooms. This allows older students to refine their skills and act as mentors for the younger children. But it also means younger students experience advanced curriculum much earlier in their development.

“Our younger students see a curriculum that they wouldn’t have an opportunity to look at for two or three years,” Marzano-Pellegrini explains. This opens the door for the students to progress faster, giving an advantage to those who stick with the full MSK experience, from the Toddler and Casa programs to Lower and Upper Elementary.

The first cohort of MSK graduates have just completed their first year of university, enrolling in programs such as Aerospace Engineering and Microbiology. Marzano-Pellegrini attributes it to the fact that, “The ministry gives us guidelines for each grade level and we surpass them. That’s what the materials and the environment allow children to do.”

And parents couldn’t be happier with the results. Over the last decade, all three of Nancy Massaro’s children have been enrolled in MSK, and she and her husband have been impressed with how the school enhanced their children’s interests and exposed them to fundamental life skills. “They are self-confident, caring individuals who have a strong sense of who they are while recognizing the importance of mutual respect,” says Massaro.

Because of MSK’s safe location, there is peace of mind from the moment parents drop off their kids. And when it’s time for children to be picked up at the end of the day, they don’t want to leave. Marzano-Pellegrini invites interested parents to visit MSK and see for themselves the benefits of joining the Montessori family.

10515 Hwy 27, PO Box 445, Kleinburg, Ont.
905-893-0560
www.msk2002.com