Montessori-Based Private Schools in Markham: Debunking 5 Myths

The years between ages three and six are crucial to a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. This is when they start understanding not only their own minds and bodies but also the people and environment around them. As their personalities take shape, children understand what is expected of them and how they need to behave and communicate with their peers. 

Sending your child to a private school in Markham, Ontario, will greatly enhance their development. The Montessori approach to learning in private schools focuses on individual and active hands-on learning instead of traditional direction-based learning. Within this structured program, your child will learn by experiencing, experimenting with, and understanding the world around them.

However, there are various myths about private schools in Markham, Ontario, and elsewhere. Here, we explain five key misconceptions and the truth.

Let’s get started.

Common Misunderstandings about Markham Montessori Private Schools

If you thought the following about Montessori-based private schools, you were mistaken:

1. Private Schools Offer the Same Values and Programs as Public Schools: It is commonly believed that private schools are all the same in their curriculum, values, and teaching methods, and no one is better than the other. 

However, each private school has its own way of teaching. These include the teachers’ approach to their students and whether the school is more focused on academics or extracurriculars. What kind of commitment the school has to an individual student’s development is also a crucial factor.

It is, therefore, your responsibility to make sure your private school of choice matches your ideals. It is only when the two align that your child can progress in the way you want them to. Otherwise, especially between the ages of 3 and 6, they may be torn between two different sets of values, which will hamper their emotional development.

2. All Private Schools Are Boarding Schools: It is a common misconception that all private schools are boarding schools. This is because of the belief that constant involvement is necessary for all-around development, and boarding is the only way to monitor, correct and help students grow. 

However, this idea is outdated and untrue. Behavioural correction, academic excellence or extracurricular achievements can be met equally well with day programs. As such, many private schools only offer day school programs. However, there are private schools that offer boarding facilities and a day program. You will need to search for one which will meet your requirements. 

3. Private Schools Are Only for Overachievers: Just as students in private schools are diverse in their race, religion, and community, they are also different in their academic and extra-curricular performances. Your child does not need to be top of the class to find a place at a private school. Indeed, the smaller classes in private schools help teachers focus more on their students’ individual needs. This is beneficial for children who need a little more support to grow.

4. Private School Students Don’t Have Free Time: Since many people believe private schools are only for top students, they also believe that children there are overburdened with academic and performance development goals at a very young age. 

However, free play time for younger children at Montessori-based schools in Markham is, indeed, a crucial part of the curriculum. Older children also have the opportunity, time, and freedom to pursue other interests.

5. Sports and Club Activities Are Less Important: The overall development of your child is the main focus of private education. Especially at the Montessori level, arts & crafts are an important part of the learning process. Montessori teaching methods place a great deal of emphasis on learning through games and play.

Children are encouraged to showcase their creativity and skills. Similarly, they are taught leadership skills, responsibility and cooperation through sports games like tug of war and sack races. Skilled coaches and teachers will recognize your child’s talent at an early age and help them develop it. 

Private Montessori schools in Markham, Ontario, provide their students with a diverse learning environment, regardless of their financial or learning capabilities. The students in these schools are offered individual attention by teachers to ensure their growth both academically and personally. Moreover, students are allowed space to hone their talents and areas of interest. Private schools are, thus, not partial regarding their students, they are not all similar in their teaching methods, nor are they overly focused on academic excellence.