I am a past parent and I am so glad my children went to Northstar. They were able to answer all my concerns and questions. They have learned beyond my expectations and you can see the difference when you compare them with public school children. My children are flourishing in their new school and I can't believe how well they have adapted. I wish I could have kept my children in their elementary program because another parent who did has seen a big difference in how much more they truly understand concepts.
...From a Google User/Parent Reviewer
As a parent our experience with Northstar Montessori has been fantastic. Both our boys had an amazing environment to prosper in. Our older son completed Casa, and grade 1-6, and our younger son completed Casa and grade 1-3, they both transitioned into a traditional school environment very well and are doing exceptionally well academically and socially. Their transition from a non testing to testing environment proved to be a non concern for us, they are both doing extremely well in all subjects. Since they have been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, they have become problem-solvers and manage their time very well. I would highly recommend Northstar Montessori, my experience as a parent was amazing. The teachers and the principle truly care about their students and it show in all the extra activities they do for their students.
...From a Google User/Parent Reviewer
My Parent experience with Northstar Montessori has been an amazing journey. My son joined the Casa programme in September 2011. He came from a traditional play-based daycare environment and we were initially extremely concerned if he would be able to adapt to a more regimented schooling system. However from day one he has laid our initial apprehensions to rest and has since blossomed under the guidance of his teachers into a smart, warm and confidential young boy. He surprises me every day with his expressive characterisation of what he learns from school and how much he enjoys his daily activities and interaction with other children. His teachers have been able to skillfully harness his energy (hyper at times!!), interests, and abilities into a productive tutoring environment. I would like to think that he is ahead both academically and socially compared to children in other school environments thanks to the structured and creative environment at Northstar.
All the staff including the teachers, Vice principal and the Principal are easily approachable and have always been available to discuss my son’s concerns. Northstar gives me a sense of being a part of a big family, who look after and stand up for one another. My only regret is not having started my son in the Northstar programme earlier in Pre-casa!!!!
...Deepa Suresh, M.Eng.
I like Northstar because when I get into class I feel like I am ready for a good school year. I feel like I am not so young and am able to step up to another day. The teachers are very kind and gentle, and some are also funny and entertaining. I have enjoyed a lot of experiences such as swimming, skating, skiing, camping and trips to the Ontario Science Centre.
...Gabriel Gonsalves, Northstar Student
My son has been in a Montessori environment since he was 2.5 years old, and with Northstar since Grade 1. As all parents, we were anxious about the transition to a new school in Grade 1, but all the teachers and staff were very supportive. Gabriel was able to make the transition very easily, and very quickly became comfortable at Northstar.
I believe he has benefitted from a Montessori Education, as it has enabled him to explore and learn at his own pace. We are impressed by the range of subjects that the children are exposed to, especially the art, music & French program. The Montessori goal is to have a well-rounded child, exposed to a wide range of experiences. This fits with our goals for our child as well.
We are constantly in awe as to how proud Gabriel seems to be of his school. This speaks to the atmosphere and the culture that is created by his teachers and all the staff... and this is priceless.
...Sue Gonsalves, Gabriel's Mom
We have had the pleasure of having three of our sons attend the Northstar Montessori Private School program over the past 6 years. In that time, we have seen a consistent approach in treating each of our children as their own person, with a focus on their individualized strengths, a strong dedication to improving the areas they find challenging, and a caring pedagogical focus. The Directresses and Assistants are skilled at recognizing individual areas of interest, and fostering that interest to translate into personal and academic growth and development, while maintaining the importance of group activities and social interaction.
We have experienced the education system outside the Montessori Method and can safely say that Northstar provides our children with a stellar academic advantage. However, the most impressive part is how they provide this academic excellence with a focus on the individual strengths of the students. Our sons have vast differences in their learning speed and styles; Northstar’s staff has done a well-above-average job at recognizing the learning needs of each child and fostering their particular academic and social development.
Montessori education has helped to form our sons into the caring, attuned, respectful and motivated students they are today and we are excited to embark on the Montessori journey with our last child in September.
...Dawn and Jason Pratt
