Lakeridge School is home to the following Montessori classrooms:
- Casa (kindergarten)*
- Lower elementary (grades 1 to 3)
- Upper elementary (grades 4 to 6).
* If your child will be five years old by December 31st of the current school year, they can start Casa (kindergarten) in September.
About
In the classroom, the Montessori philosophy and methodology is used to deliver Saskatchewan curricula. Based on Maria Montessori's educational ideals of following the child, learning is individualized and presented to match the stages of development of each child.
During a daily independent work cycle (2+ hours), students may choose from prepared Montessori materials to work at their individual pace. Freedom within limits allows for each child to set goals and develop the independence and self-regulation to achieve. The teacher assumes the role of educational guide, offering individual, small group and large group presentations as needed by the students.
All students, with the exception of the casa (kindergarten) classroom, work in multi-age classrooms where they learn to work collaboratively with their peers and experience the benefits of being mentored; these students then move on to mentoring their peers, becoming leaders and role models themselves. The multi-year learning cycle allows all children in the class to work at varying levels, on various topics of interest and at any grade level within the cycle. The Montessori classroom fosters personal responsibility and problem solving. Through mutual respect and the belief in a peaceful environment, students form a community of learning.
The casa class at Lakeridge School is the first Montessori kindergarten program offered in Saskatchewan through a school division. Maria Montessori called her program for early childhood "the casa dei bambini" or "the children's house." The casa program takes place in a warm setting scaled to, and prepared entirely for, children.
Highlights
- Curriculum that follows the child and provides for freedom within limits, allowing students to work at their own individual pace and to engage in a daily work cycle characterized by student choice of tasks.
- A unique approach to education that allows for multi-aged classes, a multi-year learning cycle and learning based on the developmental stages of each child.
- Cosmic curriculum that enhances wonder and curiosity, and fosters grace, courtesy, peace and mutual respect.
- Use of Montessori learning materials in a prepared environment and the opportunity to engage in practical life experiences.
Cost
There is no cost for students attending the Montessori program. As with all classrooms, students are responsible for bringing school supplies (approximate cost is $110).
Eligibility
The Montessori program is open to students with or without prior Montessori experience. However, previous experience is an asset at the upper elementary (grades 4 to 6) and middle years (grades 7 and 8) levels. Students from any neighbourhood in Saskatoon may attend the Montessori program. Click here for information on transportation.
Note: Transportation is only available to casa students who are eligible for this service in the morning.
Information Night
City Park School is holding a Montessori Information Night on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6-7 p.m. Information will be shared about Montessori at Lakeridge School as well as City Park School. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Registration opens for Montessori in January of each year. For the 2025-2026 Registration Form,
click here.
In the event more registrations are received than available spots, the program uses a lottery system to determine new students. Preference is given to students who apply prior to March 31.
Note: Families whose applications were wait-listed in previous years must re-register each year.
Contact
For more information, please
contact us.
