Located on 1151 Denison St in Markham, Ontario, Queens Montessori Academy (QMA), a member of the Brightpath Early Learning Inc., is a Montessori education center for children ages 18 months to 6 years.

Upon entering the academy, its neutral wall colours and simple entrance set up puts me into a pleasant mood as I’m warmly greeted by the academy’s vice principal, Ms. Sapu. She’s the one that gave me a thorough tour of the academy facility as well as an understanding of what QMA strives to accomplish with their students.

As I’m touring the facility with Ms. Sapu while she also expresses very passionately about the students they have and the Montessori philosophy of teaching, I learn that she’s been with QMA since 1998, and the academy’s principal Ms. Mangos, has been with QMA since 1997; I’m very impressed with the length of their tenure.

QMA is in a small plaza along with other professional businesses with plenty of parking, making it the type of plaza with lower vehicle traffic, which should put parents at ease with regards to drop off and pick up safety. The academy classrooms occupy two different buildings side by side. Each classroom is well organized, clean, and spacious. I also got a chance to meet with the students while they were in class, and each of them was very curious and bright.

What was most impressive was how incredibly quiet the academy was throughout the duration of my hour visit. For me, this is an indication of a well-run school; considering the number of young students there are, you’d expect somewhat constant chaos, and not that there weren't any tantrums being thrown from a toddler or two, but that these chaotic moments were quickly and effectively resolved without much drama involved from the teachers.

The outdoor playground at QMA is spacious with large mature trees providing much needed shade during bright hot summer days.

The academy has a full size kitchen with a full-time chef that prepares well-balanced lunches and snacks for all students. Part of the Montessori philosophy of teaching encourages students to learn early on to use items that “adults” use, such as a drinking cup. Therefore, parents aren’t required to send their children to school with their personalized sippy cup. As a parent, I love the idea of the Montessori methodology, which will teach my child early on to learn practical everyday skills.

Since the word Montessori is not trademarked, it is public domain, and therefore anyone wishing to open up an educational center and add in the word “Montessori” in their name can do so without any regulatory issues. However, there are certain criteria that a true Montessori academy must adhere to in order to be authentic. The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators is such an authorized organization and QMA is an accredited member in good standing.

 

If you reside in Markham and you’re looking for a daycare centre for your child, know that QMA will provide exceptional care with the added Montessori philosophy bonus. If you’re a parent that is specifically looking for a Montessori daycare, QMA follows the standardized Montessori philosophy that CCMA regulates.

To schedule a tour or for more information, please call 905-944-0077 or email QMA: queensmontessori@brightpathkids.com