About AGMS

CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators) accreditation is the most recognized standard for Montessori education in Canada. It ensures authentic implementation of Montessori philosophy, qualified teachers, appropriate materials, and adherence to strict educational standards.

CCMA requires ongoing evaluation, specific teacher qualifications, and comprehensive program standards. Many schools use Montessori materials but lack the rigorous oversight that CCMA provides.

All AGMS head teachers are Montessori certified, with many educators bringing over 10 years of educational experience to our classrooms. Led by Principal Ms.Julie Gallagher's 20+ years of Montessori expertise, our stable team includes over 50% of educators who have been with AGMS for 7-9 years and 35% for 2-3 years. Children benefit from deep professional knowledge and consistent relationships that create security and educational continuity.

Over 50% of AGMS graduates successfully transition to French Immersion programs throughout York Region, building on the four weekly French lessons they received during their time with us.

Additionally, 30% advance to quality private schools including Academy for Gifted Children – P.A.C.E., Aurora Preparatory Academy, Pickering College, Country Day School, and Holy Trinity School.

AGMS graduates are well-prepared for their next educational journey, with strong foundations in independence, critical thinking, and academic skills. Beyond academic success, AGMS families often build lasting relationships with other families who share similar educational values and goals. These connections frequently extend well beyond our walls, with children maintaining friendships and families supporting each other throughout their educational journeys.

No. AGMS has opted out of the CWELCC system to maintain program quality and independence. This decision allows AGMS to maintain complete control over curriculum decisions, teacher selection, and educational standards, ensuring parents' tuition investment directly benefits their child's learning experience without external constraints that could compromise AGMS's CCMA-accredited Montessori excellence.

Until AGMS has further clarification of the exact methodology and requirements of the CWELCC program, AGMS will continue to independently invest heavily in our school, our program, our students and their families.

Step 1. Visiting the School (Schedule a private tour, or visit our open house)

The admissions process is designed to help you learn everything about our school, and at the same time help us become better acquainted with you and your child. This is the perfect opportunity to ask specific questions pertaining to your child.
Our information package, including fee schedule, enrolment checklist, program schedule will be available at the school during your visit.‍

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Step 2. Admission‍

Admission into our Toddler Program (ages 18 months – 2.5 years) and Casa Program (2.5 years – 6 years) is on a first come first served basis.
Returning and former students, their siblings, have priority over new admissions. An effort is made to balance the enrolment in each class according to gender and age.
Our admission for Casa will be opened to public.
Our Programs fill up quickly so applications will be placed on a wait list in order of their application dates and families will be contacted once an opening occurs.

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‍Step 3. Submit Application

‍If you think we are the right choice for your child and wish to join our amazing school family, it’s time to submit your application in person!
Application forms must be submitted to the school office with a one-time Application Fee and Enrolment Deposit to confirm the space. We will then walk you through all the school policies and procedures that needed to be signed.

The ideal time of our school tour are weekdays from 10 am – 11am. It’s the best time to see our school in action when classes are in session as well as avoiding the congestions during drop-off and pick-up time. That being said, we can accommodate other timeslots as well to our best effort.

AGMS offers a French program 4 days per week for up to half hour depending on the age group of the children.  Typically, the Toddler classes receive 15-20 minutes of French 4 times per week and the Casa classes receive 30 minutes.

The answer to this depends on each child and their own natural ability.

In general, the Toddler child will be ready for the Casa program; they have completed or are nearing the end of potty training, they have mastered basic self-help skills, can see an activity through to completion and have a basic understanding of a Montessori classroom routine.  

For the Casa child, the same rule applies; it depends upon the child and his/her own natural ability.  For most Casa children though, they have a solid understanding of language and all four mathematical operations, they are able to compose their own stories and journal entries, have developed basic researching skills, can care for themselves and others in many ways, and possess a solid understanding of community and what it means to be part of a team.

Fee schedule is available at the school office.

Please see late policy – For children with a registered drop-off time of 9:00 a.m., may be dropped off any time after 8:50 a.m. A fee of $15 will be charged for children that are dropped off earlier than 8:50 a.m.

For children with a registered pick-up time of 4:00 p.m., a grace period of 15 minutes will be allowed. A late fee of $15 will be charged to the parents if the children are picked up between the time of 4:16 p.m. – 4:30 p.m, with or without notice.

A late fee of $50 will be charged after 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. when less than 24hrs notice is provided to the school; $40 will be charged if more than 24hrs notice is provided. An additional late pickup fee, according to the 6:00pm pick up policy, will be applied if your child is picked up after 6:00pm.  

For a child with a registered pick-up time of 6:00 p.m., a fee of $10 will be imposed for the first five minutes and $10.00 for each additional five-minute segment, or part thereof; see the following examples:

There is no grace period for pick-up after 6:00 p.m.

AGMS only offers full days program and full time program as a CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators) accredited school. Children thrive on consistency and routine and it is in their best interest to be enrolled in a consistent program.

AGMS requires at 60 days notice of withdrawal, at which point, no further fees will be collected.

Our school policy is to call the parent when the child falls ill, and we require the child to be picked up after 2 bouts of vomiting or diarrhea.  A child with a fever must be sent home.  In either case, the child may not return to school until they have been symptom free for a full 24 hours without the aid of medication.

Tuition cannot be returned unless you choose to withdraw from the school.

We ask that children entering the Casa program are potty trained, but sometimes forces outside our control make this difficult. Casa teachers will assist the child in being successful in mastering this skill, but can only do so when the parents are on board.  It must be a mutually agreed upon process.  The same can be said of Toddlers beginning potty training.  The class will approach this matter, with dedicated time throughout the day for toileting.

At AGMS, we pride ourselves on the relationships we build with the parents and children.  Our teachers are available through many means to assist parents, at any time.  Our staff can be reached through email, by telephone and through face-to-face communication at the beginning or end of your child’s day. Each Toddler has a daily journal where the child’s day is detailed (i.e. food eaten, toileting, sleep time, etc.), reminders are posted and questions can be left for the teacher if she is not available at time of pickup. Parent-Teacher interviews are held 3 times per year in an effort to keep parents up to date regarding their child’s progress.  We prefer any concerns are met and dealt with in a timely manner, through face-to-face communication in order to alleviate any further issues. Communication is the key to a successful school-home relationship.

School trips are an excellent way to expand upon themes and lessons given within the classroom. Our trips are educational in nature and tend to occur when the weather is agreeable. During the winter months, AGMS invites groups into the school for in-class visits to enhance our curriculum.

AGMS’s lunch program is catered by Wholesome Kids Catering with menu variations offered on a 4 week rotation.

Details of our sample menu: https://www.aspengrovemontessori.com/programs#food

The safety and wellbeing of the children is our first priority – AGMS takes food restrictions and allergies very seriously. AGMS is a nut-free and allergen free facility and we do not allow outside food to be brought into the school in an effort to eliminate any health and safety hazards to the children.