Vancouver Montessori School

About

Vancouver Montessori School (VMS) is located at 8650 Barnard St, Vancouver, BC V6P 5G5, in South Vancouver near Granville St. and West 70th Ave. Founded in 1972, VMS describes itself as a child-centered Montessori community rooted in love, respect, and meaningful independence, serving children ages 3–12. The school is a Certified Group 1 Independent School under the BC Ministry of Education.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Vancouver)

Education language: The school offers French as a second language beginning in Preschool and continuing through Year 7, including interactive lessons and Montessori-aligned FSL materials. The core curriculum language of instruction is not explicitly stated in the provided sources.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K

Phone: 604 261-0315

Email: vancouvermontessorischool@telus.net

Principal: Prasannata Runkel

Education Languages

The school offers French as a second language beginning in Preschool and continuing through Year 7, including interactive lessons and Montessori-aligned FSL materials. The core curriculum language of instruction is not explicitly stated in the provided sources.

Programs and Services

French (second language) French begins in Preschool and continues through Year 7, with playful, hands-on learning for younger children and progression through the BC Core French curriculum in later years. The program emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and aims to build basic conversational skills and confidence. Physical Health Education VMS lists Physical Health Education as a program that supplements its core Montessori curriculum, and the elementary program includes skill development and cooperative games. Gardening / outdoor education VMS lists Gardening as a supplemental program. Outdoor education is integrated into the Extended-Day program and includes gardening, exploring local flora and fauna, outdoor games, and motor skill development. Music and performances Art and Music are described as fully integrated into the curriculum. Elementary students also prepare class performances for a winter concert and an annual year-end graduation concert. Field trips and outings Elementary field trips vary each year and may include cultural and science venues such as museums, galleries, Science World, and outdoor education workshops. Upper Elementary examples include hikes, skiing/snowboarding, camp week, and a trip to the Legislature and Royal Museum of BC. Community service / fundraising The school highlights student-led fundraising for charities and communities in need (e.g., food bank and relief efforts). Parent Committee initiatives (e.g., hot lunch program, pizza days, Winter Silent Auction) support school enhancements and resources.

School Culture and Expectations

VMS describes a child-centered approach grounded in love, respect, and meaningful independence, inspired by Maria Montessori’s vision. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, freedom within limits, and carefully prepared environments, and frames education as a partnership with families. In elementary, classrooms are described as “model democracies” where students hold meetings, plan events, and practice fair, cooperative problem-solving.

Enrollment

The school directs families to its Admissions page for process information and timelines. The registration process for returning and prospective students begins in January for September enrollment, and prospective families can attend parent education sessions; families are instructed to contact the school office for details. For some programs, the school notes interviews/observations and requests that families email the child’s name and birthdate and provide a recent report from the current school.