Summerland Montessori School

About

Summerland Montessori School is located at 10317 Prairie Valley Rd, Box 603, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0. The school describes itself as a Montessori-inspired independent school serving the South Okanagan, using Montessori philosophies and best teaching practices while following the BC Curriculum (meeting or exceeding Ministry of Education guidelines). It emphasizes small class sizes, individualized education programming, and daily French instruction and physical education, with a focus on “nurturing the joy of discovery and the love of learning.”

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Okanagan Skaha)

Education language: Summerland Montessori School provides daily French instruction for all students beginning in Junior Kindergarten, and describes its French program as using the Accelerative Integrated Methodology (AIM), an active second-language approach. The school also notes that from Grade 1 on, French class communication between students and the French teacher takes place in French. The sources do not explicitly state the primary language used to teach the core curriculum.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-5

Phone: 250 494-7266

Email: smsheadofschool@shaw.ca

Principal: Shandel Larsson

Education Languages

Summerland Montessori School provides daily French instruction for all students beginning in Junior Kindergarten, and describes its French program as using the Accelerative Integrated Methodology (AIM), an active second-language approach. The school also notes that from Grade 1 on, French class communication between students and the French teacher takes place in French. The sources do not explicitly state the primary language used to teach the core curriculum.

Programs and Services

Montessori-inspired / BC Curriculum (individualized learning) The school is Montessori-inspired and follows the BC Curriculum, implementing Montessori practices where possible. It emphasizes limited class sizes, increased student-teacher interaction, and encouraging students to learn at their individual pace. Teachers are available to meet with parents to discuss progress throughout the year. French program (daily instruction) Students receive daily French instruction starting in Junior Kindergarten. The school’s French program uses the Accelerative Integrated Methodology (AIM), incorporating stories, drama, music, and dance to support different learning styles; students entering in upper grades may attend an accelerated beginner class to catch up. Physical education and team sports Students have daily physical education and participate in “other team sports” during the year. Swimming and skating Swimming and skating are taught throughout the school year; the admissions information describes swimming sessions and the opportunity to earn Red Cross badge levels. Music and arts The school states that music and art are critical to a well-rounded education and notes student exposure to music and the arts. Field trips and community outreach Students participate in many field trips throughout the year, including visits to local senior facilities as part of learning from elders and giving back to the community. Student leadership / mentoring The school aims to foster a sense of community through leadership, mentoring, and community outreach, and notes House Teams and peer teaching programs. Childcare and after-school care The school references an Early Learning Centre licensed daycare and offers an After School Care program (wait list via the main office).

School Culture and Expectations

The school’s mission emphasizes a carefully planned, stimulating environment that builds attitudes, habits, skills, and ideas for independent, creative thinking and lifelong learning. It describes educating the “whole child” (emotional, social, academic, physical, and moral development) and fostering community through leadership, mentoring, and outreach. Staff messaging highlights classrooms as “safe, respectful, supportive and caring” places where students develop belonging and ownership.

Enrollment

Families are asked to submit a completed application form to the school. After an application is received, the school arranges a Head of School conference, and the process includes a school visit and providing the child’s most recent report card. Upon acceptance, families submit registration forms (including academic history and health record) and pay a one-time registration fee; the school also provides downloadable registration packages that can be dropped off at the school or mailed in.