Dearcroft Montessori School

Authentic in their approach to Montessori, professional, kind administration and staff, and engaged children.

Erbao's school, casa for two years, went to jr elementary and we all like it here! The teacher is very experienced, the children are very happy every day, learn a lot, and there is no pressure. The campus is small but beautiful, with different scenery throughout the year. I especially admire the people who take care of the garden! Feels like home.

Please do not send your child here! I am appalled at the way they handled a trial day with my son.my son was emotionally upset I was picking him up. One Casa Teacher first year casa did not do anything to regulate his feelings instead she asked him to put his coat on. My Son couldn't handle being upset and being asked a task at the same time. My son was in emotional state to put coat on at that time. NO REMORSE at all. Made my son feel discluded.horrible experience for a 3 year old whos ready to learn

This is our fifth year at Dearcroft and we continue to love this school. Our children love their teachers, classmates, and environment so much, and are having their best year yet.

The things we love most about Dearcroft are the values that the staff demonstrate: nurturing curiosity and a love of learning, kindness, and empowerment. With the support of their teachers and peers, our children have not only gained confidence, but have also learned how to build up their classmates with kind feedback. The Montessori teaching model has been a key factor in the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth we've seen in our children.

The school has put in place creative and effective solutions to ensure that cohort sizes are small and the integrity of each cohort is maintained throughout the school day, which we especially appreciate during this Covid-19 pandemic. The teachers adapted quickly in the spring as the pandemic started, and have continued to go above and beyond to make the experience amazing for the children. Instead of restrictions being obstacles, they've been turned into opportunities. For example, since singing isn't allowed at the moment, their music teacher decided to teach the Junior Elementary students to play the ukulele. The staff truly have a passion for education and Dearcroft is a place where they have the space to exercise their creativity to the benefit of the students.

When my husband and I began researching schools we were highly impressed with the reputation Dearcroft had in the community. Our decision to put our son there is one of the best we've ever made.

First and foremost, the curriculum and approach to learning is remarkable. They truly care for each child on an individualized level and hone in on their interests to make learning more hands on and relatable. For a 4 year old Casa student, this is extremely important in getting them to acclimate quickly. While we worried about transitioning him from another school, he had zero hesitation and loves attending each day.

Secondly, the community Dearcroft has cultivated is felt from the second you step foot on the property. The grounds are a petri dish for young explorers. They embrace nature by taking lessons outdoors and allowing kids to have a change of scenery, while finding teaching opportunities wherever they are.

Lastly is the faculty and administration; the teachers are highly skilled with extensive experience and the camaraderie between them is obvious. When we approached our Casa teacher about our sons appetite for reading, it was embraced whole heartedly and encouraged. Any feedback we receive on areas for growth always comes from a place of truly caring for each child and wanting to see them all thrive.

We look forward to having our youngest join their toddler program in January!

My kids spent their elementary and part of their secondary at Dearcroft before moving to a new country. Dearcroft was not only a school to us, it became our family and the kids enjoyed every single day during their time. Not to mention, Dearcroft provided them with the best education and taught them many life skills that will remain with them forever. Special thanks to all the staff, the administrator and of course Mr. Phippin.

I don’t normally write reviews, however, at a time when teaching our children about the importance of standing up for others and being an ally is more important than ever before, it is for this reason I feel compelled to stand up for Dearcroft Montessori School by sharing my own amazing experience with them.

Let me first start by saying I have extremely high standards as a parent - and it is for this reason I chose Dearcroft Montessori for my toddler - over the other accredited Montessori schools in the Oakville and nearby areas. What stood out to me immediately was the warm and caring atmosphere shown to me by the staff who work there. It was very clear that their knowledge and passion for children is second to none, and I feel very lucky to be part of such a caring and intimate community.

My son has been in Ms. LaRoche’s and Ms. Kim’s toddler class since September 2018. Under their caring leadership, he has excelled and continues to excel in all areas, including his vocabulary, confidence, and overall independence. I have a very positive relationship with Ms. LaRoche, Ms. Kim, and Catherine DeBorba, and I have seen and experienced first hand the excellent care they provide to my son and our family on a daily basis.

I'm especially grateful for the amazing care and attention that Ms. LaRoche has shown my son and our family. She has my son's best interest at heart, and I have come to rely on her as a positive influence in my son's daily life and development.

There is no other class I would rather my son be in than the toddler program at Dearcroft Montessori under the compassionate and kind leadership of the staff who work there.

I want to personally thank Ms. LaRoche, Ms. Kim and Catherine for the positive difference they make and continue to make in my son’s daily life, and in our family’s life.

Added:

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I really appreciate it. Your kind reply further validates the amazing customer service I continue to receive from Dearcroft Montessori.

I want you to know that I have registered my son for next year's toddler class because of how much progress he continues to make under Ms. LaRoche's wonderful leadership. And what's truly music to my ears is when I tell my son that he's going to school to see Ms. LaRoche - his face lights up with a big smile and he shouts - 'yay! ' in sheer delight. That to me is a true testament of the caring learning environment that is carefully and thoughtfully orchestrated by Ms. LaRoche and Ms. Kim.

PS: Every time I call the Dearcroft office, Catherine continues to impress me with her above and beyond customer service and knowledge about the school. Her warm and kind demeanour truly embodies and accurately represents the values of the caring and intimate school that make Dearcroft stand out.

Your team is truly amazing!

Thanks again,
Lidia

My daughter started in the toddler program doing a full year and is presently in the casa program. After my daughter started the toddler program at age 2 under Ms LaRoche, Mrs Shipton and Mrs Kim’s care, not only was it a safe and loving environment but at the same time one that nurtured independence and responsibility to duty. The toddler teachers are an excellent mix all being very consistent with the Montessori principles as well as someone my daughter could always count on whenever she needed that extra touch of kindness. My family have been especially appreciative of Ms LaRoche plain honesty to us as parents, it has help us work together to help my daughter grow. I value her honesty to us as parents very highly.
Needless to say the foundation done at the toddler level has helped my daughter immensely at the CASA level, and I say this not only in the academic sense but more her attitude to learning. My daughter still speaks dearly about Ms LaRoche, Mrs Shipton and Mrs Kim every now and then, for a child her age to be doing so even though she has been in the Casa class for half a year already says a lot of the positive impact they had on her.
A special note on the administration at the school, Mrs Deborba never cease to amaze us with her consistently prompt replies and follow ups. At Dearcroft Montessori I know my kids are in safe hands and nurtured to be independent, respectful and responsible individuals.