Our school

Learn more about Head Start Montessori School

Vision

At Head Start Montessori School there is an orientation and acceptance process preceding the final admission for enrollment. We ask that all interested families make an appointment to visit the school for an initial information session at which time you will:

Meet the Principal and discuss your vision
Learn about Montessori and the school’s philosophy and vision
Tour the school and its facilities
Partake in a 20 minute classroom observation
Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss further questions, perceptions and/or concerns and ensure a mutual understanding has been established

Our History

Naureen Shah

Founder/Director

Naureen Shah is a dedicated AMI Montessori Directress and mother of two daughters. After 10 years of teaching and advocating for the true implementation of the Montessori philosophy, Ms. Shah opened Head Start Montessori School in September 2002. Ms. Shah began with a small class of children which by winter had reached its maximum capacity of 24 children. At that point, a second Casa classroom with 8 children was opened as well as a Toddler Room with 4 children. In 2013, due to increased demand, Ms. Shah chose to expand the existing school by moving to 2235 Sheppard Ave., East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada in the Atria II building.

Sara Alvi

Director

Sara Alvi joined Head Start Montessori in April 2013, with over 10 years of experience in the education field. With a Montessori Diploma from the Toronto Montessori Institute, as well as a Masters in Education from OISE at the University of Toronto, Ms. Alvi joined hands with Ms. Shah before its expansion in 2014. The work of our school involves the development of a vibrant community with a reputation of authenticity and dedication to AMI. To date, it is our families who’ve filled our school, through word of mouth and by proven results.

Head Start Montessori

Our mission is to:

Honour the Montessori philosophy of holistically nurturing every child. We encourage individual personalities to flourish academically, socially, physically and emotionally.
Provide an open minded and compassionate environment with the aim of developing an inner curiosity, leading to a lifelong love of learning.
Adhere to the nurturing wisdom of Maria Montessori and commit to her teaching principles.
Facilitate the development of a local Montessori community and build a sense of a responsibility as a community in our children by respecting their differing rates of development, accepting them for who they are and bring out the best in each of them.