Our approach and philosophy
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Aspen Hill Montessori teaching style and materials are modelled after the work of Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor and researcher who strongly believed in children as capable learners. We also support the tenants of the FLIGHT Early Learning Curriculum in Alberta, and work to scaffold children's interests into their Montessori experiences.
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Montessori methods engage the whole child and make learning a personal challenge rather than a chore. Children who experience self-directed learning from an early age train their minds to see life as a learning experience, and regularly pursue learning activities outside of school. If you have a child that is an eager learner and is an independent explorer of their world, a Montessori education can help to feed their curiosity.
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Children who enjoy our classroom spaces usually will demonstrate these routines at home and in their current care setting:
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Ability to concentrate well and independently when doing an activity, without adult involvement
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Preference for fine-motor activities / challenges (puzzles, books, sorting, stacking)
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Preference for task completion (wants to put all the books away, or finish the puzzle before moving on)
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Seeks structure and order in their day and processes
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Have strong executive function and reaching the more advanced end of ages & stages developmental markers
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When a child enjoys pursuing linear learning (start to conclusion), and is invested in directing their own learning, the Montessori approach can further these habits.
What types of activities will my child experience?
Our campuses offer focused Montessori programming from 9AM - 3:30PM with dedicated learning activities. Activities are offered in the following areas:
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Practical Life (every day skills that children need to navigate their environment: lacing, buttoning, grip, pouring, sewing, folding, and more)
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Sensorial (comparison and contrast work with height, weight, colour, size and dimension)
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Language (sound exploration, sound recognition, word formation, reading and writing)
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Mathematics (number recognition, quantity to figure, quantity comparison, place value, decimals, grouping, addition, subtraction, and more)
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Culture and Science (geography, biology, zoology, botany, and much more)
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Optional parent-paid programming, called Special Interest Clubs, may be offered between 7:45AM - 8:30AM and 4 - 5:15PM depending on semester. Topics vary by month, and may include outside presenters / hosts. Ask at your interview to learn more!​
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Children 19 months through under 6 years arrive between 8:30-9AM and depart between 3:30-4PM, and enjoy play-based childcare materials such as Duplo, wooden trains, construction materials, and more during these times.
What does our Centre experience offer?
Classrooms as Aspen Hill offer an English-speaking, academic-focused private school environment for young learners.
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All of our programs 19 months and up are uniformed via Elegant Design Uniforms in Calgary. A typical uniform set plus extra pieces for one student is parent-funded (expect $250 - $300 to start), with ongoing expenses to replace outgrown items. (Our Nido environment offers a modified clothing approach to allow ease in movement and exploration.)
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A predictable daily routine ensures that children have order that they can count on to help guide their learning. Structured work periods, outdoor time, lunch, and afternoon nap or work session help to balance gross motor skills with fine motor focus.
Our indoor classrooms invite our students to be knowledge explorers through scientifically-designed Montessori materials and learning experiences. Students select from offered activities, proceeding from simple to more complex as they select individual challenges that interest them. Children connect socially as they work, whether they do activities independently, with friends, or with a teacher (Guide).
Physical movement is offered at select times each day through outdoor free play with loose parts in our play spaces and music/movement gatherings. Children have a minimum of one 45 minute break outside every day; two for older children.
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All materials and classrooms are sanitized regularly throughout the day, with our spaces commercially cleaned minimum once per week, for your peace of mind in our changing world. A strict illness policy is rigorously applied at all levels. We have an active partnership with Alberta Health Services and follow the AHS Childcare Regulations rigorously.
Will this program be a good fit for my child?
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There are many options to choose from when selecting a learning experience, and choosing a program that suits your child's learning style is important to ensure their happiness with care. Download our guide that helps to illustrate some differences between our programs and others, or view slides from our parent presentation that share some personality traits of children who tend to enjoy our programs. We work closely with you in our Pre-Application Interviews to help you learn more about what we offer, so we can help you determine if our approach is best for your child's needs.
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Children who will enjoy our programs generally demonstrate...​
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a calm and ordered personality
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a natural desire towards learning new things
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a desire to be independent and do things for themselves
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a desire to 'stick with' an activity that interests them
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enjoyment in completing a task
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a quieter, careful and more contemplative personality​
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Children in Bambini programs can be in diapers, and do not have to have out of home care experience prior to enrolling at AHM. Bambini students 24 mos. and up must be comfortable in an English environment for their emotional well-being.
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Children in Casa programs must be 100% independently toileting including wiping, and have attend at least 3-half-day-a-week out-of-home care for 3 months prior to enrolling at AHM. Casa students must be comfortable understanding and speaking in English, due to the academic nature of our program activities.
Our programs are not suited to children with complex needs unless a parent or FSCD aide is present at all times. If you are unsure of fit, connect with us to review. We may be able refer other programs that could assist.
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We encourage all families interested in pursuing a Montessori education to become familiar with the research behind this approach. Here are some suggested readings to start you on your journey:
An overview of Montessori education