Montessori School Admissions in Tecumseh & Windsor-Essex

A Clear and Transparent Process

Lakeview Montessori School does not charge a fee to be placed on our waitlist. The waitlist is designed to organize enrollment needs and provide a clear and transparent system that is accessible to parents at any reasonable time.

Limited Spaces and Program Availability

Infant, Toddler, and Casa programs are regulated under Ontario’s Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA). Lakeview Montessori School is also accredited by the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA), which holds us accountable to the highest standards of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy in Canada.

Compliance with provincial regulations and accreditation requirements impacts the number and composition of each classroom environment, which in turn affects waitlist availability. As a result, priority may be given to children of specific age groups in certain cases, and we are not always able to accommodate all applicants.

It is our practice to keep your child’s inquiry form on file for one year, with the intention of offering a space when one becomes available, according to the procedure outlined below.

Waitlist Procedure

1. To be included on the waitlist, families are required to complete an online inquiry form.
2. The waitlist is maintained in order, with preference given based on the following criteria:
   a) Date the inquiry form was submitted
   b) Sibling(s) currently attending Lakeview Montessori School
   c) Full-time enrollment over part-time enrollment
   d) Families considering Lakeview Montessori School as a long-term educational program for their child(ren)

As a not-for-profit private school, enrollment in the preschool program supports the sustainability of our elementary program. Families will be asked on the inquiry form whether they are considering Lakeview for preschool only (up to Senior Kindergarten) or as a long-term option through Grade 8.

1. When a space becomes available for your child(ren), a deposit must be received within 7 days. If the deposit is not received within this timeframe, the space will be offered to the next family on the waitlist.

Access to the Waitlist

Families on the waitlist may contact the Admissions Coordinator to inquire about the current composition of the waitlist for their child’s age group.

To maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all families, access to the full waitlist will not be provided.

A Supportive Admissions Experience

Finding the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our goal throughout the admissions process is to provide you and your family with as much information as possible about the Montessori model and Lakeview Montessori School, so that you can make an informed decision when choosing the best school for your child and family.

Private Tours & Parent Information Sessions

Families will be contacted when a space becomes available to schedule a private tour, which includes a parent information session. This is an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the Montessori philosophy and the culture at Lakeview Montessori School.

During your visit, all questions will be addressed, and parents will receive an information package to take home and review. At the end of the tour, a date will be scheduled for your child(ren) to visit.

Student Visit for Preschool – Infant, Toddler, and Casa

This is a special time when your child will spend approximately 30 minutes in the classroom to become comfortable with the idea of coming to school and to explore whether the program is the right fit.

More than one visit may be recommended, depending on your child’s needs, and will be arranged in collaboration with the parent/guardians and the Admissions Coordinator.

Offer of Admission for Preschool

Once the tour, parent information session, and your child’s visit have been completed, an offer of admission will be sent by email, along with a link to complete your child’s registration.

As part of the registration process, your child’s immunization record will be collected and added to their Ontario Student Record, which is securely maintained in a confidential location within the school office.

Parental release forms and auto-debit forms will also be collected to finalize the registration process.

Student Visit for Elementary – Lower, Upper, and Senior

At the elementary level (ages 6 to 14), and when space is available, the Admissions Coordinator will schedule two to three full-day classroom visits for your child(ren) following the tour and parent information session. These visits provide your child with a meaningful, hands-on experience and the opportunity to determine if Lakeview Montessori School is the right fit for them.

We encourage families to discuss together the possibility of enrolling at Lakeview Montessori School. Involving your child(ren) in this conversation is an important part of the process, helping them feel included and confident in the decision-making journey.

Required Documents for Elementary Admission

You will be asked to bring your child’s most recent report card from their current school, along with any other relevant documents, such as assessments, IEPs, psychological reports, or recommendations. Following your child’s visit and a review of all submitted documentation, a meeting will be scheduled with the Head of School to discuss the opportunity for admission to Lakeview Montessori.

Offer of Admission for Elementary

If all parties agree that Lakeview Montessori is the right placement for your child, an offer of admission will be sent by email within one week, along with a Letter of Acceptance outlining your child’s start date. This correspondence will also include a link to complete your child’s registration.

As part of the registration process, required documents—including your child’s immunization record, health card number, and passport or birth certificate—will be collected in accordance with Ministry of Education requirements. These documents will be added to your child’s Ontario Student Record and securely stored in a confidential location within the school office.

Parental release forms and auto-debit forms will also be collected to finalize the registration process.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Education

Lakeview Montessori School embraces the inclusion of students with diverse learning needs. Children with physical, developmental, or educational differences are considered for admission, based on our ability to provide appropriate support within our school environment.

Every reasonable effort is made to offer meaningful accommodations within the Montessori philosophy and its implementation in the classroom. The safety and well-being of each child—and of the classroom community as a whole—remain our highest priority, while ensuring that the learning needs of all students are supported and maintained.

Collaborative Support with Families

Open and transparent communication with families is an essential part of the admissions and support process. Parents are asked to share any known learning or developmental needs prior to admission so that we can thoughtfully consider how best to support each child.

Parents are expected to participate in the accommodation process and to provide updated information as needed. Lakeview Montessori School works collaboratively with families and, when appropriate, will guide them toward community partners if a child’s needs extend beyond the level of support we are able to provide.

If additional services, supports, or resources may be required, we will carefully review and assess appropriate accommodations and considerations.

The Montessori Approach to Individual Learning

The Montessori method is designed to support the unique needs and interests of each child in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. Through thoughtfully prepared materials and individualized lessons, students are encouraged to develop curiosity, independence, and a strong sense of purpose.

Our students grow into confident, independent thinkers and collaborative learners, prepared for whatever path they choose in the future. As Dr. Maria Montessori said, “A child’s work is to create the person they will become.” We are honoured to support each child in that journey and to help them reach their full potential.

Why Families Choose Lakeview Montessori School

• Caring and experienced educators
• Montessori-based learning approach
• Safe, nurturing classrooms
• Strong connections with families
• Convenient for families across Windsor-Essex

Families are welcome to contact us by email at admissions@lakeviewmontessori.ca or phone 519-735-5005 X 158.