Montessori Fees in Ontario: What Parents Should Know
Choosing childcare is one of the most personal and emotional decisions we make as parents. We all want our children to feel loved, safe, and inspired — and we want to feel confident that the place we leave them each day helps them grow in the best possible way.
If you’ve been exploring Montessori daycare programs, you’ve probably noticed that tuition can look quite different from traditional daycare or play-based centres. You might be wondering — why are Montessori fees higher, and what makes it worth it?
It’s a fair question, and an important one. Let’s unpack it together — how Montessori works, what those fees really include, and how it all comes back to something much bigger than numbers: your child’s happiness, growth, and sense of belonging.
What Makes Montessori So Different
Montessori isn’t just another daycare — it’s a way of seeing and guiding children. It’s built on the belief that children learn best when they feel trusted, respected, and free to explore at their own pace.
In a Montessori classroom, everything has a purpose. The shelves are low so children can choose their own work. The materials are real — wood, glass, metal — because children learn through touch and movement. And the teachers, called guides, gently observe and support rather than instruct or control.
The result is a calm, focused environment where children develop independence, confidence, and joy in learning — from tying their shoes to counting beads or helping a friend.
Most Montessori schools in Ontario are private educational programs, which means they follow their own calendar and structure, focusing deeply on quality and philosophy instead of standard childcare routines.
How Montessori Programs Usually Run
Many Montessori schools follow a school-year schedule, closing for:
Winter break
Spring break
Summer holidays
That means families often need to find alternative care during those times or pay extra for holiday camps.
Tuition is usually charged annually — some schools allow monthly or quarterly payments, but the structure is meant to reflect a year-long commitment to your child’s growth.
It’s also important to read what’s included. In most Montessori programs, things like: before and after care, meals, supplies, and seasonal camps are billed separately.
Those extra costs can add up, so it’s always good to ask for the full picture when comparing Montessori fees.
Why Montessori Schools Ask for a Year Commitment
Montessori isn’t a quick childcare solution — it’s an educational journey that unfolds over time.
Young children thrive on routine, stability, and connection. Their brains remember everything — the rhythm of the day, the voices they hear, even the smell of their classroom. When those familiar pieces change too often, it can feel stressful and confusing.
Each time a child switches daycare settings, they need to rebuild trust, learn new routines, and start over socially and emotionally. It’s exhausting for them, even if they can’t put it into words.
Montessori classrooms are built around consistency. The same teachers, the same friends, the same environment — day after day — so children can focus on learning and feeling confident instead of adjusting.
That’s why most Montessori schools ask for a full-year commitment. It’s not about rules — it’s about protecting the child’s sense of safety and allowing them the time they need to grow peacefully.
Why Montessori Fees Are Higher Than Daycare Costs
You might look at Montessori tuition and wonder why it’s more than typical daycare fees. The truth is, Montessori schools run very differently:
Trained and Passionate Educators
Montessori teachers complete specialized certification (like AMI or MACTE) that goes far beyond standard ECE training. They understand how children’s brains develop and know how to guide their independence, emotions, and focus — not just supervise or babysit them.
High-Quality Materials and Environments
Montessori classrooms are filled with real, durable materials that teach math, language, and life skills through touch and movement. These materials are beautiful, long-lasting, and purposefully designed for learning — and they’re an investment in every child who passes through the classroom.
Small Ratios and Individualized Attention
Montessori environments have fewer children per teacher. This gives educators time to observe, connect, and truly understand each child’s needs.
Peaceful, Inspiring Spaces
Clean, calm, and intentionally prepared classrooms are a cornerstone of Montessori. Maintaining that high standard takes care and investment — and it shows.
Fair Wages for Quality Staff
Montessori schools often pay higher wages to attract and keep skilled educators. When teachers feel valued, they stay — and that stability benefits the children most.
So yes, the cost may be higher — but so is the value. Montessori isn’t babysitting; it’s education that shapes confidence, empathy, and independence for life.
The Orange Seeds Montessori Difference
At Orange Seeds Montessori, we understand that families need both quality and reliability. That’s why our model is built with parents in mind.
We are open year-round, not just during the school year — meaning you don’t have to scramble for care during breaks or holidays.
And our tuition is all-inclusive, covering:
The Montessori core educational program
Before and after school care
Nutritious, dietitian-approved meals and snacks
Supplies and classroom materials
No surprises, no add-ons, no hidden costs. Just consistent, high-quality care and education every month of the year.
Our Value in Numbers
Our average daily rate is $78 — about $7.80 per hour.
For that, your child receives:
Guidance from qualified Montessori and ECE educators
A full educational program, not just supervision
Nutritious meals and snacks daily
A clean, safe, and beautiful environment to grow in
When you compare this to the combined cost of daycare plus meals, supplies, and after care, you’ll see that Orange Seeds offers exceptional value — and peace of mind.
The Value for Parents
Montessori doesn’t just benefit children — it gives parents something truly precious: balance and confidence.
We know how stressful it can feel to juggle childcare schedules, school closures, and mealtime prep while trying to give your child the best start. That’s why we’ve designed a program that supports you too.
At Orange Seeds Montessori:
You never need to worry about finding care during school breaks — we’re here all year.
You don’t have to pack meals or rush through drop-offs — we handle it all.
You can trust that your child’s day is filled with learning, kindness, and care — not just busy time.
We give parents back time, stability, and peace of mind — knowing their child is safe, thriving, and happy every day.
Because when parents feel calm and supported, children feel it too.
Final Thoughts
When comparing Montessori fees, childcare, or daycare, try to look beyond the dollar amount. Ask what’s included — but also ask how your child will feel in that environment.
At Orange Seeds Montessori, we believe childhood should be simple, joyful, and full of discovery. Our role is to give your child a stable, enriching place to grow — and to give you, the parent, confidence and peace every single day.
Because these early years are fleeting — and they’re too important to be spent worrying about transitions or missing out on connection.
Here, your child can grow. And you can breathe.
