Richmond Hill, ON, Canada

Growing demand at Toronto Montessori School’s existing campus created the opportunity to build Canada’s first Montessori/International Baccalaureate College.  To achieve this, another site was purchased, existing buildings demolished and the site completely re-planned and re-developed as a student-centered educational campus.  To accommodate the College’s grade 7 to 12 students, a two-storey building was constructed to reflect the holistic philosophy of the program. 

At its core is a Student Commons area that acts as the main gathering place for students during a stage of life where social relationships are very important.  This shared public space is where students come for meals, events, group work, enhancing the development of close bonds and ties that are central to the Montessori experience.

  The academic areas of the school are bright and well organized with generously sized classrooms that serve as inviting spaces for teaching and learning. Students make use of their own laptop computers as tools for learning in the school’s wireless environment. 

The striking architecture of the library serves as a true learning centre supporting traditional and technological research while promoting a love of literature and reading among all students as well. A full-size double gym and new athletic playing field encourage the development of healthy bodies, athletic competition and lifelong student recreational activities. 

Overall, the campus provides a safe and secure park-like setting while also allowing for future expansion as the College student body grows over time.

Client

Toronto Montessori Schools

Size

45,000 s.f.
2 Storey Facility

Program

Library
Science Labs
Music Classroom
Visual Art Classroom
5 Classrooms
Double Gymnasium
Student Forum
Administration Offices
Exterior
Courtyard
32mx50m Soccer Field
Basketball Court
2 Basketball practice courts

Program Phase 2
(total school capacity 280 students)
5 Classrooms
Kitchen/Servery

Program Phase 3
(total school capacity 365 students)
1 Classroom
2 Science Labs
Stage
Visual Art Classroom
Music Classroom & Practice Rooms
Awards