After having my kids enrolled here for over 4 years, I seriously cannot say enough good things…read moreabout this school and the teachers. My daughter started attending when she was 2 (now 6) and my son began as a toddler at 18 months (now 4.5). The curriculum is expansive, including typical montessori activities/practical life skills (like washing dishes, tying shoelaces, folding clothing, polishing, potty training) but also very advanced academically. Through their guidance my daughter is reading at a grade 4 level and doing math at a grade 3 level as she enters grade 1. My son who is predisposed musically, can sing various beautiful songs in different languages, and has learned to write letters and read phonetically (entering JK). Most importantly, they absolutely Love going to school every day - they have been happy and felt safe there. We have had a few different teachers over the years as we progressed through stages, as well as a few constant (Ms. Eva - we love you!) and they have all been knowledgable, capable and exceptionally kind. They and the staff were always accessible and flexible when needed. And anytime I have gone to the school I witness kids who are happy, having fun and thoroughly engaged in their learning. The facilities themselves are located in the downtown core in an office-type building that initially seemed unusual for a school or daycare - but inside it is truly the sweetest little setup and the classrooms are clean, organized, well appointed and clearly taken care of. The outside area is small, but well utilized, and they also have an indoor playground which is useful for the winter months and bad weather. They've done a really great job with space in the downtown core, and you can really feel the sense of love and commitment to the kids there. Additionally - they include lunches served by ReakFoodForRealKids daily as well as snacks which offers incredible, healthy and diverse food. My kids, who can at times be picky at home, literally rave about the food - and they love that there are always healthy snacks available. Through BBMS we have additionally met a wonderful community of downtown families whose kids regularly meet and play outside of school hours. Our kids have fostered lasting and meaningful connections which continue to be a light in both our kid's and our lives. Every other parent I have ever talked to who actually attended Bluebutterfly also raves about their experience - and many have enrolled siblings after their first. Blue Butterfuly have truly been a rock for us through such integral phases of our children's lives, and in addition, during the pandemic - our family will forever be grateful to the staff and teachers here.

Our son has been attending BBMS for over a year now and we've seen him flourish there …read more.. Initially I was a little hesitant about the lack of 'real' outdoor playground feel but that has not mattered at all ..... There is a large play area that my son loves and most importantly we love the flexibility and friendly atmosphere which is important for parents juggling a job and school runs .. BBMS gets a thumbs up from us :)

We love Discovering Minds (and so does our daughter). They created a supportive, loving, family…read moreatmosphere, while also focusing seriously on the Montessori philosophy. Our child flourished under their care and her practical learning exceeded all of my expectations. We were so sad to leave (we moved). I cannot recommend Discovering Minds enough. We still keep in touch with the staff.

My sons have been attending Discovering Minds for 3 1/2 years. This little school has become an…read moreextension of our family. It is a family run, traditional Montessori school, and so the atmosphere here is unique, and I would even say special. The classes are small so nobody gets lost in the shuffle. There is a strong focus on community, and teaching the children how to navigate the world in an independent and responsible, respectful, conscious way. I really can't say enough good things about this school, honestly. I sometimes wonder what I would do without them :) I highly recommend anyone who is thinking of going in the Montessori direction, to definitely check out Discovering Minds.

Our 11 year old loved the upper elementary program. The Montessori curriculum helped our child…read morethrive in this environment. He excelled academically but also physically. Exercising their bodies was was at the forefront of everything they did from bike riding everyday to specialized gym programming in addition to the academically rigorous yet fun curriculum.

My son transitioned from another wonderful Montessori school to this one for his elementary years…read more He has adapted quite well and loves it here. They have weekly outings to programs like the High Park Nature Centre, rock climbing, martial arts, etc. They will also have the opportunity to go on a camping trip at the end of the year and be part of the Model UN in New York. The teachers are caring and engaged and encourage a collaborate environment with gentle conflict resolution. They also have a lovely nature-inspired playground. We recommend!

We wanted our child to remain in the Montessori method for the elementary years. We had heard of…read morethis school through acquaintances. We went to the open house and it seemed nice, the director was there and he invited us to have our child spend a day at the school. We liked the idea and set a day. We were notified that our child should bring extra clothing, lunch, indoor shoes and it was winter. That day everything seemed to be going well, the director sent us a note that our child was enjoying himself. Since we both work office hours I had asked for extended care and the director told us they would be going to a park nearby and then coming back. When I picked my child up, he was crying and knowing that by now he must be exhausted I was not particularly worried. He then told me that his (new) lunch box was missing probably left behind at the park. I tried to reassure him, not to worry, we would look for it but he was very upset. The care-takers then started blaming me saying that I had sent my child too many things, that they couldn't keep track of everything and then one of them told my child to stop crying, she said that it wasn't important, there was no reason for him to cry. I did not like her attitude especially knowing that in a Montessori school caretakers are supposed to be respectful of the children's feelings and I told her that it was important to him and that's what matters. I left and fortunately, we found the lunch box. Then I sent an e-mail to the director saying that my child had enjoyed his day but that I would like to talk to him about the aftercare since a minor incident had happened. He never replied.

My daughter loves this school so far. Each time I pick her up she has big smiles on her face and…read moredoesn't want to leave. Before she goes home she blow kisses to the teachers and her friends. This is only her 3rd day. The classrooms are very spacious and airy with big windows. Principal Ms. Leyla is very caring and so are the teachers.

My daughter started at this Montessori when she was 14 months, I was super nervous finding the…read moreright Montessori for her, but after meeting Ms. Leyla, I knew I wanted to send my daughter here. Ms. Leyla was so welcoming and radiates love for the kids. She truly care for the kids and made me felt comfortable leaving my daughter in her care. The school is very new and clean, staff are friendly. The school also aligns with my view in Montessori learning and I can see the difference in my daughter since she started. Highly recommend.

The Chess Institute of Canada offers chess lessons. It offers classes, school clubs, and camps for…read morechildren and adults. For in-person weekly classes, it rents space at the 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education, in a basement room. The levels are: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and elite. There are drop-in classes, too, but at a higher per-hour rate. My son attended the last 2 lessons of intermediate as drop-in classes. Then he will be taking the advanced course. Both levels are held on Mon evenings. The instructor, David, is good with children and knows how to explain concepts.  The students learn well. There are also online classes. The institute is also partnered with other associations such as the Annex Chess Club. There is no free WiFi but 918 has a password protected WiFi. The place is not wheelchair accessible. There are separate male/female washrooms which are not wheelchair accessible. There is free and paid neighbourhood street parking. Review 2023-006