Sea to Sky Montessori School
Elementary Program
Ages 6-12
About Our Elementary Program
Guides
Every Guide at our school holds a full AMI Certification and a BC Teaching Certificate. These are not entry-level credentials — they represent years of dedicated academic study, practical training, and a deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy. Our Guides enter the classroom not just qualified, but truly prepared — and above all, they bring a genuine love and respect for every child they have the privilege of working with.
Location
Nestled in the heart of Squamish, our Loggers Lane location places your child at the doorstep of one of the most extraordinary natural classrooms in the world. From weekly walks to our nearby rivers and spawning channels to the open spaces of Brennan Park Recreation Centre just steps away, the living landscape of the Sea to Sky corridor becomes an extension of everything we do — all from a location that makes the everyday effortless for your family.
AMI
The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) is the original Montessori organization, founded by Maria Montessori herself and sustained by her family's legacy. AMI certification is a rigorous, full academic certification that represents the highest standard in Montessori education worldwide. When you see AMI, you can be confident that the education your child receives is rooted in the most authentic, thoroughly validated approach to Montessori learning available.
Individual Approach
Montessori Guides present lessons at your child’s own pace. Individual and small group lessons are given by the Guide based on your child’s ability. Each lesson is geared to have successful outcomes that challenge and invite your child to discover and develop. Children are given the freedom to work with the materials that they have been presented, and then guided in the next step once the previous one has been mastered.
Peer to Peer
The three year mixed aged group is a fundamental pillar of the Montessori classroom. Within the three-year age group, there is much peer to peer learning in both academics and social areas. The kindergarten-aged child takes on a role of mentor – given the opportunity to show the younger simpler activities to their peers. The younger child strives to emulate the elder; the younger sees the “big” work the older child is able to do, and strives to learn.
“SMS is committed to meeting the social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of the child. Within the framework of Montessori principles and philosophy, the school’s goal is to provide each child the opportunity to develop to their full potential, in a safe, loving, and affirming environment.”
— Lindsay Graye, School Principal
The Elementary Environment
The elementary environment is designed to foster independence in students, allowing them to become less reliant on their Guide. By gradually moving towards more abstract learning, students gain confidence in their understanding of concepts and expand their knowledge in new and exciting ways. Through their own efforts and discovery, they are empowered to take control of their own learning journey and achieve their full potential.
Students have the freedom to work at their own pace and choose how they complete assignments based on their interests. They work on projects individually or in small groups, which promotes creativity and critical thinking. This provides engaging lessons that encourage research-style activities.
About the Society
After teaching in Toronto, Ontario for four years, Lindsay and Michelle moved to BC in 2006 in search of the perfect place to live and open a Montessori school. After six months, they decided Squamish was that place.
In the lower level of the Squamish Community Church, Squamish Montessori School was opened in May of 2008. Starting with three children, the school grew to expand into a second Casa or primary classroom in the Squamish Elementary public school’s building.
Today, through our Casa program and Toddler Community, we proudly serve the Sea to Sky corridor with 120 children between the ages of 12 months through Grade 5. In September 2027, we will complete our Elementary program by welcoming our final grade, Grade 6 — offering a full, uninterrupted Montessori journey from 12 months through the end of Elementary.