Coquitlam Montessori Society
The Coquitlam Montessori Society (registered charity number 888006848RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1983 to integrate Montessori education into British Columbia’s public school system. It operates within School District 43 (Coquitlam), supporting one of Canada’s largest public Montessori programs, serving approximately 800 students from kindergarten to middle school[1][3][5].

Mission and Activities

The society promotes Montessori pedagogy through teacher training, classroom resource development, and community advocacy. It funds Montessori-specific materials, subsidizes teacher professional development, and supports extracurricular activities such as middle school camps[2][3]. Its mission emphasizes fostering child development within the public education framework while adhering to Maria Montessori’s principles of self-directed learning and multi-age classrooms[1][4].

History and Structure

Founded by parents seeking alternative public education options, the society became a registered charity in 1985. It collaborates with School District 43 to maintain Montessori classrooms characterized by hands-on learning materials, student-led exploration, and mixed-age groups[1][5]. Teachers in the program hold provincial teaching credentials and may pursue additional Montessori certifications[5].

Funding and Outreach

The organization relies on donations and volunteer efforts to purchase classroom equipment, expand facilities, and promote Montessori education within the community. It also provides public resources about Montessori methods and advocates for program sustainability within the public school system[3][5].