About Our School

Providing education for life in the heart of Belleville since 1997.

Belleville Montessori School was founded in 1997 by childhood friends Marcia McQuaid and Tadger Murray. What began as a small program with just five children has grown organically and gradually into a vibrant community of learners. Today, our school welcomes 48 Casa students and 24 Lower Elementary students each day.

Our school is located in a beautifully renovated church in a quiet neighbourhood in Belleville’s East End. The bright, welcoming space features two Casa classrooms and one Lower Elementary classroom, thoughtfully designed to support each stage of a child’s Montessori journey. Outside, children enjoy a spacious, fenced yard surrounded by trees — a safe and natural setting that encourages exploration, play, and connection with nature.

True to the Montessori philosophy, our classrooms are multi-age environments that reflect Dr. Maria Montessori’s concept of the planes of development: 2.5 to 6 years for the Casa program and 6 to 9 years for the Lower Elementary program. This structure encourages mentorship, collaboration, and independence—key elements in nurturing a child’s natural curiosity and love of learning.

We operate on a traditional school-year calendar, ensuring children have dedicated time to rest and reconnect with family during summer vacation, Christmas, and March Break. These pauses allow students to return refreshed and ready to re-engage in their learning journey.

Our dedicated educators bring both experience and education to the classroom, combining professional Montessori training with a genuine passion for guiding each child’s unique development. Their expertise creates a nurturing and consistent environment where children feel supported, respected, and inspired to explore their potential.

At Belleville Montessori School, we remain committed to providing a peaceful, respectful, and engaging environment where children can develop at their own pace, guided by the principles of authentic Montessori education.

Both of our daughters attended Belleville Montessori, and now our granddaughter is carrying on the tradition. That alone says how much we love this school. The teachers truly love their students, and it shows in everything they do —from the beautiful art projects to the thoughtful lessons to the care they show each day. It’s such a magical place that offers a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn, grow and explore. We’re so grateful for the foundation this school has given our family.

The Walmsley's

I enrolled my child in the Belleville Montessori at 3 years old. She joined Tadger's Casa class for three years before graduating to Shari's primary class until the end of Grade 3. Our experience at Montessori was remarkable, and my child still talks about her teachers and experiences there (she is now in high school). Montessori set the benchmark for education and learning for her, and set a strong foundation of valuable skills for self-directed learning. The student-led learning environment, multi-grade/age classrooms, made for the best early schooling experience for my child.

Christy M.

Our son loved his time at the Belleville Montessori School. He became more confident, independent, and curious every day. The teachers truly cared about him and helped him learn in ways that fit his personality. We were so grateful to see him excited about school and proud of what he was learning. Marcia, Tadger and Shari became like an extended family to him and we are still in touch with them to this day.

Shawn & Raylene P.

Belleville Montessori has been more than a daycare or school program for our children. They have learned and grown in a caring and supportive environment where they have been encouraged to take risks, try new things, and make new friends. We are regularly surprised by the knowledge they have acquired, but more importantly, by the values that are encouraged and demonstrated in the classroom. The staff and families have become friends we will keep with us long past graduation.

Heather B.

We have had two children go through the early childhood program and continue through to grade 3 graduation at the Montessori school, and it has been an incredible experience for both of them! The teachers and staff at Montessori feel like family, providing exceptional teaching, attention and care while addressing each child's individual needs. Their commitment to ensuring that every child succeeds is second to none.

Jenn