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2 min read

Why are Montessori schools SO expensive?

We get asked this question a lot. I’ve also come across it many times online.  

It's frustrating because many families love the educational approach but cannot reasonably afford the tuition costs.

There are three main reasons why Montessori schools are so expensive:

1. They're private schools - there are a few public Montessori schools in Canada but the vast majority are private. Being a private schools comes with a lot of expenses (rent, insurance, staff salaries) that are paid entirely through tuition compared to public schools with government funding.  

2. The Classroom Materials are EXPENSIVE - Montessori classrooms are filled with specially designed Montessori materials. These specialized materials tend to be very expensive.

Even when purchasing budget-friendly materials, the total cost for materials in one classroom can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This isn’t including the furniture!

3. Maintaining Prepared Environment - Although the learning materials and furnishings in a Montessori classroom are typically made of high-quality materials, there is wear and tear from the children handling them every day.

Pieces get lost and materials have to be replaced. Unlike a block set, where it likely won’t make much a difference if a block or two goes missing, Montessori materials have to be complete in order for teachers to present them and children to use them.

If you Want To Send Your Child to Montessori BUT Can't Afford It...

Practice Montessori at home.

Montessori isn't all about the materials - it's also a mindset.

A mindset that helps to build a trusting and respectful relationship with children.

With that in mind, there's plenty of opportunities to bring Montessori into your home without buying all new furniture and turning your house upside down.

Katie (MACTE-certified and the creator of our at-home program) talked about how exactly to do that at a Montessori conference she spoke at last year.

In her talk, she goes through each area of the home and suggests small changes you can make to foster independence, focus, and confidence in your child.

Things like:

  • hanging low hooks at the front door so your child can hang their own coat or in the bathroom so they can hang their own towel
  • designating a low cupboard in the kitchen for their utensils and dish ware so they can grab them independently
  • adding a small stool and mirror to their dressing area to make self-dressing easier

If you're interested, the conference she spoke at (Childhood Potential) has agreed to let us share her full talk > https://youtu.be/SiM-ZITvbDY