Top Elementary schools in North York, Canada

WillowWood School has changed my life forever in a very positive way. I knew from the minute I joined WillowWood School back in September 2008 as a Grade 7 student, that was the school that was going to change me socially and emotionally (academically, I have always done very well). As an individual like myself with autism, social skills are a struggle. WillowWood gave me the confidence to find those skills again. At my high school graduation, I was one of the two valedictorians. Fred, Joy, and to the teachers at WillowWood, you have changed my life forever.

My daughter has been attending this school for the past six years, and we are thoroughly impressed with HeadStart Montessori School. Every aspect of this place is exceptional. The staff is well-trained, very pleasant, and wonderful with kids. I have never felt any stress leaving my little one there. During Covid, the school ensured all necessary measures were taken. Both my daughter and we simply love this place and are forever grateful to HSM for the positive impact it has had on our lives and the strong foundation it has laid for lifelong learning and education for my ward. Thanks, HeadStart Montessori School!

A kid and his *gang* jumped me because I was talking to his crush and the teachers did nothing

I had so much fun at Willowwood. I had best experience with all my teachers and I made lots of friends

some boy jumped on me while i was there because i was talking to his girl and then i got body slammed by 79 people and hit my head on a blue spring fake rock, please help me im not ok i now live at the hospital with amnesia.

We came to Head Start with our (then) 11 month old. I wanted to get a head start on transitioning him out before I returned to work post mat leave. My kid completed his first year in the NIDO class, but started to show significant developments from his first month. He is independent and courteous, and some of the skills he acquired just blow us all away!
The teachers are trained in Montessori style teaching/lifestyle. They provide guidance to us parents on how to mimic the lifestyle at home so my kid isn’t confused.
Overall, love the school!

Dear Mellissa,

My son is at his second week of summer camp and loving it!

It is so wonderful to see him happily running off to play with his new friends, hearing he is enjoying each of his morning subjects and making requests for future playdates.

WillowWood and your team have been kind, welcoming and accommodating. I feel great relief when I drop him off knowing he is in good hands and he's happy.

Thank you, thank you☺️

The staff is full of love for little ones and they provide such a warm and supportive environment for kids. They would care about every single concern and are very responsive which you won’t find in every school. After about two years being with HSM, I can confidently say they are doing an amazing job and kids are treated very respectfully. I would give them 5 stars for all they have done so far. Thank you, Ms. Alvi, Mrs. Shah, Mrs. Ahmed, and Ms. Alizadeh for your support, kindness and care. I would highly recommend HSM to every family.

I cant say enough good things about WillowWood. It is a community of amazing teachers, students and parents who want only the best for your child. My son has just finished his first year here (grade 2) and has thrived . It is a great feeling knowing he is in a supportive environment that comes up with solutions to your child's learning challenges. Overall, he couldnt be happier.

My son attended WillowWood from grade 8 to grade 12. I wish I had him start earlier. Quality education with an informal atmosphere that develops trust and confidence.

My daughter joined WillowWood summer school when she was in grade 8 to see if this is the right fit for her for high school. Her experience was amazing she did not mind studying in the summer which shows how happy she was. The teachers were so nice and helpful and answered all my questions with a big smile always. She is about to finish her first year and she is really enjoying her time studying and participating in all the extra activities they offer. As a parent I always wanted to make sure my daughter is happy safe learning and enjoying her time all this is offered by Williwwood. As a mom I can say I am so lucky to have found the school from the teachers to the administrators they are amazing and I can’t thank them enough for all their hard work patience understanding and support. The school organizes lots of activities and they try their best to let all the kids participate from the Christmas show to the yearly trip which was Japan this year (my daughter was lucky enough to go she had a blast and the trip was so organized from start to finish) to the play Annie to the spring fest. All this fun and still the kids are studying and working hard to reach their potential with the non ending support of the teachers. I can see all the improvements and changes that happened to my daughter and I am so happy and thankful for each and everyone in the school.

How do I put it. Education is a service, not a product. The problem with most private school out there is that they see themselves as an organization selling a product. A product is something that you need to learn to use it, regardless of how sophisticated or ordinary it is. A service is something that serves you, assist you in doing what you need to do, in this case, would be learning and realizing your potential. My son is thriving in all area since the beginning of his arrival at the school, they put him in the math pod a grade higher, and he feels challenged so he would focus, and the help is always there if he needs further clarification. It is a small school but as a person who came from another small private school (in fact it was slightly bigger), they have all the things that a big school has (of course, except for the number of headcounts), a cafeteria where socialization happens during lunch (who wants to eat at your work station), library with librarian, lunch and after school clubs almost everyday, an art room for art class (and they teach arts, not just crafts to young children, if you know what I mean by that). And communication is very transparent, and honest. A great team of people.

It's a great Montessori school. I would strongly recommend it to a child of any age.

I’ll miss this place more then most came here from grade 1-5 had some of my most memorable moments and experiences here I remember mr babby my favorite principal ms foster mr Sutherland and more who I forgot the names of but still miss y’all this school did a lot for me n all the memories I had here were unforgettable I wanna come back one day cause I miss it a lot great school where I made lots of friends hopefully y’all remember me especially my best friends here bo and Jonathan who went to completely different high school then me but I still miss y’all remember me - Norman

I hated this school during my childhood. The people here treated me awfully when I was going though difficult times with my mental health and dysfunctional family. I was misbehave and didn’t know better. I got into fights and cause many problems which I’m truly sorry for. But these people are rotten in the core for how they handle things. They present themselves in a very rude manner that shows they never cared for me. I felt that I should’ve had help in many ways but they never consider about that. I will never forgive them for partly destroying my childhood. I don’t recommend anyone to attend this school that have similar struggles like my childhood.

WillowWood is a great school with strong sense of community. It feels like a big happy family. Their Pod program for Lower and middle school allow kids to navigate the subjects at their own pace (both faster or slower than their grade) so they don't get bored or overwhelmed. I have never seen anything like it in other schools that we were in. Individualized learning and one-on-one support is also another one of WillowWood's many strengths. We have been at WillowWood for 9 years and there is nothing but good memories and appreciation for this amazing school.

i go to this school its honestly fine but i dont know why u guys are lying beause to be real this school rocks and there is no roaches and there is no rude teachers. so please do not lie about his school please and thank you

We had a very good experience with the Montessori. They are really one of the best and provide a very safe and nurturing learning environment for kids. The classrooms are spacious and all teachers are caring and engaging for kids. Ms. Alvi and Ms. Shaw are managing the center very well. They are very organised and disciplined while child pickup and drop, they provide quick response to your queries about the child and smooth handling of any incidents as well. They encourage parents to be actively involved in council and provide their inputs. Overall our experience was very satisfying including that of our child and we recommend parents to choose HSM.

(background: I have been to 3 day cares before writing this review) My son started at this school from Nido/Infant class in September a year ago, and we have nothing but wonderful experience here. The classrooms are spacious, always clean and tidy, every single teacher we have interacted with (about 8-9 so far) have been knowledgeable and passionate about children and early childhood education. You won't see regular toys in the classrooms since it is a Montessori school and I personally really like it that way since puzzle-like toys are more stimulating and promote creativity. I often have questions about my child and about being a parent in general, I always learn something new from the teachers at school. We initially chose this school because we live in the neighborhood, now I do not want to move because this school is just that good. I did not think I'd be that parent who is picky about a small child's school, but this school has opened up my eyes and taught me the importance of educating children the montesorri way.

This school is the worst school I have ever seen. Some of the teachers and the principal are sooooo rude.My son has really hard time there.Please do not send your chid to that school.😭😭😭

A guy who.used.to be my friend said this school.made him get into a lot.of.fights not recommended to go