Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Marcus Montessori Academy is a registered private school in Nova Scotia. We follow the Montessori method across Pre-Primary through Grade 3.

Our elementary program serves Pre-Primary through Grade 3, for children ages 4–8. We use mixed-age groupings, which is central to the Montessori approach — older children reinforce their learning by mentoring younger ones.

No prior Montessori experience is needed. Children adapt quickly to the Montessori environment. We introduce each child to the materials and approach at their own pace.

We are intentionally small — a maximum of 5 students in this first cohort. This allows for deep, individualized attention and a genuine community feeling. We currently have 2 spots filled and 3 remaining for September 2026.

Yes. School students have access to our before- and after-school program at no extra charge. Morning care begins at 7:00 AM and after-school runs until 6:00 PM. Home pickup and drop-off is also available for families in our local service area.

Yes. We offer home pickup and drop-off for school families in our local service area (Clayton Park, Fairview, Bedford, Sackville, Hammonds Plains and nearby areas). Contact us at (902) 489-7400 to confirm availability for your address.

Call or text us at (902) 489-7400 or email marcusjoshua2009@gmail.com to start a conversation. We'll invite you to tour the space and meet us before completing an application. September 2026 spots are limited — reach out soon.

We accept children ages 4-12 years old. Please note: 4-year-olds must be enrolled in the provincial Pre-Primary program (all children attending school are eligible).

Our fees are $420 per month from September to June (which includes PD days, March Break, and Christmas Break). During July and August, the fee is $900 per month for our summer program.

Yes, there is a one-time $25 non-refundable processing fee for registration.

Our waitlist operates on a first-come, first-served basis. We do give priority to siblings of current participants and children of current employees. If you're interested in joining, please contact us to add your child's name to the list.

Please call or text us at (902) 489-7400 to discuss enrollment. We'll walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have about our program.

We are open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

No, we are closed on all statutory holidays including New Year's Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day.

PD days are included in your monthly fee from September to June. On these days, we organize special outings such as trips to museums, parks, farms, the zoo, or movies. Children typically get to choose from 2-3 options for each PD day.

Yes! Both March Break and Christmas Break programs are included in your regular monthly fee from September to June. We plan special activities and outings during these weeks.

Yes! We offer comprehensive transportation services that parents affectionately call our 'Uber for Kids' service. We provide: • Morning drop-off: Parents can drop children at our center before school, and we transport them to school • School pickup: We pick up children from school at the end of the day and bring them to our facility • Complimentary home pickup and drop-off service within our service area Our home pickup and drop-off service is available for families in Clayton Park, Fairview, Bedford, Sackville, and Hammonds Plains. If you live nearby but just outside these areas, please reach out to confirm availability. Contact us at (902) 489-7400 to discuss your specific transportation needs.

Children must be picked up by 6:00 PM. Please contact us for details about our late pickup policy.

Yes, but only individuals you have authorized in writing may pick up your child. Please ensure we have current contact information and authorization forms on file.

Yes! As part of our program, children participate in preparing their own snacks and baked goods. This is an important part of our hands-on learning approach. Children also make snacks and baked goods for younger children in the program.

Please inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions during enrollment. We will work with you to ensure your child's safety and accommodate their needs during our cooking and baking activities.

Please contact us at (902) 489-7400 to discuss meal arrangements based on your child's schedule and needs.

We offer a rich variety of hands-on activities: • Skating twice per week at Sackville Sport Stadium • Baking and cooking programs (including two bake shows per year) • Sewing projects for charitable causes • Woodworking (picture frames, birdhouses, boxes) • Sound therapy with crystal bowls • Community service projects • Access to our craft room, LEGO room, library, and hammock room for independent exploration

Our sound therapy sessions use crystal singing bowls, rain drums, and ocean drums to promote: • Relaxation and stress relief • Emotional regulation • Better sleep quality • Improved focus and concentration • Mindfulness skills Research shows these practices support children's overall well-being.

Children engage in meaningful service projects including: • Baking for homeless shelters • Sewing mitten clips for donation • Cooking soup for charitable causes • Participating in Days For Girls projects (helping girls in poorer countries attend school) These activities help develop empathy and a sense of community responsibility.

Yes! We have several gardening initiatives: • Chicken coop: In spring, we'll introduce 8-10 laying hens in our existing greenhouse (we're hoping for blue, yellow, and pink eggs!) • Outdoor garden: Maintained during spring and summer months • Hydroponic garden: Operating indoors year-round Children learn responsibility, life cycles, and where food comes from through hands-on care.

Parents of enrolled children are always welcome to visit. For prospective families, we ask that you schedule a tour so we can give you our full attention — please call or text (902) 489-7400 to set one up. This is a safety policy we take seriously.