Nelephant news

Latest News & Updates from Nelephant

Stay up to date with current news and events happening at Nelephant Montessori School.

The Importance of Free Time for Children – An Invitation for Reflection

March 3, 2025

Imagine this: you’ve worked hard all day. You’ve done drop-offs and pick-ups. You’ve made sure everyone was fed, bathed, and tucked into bed. The kitchen is clean, and you finally have time to yourself. What is it that you do to reset your mind and body, preparing yourself to do it all again tomorrow?

Young student shaking hands with a teacher at Nelephant Montessori School on his first day

Giving Them Both Roots and Wings – Navigating School Drop Off

January 22, 2025

Maria Montessori says that in the first plane of development (from 0-6 years old) is when children develop biological independence. Progressively, the little baby who was entirely dependent on you for nutrition, language, movement and regulation, begins to find their hands, voice, legs, and sense of self.

Little girl working with Montessori tools

Tell me, quickly! What is Montessori?

November 25, 2022

We follow the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952). She was a medical doctor, a teacher, a philosopher, and an anthropologist.

Students working on tools at Nelephant Montessori school

Freedom Within Limits in Montessori Education

August 14, 2015

There are a number of common misconceptions about Montessori education. One is that Montessori education is too structured and controlled. Another is that children are allowed to do whatever they want.

Check out Nelephant's upcoming events!

What Parents and Alumni Say

“Nelephant is a very high-quality learning environment that offers a true Montessori education. The teachers truly care! Both of my children are thriving since they started at Nelephant.”

“Our daughter loves Nelephant. It's been a wonderful environment for her to grow. The teachers really see her and nurture what she loves. They meet her where she is every day.”

“My husband and I couldn’t be happier with the education our daughter is receiving at Nelephant. The teachers are so kind, patient and friendly, and the atmosphere in the school is so peaceful and joyful at the same time.”

“Our children have been going to Nelephant for multiple years and have loved going every day. The staff have fostered relationships with us and our children allowing them to grow and learn in a nurturing environment. We have been amazed at what they are learning and activities they are able to do at school. We feel so lucky to be a part of the Nelephant community.”

“Both of our children are at Nelephant and it's been wonderful to see their growth and development in an attentive and enriching environment.”

“Our daughter is in her third year at Nelephant and we couldn’t be happier with our experience! She’s grown and learned remarkably in all areas including academics as well as her social and emotional development . Her teachers and staff are communicative, patient, friendly, and very loving towards all the students. The school community definitely feels like family!”

“Our experience at Nelephant Montessori has been nothing but fantastic! The staff at Nelephant are truly gifted at working with children. As working parents who are out of the home full time it is incredibly important to find exceptional childcare where we do not wonder or worry about our children while at work. We know our children are receiving the best care in the city! We are impressed by the academic curriculum but just as impressed with the non-academic curriculum like the lessons is grace & courtesy and kindness. Having just sent our oldest to Grade 1, we've never been more sure we made the correct decision in choosing Nelephant for those early formative years.”

"Our daughter loves being at Nelephant! She always wants to go to school to be with her teachers and friends. She learned so much in a year. We love how the teachers are so patient and kind. Their way of teaching is exceptional. It's a beautiful school and we highly recommend it."

“We came to Nelephant's open house with our older daughter and were blown away by their room set up and day to day activities they do with the children. We decided to send our daughter there who truly thrived and loved being part of Nelephant. The staff are truly so welcoming, loving and made us feel at ease having our daughter there. When our second daughter came it was with no hesitation that she would attend as well. Such a wonderful, warm welcoming school! Thank you for taking such great care of our girls!"

“When I was a little boy my parents chose to send me to Nelephant Montessori school. I now have the great pleasure of sending my son to the school that I believe set the foundation of learning for the rest of my life. My son loves going to school every day, and I know he is getting the best education possible! Our younger son is already asking when he can start to go to Nelephant too! Thank you so much for the care you take and the efforts you make - I can truly say, it lasts a lifetime.”

“It's been a joy and privilege to send our 3 children to Nelephant Montessori School. Nelephant provides such a nurturing environment, where each child is respected as a unique individual. Nelephant offers individualised learning - following the lead of the child, with low teacher to student ratios. We've loved watching our children thrive at Nelephant and become confident, independent children who take pride in their work. Nelephant and the Montessori method have provided our children with a strong foundation and set them up for success as they transitioned into grade one - particularly in math and language. Thank you Nelephant for the love and care you provide our children, and for helping them become the successful students they are today.”

“Nelephant has provided all 3 of my children with an amazing experience to start their educational journey. It has allowed my children to flourish at their own pace and be seen as an individual with limitless potential. My children developed and are developing a lifelong joy of learning from Nelephant and the amazing staff there.”

"We love the Nelephant community! Our oldest completed all 3 years of the Casa program and our youngest is now in Toddler. Both schools have amazing staff and the learning environment is conducive to each individualised student. We couldn't be happier with everything our children have learned through Nelephant!"

Admissions

About

Toddler Program

64 Louth Street
St Catharines, Ontario
L2S 2T4
(905) 641-9736

Casa Program

134 Louth Street
St Catharines, Ontario
L2S 2T4
(905) 704-1388