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PROGRAMS


Our Schedule
Marigold Montessori School will be open Tuesday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
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We offer a 4-day Montessori program as our primary schedule.
Families may also request a 2-day option
(Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday), subject to availability and need.​
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The extended day runs from 8:00-8:30 and 3:30-4:00. Subject to availability and need.
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Our drop-off window is 8:30–8:45 AM, and pick-up is between 3:15–3:30 PM.
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We ask that children attend for the full day, as consistency supports their sense of routine, learning, and community.
Closures
We follow the local public school calendar for holidays and closures. This includes:
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2 weeks off for Winter break
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1.5 weeks off for Spring Break
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2 months off during the Summer (July and August)
We are also exploring extended hours and summer camps, depending on family interest and staffing. Families will be notified as these options become available.


Pre K Montessori Program
At Marigold Montessori, our pre k program is thoughtfully designed to support children aged 30 months to 4 years during this incredible stage of growth and discovery. In a calm, carefully prepared environment, children are encouraged to explore at their own pace, building confidence, independence, and a deep love of learning. These are some of the foundational skills the children will be learning:
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Practical Life – pouring, sweeping, dressing, cutting, fine motor activities and caring for the environment. This helps build coordination, concentration, and independence which supports skills needed for future pencil work and concentration.
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Sensorial Exploration – hands-on materials refine the senses and help children sort, compare, and classify the world around them.
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Language – from vocabulary building to early phonics, we support rich language development through songs, stories, conversation, and hands-on Montessori materials that introduce letter sounds, vocabulary, and early writing skills.
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Early Math – through concrete materials, children begin to understand numbers, patterns, and quantities in a natural, hands-on way.
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Social-Emotional Growth – daily routines and group interactions help children learn patience, empathy, and problem-solving with gentle guidance.
These early years lay the foundation for everything that follows. Our goal is to nurture each child’s natural curiosity while supporting the development of focus, independence, and a strong sense of self. It’s a joyful, purposeful start to a lifelong journey of learning.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten program at Marigold Montessori builds on the strong foundation laid in the early years, offering children an enriched, hands-on learning experience during this important stage of development. As children become more confident, focused, and socially aware, they’re ready for deeper exploration, collaborative learning, and more complex problem-solving.
In our Montessori Kindergarten classroom, children continue to grow in:
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Language & Literacy – building on phonetic awareness, children engage in early reading, writing, and storytelling using Montessori materials like the movable alphabet, phonogram cards, and grammar symbols to support literacy in a joyful, meaningful way.
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Mathematics – hands-on materials such as golden beads, number rods, and stamp games help children move from concrete to abstract understanding of addition, subtraction, place value, and even simple multiplication and division.
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Cultural Studies – children are introduced to geography, science, history, and nature through hands-on exploration, map work, experiments, and stories that spark curiosity about the world around them.
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Practical Life & Leadership – older children naturally take on leadership roles in the classroom, mentoring younger peers and building responsibility, empathy, and self-confidence through meaningful tasks.
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Creative Expression – art, music, movement, and storytelling are woven into the day, allowing children to express themselves and build communication skills.
Our Kindergarten program prepares children not only for Grade 1, but for life—fostering independence, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning. Each child is supported at their own pace, in a respectful environment where their ideas, interests, and growing voice are valued.


The Importance of Outdoor Play
At Marigold Montessori, we believe that outdoor play is essential to healthy child development. Nature offers endless opportunities for movement, exploration, creativity, and problem-solving—and we honour each child’s need to connect with the world around them.
Children in our program have the freedom to choose outdoor play throughout the day, just as they do with their indoor work. This supports their natural rhythm, helps build self-regulation, and encourages independence. The children will also have a dedicated outdoor play time in the afternoon. Outdoor time isn’t just recess—it’s an extension of the learning environment.
Our yard includes a covered outdoor space, allowing children to play outside in any weather, year-round. Rain or shine, they’ll be able to climb, dig, build, imagine, and explore.
We’re also lucky to be located near some of Port Alberni’s beautiful parks and natural play spaces. Places like Harbour Quay, the lighthouse, and the historic train station are all within walking distance, offering rich opportunities for community connection, adventure, and real-world learning.
Through outdoor play, children build physical strength, social skills, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world—core values we nurture every day at Marigold Montessori.
Extended Day
Our extended day program offers a half an hour in the morning from 8:00-8:30 and half an hour in the afternoon from 3:30-4:00 pm. This program is being offered at an extra cost and priority may go to the base program, based on the majority of the needs of parents.


Summer Camps
While our main program runs from September to June, we're hoping to offer summer camps based on interest and staff availability. These camps will be a fun, play-based extension of our Montessori approach, with a focus on outdoor play, creativity, and local adventures.
Activities may include gardening, nature walks, water play, art, and field trips to nearby spots like parks and the Harbor Quay.
Stay tuned for updates as we explore this exciting possibility!