Toronto French Montessori School

We wish to TORONTO FRENCH MOTESSORI SCHOOL "TFMS" to keep growing in the right path for providing a high level of education to our kids in both languages as well in Spanish as second language., August 21, 2011

By David

After lengthy inquiries between different private and bilingual schools; my wife and I made the wise choice by selecting the TFMS for providing highly quality education for our kids in both official languages and the Spanish as the second language.

Our kids are growing with the growth of this school. They are fluently bilingual, they communicate with the proper French language as well as their English was so advanced, we are sure that progress will facilitate their future in the high school. Not only that, we were so proud of our kids when they used their second language to translate for us the conversation with the hotel staff in Mexico.

We are following the progress of our kids for the last 4 years. We are confident that TFMS level of education in the math, science and art, as well the activities in the Gym and music will assist our kids to have a smooth choice of their future in high school.

We congratulate the principal and her team of highly qualified teachers in their friendly attitude with our kids that they make them feel at home.

The administration is so well organized; they provide us with curriculum of their program and calendar schedules of their full activities in the beginning of the school year, so we can synchronize our schedules accordingly.

Furthermore, the principal and her team will listen to our comments and respond promptly to our concerns in explaining to us the reasons behind their decisions and inviting us to the classes for giving us the comfort of their education’s level.

We thank Mme Marie and her staff for understanding the kids’ need and wish them to continue the growth of TFMS in the right path and keep assisting our kids for better future.

Thanks God for making the wise choice in investing in our kids’ future for better life.

Toronto French Montessori School - Congratulations!, August 19, 2011

By LLMC

Congratulations to Toronto French Montessori School (TFMS) for entering her 2nd decade. I also would like to share the happiness with the graduates who finished their elementary and will be moving on to High school. During the Graduation ceremony, Mr. Karygiannis distributed the diplomas; I was really touched by the speech of one of the parents. She was telling the same message that has always been in my heart. I remember her son was a cute little boy when he started 11 years ago; I can’t imagine that he is now a handsome young man who is going for high school. I have been attending the graduation ceremony for the past years with my daughter; every time I felt my child is growing with the school. I am grateful that the school I picked is the best for my child, what she learned from TFMS and the care and love received from the teachers are immeasurable.

TFMS emphasizes on her family communities; the uniqueness of teaching French using Montessori materials to students as young as 18 months old. Parents cannot believe how children can learn so much at this age. There are students who moved on to other private schools, IB program and French schools. I have no doubt in the ability of the students who have received a sound foundation of education which is provided in TFMS. The students come to Toronto French Montessori School feel the love and warmth like home. We are joyful to be part of the TFMS family. Blessed to those who have been, is now and will be in the TFMS family.

An ok school - just dont call it a Montessori when discussing it with real Montessori people..., July 21, 2011

By Ex TFMS lackie

This is NOT a Montessori school, it is not recognized internationally as one and though it follows some of the basic Montessori principles, it fails to deliver on many fronts.

The random and constant pan-handling by the administration is shameful. Fund-raising should be planned in advance.

Ad-hoc scheduling of school events (last minute field-trips and ad-hoc PA days are my favourite) make it difficult for working parents to plan around.

Be very careful with any school that terminates it's parent-lead council. Parents are not permitted to discuss any school-related business, or face expulsion of their child.

I wish Mme Marie all the best in health and happiness. I hope her health improves quickly. I do, however hope that the insanely high turnover of staff and students turn this venture into a lemonade stand and save unsuspecting prospects the grief.

The one-star in my rating is for the excellent job she does at marketing this school. Congratulations on the pretty bus-shelter advertisements and child testimonials.

The BEST Montessori School in the city, November 9, 2009

By Joan Antler

As a former parent of Petite Maison Montessori, I would like to share my wonderful experiences of this school. I know I speak for MANY as this special school for young kids has touched the lives of so many. Both my children attended PMM and both never wanted to leave. Firstly, the classrooms are gorgeous and well kept. The teachers are loving and have been around forever and the co-pricipals are some of the nicest gals Ive met. This school not only teaches French but offers Spanish and Greek. The way languages and all other subjects are taught are truly unique. Children LOVE going to school here as they feel loved each and every day. The teachers care and guide each child to their true potential. I wish one day they will expand and offer older grades so that I can bring my children back. Kids have loved this place so much that past alumni come and work in their afterschool care program. This in itself proves how loved and admired this school is. I feel very fortunate to have found this school as I am sure many current parents do too! If you live in the east end in the city THIS is the ultimate montessori experience!

TFMS, May 7, 2009

By M N Grade 6 parent

When I first visited Toronto French Montessori (TFMS) school at the Cummer Campus location over 9 years ago, I vividly recall Mme Marie who came to greet me and she had the little Casa children clinging to her like little chicks and each time she would enter the classroom the children would call out her name and hug her. It is that trust that I have known ever since. Madame Marie has been teaching for over 25 years. Prior to opening TFMS she was teaching in the Public sector. I am happy with the current curriculum and after school programs. I am happy with all my sons current teachers Including French , English, Music, Drama, Gym, and Art programs. I have to say that the only thing in my life that I don’t worry about is having my son attend Toronto French Montessori School. It is a safe school with private entrance through locked doors. It is unfortunate that I even have to mention that but these are things parents should consider. I know that my son is getting the best education in both French and English language not to mention Spanish and Music and Drama and Arts. My son prior to attending this school was an introverted child and he has blossomed into a young man who is very well spoken in both French and English. This is attributed to the student to teacher ratio which enables the teacher to give more attention to each student. Many friends tell me that my son is an interesting boy who can talk about almost anything and I owe it to Toronto French Montessori School. I personally do not speak French fluently as I only have high school French however all elementary students have tutorial session after school so they can finish their homework in all subjects. TFMS has been The Readers Choice award for The Best Montessori School and best Camp for the past six years listed in the weekly newspaper in The Mirror. I can on and on about how much I love this school. I know last year there was a situation with a teacher but its difficult to find quality teachers who are successful at what they do. I know Madame Marie is hard working teacher with a big heart who had a dream to have this school and I am so happy to apart of such a successful school. I look forward to celebrating the 10th Anniversary next year.

Toronto French Montessori School, April 20, 2009

By Elementary Parent

April 20, 2009

I have no doubt to recommend Toronto French Montessori School to any parent, who is planning to have their children to go for bilingual or multilingual education. My daughter started with the school when she was 27 months old. We are lucky to pick the perfect school for her. Their casa classes use French as the main language. The French speaking Montessori teachers introduce the language in an interesting way, along with Montessori materials. Since she had already had a sound foundation on French language, it was quite easy for her to pick up other languages. By Grade One, she started her English language with well-trained Montessori teacher; together with Spanish and even Mandarin. I did not see any confusion whatsoever with my daughter. I should give credit to all the teachers who have taught her for the past years, especially Mme. Marie Mousa, the founder of the school; who dedicated over 20 years in education. She does not only educate her students, she also encourages parents to join parenting classes. I personally benefit a lot from those organized by the school and by the Montessori Association.

My daughter is in Grade Five; every year she undergoes Canadian Achievement Test with the school, the students always have extraordinary results. I am amazed with their strong curriculum. The school also provides after school tutoring section for students who need extra help with their homework from the teachers. This is very useful for families who do not speak French at home. TFMS is a well-rounded school, with diversified after-school activities; dance class, chess club, basketball and soccer team.

I am especially impressed with the teachers/students ratio; that allows the caring teachers to nurture the students in a safe environment. I am confident to vouch for Toronto French Montessori School.

, April 20, 2009

By A R

Our children are students at TFMS for several years and our experience with the school is a positive one. We find the staff professional and approachable and the programme is enriching academicaly, but not only. Our youngest (almost 5 years old) can write in curssive letters, and our oldest is passionate about math, art, and the environment. We owe these to their teachers' hard work and dedication.
The principal is commited to quality education and we are pleased with the new vice-principal as well.

TFMS, April 15, 2009

By Mother of Grade 6. (P. Lee)

when I enrolled my child to the school, he was only 3, like other parents, I went around visited all different Montessori School, talked to different parents and teachers, been to all well formed Montessori schools.Hoping to search the best school for my child.
Then one day when I passed by the church I saw the school sign and I just when in to visit , I met Madame Marie (The principal & founder of TFMS). she welcomed me with her warm smiled and and gave me a grand tour of school then we sat down and chat in the class, she told me the school and her more than 25 years wonderful teaching experience . she smiled whenever she told me the fun experience she had with the children. The feeling she gave me totally different than others well formed school or the principal I met in their big office. I remember I told Madame Marie, I do not have any money with me now as I was not prepare but I asked her please reserve a place for my child as I run to the ATM machine to withdrew money and today is my son 10th school years in TFMS!

You can not find a principal can be so devoted for the school like Madame Marie as you never see a principal always try to be in the class with the children. Read or give a hug to the child no matter how busy she was. she treated the kids as her own baby.

All parents love their children and all have different level of expectation to their children and towards the school as well and we all should respect that. Just like others school or organization , it will have teachers or parents come and go as for their own choices or expectation, it doesn't mean our kids not being treated well as we have a group of parents, teachers that we knew since school starts.

The school not only teach the kids the language skills but taught them to be responsible and know to respect and love. for me I am glad I found the best school for my kid.

TFMS is a wonderful school., April 8, 2009

By TFMS Current Parent

I have been a parent at the Toronto French Montessori School for several years now. Both my husband and I are anglophones and do not speak French at home and our child after 3 years at TFMS speaks fluently in French. Our child loves the school and is always excited to wake up and attend school!

In regards to Ms. Racha Raad's comment, I would just like to point out that she omitted to mention in her post that during a turbulent year last year, in which the school lost several qualified Montessori teacher, she was the head of the elementary division. She personally bears direct responsibility for their resignation. I also find it distasteful on Ms. Racha's part to state that the teachers that left the school were 'unqualified' when she herself was their manager and knew fully well they were all qualified teachers.

Many parents are glad that she no longer is part of the TFMS staff.
As for the staff currently at TFMS, we have no complaints! They are warm, caring, loving and knowledgeable.

clarifications regarding this school, March 4, 2009

By Racha Raad

I hesitated before writing a review but I felt it is my duty to open parents' eyes regarding this school.
I am just copying some of the comments written on a montessori forum but the truth about this school is much much terrible than what have been written.
From my own experience, this is not a school, but a dishonest business. The problems go far beyond mismanagement. Many good parents and teachers have left the school and more will be leaving soon. Buyer beware!
This school is supposed to be a Montessori school while none of the teachers at the Eementary level is a Montessori teacher The teacher credentials are misrepresented on the school website
Every year, you meet totally new faces- new teachers There is surely no stability for the students. The students - in a Montessori school- are supposed to have the same teacher for 3 years. The teachers seem to leave suddenly -throughout the academic year- without any explanation and the students are left with supply, unprepared , non Montessori teachers
The biggest problem is when you have a complaint or request to present to the principal. Then there is no way to get to her You feel then unsatisfied and even frustrated It seems also that there is barriers between the parents and the teachers In order to see your kid's teacher you need to present a formal written request- which is unusual The principal or someone representing her has to be present Do they have something to hide This leads dissatisfied parents to leave the school
So, the high turnover is not only with the teachers, it is also with the parents and students

Having had some experience with this school, I have to agree fully with the last posting, and indeed, with all the postings. I agree that the school is likely a good experience for the younger child, as an introduction to French, which the children seem to learn quickly. However, in the past year, the elementary program has suffered the loss of some well educated and Montessori-trained teachers, actively and potentially very good students, and extremely nice families (many of whom turned handsprings to support this school in every way year after year - seemingly to no avail). The genesis of the problem is lack of communication between parents and administration, and duplicitous communication from administration to the much needed teaching staff. Concerns of parents are not addressed in a timely fashion and this goes from a small problem to a big problem quickly. Most parental/student concerns seemed were very solvable initially, but quickly escalated to the unsolvable as a result of parents being continually ignored. If you are thinking of enroling your child in this school - think "helicopter parent", as this must be your role, along with absolute dogged determination to not just let things 'go'! Due diligence!
Well, the problems which apply to the Elementary students apply to to the casa students too. The turnover of teachers is destabilizing the young children.
Some of the casa teachers are not Montessori teachers and some do not even speak French.
Parents only discover that their children's can not properly express themselves in French when they move them to other French schools - which is too late

The parent committee has dissolved though- another victim of lack of parent-principal communication... Proceed with caution- be weary of things told that lack details and are overly optimistic.

2008/2009 School year has been wonderful!!, January 11, 2009

By Grade 1 mother

I have to say that this school year has seen a 100% improvement over last year. The teachers are wonderful and very involved with the parents and students. The school now has a vice-principal to deal with the administration and the Principal is no longer teaching full-time.

My daughter is in grade 1 and doing extremely well. My francophone sister-in-law cannot believe how well my daughter speaks french - she does not sound like an anglophone speaking french - she has the accent of a francophone. This is fantastic considering we are not french speaking parents!

Toronto French Montessori has to improve on parent and teacher relationships and feedback and admin issues, September 3, 2008

By A former parent

From many years experience at the school, I can say first hand that there quite a few issues with the school. My opinion is that it can be a good school for younger kids (younger than grade 1), but that the school has too many administrative issues to make parents of older children comfortable that things are well managed. The main issues are principal-teacher and principal-parent relationships and how concerns are (un)resolved- witnessed by the fact that the last school year, there was almost 100% teacher turn-over and in some classes, student attrition was 50%. The numbers speak to underlying issues. The reason the numbers are not higher is that it is the most affordable option for private school and French education. Also, it depends what your tolerance is for transparency, dependability and predictability. Our patience wore thin and we have since left with no regrets other than the nice children, parents and teachers that made a difference.

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