Gibbons Park Montessori School

History. Our School was founded in 1989 by the mother-and-daughter team of Christa and Maia Burghardt. When Christa retired in 2006, the School passed into the experienced hands of teachers Grace Borek and Kim MacDonald. Through the years we have maintained the warm, nurturing atmosphere of a small family-run school and built a solid reputation for academic excellence. Convenient to the U.W.O., St. Joseph’s and University Hospital, Gibbons Park Montessori School serves a professional clientele drawn largely from the university and medical communities.

Location. We are located in the Old North district of London, at the west end of Victoria Street. Our spacious, bright building is situated close to the banks of the Thames, at the entrance to the park from which it takes its name. It is far away from heavy traffic and yet within walking distance from the University and St. Joseph’s and, during the warm season, even from downtown via one of the extensive cycling trails that wind along the river. This beautiful setting lends itself ideally to year-round outings and guided exploration of the natural riverside habitat.

The Casa Classroom. Maria Montessori’s original school was called La casa dei bambini, and we continue to use the term Casa for our preschool program. The class of 2½ to 6-year olds with its balance of individual and co-operative learning, allows children to follow their interests and progress at their own pace. According to Montessori's concept of freedom with responsibility, the children are given as much autonomy as they are able to handle. Along with knowledge, they acquire good work habits, social skills and self-esteem, essential for a lifetime of creative living and learning.

Our Teachers. We share Maria Montessori’s belief that teachers should facilitate the unique and total growth of each child. Over the years we have maintained a low teacher-student ratio (maximum 1 to 10) to give our children the individual attention they deserve. We take special pride in the calibre of our teaching staff. Our teachers are fully qualified professionals, holding university degrees and Montessori diplomas. Our teaching assistants also hold university degrees and/or Montessori diplomas. Specialty subjects are taught by professionals in their respective fields.