Message from the Founder

York Montessori School began during a very meaningful chapter of my life. While I was pregnant with my daughter, Emma, I searched for the kind of Montessori environment I wanted for her. I envisioned a place where she would feel safe, known, respected, and truly valued. Despite looking carefully, I couldn’t find a Montessori environment that reflected the vision I held in my heart. That search grew into research, learning, and purpose, and eventually led to the creation of York Montessori School.

Because the school was created with my own child in mind, everything within it has always felt deeply personal. I approach each child as I would my own, and that same sense of responsibility and love is shared by our team. YMS has grown into a place that truly feels like family. Our educators nurture each child with patience, warmth, and intention, taking the time to truly know and care for them.

I wholeheartedly believe the early years lay the foundation for everything that follows. Children need a strong sense of belonging, safety, and trust in order to thrive. Montessori, to me, is about respecting the whole child and creating a calm, thoughtfully prepared environment where structure supports independence and a natural love of learning can unfold.

York Montessori School is built on intention, connection, and the belief that the little details matter. It is my hope that every family feels the warmth and sense of belonging that first inspired this school for Emma, and that continues to guide us each day.

Nadia Bayrami
Founder & Head of School

Nadia and Emma at York Montessori School Graduation and at High School Graduation

Nadia with her daughter Emma at her YMS graduation in 2011 (top photo) and high school graduation in 2023 (bottom photo).

Mission Statement

York Montessori School provides a high-quality educational experience in which each child can achieve academic excellence while being cared for in a nurturing and stimulating environment. We deliver child-directed programming in a carefully prepared setting, allowing our students to develop within themselves the foundation, confidence, and skills essential for a lifetime of critical thinking and connected learning.

Engaging Our Community

At York Montessori School, we value a close and thoughtful partnership between home and school and believe this connection plays an important role in a child’s overall experience. Parent engagement at YMS is warm and welcoming, and intentionally structured to support the child’s independence and the integrity of the classroom environment.

The following shared experiences help build strong relationships and create a school community where families feel connected and children feel supported.

Staying Connected

We believe in clear and open communication and maintain strong, ongoing connections with families through daily interactions. We also use Transparent Classroom, our secure online platform, to share learning highlights and photographs from the classroom.

Academic Engagement

Parent-teacher meetings, written progress reports, classroom observations, and “Watch Me Work” workshops support families in understanding their child’s learning journey and the thoughtful approach guiding their development.

Building Community

Throughout the year, we enjoy coming together as a community through a variety of social and educational events, including Montessori curriculum evenings, parenting workshops, our wine and cheese parent social, our annual holiday concert, and our beloved end-of-year family picnic.

Authentic Montessori Education
Led by experienced educators
Individualized Attention
Low student-to-teacher ratios and individualized lesson plans
Integrated Enrichment
French • Music • Art • Yoga
Supporting Our Families
Nutritious meals, extended care, and on-site extracurriculars

Our leadership team

Nadia Bayrami

Nadia Bayrami

Founder & Head of School

Marina Ilic

Marina Ilic

Vice Principal

Nicole Scruton

Nicole Scruton

Community Support Specialist

Jamie Bowditch-Saeed

Jamie Bowditch-Saeed

Program Supervisor

Our beautiful campus

York Montessori School has operated from a single location at 10533 Leslie Street since the very beginning, expanding and growing with the needs of the community.

19

years of growing together

7

classrooms

150

students

Evolution of Our School

2007
York Montessori School first opened its doors to six trusting families. Reached full capacity of 31 students in six months, with 1 Toddler and 1 Casa classroom.
2008
New Casa classroom added, increasing capacity to 57 students.
Fall 2015
A new building was constructed, adding four classrooms and a gym, and increasing total capacity to 150 children.
York Montessori School Campus - YMS
York Montessori School Logo

York Montessori School
10533 Leslie Street
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4S 1P1

Formerly Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA)