Maria Montessori Academy

Maria Montessori Academy (MMA) is a thriving Montessori school in the Gordon Head community of the Greater Victoria region. Founded in 1982 in the basement of a small church, the school has grown to serve preschool to Grade 12 grades in a larger elementary school space.

Why You’ll Love It Here

We are strong advocates of lifelong learning for both students and teachers. We provide teachers professional development opportunities to grow mentally, physically and spiritually as a whole person.

Families are drawn to our community because of our focus on holistic learning and seeing each student as an individual. Teachers and staff are drawn because of MMA’s incredibly supportive atmosphere and resources available to meet the needs of each student.

What We Value

From a foundation of empowerment, students at Maria Montessori Academy engage with the world thoughtfully, creatively, and with a global sense of purpose.

We honor each child’s individuality, provide a safe and nurturing community and support staff growth. Our approach develops the whole child — fostering problem-solving, leadership, confidence and innovation. We encourage risk-taking, resilience and learning from mistakes, while modeling respect and peaceful conflict resolution. By nurturing curiosity and joy, we inspire lifelong learning.

What Makes Us Unique

Montessori education, founded by Maria Montessori, is designed to meet the evolving needs of the developing child. It emphasizes independence, freedom within limits and respect for each child’s natural growth.

This child-centred approach fosters a love of learning driven by intrinsic motivation. In Montessori classrooms, students learn through hands-on materials that represent abstract concepts, with teachers guiding self-directed learning and problem-solving.

Multi-age classrooms reflect real-world social settings, allowing older students to mentor younger ones. This structure builds confidence, cooperation and community while meeting individual needs.

Our School Community

At Maria Montessori Academy, community is at the heart of what we do. Walking through our halls, you’ll feel the warmth of teachers greeting every student each morning and older students welcoming younger ones — often by name — and even greeting families at the door.

We’re a tight-knit school that values connection beyond the classroom, with regular team-building and social activities. Staff often describe MMA as their second home, where colleagues feel like extended family.

Educators enjoy the perfect balance of autonomy and support, along with ongoing professional development opportunities. Group learning is a part of our culture, and our onsite Montessori consultant works closely with staff and students to strengthen the Montessori approach.

Living on the Island

Maria Montessori Academy is located in Victoria’s Gordon Head neighbourhood, close to walking trails, beaches and the University of Victoria. The area offers a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere with easy access to local shops, cafés and amenities.

Living on Vancouver Island means enjoying a high quality of life surrounded by natural beauty. From hiking and cycling to kayaking, paddleboarding and beach walks, outdoor recreation is available year-round. The region also offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, excellent dining and a mild coastal climate, making Victoria an ideal place to live, work and explore.