Sunrise Montessori School

Sunrise is like a second home to my son and daughter!! Both started in the toddler program and will be graduating from SK and Elementary this month. It's bittersweet saying goodbyes to all the wonderful teachers and staffs in the school. I cannot express how grateful I am to see how much my son and daughter had grown in their years at Sunrise, both academics and character wise. The principle, Ms.Grace is very dedicated and involved with the school' everyday activities. Ms. Grace is able to name every single student, as well as the parents within the school body!!

Beside the teachers, I would like to say thank you to Mr.Koo and his kitchen staffs. It's not the finest food as some parents complained in their reviews but at the end of the day, my children is being looked after with a full tummy. To be honest, my children never complained about the food given to them at the school. The initial portion can be small if you have a big appetite but you can always ask for second or third.

To the parents who complained the dated school and its facilities, many improvement has been made through the years. Just to name a few --> Upstairs: new laminate flooring, a book club, a music room for piano lesson, a small computer lab to introduce students with and towel dispenser in both the washroom. Downstairs: a designated admin cubicle, sinks improvement in the children washrooms, new children washrooms and new "Imagination Playground" in the gym.

No school is perfect, neither is Sunrise. Yes, there were times I have doubt standing from a parent' points of view. This quickly changes after having to struggle to get my children home every day from school. They just doesn't want to leave. Slowing their time from saying goodbyes to every single teachers they know in the hallway, getting snacks from Ms. Grace to hiding in Ms. Irene Ly' office. They just love and feel attached to the school. Isn't this what a parent/parents want to see? The satisfactions on their face makes it all worthwhile!!

We will definitely miss Sunrise!! Thank you for playing a huge part in our lives!!

Infant Program - Ms Grazie: ratio 1-3
My daughter first started in the infant program when she was a year old and as a first time mom it was the most nerve racking experience for me, I was anxious and we both had separation anxiety. My daughter at the time did not like anyone except for me and her dad. She even had trouble being comfortable when my family would visit. However when we came here for orientation they invited her into the infant room. She was actually smiling at the teachers and she was comfortable to go down and play (I was surprised) she also did not want to sleep without me at home. But they were able to adjust her slowly in their own cribs. The infant program is more expensive then other Montessori I’ve looked in the Thornhill area, however none of them had the space and structure that this infant room had. They taught the Montessori curriculum since she was here versus other schools that only start when they are toddlers. The teachers write daily activities, food log, bowel and sleep. The head teacher also update the ClassDojo app frequently and it was so precious to see her play and learn.

Toddler Program - Ms Song: ratio 1-5
The transition to toddler was well done between both classrooms. They understood her attachment to her infant room teachers and since she was only 18 months at the time, they did the transition very slow. When she managed to fully go to her toddler classroom, she was very happy and thrived within her classroom. If there was any issues or worry it was well addressed with the head teacher.
ClassDojo was also used but not updated as often since ratios are a little higher. They did also have a smaller activity log which was nice to see.

Casa Program French Immersion - Mme Annie
My daughter was familiar with the teachers since she would see them during the after-school program. French is my first language and having a teacher that knows French was very important to me. Mme Annie is French and I am very confident of her teaching material to my daughter.

The only comment I would want to make is that I wish they would spend a little more money on her snacks. I can’t speak on behalf of their lunches but I have noticed when it’s breakfast it seems to always be the croissant and mixed fruit which is different from the school menu that state otherwise. Also some of the snacks I’ve noticed are saltine crackers or the teething cookies. I know there are good nutfree snacks at Costco that could be offered to her.

Overall I’m very happy with this school and I can tell my child is happy. I will be sending my son here in the fall to also start the infant program. My daughter is a little over 2 and a half and is much more advanced then most with her vocabulary.

We first were drawn to Sunrise Montessori School because in addition to the programming, we liked that the school had a large gym so our son could burn his energy regardless of the weather. The gym, coupled with the fact that my son was immediately drawn to some of the teachers pushed this school to the top of our list. When the school introduced French Immersion, we opted to stay rather than move to public school in Kindergarten because he flourished under the guidance of Mme. Gigi. He was potty trained, learned to read and do high-level math at this school. Now, our little one is following in his foot steps and is thriving as well. She asks for Mme. Annie when she goes home and is enjoying learning French and Mandarin. I know some posts have raised issues with the food and it is by no means gourmet food but my kids tell me they eat rice and chicken and vegetables and sometimes they eat macaroni. They have changed menus a few times and are always open to our suggestions on ways to improve. As a parent, that openness is invaluable.

I personally like this school a lot. My daughter has been here since December and she absolutely enjoys it. I drop her off with ease and happiness and when I pick her up it is difficult for her and myself to leave. Every week she comes home teaching me something new that she has learned. She has advanced majorly within the last few months. She is going to toddler and I cannot wait for her to show me what she has learned throughout the days. The infant teachers are fantastic and my child is in great hands. I can honestly say she is happy and developing. As a parent I truly feel safe and comfortable.

Am so happy with this school . Both my kids were here from infant to elementary . The teachers are so patient with my children .