Montessori Schools as Communities of Belonging

Montessori schools are uniquely positioned to function not only as educational environments for children but also as relational communities that extend beyond the classroom. This workshop explores how school leaders can intentionally design programming and practices that foster belonging, strengthen relationships, and connect the school meaningfully to the wider community.

Drawing on the presenter’s experience as a Montessori school leader (Director of School at Dundas Valley Montessori School), Chair of AMI Canada, and Executive Director of Gather Montessori, a community-based Montessori organization, this session introduces a relational leadership framework that positions belonging as something that is intentionally cultivated through structure, programming, and daily practice.

Participants will examine how early, intentional points of entry into a school community shape long-term engagement for families. The session expands to explore intergenerational programming, partnerships with community organizations, and opportunities that connect children, families, and seniors in meaningful ways.

Through this lens, participants will consider how leadership decisions, including communication practices, program design, and use of space, can either support or limit the development of community. The session includes real examples of programming that extend Montessori principles into the broader community.

Participants will engage in collaborative activities to reflect on their own school contexts and identify opportunities to strengthen belonging across their programs. This session honours Montessori’s legacy of human connection while exploring how schools can evolve to meet the relational needs of today’s communities.