Our Journey
Key Milestones
The school has evolved dramatically over its 60+ year history. We take a look at some of the key milestones that played a pivotal role in creating the vibrant two-campus community we are today.
1964
The school was moved from the Don Mills community to Bayview Avenue, to what is the Lower School today
1971-2022
The Toronto Montessori Institute was an integral part of TMS and its goal to support the Montessori pedagogy in Canada
Founded by Helma Trass in October 1961
The Adventure Begins
1961
Toronto Montessori Schools (what we were formerly known as) was founded by Mrs. Helma Trass in October 1961 in a rented basement at Beth El Synagogue, located at 1415 Don Mills Road, with an enrolment of 12 students.
Incorporated as a Not-For-Profit Organization
Non-Profit Status
1962
The school was incorporated as a Not-For-Profit organization, which has played a pivotal role in the school’s evolution and highlighting its priority in education and student development.
The school was moved from the Don Mills community to Bayview Avenue, to what is the Lower School today
A New Home
1964
In September 1964, the school moved to its new home on Bayview Avenue – now known as the Lower School – taking over the former Markham School, a four-room school house managed by the Board of Education. The school was purchased through the support of the parent community and was inaugurated by the Honourable William Davis, then Minister of Education for the Province of Ontario
The school reopened a Don Mills campus
Don Mills Campus
1966-1990
TMS returned to the Don Mills community in 1966. The Don Mills campus was reopened starting with a classroom at St. Mark’s Church, later replaced by two larger classes at Donminister United Church and Church of Our Saviour respectively, finally settling permanently at St. Louis de France Church. The church is located at 1415 Don Mills Road, original home to Beth El Synagogue where TMS started.
Graduation of the first Grade 3 class
The First Graduates
1969
Graduation of the first Grade 3 class
The Toronto Montessori Institute was an integral part of TMS and its goal to support the Montessori pedagogy in Canada
Training Future Educators
1971-2022
The Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI) opened at Victoria College, University of Toronto in 1971. The Institute was created by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the opening was celebrated with Mario Montessori Sr. and his wife Ada present. Mrs. Renilde Montessori, granddaughter of Maria Montessori, was a trainer at the Institute. The Institute parted ways with AMI during the course of its operations and ran independently.
Rosedale campus opened
Rosedale Campus
1973-1991
Rosedale campus was located at 129 Mount Pleasant Road, the home to the Rosedale Presbyterian Church.
First Grade 6 graduating class
The Elementary Program
1974
First Grade 6 graduating class
Bannockburn campus opened
Bannockburn Campus
1981-1993
The Bannockburn campus was located at 12 Bannockburn Avenue, and was another major satellite school for TMS.
First Grade 7 graduating class
Grade 7’s Graduate
1994
The introduction to the middle school years with our first Grade 7 graduating class.
First Grade 8 graduating class
Grade 8’s Graduate
1995
The school expanding its middle years with the first Grade 8 graduating class.
School uniforms introduced
A Consistent Identity
1997
School uniforms were introduced in 1997
Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) membership obtained
Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA)
1998
Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) membership obtained.
Caledon-King campus opens
Caledon-King Campus
2000-2006
The Caledon-King campus opens. Doors were opened in September 2000 with 30 students spanning from Toddler to Grade 8. Official opening was celebrated on May 9, 2001.
First Grade 9 class at Bayview campus – Launch of the Toronto Montessori Academy
High-School Era Begins
2000
First Grade 9 class at Bayview campus – Launch of the Toronto Montessori Academy
First Grade 12 graduating class from the Caledon-King Campus
First High School Grade 12 Graduates
2004
First Grade 12 graduating class from the Caledon-King Campus
TMS joins the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS Ontario)
Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS Ontario)
2005
TMS joins the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS Ontario)
IB Middle Years Programme introduced as a candidate school
Introducing the IB Pedagogy
2005
Introduction of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 7 and 8, at both Bayview and Caledon campuses, as a candidate school
Officially accredited as an IB World School
IB: Stamp of Approval
2007
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) authorized. The school is officially accredited as an IB World School.
TMS College is opened
A New Home for Grade 7-12
2009
New home of the TMS College is Opened at 500 Elgin Mills, known today as the Upper School
First Grade 12 Graduates from TMS College / Upper School
TMS College
2010
First Grade 12 Graduates from TMS College / Upper School
TMS joins the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) network
Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS)
2010
TMS joins the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) network
Titus becomes the official TMS mascot
New Mascot
2019
Titus becomes the official TMS mascot
Dining Halls Opened at both campuses
Dining Program Introduced
2023
Dining Halls Opened at both campuses, with a new dining program for all students
Middle School building is opened at the Upper School
A Home for Grade 7’s and 8’s
2023
Middle School building is opened at the Upper School
The school is renamed to Lauremont School
New Name, Same Great School
2024
The school is renamed to Lauremont School. The word “Lauremont” comes from our dual pedagogies. The “Laure” for the International Baccalaureate and the “mont” from “Montessori”.