Westside Montessori School

Toronto, Canada

"Westside is well-positioned to become a leading example of how movement and sport can be meaningfully integrated into Montessori education!"

Established in 2008, Westside Montessori School has grown from just five children in Toronto’s Water Works Building into a thriving educational community with two unique campuses: Kensington Market and Dufferin Grove. Located in a heritage building with a legacy of child-centered care, the Kensington Market campus continues this tradition through joyful, developmentally appropriate Montessori learning.

At WMS, the integration of movement is not an afterthought, it is an essential part of the child’s holistic development. This commitment was recently highlighted through participation in the Montessori Sports School Mentoring Program, during which co-founder Patrick Oudejans visited both campuses to observe, reflect, and guide.

In February 2025, WMS welcomed Patrick Oudejans, co-founder of Montessori Sports, for a two-day observation as part of the School Mentoring Program. The focus was on how physical education is woven into Montessori learning—and especially on the work of Alberto Sabaniel, PE teacher and Montessori Sports Fundamentals graduate.

Patrick shared, "Westside is well-positioned to become a leading example of how movement and sport can be meaningfully integrated into Montessori education.” His observation celebrated the warm, collaborative spirit of the staff, as well as the thoughtfully prepared environments.

In the end, Patrick concluded, "Westside Montessori is progressing well within the School Mentoring Program. Alberto Sabaniel’s leadership in PE across both campuses provides continuity and quality, supported by a leadership team that is open to feedback and innovation. The physical spaces, staff dynamics, and the school’s broader educational philosophy align well with the Montessori Sports vision."