Overview
The Richmond Montessori program supports the natural development of children through hands-on learning and purposeful classroom materials.
Students of different ages learn together in the same classroom for three years. Younger children learn from older students, while older students strengthen their understanding by helping others.
Children work independently, with partners, and in small groups using specially designed learning materials. The program reflects Montessori principles while meeting the expectations of the British Columbia Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Registered Richmond School District Students
Schools That Offer Montessori
The Montessori program is currently offered at the following elementary schools in Richmond:
- Steves Elementary
- Garden City Elementary
- McKinney Elementary
How to Apply
Because the number of applicants often exceeds the number of available spaces, placement in the Montessori program cannot be guaranteed.
Application Period
November 1, 2025 to January 16, 2026
To apply for the Montessori program, complete the following steps.
Step 1 – Register Your Child with the Richmond School District
Your child must first be registered with the Richmond School District before applying to the Montessori program.
If your child is not already registered, please visit the district student registration page before completing the Montessori application.
Step 2 – Submit a District Program Options Application
Submit a Montessori application during the application period listed above.
Applicants must provide second and third school choices in case their first-choice school is full.
Late Applications
Late applications, including siblings, received after the deadline will be added to the end of the waitlist. Families who wish to submit a late application should contact: ProgramOptions@sd38.bc.ca
Registered Richmond School District Students
How Placement Is Determined
Applications are processed using established priority groups and available space at each school.
Applications are first grouped according to the district’s priority order. Students in Priority 1 are considered first, followed by Priority 2 and Priority 3.
Priority 1
Students with an older sibling who will be registered in the Montessori program at the same school in the same year.
Priority 2
Students who live within the Richmond School District.
Priority 3
Students who live outside the Richmond School District.
If the number of applicants within a priority group exceeds the available spaces at a school, a random draw is used to determine placement for that group.
Because the number of applicants varies each year, the number of spaces available at each school may also vary.
If all available spaces are filled during the placement process, remaining applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
If spaces become available later, additional placement offers may be made from the waitlist.
After You Apply
Application Confirmation Email
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have not received a confirmation email by January 30, 2026, please contact: ProgramOptions@sd38.bc.ca
Placement Notification
Placement results will be emailed to families on February 10, 2026. Placement results are provided by email only. Results are not provided by phone.
Confirming Acceptance
Parents must confirm acceptance or decline placement by email.
Deadline
February 13, 2026. If a response is not received by the deadline, the student will be moved to the bottom of the waitlist.
Waitlist
If your child is placed on a waitlist, the district may continue to offer spaces as they become available. Waitlists remain active until the following dates:
September 18, 2026: Waitlists dissolve for Montessori Grades 1–4.
December 18, 2026: Waitlists dissolve for Montessori Kindergarten.When a waitlist dissolves, the district stops offering additional placements for that entry point
Timeline
| Date | Event |
| November 1, 2025 | Applications open |
| January 16, 2026 | Application deadline |
| January 30, 2026 | Contact the district if a confirmation email was not received |
| February 10, 2026 | Placement notifications sent by email |
| February 13, 2026 | Deadline to accept or decline placement |
| September 18, 2026 | Waitlists dissolved for Montessori Grades 1–4 |
| December 18, 2026 | Waitlists dissolved for Montessori Kindergarten |
FAQ (PDF)
Download the Montessori Program FAQ for additional information.