Tyee is a public Montessori alternative school, committed to providing a rich learning environment for all its students based both on Montessori principles and on fulfilling the expectations of the Ministry of Education for all schools.

There are approximately two hundred students registered in Kindergarten through Grade Seven in multi-age groupings. Students take responsibility from an early age, making decisions about how their time is spent on the learning tasks they choose under the teacher's guidance. The Montessori approach supports continuous progress, as children work on personal goals and academic challenges.

Students learn to work independently, in small groups, and as members of a class. Since Tyee’s beginning in the mid-1980's, parents have made a conscious choice to enroll their children in this program and are highly involved in making the school’s program a success. A Preschool Program is available on the same VSB site under the auspices of C.A.M.P. (Community Association of Montessori Parents). Info on fees and registration is available at 604-874-4622 or online at www.communitymontessori.ca.

Out of School Care is provided by the Cedar Cottage Neighborhood House. The after school program is run out of the Tyee gym. Should you require before school care or further information on after school care, please contact Jon Murrel directly at (604) 874-4231.

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Tyee’s Mission Statement

We believe in enabling learners to reach for personal excellence in a supportive, stimulating environment following Montessori principles.

We encourage and guide all students in taking responsibility for their learning and actively participating in a broad range of learning experiences.

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Historical Perspective and Philosophy

Maria Montessori, born in Italy in 1870, was an enthusiastic advocate for the rights of the child. After becoming Italy’s first female doctor, her interests turned to the education of children and she began her lifelong pursuit of studying child development. Her own educational method evolved over fifty years of work with children around the world. Dr. Montessori was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize for her contributions to education and her advocacy of the rights of the child.

Dr. Montessori believed that a truly educated individual continues learning long after the years spent in the classroom because of a motivation from within, a natural curiosity, and a love of learning. The aim of the Montessori philosophy is to provide a learning environment that enhances the development of intellectually reflective individuals who are personally integrated, caring, and ethical members of the community.

School Times

School is in session Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 3:01 pm. Kindergarten is a full day program from 9:00 am - 3:01pm.

Some General Principles of Montessori Education

1. A child’s natural instinct is to love learning. Children must learn for themselves.

2. Self-discipline is encouraged through the development of concentration, sequenced learning activities, problem solving opportunities as well as freedom (as distinct from license).

3. Opportunities are provided for mutual help within the learning environment (multi-age groups allow the children to learn from one another).

4. A non-competitive atmosphere is encouraged. The children progress at their own rate, within Ministry of Education guidelines.

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Parental Involvement

In order to realize a successful Montessori Program, active parental involvement is encouraged. Parents are urged to assist in whatever way they can to support the program and are asked to communicate with the teacher on a regular basis regarding the progress of their child. It is strongly recommended that parents interested in this public alternative program familiarize themselves with some of the many books by and about Dr. Maria Montessori. Such references are available from Tyee’s parent library, the Vancouver Public Library, or via your local bookstore.

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Registration Procedures

Application forms may be obtained at the school office any time during regular school hours. Please note that our application form is a show of interest to join Tyee. An official VBE “registration” form should be submitted for each child (including kindergarten) at the neighbourhood school, along with the child’s original birth certificate and proof of residence in Vancouver (property tax or renter’s agreement). If accepted into Tyee, we will contact the neighbourhood school and this official registration form will then be forwarded to us. By following this practice, you will only be required to fill in the lengthier, more detailed form once.

Kindergarten applications must be submitted by the last business day of January. A lottery is held in early February to randomly draw the names of students who may register in our Kindergarten class. All remaining applications are drawn to create a numbered waiting list in case of future openings.Check Admission Selection Process under “About Tyee” for more details.

Applications are accepted for Grades One through Seven and are added to the existing waiting lists.

Previous Montessori experience is not required for children enrolling at Kindergarten and Grade Four levels. Siblings of students currently at the school are enrolled first.

Visitor Days are scheduled every month from October through January (see our website for specific dates under “School Calendar”).

Copyright ©2011 Tyee Elementary School
December 31, 2011