Learn about Lakeview Montessori School in Tecumseh, where a commitment to Montessori education, community, and innovation continues to shape meaningful learning experiences for students across Windsor-Essex.
Why Lakeview
At Lakeview, we believe in pushing boundaries and thinking differently about education. We believe that learning should be joyful, purposeful, and tailored to each child. By creating engaging, individualized experiences that build on students’ unique strengths and interests, we inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
One of the greatest challenges parents face when choosing a school is finding an environment where their child is truly seen and supported. Large class sizes and limited attention to individual learning styles can make it difficult for children to reach their full potential. Lakeview’s Montessori education addresses these concerns through a personalized approach, small class sizes, and meaningful connections between teachers and students, making it a natural choice for families who want the very best for their child’s future.
Educating a child is both a delicate and deeply important responsibility, and it is one we take to heart every day. Lakeview Montessori School is fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced faculty who design individualized programming for each student and nurture their love of learning in a warm and supportive environment. With exceptional child-to-teacher ratios and a strong sense of community, our classrooms are places where children feel valued, inspired, and empowered to grow.
Believing in the importance of a healthy mind and body, we are proud to offer a professionally equipped kitchen where fresh, nourishing meals are prepared each day for our Infant, Toddler, and Casa students. Our program focuses on wholesome, balanced foods made with care, helping children develop healthy eating habits while enjoying a variety of nutritious options.
We recognize that nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s growth, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Meals and snacks are thoughtfully prepared to support developing bodies and active minds, while also introducing children to new flavours and encouraging positive relationships with food in a warm, family-style environment. Our kitchen team works closely with families to accommodate allergies, sensitivities, and special dietary requirements, ensuring every child is thoughtfully cared for.
Through this commitment to quality nutrition and mindful food preparation, we create an environment where children feel nurtured, energized, and ready to learn, supporting their physical health alongside their academic and emotional development.
Lakeview Montessori School is proud to be the only Montessori school in the area fully accredited by both Montessori Canada and the Canadian Association of Independent Schools. These organizations establish and oversee standards of excellence for Montessori and independent schools. Accreditation is a voluntary and rigorous process that reflects a commitment to authentic Montessori education, continuous improvement, and the scientifically based practices developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.
Freedom for the Child to Work at Their Own Pace
The Montessori curriculum is deep and broad. Rather than requiring every student to complete the same work simultaneously, each child receives lessons based on readiness and interest. This flexibility allows children the time they need to fully absorb concepts while pursuing work that is both exciting and appropriately challenging.
Freedom to Explore, Make Mistakes, and Correct Them Independently
Montessori materials introduce concepts through hands-on experiences that help children develop a strong understanding of abstract ideas. Many materials include a built-in control of error, allowing students to independently identify and correct mistakes without relying on adult intervention.
Mixed Age Groups
A fundamental component of Montessori philosophy is the multi-age classroom. Children of various ages and backgrounds share their talents, interests, and experiences. Older students often become role models and mentors, while younger students are inspired by the work and leadership of their peers. This community-based environment encourages collaboration, confidence, and natural learning opportunities.
Prepared Environments for the Needs of Each Age Group
Montessori classrooms are carefully designed to support children’s physical, cognitive, and social development. Child-sized furniture and hands-on materials engage children in independent work, while thoughtfully prepared and ordered environments encourage concentration, collaboration, teamwork, and self-discipline. Open areas and group tables support meaningful interaction and shared learning experiences. In the prepared environment, children not only learn, but truly thrive.
Stewardship of Others, the Community, and the Environment
Peace education and lessons in Grace and Courtesy are important components of the Montessori experience. Beginning in the youngest programs, children learn to respect the work of their peers, speak calmly without interrupting, and care for other children, animals, and plants within their classrooms. As students grow, they learn to resolve conflicts together around a Peace Table and begin extending their sense of service, responsibility, and stewardship to the broader community and the world around them.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
The Lakeview Montessori School community inspires its students to learn, lead, and succeed together.
Our Vision
Lakeview Montessori School is a centre of academic excellence that nurtures and inspires the innovators of tomorrow.
Our Values
Lakeview Montessori School values:
- Respect
We begin with a deep respect for children as unique individuals and recognize that every child learns, develops, and grows at their own pace. - Individualized Learning
Small classroom sizes and strong student-teacher ratios allow students to receive personalized attention, meaningful support, and individualized learning experiences. - Hands-On Education
Learning extends beyond rote drill and memorization. Students learn through hands-on experiences, investigation, exploration, and research that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. - Supportive Environments
We foster warm and supportive classrooms where children feel valued, encouraged, and connected within the school community. - Engaged Learning
Our classrooms are designed to create exciting and engaging learning environments that inspire creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
- Independence & Collaboration
Students learn and work both independently and within small groups, supporting leadership development, collaboration, and meaningful one-on-one guidance from teachers. - Authentic Montessori Curriculum
Our internationally developed and accredited Montessori curriculum includes Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, and Cultural learning experiences. - Community-Based Learning
Multi-age classrooms create community-like environments where students learn naturally from one another through mentorship, collaboration, and shared experiences. - Family Partnership & Accessibility
We maintain an open-door policy and value strong communication, family involvement, and teacher accessibility throughout each child’s educational journey.
These values guide our classrooms, relationships, and commitment to supporting children and families across Windsor-Essex.
Our Founder
A Vision for Montessori Education Began in 1978
When Lakeview Montessori School first opened its doors in 1978 inside St. Mark’s Church Hall, approximately 14 children filled the school’s very first classroom. What began as a small Montessori program quickly grew through community support and word-of-mouth recommendations. By the following year, Lakeview had expanded to over 60 children across two classrooms.
As enrollment continued to grow, the school moved to St. Andrew’s Church in 1981 before relocating to its current site in 1984, where the property was first rented and later purchased. Through decades of growth, expansion, and even economic recession, founder Janice Mayhew guided Lakeview Montessori School through its first 30 years.
“I am proud to see my vision of a Montessori school for children in this area continuing today.”
— Janice Mayhew
Janice’s Montessori journey began in 1975 during her second year in Sheridan College’s Early Childhood Education Program. After being exposed to Montessori education and observing a Montessori classroom, she was deeply inspired by what she witnessed.
“I decided to start Lakeview Montessori School back in 1978, after being exposed to Montessori education during 1975, in my 2nd year at Sheridan College’s Early Childhood Education Program. I observed a Montessori classroom and was very impressed by the young children who worked independently at their own pace, and were able to read and do Math work at 4 and 5 years old.”
At that point, Janice was determined to bring Montessori education to as many children as possible. In 1981, she opened the LMS Teacher Education Program to train individuals in Montessori philosophy and materials so they could, in turn, reach children around the world.
She continues to share her knowledge and train teachers through the MACTE accredited Teacher Education Program, accredited in 2006, using Lakeview’s Montessori-designed classrooms.
“Through this program, we have trained hundreds of Montessori teachers, who now teach in Montessori schools in Canada, USA, China, and many other countries.”
Over the years, Lakeview Montessori School completed three major building expansions. The first expansion occurred in the late 1990s when the school moved into a new addition during a snowy January.
“We had 3 Casa classrooms upstairs, a beautiful new kitchen and staff room, 3 Elementary classrooms downstairs, two toddler classrooms and the administration offices where they still are today.”
A second expansion around 2004 added more classrooms both upstairs and downstairs. During construction, Lakeview also purchased the building further east that had previously operated as a Mac’s Milk store, temporarily using it for two Junior classrooms before the addition was completed.
Between 2005 and 2008, enrollment reached approximately 220 children before Janice retired at the end of June 2008.
“Enrollment dropped during the recession that followed, so it was heartening for me to see enrollment going up again, and another expansion project completed in 2019. I love the addition of the Infant and Toddler rooms, the robotics room, and the beautiful new gym!”
Throughout the years, Janice credits the growth of Lakeview Montessori School to the many people who supported its vision and development.
“There are so many people who helped grow Lakeview… my parents, sons, friends and family, who pitched in to do whatever was needed…”
Board members, volunteers, parents, family, and community supporters all played important roles in fundraising and supporting the school’s continued growth and expansion.
Although retirement brought major change, Janice remained closely connected to the Lakeview community.
“I still love to be at the school to help with the Teacher Ed program, or with Professional Development, or to just chat with staff I worked with or trained.”
Today, Lakeview Montessori School continues to remain part of Janice’s family story. Her grandson now attends the Infant program, while her sons, Jonathon and Christopher, both benefitted from Montessori education from the Casa program through most of Elementary.
“They have grown into intelligent, kind, independent, knowledgeable and caring men, and I am grateful that Lakeview continues on for my grandson and next generations.”
Many reminders of Lakeview’s history remain throughout the school, including the original donors wall and the animal murals painted in the Casa hallways.
“I have too many memories to even list…. So, I will say a heartfelt Thank you to all who helped at Lakeview and leave it at that.”
Our History
1970s | The Beginning of Lakeview Montessori School
Lakeview Montessori School was founded in 1978 by Ms Janice Mayhew (then Courey) and originally housed 15 students in St. Mark’s Church Hall. The following year, the school grew to 60 students in 2 classrooms. To meet the needs of some families, Janice leased a van and driver and began offering transportation to and from school. What began as a small Montessori program quickly established a strong foundation built on individualized learning, independence and community.
1980s | Growth & Establishing a Foundation
Lakeview moved to St. Andrew’s church Hall in 1980 to accommodate the continued growth. Janice invited interested parents to form a board of directors to access the talents and skills of the parent body, and we went through the process of incorporating as a non-profit organization, as well as applying for charitable status. Both were granted in 1981. We moved from church halls with furniture on wheels for easy set up and break down on Mondays and Fridays, to renting a permanent space at 13803 Riverside Drive, where we had two Casa classrooms and one Elementary classroom. The next year, we purchased the building, and expanded into a 4th room to accommodate our growing population. We then had three Casa classrooms and one Elementary classroom. We went on to rent the Becker’s building at 13797 Riverside Dr, and then purchased it, and used it for our Elementary classrooms, which had expanded to Junior and Senior classrooms. In 1989, Ontario introduced free Junior Kindergarten, which meant we went from 3 Casa classrooms down to 2 Casa classrooms, so we expanded our programs to add a Toddler classroom, for children 18 to 30 months. Lakeview now had 1 Toddler class, 2 Casa classrooms, 1 Junior Elementary, and 1 Senior Elementary classroom.
In 1981, Janice began the LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program, in affiliation with the St. Nicholas Montessori College in London, England. Summer workshops for Early Childhood and Elementary Montessori training were held in church halls, at the University of Windsor, and at our site on Riverside Dr. These were followed by part time evening courses at our Riverside Dr. location. Initially, the St. Nicholas College sent an Instructor to offer the EC program, and after that, Janice, Laure Kominar and Leena Marentette assisted and then became Instructors for our LMS Montessori Teacher Ed programs.
Lakeview began to offer After School Activities like tutoring and Music lessons, as well as classes for adults such as Spanish, Sign Language, belly dancing, and folk dance, with our teachers and other community members leading the classes.
During the 80s, Lakeview started the sale of Montessori Learning materials, with a parent from Lakeview, Karen Monck, printing up the materials that Janice and staff members designed. Many parent and staff volunteers helped to put the materials into sets, and staff went to Montessori conferences to sell materials to schools all over North America and around the world. Our Lakeview Learning Materials sales were a good fundraiser for the school for many years.
1990s | Expansion & Bringing the Community Together
During the 1990s, we continued to expand down Riverside Drive, and purchased the small house next door at 13805, which we used to house our Senior Elementary class, while the upstairs was set up for our Learning Materials store. Janice and the Board of Directors were intent on building a school to house all of our programs, so proceeded with fundraising projects of many different kinds, and met with an Architect and Builder to begin the process. Lakeview expanded the footprint on Riverside by purchasing the 13807 building, which had been a Mac’s Milk store, and used it to house two Junior Elementary classrooms. During 1996 we started construction of our new facility. The design enabled us to keep the original Beckers building on the corner of Riverside and St. Mark, which still houses our office spaces, and Toddler 1 and 2, and attach it to our new building across the next two lots, after tearing down our original building and the house next to it. Our new 6500 square foot built for use school building brought all classrooms together under one roof, and allowed for 2 Toddler classrooms, 3 Casa classrooms, a multi-purpose room used for before and after school programs, 3 Elementary classrooms, a library, a spacious staff room, a beautiful kitchen, small meeting room, learning materials room, reception area and offices.
In 1999, our LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program applied for affiliation with the NCME, National Center for Montessori Education, after the St. Nicholas Montessori College joined with the London Montessori Centre and stopped offering Montessori Teacher Education Programs.
2000s | New Leadership & Continued Growth
As Lakeview continued to grow, more expansion was needed, so in 2004, we demolished the little house next door, and built across that lot to add a classroom and multi-purpose room upstairs (now Casa 3 & 4), and 2 more Elementary classrooms downstairs.
In 2004, our LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program was part of the amalgamation of NCME and AMS, so our program underwent MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) Accreditation, and became officially affiliated with American Montessori Society. This made our LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program part of AMS, which was known as the largest Montessori training organization world wide. LMS TEP is the only MACTE accredited program in southern Ontario, with the only other programs offered in Oakville, Mississauga, and Toronto.
2004 was also the year that LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program expanded with an Additional Location in St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles in the Caribbean, first with NCME and then AMS affiliation. Montessori Early Childhood training was offered there for 5 years, and 25 LMS grads went on to work in Montessori schools around the Caribbean, Europe, and the USA.
In the mid-2000s, the Ontario Ministry of Colleges revised regulations regarding post secondary education, and changed the clause which allowed non-profit organizations to offer training and courses to adults, and required those same organizations to now register and complete a licensure to offer adult education courses. Janice worked through this licensing process, and LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program was approved as an Ontario Private Career College in 2008.
At the end of June, 2008, Janice Mayhew retired from her position as Executive Director and Principal of Lakeview Montessori School, and Gina Tesich began to lead Lakeview as of July 1, 2008. Janice continued as Director of the LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program, on a part time basis for several more years.
2010s | Innovation, Enrichment & Technology
Under the direction of Prof. Maureen Harris, Lakeview Montessori School rebranded to reflect a progressive 21st-century vision for education. The school expanded its programming to include a new Middle School Enrichment Program, became home to the innovative Arrowsmith Program, and embraced the growing role of global technology in education.
Lakeview Montessori School continued to focus on academic excellence while integrating innovation, creativity, leadership, and enriched learning opportunities throughout the school community.
In 2010s, a new partnership with Mei Ding began, with Maureen and some Lakeview staff travelling to Guiyang, China, to provide summer workshops for teachers and parents at the Guiyang Preschool Education College, to introduce them to Montessori education, and help the College to start a Montessori program.
In 2014, Janice travelled to Chengdu, China, to begin an additional location of LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program there, where past Lakeview staff member, Magda Schepers, was working at a Montessori school. There was not enough interest in Montessori teacher training at that time, so after a second visit in 2015, the program was discontinued.
In 2018, Janice travelled to Guiyang, China, to begin an additional location of LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program at Guiyang Preschool Education College, and this program successfully ran until 2025, graduating 40 Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Educators throughout that period. Jazz Lu worked with Janice on this project, travelling to China 3 times, and was an instructor, essay marker and field supervisor for all of these Adult learners.
2018-2019 | A New Era of Expansion
In 2018, Lakeview Montessori School celebrated its 40th Anniversary while also achieving major milestones in growth and accreditation.
The school upgraded nearly every facet of the campus and received two prestigious national accreditations through the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA). The Lakeview Montessori Teacher Education Program also achieved global MACTE accreditation, creating opportunities for collaboration with Montessori education colleges in China.
To support increasing enrollment, Lakeview Montessori School completed another major addition that included:
- Three additional classrooms
- A robotics room
- A music and art performance venue
- An atrium for meetings and relaxation
- A healing garden
- A gymnasium
- Expanded outdoor learning environments
Prof. Maureen Harris set a goal to make Lakeview Montessori School the forerunner of what education could look like in the future. Through her visionary leadership and commitment to innovation and the Arts, combined with the support of Lakeview’s Board of Directors and the passion and energy brought by the faculty, Lakeview Montessori School continues to achieve these goals.
The strong academic foundation established in the classroom is reflected in the success Lakeview Montessori School students experience throughout their educational journeys and future work lives. Harris believed in pushing boundaries to promote academic excellence while preparing students to engage in the world as active, confident, and successful leaders.
“You can feel the levels of energy and positivity here.”
— Prof. Maureen Harris
2022 | Leadership Through Change
Prof. Maureen Harris retired after dedicating more than a decade of leadership to Lakeview Montessori School. During her final years, she successfully guided the school community safely through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following her retirement, Mrs. Renee Ryerson was appointed Interim Head of School.
2023 | Continued Growth & Investment in Student Experience
In 2023, Mrs. Renee Ryerson officially became Head of Lakeview Montessori School.
That same year, Lakeview Montessori School expanded its footprint by purchasing the plaza located at the corner of Arlington Boulevard and Riverside Drive, creating new opportunities for future growth and programming.
Throughout the 2023–2024 school year, the school also made major investments in arts and athletics programming, including:
- A new stage curtain
- Professional lighting and sound systems
- A state-of-the-art gymnasium scoreboard
These enhancements elevated student performances, athletic tournaments, school events, and overall school spirit.
2024 | Expanding Community Spaces
The addition of the new multipurpose facility allowed Lakeview Montessori School to host a wider variety of events directly on campus. Several enhancements were added to support students, families, and community programming, including:
- Frosted windows for additional privacy
- A high-quality projector system
- Spaces for family nights, assemblies, and professional development
- Expanded opportunities for school and community events
These additions further strengthened Lakeview Montessori School’s commitment to creating meaningful gathering and learning spaces for the school community.
The LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program again offered the Montessori Elementary Teacher Program, after Janice and Jazz worked through the Ontario Licensing from the Ministry of Colleges, MACTE Accreditation, and fulfilling requirements for AMS affiliation. Some Lakeview teachers were able to complete their Montessori Elementary teaching credentials through this program.
2025 | Community Support & Continued Momentum
2025 marked another exciting chapter of growth and generosity within the Lakeview Montessori School community.
Elementary students welcomed a brand-new playground structure generously donated by the Annobile family. This addition enhanced outdoor learning and recreation opportunities while reflecting the incredible support, involvement, and commitment of Lakeview families and the broader school community.
Lakeview Montessori School continues to grow while remaining committed to innovation, academic excellence, and nurturing the next generation of learners and leaders.
After 45 years of directing the LMS Montessori Teacher Education Program, Janice Mayhew retired from this position, having worked with over 500 adult learners at Lakeview, in St. Maarten, and in China, helping to spread Montessori education around the world. Jazz Lu became the Director of our LMS Early Childhood and Elementary programs, with Diana Volpatti working with her as the Elementary Coordinator.
Continuing the Lakeview Montessori School Legacy
Today, Lakeview Montessori School continues to inspire students through authentic Montessori education, innovative learning experiences, and a strong sense of community.
Rooted in decades of growth, leadership, and dedication, Lakeview Montessori School remains committed to nurturing confident, compassionate, and capable learners while supporting children and families across Tecumseh and Windsor-Essex.
Explore our Montessori programs to learn how students are encouraged to grow, explore, and thrive through every stage of their educational journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeview Montessori School
Lakeview Montessori School is an independent Montessori school in Tecumseh serving children and families across Windsor-Essex through individualized, hands-on learning experiences rooted in authentic Montessori education.
Lakeview Montessori School was founded in 1978 by Ms. Janice Mayhew and originally operated out of St. Mark’s Church Hall with approximately 15 students.
Lakeview Montessori School offers individualized learning, small class sizes, strong student-teacher ratios, hands-on Montessori education, prepared learning environments, and a strong sense of community designed to support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.
Montessori education is a child-centered educational approach that encourages independence, collaboration, critical thinking, hands-on learning, and self-paced development within prepared learning environments.
Yes. Lakeview Montessori School is accredited by Montessori Canada and the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). The Lakeview Montessori Teacher Education Program is also MACTE accredited.
Lakeview Montessori School offers programs for children from infancy through middle school, supporting students through multiple stages of development and learning.
Lakeview Montessori School offers Infant, Toddler, Casa, Elementary, Middle School Enrichment, and Montessori Teacher Education programs.
Families choose Lakeview Montessori School for its individualized approach to learning, authentic Montessori philosophy, small class sizes, supportive community, and focus on nurturing independence, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Lakeview Montessori School was founded by Ms. Janice Mayhew, who introduced Montessori education to the local community and later established the Lakeview Montessori Teacher Education Program.
Lakeview Montessori School values respect, independence, collaboration, leadership, innovation, community, and lifelong learning through authentic Montessori education.
Yes. Lakeview Montessori School offers fresh, nourishing meals prepared daily for Infant, Toddler, and Casa students through its professionally equipped kitchen program.
Lakeview Montessori School supports academic, social, emotional, and physical development through hands-on learning, prepared Montessori environments, individualized support, nutrition programs, and community-based classrooms.
A prepared Montessori environment is a thoughtfully designed classroom that supports children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development through hands-on materials, independence, collaboration, and self-directed learning.
Lakeview Montessori School is located in Tecumseh, Ontario and serves children and families throughout Windsor-Essex and surrounding communities.
Lakeview Montessori School has been serving children and families across Windsor-Essex since 1978.
