Children learning and playing at Inventive Minds Academy in Thornhill

A Safe Place to Play.
A Warm Place to Learn.
A Bright Place to Shine.

A licensed early years academy for children newborn to Grade 3, spanning childcare and private school. Reggio Emilia and Montessori shape early learning before preschool, while the IB Primary Years Programme builds on that foundation from preschool through Grade 3.

Our Vision & Philosophy

lightbulbBig thoughts for growing minds.

  • We blend Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and International Baccalaureate approaches into one uniquely holistic curriculum.
  • Every child's voice, individuality, and pace of learning is respected and celebrated.
  • Emotional connection is the foundation of intellectual development. We nurture both.
  • Learning is a partnership between the school, the child, and the family.
Why Choose Inventive Minds?

starA different kind of childcare center.

  • Licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education under the CCEYA Act. Your child is always in safe, regulated hands.
  • Not-for-profit and community-driven, with a mission to empower families, not maximize revenue.
  • Free extracurricular activities included: piano, ballet, gymnastics, golf, and more.
  • A dedicated Family Coordinator assigned to every enrolled family from day one.
  • Multilingual support and a deeply multicultural community serving Thornhill, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan.

Childcare Programs

  • Nurturing, individualized care for babies from newborn to 18 months in a warm, stimulating environment.
  • Baby sign language, sensory activities, early literacy and nursery rhymes woven into daily routines.
  • Individual schedules respected for each baby, with daily reports on emotional, nutritional, and physical progress.
  • Smooth transition support — parents are welcome to join during the settling-in period.
Infant Care
  • Fully incorporates the IB Primary Years Programme alongside our Reggio and Montessori approach.
  • Inquiry-based learning built around the six PYP transdisciplinary themes for children aged 2.5 to 4 years.
  • Develops the IB learner profile through play, exploration, and guided discovery.
  • Children receive portfolios and reports at the end of each academic term.
Toddler Care
  • Reggio and Montessori-inspired environment for children aged 2.5 to 4 years.
  • Early literacy, numeracy, science, French, music, and arts integrated into daily learning.
  • Fine motor development, social-emotional growth, and self-care skills built through play.
  • Children receive portfolios and report cards at the end of each academic term.
Preschool

Private School Programs

  • Full Junior and Senior Kindergarten programming preparing children aged 4 to 6 for Grade 1.
  • Blends play-based learning with structured academic readiness across all core subjects.
  • Strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and social development.
  • Taught by Registered Early Childhood Educators in good standing with the College of ECEs.
Jr & Sr Kindergarten
  • Grade 1 to 3 curriculum fully aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme.
  • Inquiry-based units of study built around six transdisciplinary themes of global significance.
  • Develops the IB learner profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills.
  • Ongoing, integrated assessment that builds self-regulated, reflective learners.
Grades 1-3 (IB-PYP)
  • Grade 1 to 3 IB Primary Years Programme, fully integrated with local students.
  • Small class sizes with individualized attention and English language support where needed.
  • Guidance on acceptance letters, custodianship, and study permit requirements.
  • Full-year academic enrollment or short-term Canadian school-experience stays available.
International Students
  • Full-day elementary program from JK to Grade 3 combining Montessori, Core Knowledge, and High Scope.
  • Strong emphasis on independent thinking, community responsibility, and academic achievement.
  • Morning and afternoon programs available, with before and after school care for ages 6 to 12.
  • International students program available both in-person and online.
STEM
  • Free extracurricular activities included for all enrolled children — no additional cost.
  • Music instruction: piano, ukulele, and guitar taught by professional musicians.
  • Athletic programs: gymnastics and tennis led by certified coaches.
  • Arts and ballet offered in afternoon sessions to round out every child's development.
Artistic & Athletic

Licensed Home Childcare

For families who prefer a home environment, our licensed Home Child Care program brings the same Montessori and Reggio-inspired quality of Inventive Minds Academy into a warm, intimate setting. All providers are trained, inspected, and approved by both the Ontario Ministry of Education and Inventive Minds.

What It Is

Familiar, nurturing home-based care.

  • Care provided in the home of a licensed, Inventive Minds-approved provider.
  • Covers infancy through toddlerhood, with flexible full-time and part-time scheduling.
  • Every provider is licensed and regularly inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education and Inventive Minds.
  • Families interview and select their preferred provider before enrollment.
How It Works

Consistent routines, flexible schedules.

  • Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
  • Meals include a morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack following the Canadian Food Guide and Ministry of Education guidelines.
  • Flexible scheduling options: full-time or part-time to suit your family's needs.
  • Regular communication with families to keep parents informed and involved.
The Curriculum

Reggio and Montessori learning at home.

  • Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired programming tailored for infants and toddlers.
  • Activities designed to support neurodevelopment, emotional health, and early cognitive growth.
  • Providers trained by Inventive Minds to deliver consistent, high-quality programming.
  • Same developmental standards and values as the Inventive Minds Academy facility program.

Parenting Support & Counselling

Who We Support

child_careChildren & Youth

  • Children ages 5 to 18 navigating the emotional impact of parental separation or divorce.
  • Youth experiencing anxiety, behavioral changes, or adjustment difficulties related to family transitions.
  • Children caught in high-conflict co-parenting situations who need a safe, neutral space.
  • Young people seeking to understand and process changes in their family structure.
Who We Support

family_restroomAdults & Families

  • Separating or divorcing adults managing the emotional and practical challenges of family breakdown.
  • Co-parents seeking to improve communication and reduce conflict for the benefit of their children.
  • Blended families navigating the complexities of new family dynamics.
  • Individuals seeking support through major life transitions related to separation.

What We Address

  • Emotional and behavioral responses to parental separation or divorce.
  • Anxiety, grief, and adjustment difficulties in children and youth.
  • Communication breakdowns between co-parents affecting children.
  • Parental alienation concerns and their impact on children.
  • Establishing consistent routines and boundaries across two homes.
  • Building resilience and coping strategies for children and adults alike.
  • Supporting children through transitions including new relationships and blended families.
  • Preparing families for the emotional aspects of mediation or arbitration.

Testimonials

What families are saying.

Devon

From the moment we walked in, we knew this was the right place for our daughter. The staff are warm, patient, and genuinely invested in every child. Watching her grow in confidence and language skills over just a few months has been incredible.

Devon

JeongEun

As a parent returning to work, I was anxious about leaving my son in someone else's care. Inventive Minds gave me complete peace of mind. The facility is spotless, the educators are professional, and my son absolutely loves going every day.

JeongEun

Mitra

The multicultural environment at Inventive Minds is something truly special. My children feel seen and understood here. Rose and her team have created a community that feels like an extension of our family.

Mitra

Susan

The progress my daughter has made academically and socially since joining Inventive Minds has exceeded every expectation. The blend of Montessori and Reggio approaches is evident in how she thinks, creates, and communicates.

Susan

Mahboobeh

I cannot say enough about how loving and kind the educators are here. The space is beautiful, spacious, and always clean. My child is thriving, and I feel supported as a parent every step of the way.

Mahboobeh

International Baccalaureate OrganizationOntario Reggio Association
Get in Touch

Let's find the right path forward — together.

  • Book a free, no-obligation tour with our admission team.
  • Located in Thornhill, we welcome families from across the Greater Toronto Area.
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