Beyond the Classroom
Reaching Beyond
How our students connect with the wider world through cosmic education, global citizenship, and community engagement.
Our Philosophy
Education for Peace & Purpose
Dr. Maria Montessori envisioned education as a force for peace — not merely the absence of conflict, but the active cultivation of understanding, empathy, and responsibility. At Lions Gate Montessori, we take this vision seriously. Our students do not simply learn about the world; they engage with it.
From representing nations at the Montessori Model United Nations in New York to caring for local ecosystems in Stanley Park, our children develop the knowledge, skills, and moral compass to become thoughtful citizens of the world. This is Cosmic Education in action.
Our Initiatives
How We Reach Beyond
Montessori Model United Nations
New York City
Our Upper Elementary students participate in the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) programme in New York City — a transformative experience where children research global issues, represent countries, draft resolutions, and engage in diplomatic negotiation alongside Montessori students from around the world.
MMUN embodies the Montessori vision of cosmic education: understanding our interconnectedness and developing the moral courage to act for the common good.
Cosmic Education in Action
The Great Lessons & Beyond
Cosmic Education is the heart of the Montessori elementary curriculum. Through the Five Great Lessons — the story of the universe, the coming of life, the story of humans, the story of language, and the story of numbers — children develop a sweeping vision of the interconnectedness of all knowledge. This is not rote learning; it is an invitation to wonder.
From studying the timeline of life to exploring the history of writing systems, our students pursue research projects that connect them to the wider world and cultivate a deep sense of responsibility toward it.
Environmental Stewardship
Nature & Sustainability
Montessori education has always emphasised the child's relationship with the natural world. Our students engage in hands-on environmental projects — from maintaining classroom gardens and composting programmes to studying local ecosystems during field trips to Stanley Park, the UBC Botanical Garden, and the Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Through direct experience with the natural world, children develop not only scientific understanding but a genuine ethic of care for the environment.
Community Service & Fundraising
Giving Back
Service to others is a natural extension of Montessori's emphasis on social responsibility. Our students organise and participate in fundraising initiatives throughout the year — from bake sales and art auctions to dedicated campaigns supporting local charities and international causes. These are not token gestures; they are genuine expressions of the children's growing awareness of their role in the community.
Past initiatives have supported the BC Children's Hospital, local food banks, and international relief efforts — all driven by student interest and initiative.
Academic Partnerships
UBC, Capilano & Beyond
We maintain active partnerships with local universities and institutions. Our collaboration with the UBC Thunderbirds provides athletics enrichment, while our mathematics programme benefits from the expertise of Hossein Mousavi, author of over 40 mathematics textbooks. Students also participate in the UBC Math Circle and attend lectures and workshops at partner institutions.
These partnerships extend the classroom into the wider academic community, giving children access to mentors, resources, and experiences that enrich their learning.
Arts, Culture & Performance
Creative Expression
The arts are not an add-on at Lions Gate — they are integral to the curriculum. Students engage in music instruction with our dedicated music specialist, participate in annual theatrical productions, create collaborative art installations inspired by Canadian artists like Ted Harrison, and explore creative writing through poetry and storytelling.
Our annual performances and art exhibitions are highlights of the school year, bringing families together to celebrate the children's creative achievements.
"Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war."
— Dr. Maria Montessori
See Our Community in Action
The best way to understand the depth of a Lions Gate education is to visit. Schedule a tour and experience our prepared environments, meet our guides, and see how our students engage with the world.