Julia Simon was born in Hungary, Europe. She was influenced at an early age, by parents who were both professional educators, and her interest in education was cultivated as a young child. Her father was a history and language professor for a private girls college. Julia’s mother was a primary school Principal, who dedicated her career to working with disadvantaged children and youth through art and art education. Julia’s early interests included athletics (she was an accomplished gymnast and swimmer), dance, art, music, writing, and, of course, teaching. She worked for a decade as an elementary school teacher. During her tenure, she came to resent the heavy state control in Eastern Europe. The lack of intellectual freedom prompted her to seek a new life in Canada.

Julia earned her Early Childhood Education Diploma from George Brown College in Toronto in 1990, and started her first preschool. Over time, she recognized the potential benefits of the Montessori method of teaching, and earned her Montessori Pre-School Diploma in 1995. In 2001, she started her first Montessori preschool in Toronto. Two years later, due to high demand, she added an Elementary school program. Alive Montessori & Private School has operated at its current location for 10 years. By making learning fun, and by giving the basic subjects of reading, writing and arithmetic the prominence they deserve, Julia’s students can excel in their education and establish a strong foundation for their future careers.