LAMA Preschool
LAMA Leaders
30 months to 3 years old
Full Day: 8:00am – 4:00pm
LAMA Leaders
30 months to 3 years old
Full Day: 8:00am – 4:00pm
program Highlights
- Small Class sizes – 10 students with 2 teachers plus a Support team
- Structured Day focused on literacy and mathematics fundamentals and core development
- One on One learning sessions with personalized learning plans
- Catered lunch and 2 snacks (Individually portioned, packaged and labelled)
- Engaging, natural outdoor learning environment
- Optional LAMA Late Care (6pm)
Children have a natural love of learning. They are innately inquisitive, drawn to things that are new and different, and do not have the fear and reservations that we have as adults. All of our programs are designed to harness this natural love of learning, while ensuring that it is directed towards the fundamentals in a creative and innovative way.
Documents & Downloads
Literacy And Mathematics Academy is unable to accept child care subsidies as the program, managed by the City of Hamilton, has been closed to new applicant schools since before LAMA’s founding.
The Daily Approach
Our students drive the learning, and our educators facilitate the experience!
Here are some highlights from our day:
01
Our morning starts with our teachers greeting their students and welcoming them into the school, helping them to hang up their belongings and join our LAMA Wake-Up Program. This program wakes up our bodies and gets us motivated and ready for learning! It culminates in our morning meeting, where we get our story mats, take a poll to check-in with our emotions, share some stories, and, then discuss the day ahead!
02
This is followed by our first outdoor learning block. We practice what we preach, and show our students that learning happens everywhere! Some of our student’s outdoor learning favourites are: scavenger hunts, chalk letter writing, alphabet soup or STEM fun with Mentos and soda or other messy and learning forward outdoor experiments!
03
When we transition indoors, we have our literacy or mathematics focused in-class block. During this same time, our students start their one on ones with the lead teacher. This is where they work on their individualized programs, designed to fit their personal learning goals, at their own pace.
04
Our afternoon starts with a nap or LAMA Cool Down program, which lets our little learners calm down, take in the day, reset their minds and prepare for the afternoon’s adventure! This is followed by another outdoor learning opportunity, before we return for our hands-on learning experience. Some student favourites have been creating our own habitats, personal Pinocchio dolls and mini novel study, role switch (where the students get to teach the teachers) or letter match.
05
To end our day, before we meet our parents and go home, we have an outdoor social to recap the day’s learning.
What parents say
I have nothing but positive things to say about this school and the system they use to teach our children. Their approach to learning is unique and different from the typical school system. Their class sizes are small and focused on the individual learning habits of each individual student. Lama also teaches a high level of respect between the staff and the students and you will not find problem children here. The staff have open dialogue between the parents and the staff and you will know exactly where your child stands at all times. You will not be disappointed enrolling your child in this school!
It is our best decision to send my daughter to this school.They are helping her grow learn talk and overall development we are so happy to be part of this wonderful school and planning to send my second daughter in next session as well.
As my daughter never been to any day care or any other facility whole staff was so helpful to ease our anticipation .Great place to send kids
Thank you guys
As my daughter never been to any day care or any other facility whole staff was so helpful to ease our anticipation .Great place to send kids
Thank you guys
I had a wonderful experience with the tutoring program! Very detailed continued assessment, strong plans and goals, plus flexible staff. This program is very tailored to meet individual needs! Thrilled to have such strong high school support too. The best program around!!
My youngest dreaded going to school until he started at LAMA. The staff are highly engaged to make learning fun and help each student achieve their potential. His teacher had a better understanding of him and his needs in the first weeks than his public school teachers had after a full year.
I graduated this school on June, 25th, 2022 and Oh my goodness where do I even start, I loved this school! weather it came to the teachers, accommodations, success rate, making friends etc. it was overall great and I wouldn’t be doing as good as I am now in high school as a 10th grade successful student if it wasn’t for team LAMA. I can’t thank you enough thank you so much LAMA!!!
Folks, Parents i can’t say enough good things about this school. Teachers are very caring, very supportive and patient with childs needs. My daughter practically knows all the teachers names and is always excited to go to school. We as parents are blown away from her past to present achievments academically and her enlightment for Lama. Again parents, couldnt be happier and couldnt find a better school. Thank You Lama
LAMA has been a blessing to my family. When we moved to the Stoney Creek area, we were looking for a school that would not only challenge my son academically but also one he would have fun and socialize - LAMA is ALL of this and much more. My son enjoys his school and told me "he never wants to leave LAMA as it is AWESOME." LAMA's teachers are wonderful, they truly care about being teachers, have a passion for teaching and the children in their care; they teach and nurture with a smile - as a mother it is so beautiful to see this consistently, everyday! LAMA believes each child is unique and they tailor teaching to ensure every child gets the support they need to shine brightly. Principal Nicole is just absolutely amazing and her passion for education and the best for the children shines through in the programs she allows in the school as well as the school's outside engagements. Thank you LAMA, we are proud to be part of the LAMA family!!
Our daughter is in grade 6 and arrived in November 2022. She is flourishing. If you’re looking for a real education, want your children to be equipped with the critical foundational skills and knowledge to be effective communicators in the world, and a school that can see and harness your children’s individual gifts, look no further than Lama. We couldn’t be happier and just wish she had entered earlier.
My daughter has been going to lama since September of 2022. Once covid hit I homeschooled her for a couple of years. Someone i know recommended LAMA. From September to present my daughter is a completely different child. She has blossomed and has come out of her shell so so much from going there. She had anxiety in her previous school and getting her to go was always a challenge. She is excited to go to LAMA everyday. Her math was also something she had a hard time with. She has exceled so much since going there that she is now helping other kids in her class. The small classrooms means that the teachers can really focus on each child and give them the help and attention they need. My daughter has gained so much confidence that she has now played on the volleyball team. She did cross country and will soon be doing track and field. Her teachers are amazing and the principal pours her heart and soul into the school and the kids and it really shows. The principal and staff are always looking at fun and creative things to do while also learning in the process. LAMA has been indredible and i hope more kids have the chance to attend this amazing place.
There are no words to express how thankful we are for the wonderful educators at LAMA. The difference only 1 school year made in our son is incredible. If you are considering sending your child to this school, just know you will not regret it. Our son is thriving. He is happy and is included in every activity. Sending him to LAMA was the best decision we could ever have made.
My daughter started at the school in January. She has made amazing gains in literacy and math. She has also blossomed as a learner - her confidence and positive attitude is amazing. They care for the kids - ensuring they have positive peer relationships, and create truly individualized programs for each student. They have sports teams that are inclusive and encouraging, and great arts experiences. As a parent with a background in education and special education, I am completely impressed and highly recommend this school for kids who need programming for individualized needs.
If I had made a list of criteria a school would need for my children….. LAMA would check all the boxes and more!!! Every single teacher and care giver in this school has heart, creativity, empathy, compassion and passion for making children thrive in a nurturing environment! My children have gained a copious amount of self confidence in this school year. After homeschooling for 3 years…..I never thought I would have found an amazing school such as this one to care for my children!! You could never get this care attention for your children, from the every declining public school system!
We commute 35 min each way and would drive further if we had to to get to LAMA!!!
We commute 35 min each way and would drive further if we had to to get to LAMA!!!
When I was in Grades 9 and 10, I was in need of a tutor for math! Before I had even met Nicole, I was struggling so much, and my grades were very low. I had struggled with math so much to the point where it had affected me mentally and affected my work ethic in other classes. This was when both my parents and I knew I needed a tutor. My parents happened to find her card in an office nearby and it was like fate had just appeared! a few weeks later, I started going to LAMA every week to get help in math and not only had my grades improved tremendously, but I was also understanding every piece of material that was given to me and I was enjoying it!!! I went from being an average grade student to and honor roll student in a year! I also had the chance to complete my volunteer hours there and had a total of 120 hours, by the end of last year! If you need help in any of the areas of Math and Literacy, I strongly suggest LAMA! Exceptional Service, Great People, and so much more! I know for a fact I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for Nicole and her amazing team!!!!!!! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. 100% recommend this place!
We love Nicole and all of the staff at Literacy and Mathematics Academy. Our children have been students at the school, and took part in the summer camps. We have experience with home daycares, as well as other centres in the area,
and LAMA ranks as the best we’ve ever attended. Thank you very much for the incredible care you put into both education and fun.
and LAMA ranks as the best we’ve ever attended. Thank you very much for the incredible care you put into both education and fun.
Our son began attending LAMA in September 2021. He is absolutely excelling in academics and is thriving all around. He would attend school on the weekends if it was an option! The support and community at LAMA is truly one of a kind. I don't think I have ever met teachers more dedicated to ensuring their students are not only learning beyond the regular curriculum but are having fun at the same time. This is an environment where student's individual needs really are taken to heart, students are encouraged, supported and truly involved in all aspects of their learning. Couldn't imagine my child not attending and could not recommend LAMA more.
I can not say enough positive things about L.A.M.A
The dedication and commitment the school has on ensuring the children's education is top priority and that not only do they meet Ontario standards but over exceed on the expected curriculum. The focus with more 1 on 1 for children with smaller classroom. This place is every parents wish for their children's education. The best decision we made for our children! We are truly grateful!
The dedication and commitment the school has on ensuring the children's education is top priority and that not only do they meet Ontario standards but over exceed on the expected curriculum. The focus with more 1 on 1 for children with smaller classroom. This place is every parents wish for their children's education. The best decision we made for our children! We are truly grateful!
My daughter has been going there for the past 2 years and absolutely adores school! Nicole is so wonderful and always listens to any concerns or silly questions the parents have, the kids get a lot of nurturing and learn so so much there, I'm so impressed by how much my daughter learns everyday. The small class sizes are wonderful in ensuring every kid gets the care they need while learning to be independent!
They also have a ton of fun activities almost every single day!
They also have a ton of fun activities almost every single day!
We sent our daughter here for her first year of school (LAMA 4 or JK) after contemplating the local school for some time. We couldn’t be happier with the experience so far and I can’t imagine sending her anywhere else. The growth I have seen in my child in such a short time and happiness she has expressed going to the school cannot be traded. The small class sizes allow for lots of individual attention and for the kids in the class to be a tight knit group. Our daughter is actively engaged and brings that home with her asking to practice various concepts she has learned at school. The admin staff are very kind and quick to address any concerns or questions that you may have. Our daughter has learned advanced concepts for her age but in a child led way that allows her to thrive. I can’t thank the LAMA team enough for creating this wonderful environment for my daughter.
Our family has 3 little ones that all attend LAMA (Gr 1, jk and preschool). The approach to teaching that LAMA has is like nothing I could have imagined. Who knew that learning could be made fun? The kids love it so much they even want to stay after hours. The level of mathematics my kids come home with is truly impressive given their ages. I’m so very happy to have integrated my family into the LAMA family and I hope to share many more years of learning with LAMA. 12/10 in all aspects.
My son is very happy at LAMA, he is welcomed with opened arms each morning. He has learned so much in such a short time, which tells a lot about the safe and secure learning environment he finds himself in.
Absolutely love LAMA. The programming and staff are excellent. Our daughter is in the preschool and she absolutely loves going every day. Highly recommend!
The Literacy and Math Academy has been a phenomenally positive experience for our pre-school age sons. The school take programming very seriously (with monthly parent letters and a calendar of the learning unit for the day) and I have been amazed about how much my children have learned in a short time. The school has serious dedication to seeing your children succeed - whether is it with their comprehensive report cards, working on specific skill sets or making recommendations for additional resources. It is evident the school team just really cares for your children.
Our son was struggling in school, and we were not able to get the assistance required. We tried a variety of options, including after-school tutors, but he kept falling further behind and started having behavioural issues that were totally unlike him. Ultimately, we decided we needed to completely change gears and home school. We had no idea how to do this and initially, I was worried that our son would continue to be "behind" and need multiple special accommodations. We're now a few years into our relationship with Nicole & LAMA, and are beyond amazed at the difference! A customized program was created - with our input, the Provincial curriculum is being met, and lessons are frequently customized to our son, his needs and learning styles! Our son is exceeding every expectation and is at or above grade level across the board! Thanks to his teacher Mary, and Nicole, Nathan is back on track and loves learning again! Thank you 😊!
Sending my daughter to LAMA was one of the best parenting decisions I have made. She has now had 2 summers full of dynamic, safe Camps, and 1 year in the SK program. I cannot express my gratitude to the LAMA team for the support, guidance, and high level of education my daughter is receiving each and every day. As a family joining the school, you become part of a community that is close knit and supportive. The individualized learning is perfectly integrated into the classroom, and they consistently provide ample 'out of the box' learning opportunities including outdoor experiences. I highly recommend this school to anyone who considers alternate options from Public Education.
Where do I begin?
Literacy & Mathematics Academy was recommended to us by a friend after we saw our son struggling (to the point of tears) with the online learning program in the Public School system during the Covid lock down. We knew if we didn’t help him, his love of learning would just be met with frustration and soon enough he would just give up.
A simple message explaining the situation to them was met with encouragement, assistance and immediate action. An assessment was done, and a plan was put in place for our sons’ specific needs and concerns along with placing the perfect teacher that would promote the best learning environment for him.
After only 1 online lesson we could see his excitement return for learning and right away knew we had made the right decision.
We can’t say enough positives about the Program that they teach and how they deliver it. They are not bound to one way of teaching and find what works best for the individual student. Knowing our son is happy and wanting to learn is the best feeling any parent could ask for. We look forward to continued learning and success while working with The Literacy & Mathematics Academy.
Literacy & Mathematics Academy was recommended to us by a friend after we saw our son struggling (to the point of tears) with the online learning program in the Public School system during the Covid lock down. We knew if we didn’t help him, his love of learning would just be met with frustration and soon enough he would just give up.
A simple message explaining the situation to them was met with encouragement, assistance and immediate action. An assessment was done, and a plan was put in place for our sons’ specific needs and concerns along with placing the perfect teacher that would promote the best learning environment for him.
After only 1 online lesson we could see his excitement return for learning and right away knew we had made the right decision.
We can’t say enough positives about the Program that they teach and how they deliver it. They are not bound to one way of teaching and find what works best for the individual student. Knowing our son is happy and wanting to learn is the best feeling any parent could ask for. We look forward to continued learning and success while working with The Literacy & Mathematics Academy.
Amazing! I have never met staff more engaged and passionate about the success of children. So fortunate to have my son attend full time. I had my own concerns about his transition but everyone was so involved and welcoming. It is amazing to see how quickly he adapted, built confidence and improved in such a short amount of time. Now I have a child who looks forward to school everyday, wanting to be the first one there and the last one to leave! Thank you Nicole and LAMA staff for putting the fun back into learning.
My daughter started preschool in LAMA; a regular combined JK/SK setting but within a week Nicole & Danielle reached out and mentioned that the 4 yr olds seem to struggle around the 5 yr olds, so they're separating them into 2 smaller classes to make sure everyone gets the attention they need, even made sure she handled the transition to a new homeroom teacher smoothly, she actually adores both Ms.Paula and Ms.Danielle right now, she can't name a favorite!
The staff is quite dynamic in dealing with situations and constantly rise up to find solutions that work for everyone.
My daughter loves going to school, always tells me new interesting facts that she learned & points out new books they read. She walked into that school a very shy 3.9 years old child and is now a self-proclaimed "leader"!
PS. When she asked them if they can have a pj day, they Actually made sure that day was implemented just for her!! How wonderful is that staff??
The staff is quite dynamic in dealing with situations and constantly rise up to find solutions that work for everyone.
My daughter loves going to school, always tells me new interesting facts that she learned & points out new books they read. She walked into that school a very shy 3.9 years old child and is now a self-proclaimed "leader"!
PS. When she asked them if they can have a pj day, they Actually made sure that day was implemented just for her!! How wonderful is that staff??
My son started at LAMA in LAMA Leaders Sept 2020 and went from crying daily at drop off to absolutely loving it. He looks forward to going to school and loves her teachers and Miss Nicole.
I would absolutely recommend LAMA to parents seeking quality childcare and curriculum for their children.
I would absolutely recommend LAMA to parents seeking quality childcare and curriculum for their children.
The online tutoring through Literacy and Mathematics Academy was a godsend during the shut down of schools last year. My kids loved their tutors and were able to work on areas of growth in an engaging way including French language skills. We were able to continue with tutoring with the online format this year. We are so grateful for this academy!
We sent both of our children to LAMA and couldn’t be happier. The school is professional and courteous, and they genuinely care for all of the children. We have seen remarkable increases in the skills and abilities in both children. The teachers and ownership are all wonderful people. Please keep up the incredible work, your doing a wonderful job with our future leaders! 10/10 highly recommended.