About Leonardo Da Vinci Academy
Four decades of knowing every child by name. You’ll feel it on your first tour.
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy is an independent Catholic Montessori school in Toronto, small enough that every child from 18 months through Grade 8 is known, not just enrolled.
Walk through Leonardo Da Vinci Academy and you’ll notice it before anyone explains it: children moving with purpose, teachers who greet them by name, and classrooms sized for attention, not just enrollment. Founded in 1984, LDVA is an independent Catholic school in Toronto offering education from 18 months through Grade 8, and for more than 40 years it has been the same community, now welcoming three generations of Toronto families.
Inspired by the philosophies of Leonardo da Vinci and Maria Montessori, our Toddler Program, Casa Montessori and Italian Immersion preschools, Lower Elementary Montessori, and enriched Upper Elementary programs (aligned with the Ontario curriculum) teach children to think critically, solve problems, and build a lasting love of learning, rather than simply memorize. Specialist instruction in French, Italian, and Music builds on that growth further, developing leadership, confidence, collaboration, and personal growth, all rooted in Catholic values of respect and compassion for others.
Small class sizes make this possible. Teachers build meaningful relationships with every student and provide the individualized guidance each child needs to reach their full potential, while learning to think creatively, lead with integrity, and take on new challenges with confidence. By nurturing the whole child, we help every student discover their own strengths and grow into a compassionate, lifelong learner.
In Honour of Our Co-Founder
None of this happened by accident. Leonardo Da Vinci Academy proudly honours co-founder Sal Ritacca, whose vision, faith, and devotion to education helped establish the school and guide its growth for more than four decades. Through his leadership, he built a community rooted in academic excellence, strong values, and a genuine love of learning, a legacy that remains at the heart of LDVA today, inspiring the students, families, and educators who carry it forward.
Why Families Choose LDVA
At Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, education is about more than academic achievement. From Toddler and Montessori programs through enriched Upper Elementary, students are encouraged to think independently, stay curious, and build a lifelong love of learning.
01
Individual attention
Small class sizes let teachers build real relationships with every student, understand how each one learns, and adjust to what they actually need.
02
Thinking Like Leonardo
Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and Maria Montessori, our Seven Da Vincian Principles teach students to observe closely, ask thoughtful questions, and approach challenges with imagination and perseverance.
03
Accredited Montessori education
Our Casa Montessori and Lower Elementary Montessori programs are Montessori Canada accredited, combining hands-on, individualized learning with a strong academic foundation.
04
Italian language and culture
Starting as early as 18 months, children build fluency in Italian and a lasting appreciation for Italian language, culture, and heritage through our Italian programs. LDVA is recognized by the Government of Italy for its commitment to Italian language and culture.
05
Catholic faith
Kindness, integrity, respect, and service are part of daily school life, with regular Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Parish for the wider school community.
06
Learning beyond the screen
Technology stays out of Toddler, Italian Immersion Preschool, and Casa Montessori classrooms, where learning happens through hands-on discovery. It’s introduced sparingly in Lower Elementary and more purposefully as students move through the elementary grades.
We believe children should learn to think with curiosity, creativity, observation, and purpose. Learn how Thinking Like Leonardo shapes every grade, from Toddler Program through Grade 8.
Explore Thinking Like Leonardo
Our Philosophy
LDVA’s approach is to help every student reach their full potential and build a lasting love of learning. Guided by the Catholic faith and the educational philosophies of Leonardo da Vinci and Maria Montessori, we support each child’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual growth.
Rather than teaching by memorization, we give students room to explore, ask real questions, and think for themselves. Our Montessori programs lay the foundation through hands-on learning and prepared environments that respect each child’s own pace, a foundation that carries through into Upper Elementary, where creativity and critical thinking still lead.
We call this mindset Thinking Like Leonardo: asking thoughtful questions, solving problems, and thinking independently, at every grade level. Italian language and culture broaden that thinking further, and our Catholic faith grounds it in kindness, integrity, and service.
The school’s motto inspired its mission: to instill a love of learning, challenge every student to grow to their full potential in the manner of Leonardo, and nurture individuals rooted in their heritage, secure in themselves, within a Catholic environment.
Virtutem Forma Decorat — Beauty Adorns Virtue
Our Staff
Administration
Dom Tassielli, Co-Founder
Trent Jewell, Academic Head and Upper Elementary Core Teacher
Roya Ghauss, Director of Admissions and Bursar
Suzann Tassielli, School Administration and Specialist Teacher
Giulia Ritacca O’Neil, School Administration
Teachers
Monia Gagliese, Toddler Program Lead Teacher
Auttrie Parsi, Toddler Program Assistant
Marcella Ricciutti, Scuola dell’Infanzia Lead Teacher
Jada D’Aversa, Scuola dell’Infanzia Assistant
Mariam Ahmed, Casa Montessori Lead Teacher
Sonia Stillo, Casa Montessori Assistant
Beverley Lobo, Lower Elementary Montessori Lead Teacher
Manjola Golgota, French Teacher
Nico Paglia, Italian and Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher
Thomas Colussi-Arthur, Upper Elementary Music Teacher
Partners
LDVA is proud to stand alongside a community of partners who share our mission: Montessori Canada, our Montessori accreditation body; ADASIM, the worldwide network of Italian schools abroad; and Villa Charities, the charitable organization LDVA is proud to be an affiliate of.
Meet our partnersCome see the community that’s shaped Toronto families since 1984.
A 30-minute visit with our Admissions team. See the classrooms while they are in session and ask us anything.