Find Schools
Compare Schools
School Reviews
Advice Guide
School Expos

AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Alcuin College vs. Community Life Christian School

one-to-one comparison:

View Alcuin College's full report
VS.
View Community Life Christian School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    200-1046 St Georges Avenue, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7L 3H6, Canada

    140 Dawes Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4C 5C2, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2012

    Enrolment

    118

    77

    Grades

    K to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Homestay, Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Spiritual
    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Liberal Arts

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    Standard-enriched
    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
    Standard-enriched
    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Academic culture

    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
    Rigorous
    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

    Avg. Class Size

    8 to 12

    12 to 15

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Play-based
    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
    Academic
    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $20,000

    $8,000 to $14,000

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    9

    5

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades K - 12

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Alcuin College was founded in 2012 in the understanding that learning begins with a relationship between student and teacher, and flourishes within a community of learners. The goal is to begin with all the things that students bring with them into the classroom—the curiosities, the concerns—and to use them as the basis for aspirations—to learn, to grow, and connect with others. As much as possible, instruction is tutorial, bringing students together in small groups around specific tasks or inquiries. Teachers are hired for both their experience in the classroom as well as in the community, which adds a nice dimension to the life of the school, in that learning is taken beyond the walls of the school itself. The curriculum is challenging, though the support is as well, ensuring that students remain on task and engaged.

    View full report

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Rev. Kelly is clearly passionate about the work of the school, and has gathered a staff that reflects those passions. Classes are small, and the delivery of the curriculum personal, deliberate, creative and exciting. The name of the school couldn’t be more apt: the program is about growing and learning within a shared community that reflects the Christian values of compassion, hope, peace, generosity, faithful stewardship, and striving for excellence in every area of children’s growth, including academic preparedness for successful university studies. 

    View full report

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    "Alcuin College is a progressive, independent K-12 school rooted in curiosity-led learning. We specialize in providing an innovative, hands-on education based on the Liberal Arts. As an independent school on Vancouver’s North Shore, Alcuin attracts students who are coping in their current schools, but are not necessarily thriving, or who are uninspired. Our very small class sizes ensure personal attention, and our challenging curriculum is enriched by the resources and expertise available in our local community."

    • The unique relationship between student and teacher is central to successful learning at Alcuin
    • The diverse characteristics, strengths, and challenges of each child matter
    • Our intimate setting allows students to feel safe, accepted, and respected
    • We ensure smaller tutorial groups of students, under the expert guidance of a master teacher
    • We offer a rich, rigorous, and personalized education that fosters creativity and achievement
    • A hands-on approach allows students to investigate their world and take charge of their learning
    • Our inquiry approach allows student to explore topics that are of personal interest
    • Students develop analytic and creative skills, and are challenged to think critically and to reflect
    • Our K-2 program offers a full day of outdoor exploration each week
    • We are a community; students, teachers and parents are partners in learning

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    "We welcome children from Christian and non-Christian families. Our teachers are professional with truthful love and highly responsible. We nurture a life-long love of eternal truth in children. We follow the Ontario Academic Guidelines and tailor our curriculum to help each student thrive with joy in academics and every area of their growth. We offer great ESL programs and flexible academic programs to international students to help them best succeed. We are a big warm family to our students at home and abroad."

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    "Personal attention is key. We seek out the interests of each child and adjust learning experiences to suit individual needs. For our senior scholars, we tailor elective courses to encourage passions and meet long-term goals. Your will find our students off-site frequently, interacting with the community and learning from the real world. We explore a variety of inspiring destinations to engage the children intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Alcuin is a safe place for students to learn a"

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    "Families choose Alcuin for our small class sizes, personal attention and our caring community."

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Dear friends/families,

     

    In our school, we welcome children from all families, Christians or non-Christians. It is a loving place for all to belong to and flourish. We believe love is the greatest, and interest is the best teacher.

     

    We engage our children in fun, critical thinking, creativities, and real life applications when they do every subject.

     

    Academic wise, our teachers have professional expertise and high sense of responsibility. We make sure every child can process and master every academic concept that is required by the Ontario Curriculum.  We carefully make up for the knowledge/skill they fall behind.

     

    This is a closely knit community where your children can find source of quality love, trust, strong sense of belonging and security, as well as intimate relationships with principal, teachers and peers. Our children flourish in a loving, caring and warm environment filled with hunger and thirst for the truth.

     

    We invest a lot of loving efforts on character formations of our children, so that they might reflect good moral characters in their academic, family, social disciplines, responsibilities and lives.

     

    Meanwhile we actively engage our children in rich extra curriculum events in wider Christian schools’ community (ACSI) and our immediate social community context.

     

    If you have interest to talk with us more about curriculum, school life or other questions, we are very happy to serve you. 

     

    All the best,

     

     

    Principal Rev. Kelly Jia

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM

      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Liberal Arts

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Traditional

      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Not applicable

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Alcuin College was founded upon the desire for a successful model of education that focuses on the long-term growth and development of the student. We want our children to become true life-long learners, striving to be the best that they can be, inspired by teachers, parents and experts who themselves are scholars. Through our inquiry approach, students are actively engaged in the learning process and develop an understanding of themselves as learners and as citizens of a community. Our approach encourages students to take charge of their learning and offers opportunities for them to expand their capacity to think, create and innovate, and construct meaning about the world. Smaller tutorial groups of students, under the personal and expert guidance of a master teacher, develop analytic and creative skills and are challenged to think critically, to reflect, to speak and to write with logic and concision. The unique and fundamental relationship between student and teacher is central to successful learning.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      We make sure every child can process and master every academic concept that is required by Ontario Curriculum. We carefully make up for the knowledge/skill they fall behind.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM

      Approach

      Approach

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Play-based

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Academic

      Our Take

      Our Take

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      We offer a rich, personalised programme that engages students through inquiry as they build their foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Our Kindergarten is a full-day, play-based programme, where students spend one day of the week actively exploring the outdoors, discovering new information about their world, and developing their language and thinking skills, their social and emotional skills, and their self-awareness. Our Grade 1-2 programme builds on foundational literacy and numeracy skills and offers students the opportunity to engage in explorations that encourage critical and creative thinking and allows them to explore their interests and discoveries as they develop their skills. Students in Grade 1-3 continue to spend one day of the week actively exploring the outdoors.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      We engage our children in fun, critical thinking, creativities, and real-life applications when they do every subject.

    • CURRICULUM PACE

      Pace

      Pace

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Standard-enriched

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched

      Our Take

      Our Take

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE

      Culture

      Culture

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Supportive

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Rigorous

      Our Take

      Our Take

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES

      Primary

      Primary

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Intellectual
      The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

      Secondary

      Secondary

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Intellectual
      The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Spiritual
      The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate

    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades K - 12

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

ALCUIN COLLEGE:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




x



              

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All right reserved.