AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Alcuin College vs. Head Start Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View Alcuin College's full report
VS.
View Head Start Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    105-2235 Sheppard Ave East , North York, Ontario, M2J 5B5, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2012

    2002

    Enrolment

    118

    84

    Grades

    K to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to 3

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    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."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Emotional
    The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Liberal Arts

    Montessori

    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.
    Student-paced
    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    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.
    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.

    Avg. Class Size

    8 to 12

    Varies

    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.
    Montessori
    Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.

    If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $20,000

    $14,500 to $18,500

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    9

    11

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    7%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades K - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI 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

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Unique to Head Start Montessori is the deep involvement of its founder and director, Naureen Shah, along with director Sara Alvi, who both maintain a hands-on approach and an open-door policy, further strengthening the school’s welcoming environment. Head Start Montessori offers one of Toronto’s only infant Montessori programs, extending up to Grade 3. The school adheres to the AMI Philosophy, is CCMA Accredited, and CCYEA Licensed, reflecting its commitment to high-quality Montessori education. The school’s non-competitive atmosphere and lack of traditional testing contribute to self-driven academic achievements among students. With a focus on individual needs and collaboration with families, Head Start Montessori nurtures well-rounded development, preparing students for lifelong success. Additionally, the school’s curriculum is individualized, encompassing infant, toddler, casa environments, and lower elementary grades, along with extracurriculars like music, yoga, and gymnastics. The school provides summer and March camps, catered hot lunches, and places a strong emphasis on creating a warm, personalized community.

    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

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Head Start Montessori School was founded by Naureen Shah in 2002, because of her firm belief in Maria Montessori's vision, that the child, if provided with the right environment, will reach their full potential. Growing in the North York community, Naureen was joined by Sara Alvi in 2013, and they have now achieved their goal of nurturing children from the age of 9 months-9 years old. HSM is one of the only infant Montessori programs in Toronto, now going up to Grade 3. Both Naureen and Sara are Montessori trained teacher"

    • Follow the AMI Philosophy
    • CCMA Accredited
    • CCYEA Licenced
    • Infant/Nido Program Age 9-18 months
    • Young Children's Community (Toddler) Age 18 months -3 years old
    • 2 Casa Environments Age 2.5-6 years old
    • Lower Elementary Grade 1, 2 and 3
    • Extra Curricular Programs - Music, Yoga, Gymnastics
    • Summer and March Camps
    • Catered Hot Lunches

    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"

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Each child at Head Start Montessori has an individualized Montessori curriculum. With both owners, Naureen and Sara, being Montessori trained teachers, parents can be rest assured that their child(ren) are being provided with an authentic Montessori education. We believe that the parents and the school have to collaborate in the best interest of the child. Keeping this in mind, HSM holds many parent workshops throughout the year, as learning never stops!"

    Array

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

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI 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."

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "HSM provides a warm, loving, personalized community of like-minded parents, staff and owners who believe in the importance of the foundational years of a child's life. The collaboration of Families-School is very important to Head Start Montessori and we have an open-door policy where parents are always welcome. HSM prides itself on good communication and transparency. We also have a Parent Council, ensuring that we are all working in the best interest of the children."

    Array

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

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Starting with our youngest in the infant room, families don't realize the time, energy, effort and unconditional love each member of the school provides, in order to make Head Start Montessori a home away from home.
    Our bond with families doesn't end when they leave. Our students come back to volunteer and visit throughout the year. Through numerous siblings, our school stays connected to many families for more than a decade, forming strong relationships and becoming like family."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Both owners, Sara Alvi and Naureen Shah, are Montessori trained teachers, and are always present at the school. They are both passionate about their work, and love to talk about Montessori, life and the children. Their office is always open for quick chat and a cup of tea!"

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    information not available

    Dear Parents, 

    We welcome you to Head Start Montessori School.  For over 20 years we have been an important part of the community, promoting Montessori Education and overall well-being for our children.  Please call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment to come and visit the school.  We look forward to meeting.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Liberal Arts


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      HEAD START MONTESSORI 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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Play-based


      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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.

      If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.


      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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Supportive


      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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      HEAD START MONTESSORI 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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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


      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."

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Emotional
      The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

      HEAD START MONTESSORI 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

    HEAD START MONTESSORI 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

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    • We offer the following Extra Curricular Activities Yoga Dance Music Gymnastics
  • 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%

    7%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades K - 12

    No

    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

    What the school says

    What the school says

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    ADMISSION POLICY

    We ask that all interested families:

    • Meet the Principal and discuss your vision
    • Learn about Montessori and the school’s philosophy and vision
    • Tour the school and its facilities
    • Partake in a 20-minute classroom observation
    • Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss further questions, perceptions, and/or concerns and ensure a mutual understanding has been established

     

    ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    • Registration Form for enrollment. 
    • Up-to-date Public Health Immunization Form or Conscientious Objection Form
    • A “one-time” Registration Fee (Non-refundable)
    • Payment for one month’s tuition to confirm enrollment (Note: This check is to cover the June tuition and is non-refundable)
    • Nine (9) post-dated monthly tuition cheques dated  the first of each month

    (September 1st – May 1st); payable to “Head Start Montessori School”

     

    WITHDRAWAL POLICY

    • The school requests that written notice of permanent withdrawal be provided to the school two months in advance.  Parents will be invoiced for full program fees if notice is not received. 
    • A permanent space cannot be guaranteed if you wish to temporarily withdraw your child.    Therefore, your child will be placed on a waiting list and the enrollment process will begin again.
    • There is no deduction or refund in monthly fee due to absenteeism, personal vacations, school closure (snow days) and/or holidays. 
  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

ALCUIN COLLEGE:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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