955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 3S4, Canada
1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7J 1J3, Canada
1991
1996
560
110
8 to 12
Preschool to 7
Coed
Coed
Boarding, Homestay, Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Montessori
18 to 24
Varies
$26,000
$8,550 to $16,785
$29,000
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
K to 7
$0
$0
112
10
86%
0%
60%
0%
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Bodwell began in 1991 with just six students, and has grown exponentially since then. It’s now one of the largest international boarding schools in the country. Throughout, the school has been developed to support learners arriving in Canada from overseas, including counsellors who can provide guidance on travel and visa requirements, and international credit equivalencies. The atmosphere in many ways in an expression of the surrounding city. Like Vancouver, the school is diverse, positioned to grant a global perspective. Graduates are encouraged to grow a sense of who they are in that wider world, both of the pacific rim and beyond. The ideal student is one preparing for university and, afterward, a professional engagement within an international context.
View full reportNorth Star Montessori Elementary School is the only school in the North Shore area offering an authentic Montessori elementary program, enriched by outdoor education and field trips. The school’s welcoming community benefits from dedicated teachers trained in Montessori methods, as well as small classes. The school is known for its individualized approach and the ability to ignite a deep love of learning, independence, and respect in students. Its curriculum surpasses BC grade-level standards, with specialized programs in French, music, and STEM. North Star Montessori also offers extensive physical education, integrated arts programs, and a variety of field trips. Parents are drawn to North Star for its nurturing environment and commitment to academic development. The school maintains a non-competitive atmosphere without traditional testing. North Star's education model focuses on developing well-rounded individuals, prepared for lifelong success with creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.
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"The teachers are dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate about fostering a nurturing learning environment."
Tanatswa Chitenga - Alumnus (Oct 23, 2023)
Like any other person, change always makes one anxious as it is unknown what's to come. There is not...
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"Because of the lower number of students, there was always someone ready to assist anyone with anything."
Oleg Pak - Alumnus (Nov 27, 2023)
From the very first time I entered Bodwell High School and saw the glowing diverse faces of the stud...
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"The teaching and learning environment at Bodwell was very personal."
Danat Turakbayev - Alumnus (Jan 24, 2024)
I had a positive lifetime-changing experience at Bodwell High School. I believe it influenced most i...
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"Bodwell offers a rigorous academic program, including IB and AP components, and prepares students for university entrance. All students participate in extra-curriculars, with emphasis on sports, fine arts and life skills in the boarding program. We have a strong ESL program and our Saturday enrichment program allows students to expand their learning and to gain "real-world" knowledge. Our diverse environment enables students to become active learners and well-rounded citizens who contribute positively to the world."
"An authentic Montessori program from birth to Gr. 7, we are committed to meeting the needs of each student. We foster a love of learning, independence and respect. The benefits and robust academic curriculum of the Montessori program extend beyond the walls of the classroom and the limits of the BC grade-level curriculum allowing students to meet their fullest potential. Practical experiences build confidence and inspire the self-motivation to 'learn' and 'do' which students carry with them throughout their lives."
"We prioritize university preparation at Bodwell High School, reflected through our expansive multi-cultural counselling team. Our students benefit from well-supported and personalized learning opportunities through the IB Middle Years Program, AP courses, Academic English Preparation program, and a wide range of co-curricular courses (over 100) that provide academic support, skill-building and exploration of interests. Located close to the city, the Bodwell boarding program is fully on-campus."
"We meet the social, academic, and developmental needs of each student in an exciting and engaging way. Students are seen as individual learners and their lessons are planned according to their own unique needs and learning styles. Specially trained teachers use the Montessori materials to create a lasting impression of concepts. Deeper exploration of concepts in a dynamic mixed-age classroom make learning fun!"
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"We have proven success through high acceptance rates to top Canadian and global universities. Bodwell graduates enter post-secondary life with strong life-skills and English-language development gained through a strongly supportive multicultural community. With a safe and secure on-site boarding experience, students are equipped to focus on their learning. Our modern campus, located close to the city, also offers ample opportunities for engaging activities and exploration."
"Families choose North Star because of the warm, caring and inclusive environments in each of the classrooms. They notice from their first tour of the school that students at North Star are calm, focused, and happy. They are confident knowing that North Star is a recognized and authentic Montessori school with high-quality, experienced teachers, and appreciate that their child will be encouraged to strive beyond the academic boundaries of the BC grade-level curriculum."
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"Something many families appreciate later in their relationship with Bodwell is the deep and continued commitment we have to open communication with parents. As many of our parents live in different countries, we truly embrace a philosophy that parents are our partners in education - and we work hard to make sure that parents feel their voices are heard."
"The huge social-emotional and academic benefits of the mixed-age classrooms- The
collaborative nature of student relationships across the ages provides inspiration and motivation to younger students, leadership opportunities and reinforcement of knowledge for older students and an elevated level of socialization skills for all students. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that more closely reflects the social dynamic in life outside of school."
"Families might be surprised to learn that Bodwell's student body is almost entirely international. Because of this, we are able to customize our programming. Our community enjoys a modern campus, located close to the core of Vancouver. Students come together from around the world to enjoy a shared and supportive multi-cultural experience, with extra and co-curricular opportunities focused on addressing their needs as international students."
"Given the non-competitive atmosphere with no traditional testing or homework, it can be surprising to new families that students are so academically advanced, and that grade level competencies are a base, not the ceiling for their child's potential. The way the lessons are presented and the exploratory nature of the Montessori Materials creates a lasting impression and solidifies knowledge."
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"A transformative education which helps young people ask big questions, expose common assumptions about the world, critically examine society, and cultivate empathy and responsibility is the ultimate goal. As an educator, a commitment to transformative education is my personal and professional mission."
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Montessori
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Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
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Bodwell's linear system gives students several advantages. Firstly, there are three entrance opportunities every year, in September, January, and July, giving students schedule flexibility. Secondly, the system allows a motivated student to complete one-and-a-half academic grades in each calendar year. This allows students to complete high school faster and begin their university studies sooner. ESL students also have an opportunity to join from November and April in addition to Fall, Spring & July intake.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Teachers at Bodwell use a mix of traditional versus discovery approaches depending on their own style, the familiarity of the students to the topic and the need for interaction in class. For example, one teacher stated 'I think it is important to introduce the topic, provide examples, then have students try some on their own'. Another teacher stated 'If it is a concept most students probably know, I try to create a mini, fun, "competition". Students get into teams and answer questions. The first team to get the answer gets a point." Another teacher concluded 'I choose a mix because some students thrive on inquiry and others are uncomfortable with problem solving without the "tools" first'.
The Montessori materials allow the students to explore a concrete experience of abstract mathematics concepts. This work provides the student with solid underpinnings for conventional mathematical principles, providing a structured scope for abstract reasoning.
North Star has the full scope of Montessori Materials for the Mathematics curriculum,
This varies from teacher to teacher however in general Bodwell permits the use of calculators according to the rules of BC Provincial Exams. In classrooms teachers do not permit the sharing of and use of the calculator on phones unless an activity requires this.
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The language program, which begins at age 3, is phonetically based. Sound games and other activities are played to establish phonological awareness. Once a student is familiar with all or most of the sounds, they begin to put them together to build words. When this base is strong, they move to learning blends, phonograms and sight words.
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Writing comes before reading in Montessori. Through letter sound recognition, students use the Movable Alphabet to begin building words and sentences. Prior experience with the practical life exercises helps strengthen the hand and create habits for writing including the pincer grip, moving from let to right and the circular motion for cursive writing. Students are writing phonetic stream of consciousness long before spelling and grammar are formally taught.
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Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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In general teachers at Bodwell use the " equal balance" method for teaching science classes. If there is a concept that they feel students can figure out through inquiry, they choose the inquiry method. However, if a particular concept is challenging for most students, then they would use the expository method (direct instruction).
Visit North Star's website for more detailed information.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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The literature program is vertically aligned to build on critical skills from grade level to grade level. Through inquiry based methods, students are asked to make personal and world view connections to the literature. A mix of modern and classical literature is explored. Across a wide range of genres, the literature chosen is thematic, focusing on: identity, social issues, cultural diversity, community and self-awareness. Traditional, academic essay writing is taught, but students also demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking by completing projects such as a film, work of art, comic strip, and/or original poetry. Cooperative learning activities including debates, skits, pair work and group discussions are an integral part of daily lessons.
Please visit North Star's website for more information
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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Please visit North Star's website for more information.
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Bodwell adopts a balanced approach to social studies methodology. Students are exposed to knowledge of both major historical events, and of contemporary news. Our additional focus is towards global affairs. As a school that is highly diverse, we prioritize an awareness of international interactions and critical thinking in our humanities curriculum.
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These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Both methods are taught in French class. At the start of a unit it might be more audio-lingual as the students are introduced to new vocabulary or grammar structures. As their language skills develop we break out into group games, go around and do interviews in French, create little skits, read short texts in French and use new vocabulary in conversation and class routines, and even give short presentations where the other students ask the presenter questions in French to further work on understanding/ and responding.
Please visit North Star's website for more information
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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We offer Fine Arts for Grades 8 to 12, with Advanced Placement Visual Art 12 through submission of Art portfolios to the College Board. All Fine Arts courses follow BC Ministry current curriculum focus on core competency and connection to real life. The art teachers use a variety of medium. We are lucky to be on the North Shore with many boutique art galleries and studios with specialties plus the Vancouver Art Gallery and local art destinations that students go. We have increasing contact and join projects with community partners. Our students are also outdoor and active getting inspirations for art work. They also participate in art competitions and events regularly.
Please visit North Star's website for more information.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Bodwell is well equipped with cutting-edge network infrastructure, equipment, software applications, and databases. Apart from in ICT, teachers are free to utilize technology in their classrooms or not. We have a Bodwell standardized laptop that is used for academics only. The goal is to enhance learning and improve communications between staff and students. In addition, Bodwell students have a professional license to Office 365 which provides all Microsoft Office apps online and locally on their laptop. Students also have access to lynda.com and all major Adobe products. 7 smart boards (SB685 series and SB885 series) have been installed in different classrooms to enhance student learning—targeting various subject areas (Math, science, English, Humanities, ESL).
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physical Education is offered in grades 8-12 and follows the BC Ministry current curriculum with the aim of providing opportunities for students to experience a variety of activities and promote lifelong, healthy living. Our Physical Education program encompasses two specific aspects: fitness and sports. The fitness component of the program is a progressive program emphasizing cardio-respiratory development. One of the goals of the program is to teach and instill the skills necessary to live an active lifestyle that promotes health and physical literacy. The sport component of the program consists of activities from a variety of sports and games. A holistic approach is followed with mental, social, and physical domains addressed. The program is intended to allow the student to develop an appreciation of sport and an understanding of the strategies, skills and basic rules involved, encouraging a lifetime of participation.
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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.
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Student-paced
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.
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.
The LAP (Language Acceleration Program) is a specialized English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students who are becoming proficient in English.
The teachers carefully observe the students, record their progress, give further support and direction as necessary, and present the next level of martial /work, when the student is ready.
Supportive
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”.
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.
Bodwell offers a university preparatory program. When many of our students are from overseas and some are recent immigrant children, we offer a custom-designed Academic and English Preparation for them to improve their English skills before regular courses. Students succeed in the Language Arts, and are equally successful in provincial exams and in grade 12 academic averages to qualify for students’ choice universities. We provide additional formal learning Saturday mornings for specialized language courses, outdoor education, career exposure and community service projects. 80% of our 650 students are boarding on-site and our day and boarding programs are well integrated.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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."
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Our philosophy is to develop “active learners and well-rounded citizens who contribute positively to the world”. We emphasize equally on intellectual, social-emotional and physical development, the latter especially in terms of active living, health and fitness. 80% of our 650 students are boards and we make good use of the time resources and campus facilities to support these developmental goals. In addition to academic excellence, our students strive towards to a variety of athletic events (competing to provincial levels) and extra-curricular events including life skill workshops, career orientation and community services, local and international.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
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
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
K - 7
0%
0%
$0
$0
60%
0%
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
We are looking for students who can actively and positively impact on our school student community by giving their best at both academics and student life. Prospective students must demonstrate this in their application, submitted transcripts, references and interview. All new students will start in our Boarding Program. Upon completion of the Boarding Program, students may apply to move to a Bodwell homestay.
The younger the child is when exposed to the Montessori environment, the more success they will have in it.
Please visit North Star's Website for more information.