AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Calgary Waldorf School vs. Learning Beam Academy

one-to-one comparison:

View Calgary Waldorf School's full report
VS.
View Learning Beam Academy's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    515 Cougar Ridge Dr. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5G9, Canada

    19 Woodbine Downs Blvd #209, Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6N5, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1985

    0

    Enrolment

    240

    10

    Grades

    JK to 9

    9 to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    eSchool

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

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

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Waldorf

    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.
    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.

    Avg. Class Size

    Varies

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Waldorf
    Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $6,170 to $12,130

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    Preschool to 9

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    20

    3

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    99%

    Day entry years

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    The program is established and proven, having been founded in 1985. Facilities are frankly excellent, having been purpose built for the CWS program in 2002, and created through consultation and cooperation with the entire school community. Spaces are ample, well appointed, and naturally lit. The aesthetic throughout is energizing. A wealth of outdoor space is a plus, to with more than four acres combining multi-use fields, play spaces, and sports fields. The proximity to the Canada Olympic Park isn’t perhaps meaningful in any substantive way, but is nice all the same. In the creation of the facility, to the day-to-day experience of the school, the school prides itself on the community that it both serves and represents, and well it should. There’s a village feel throughout, which only amplifies the academic work being done. Parents feel as much a part of the school as the students, which supports the work of the school in lots of overt and subtle ways. Staff are dedicated and experienced, and the daily routines—from drop off to aftercare—are friendly and sympathetic to the needs of parents and everything that can pop up in the course of a day.

    View full report

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Learning Beam Academy is a fully online, private, and ministry-inspected secondary school that complies with all the regulations and guidelines of the Ontario Ministry of Education. This 1 school offers individual credit courses allowing students to upgrade their existing high school marks to fulfill post-secondary requirements on their own time and at their own pace. With a range of courses from Grades 9 to 12, domestic and international students can earn credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), enabling them to apply to globally-recognized colleges and universities.

     

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Central to Waldorf education is a deep respect for childhood. Our enriched curriculum is designed to meet children where they are in their development. Movement and time in nature is built into every student’s daily rhythm. The Waldorf learning experience is hands-on, with unwired and low-tech classrooms. The arts — music, story, drawing, painting, and drama — are interwoven through all subjects. Students also learn two world languages, French and German."

    • Beginning in grade one children learn two world languages, French and German.
    • Handwork and Woodwork are part of the curriculum
    • Middle School students take part in a series of elective classes including wrestling, robotics, etc.
    • Independent School athletics program begins in grade seven with after school sports.

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    "Learning Beam Academy is the best Online high school in Ontario. Learning Beam Academy provides excellent individualized academic instruction for children in high school. We offer globally recognized Ontario credit courses from grade 9 to grade 12 through our innovative online learning platform. We deliver OSSD courses that not only meet but extend beyond the curriculum requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education to prepare students for post-secondary education."

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "This whole-child approach to education is rooted in the Waldorf concepts of "feeling, thinking, willing," and "heart, head, hands." These concepts are based on Dr. Rudolf Steiner's philosophies, and adapted for a changing world. We strive to honour, nurture, and protect the childhood of our students; to guide them into healthy adolescence; and to help them mature in ways that go beyond the simply material aspects of our nature and our world."

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    "Students can register and begin credit courses at any time of the the year."

    Array

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

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Our philosophy prioritizes the integration of arts, imagination, and movement into all academic disciplines. Our curriculum fosters intellectual flexibility and creative thinking, with an eye to ethics and morality. Knowledge is important, but understanding what to do with that knowledge is critical. We believe that becoming a successful human is a function of weaving together a rich tapestry of capacities and abilities."

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    "Courses are easily accessible anywhere at any time. Students are able to meet graduation requirements through the online platform from any part of the world."

    Array

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

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "The use of electronic media, particularly television, by young children is discouraged in Waldorf schools. So too is the over-emphasis of commercialism and busy extra-curricular schedules. The importance of a balanced and strong family life is emphasized, encouraged and supported at our school."

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Waldorf class teachers build strong relationships with their students. Our methodology is rooted in rhythm and routine, and supported by having a Class Teacher. The teacher stays with their class for several consecutive years, acting as mentor, role model, and guardian. A Class Teacher is better able to assess each individual's development needs, and fosters shared experience and a strong bond between the teacher and the students and their families."

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    information not available

    Learning Beam Academy is an online private high school, inspected by Ontario Ministry of Education, Canada (BSID#889197). We offer Ontario high school diploma(OSSD) and credit courses for grades 9-12. Canadian and international students can enroll to obtain high school credits that are globally recognised by colleges and universities. Avail innovative learning through our supportive and professional staff.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Waldorf


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Waldorf schools are available from preschool to Grade 12, though they are most popular at the younger ages. Waldorf schools are unmistakably "progressive". Rudolf Steiner, their intellectual forefather, believed the educator's first task should be to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning. Sometimes incorrectly conflated with Montessori schools, Waldorf schools focus on developing the "whole child" - emphasizing collaborative, hands-on learning, along with the arts and music, which are integrated into other areas of study.

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      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

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Waldorf

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Student-paced


      Our Take

      Our Take

      CALGARY WALDORF 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.

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      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

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      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

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      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

    CALGARY WALDORF 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

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    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

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    • Our School is a member of the I.S.A.A. (Independent Schools’ Athletic Association), a league of independent schools in Calgary that coordinates the sporting season for its students.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Preschool - 9

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    99%

    Day entry years

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes: grades 9 - 12

    Entrance essay required

    No

    Yes: grades 9 - 12

    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

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    We follow PLAR process to allow admission to our school on full time basis.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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