AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Delano Academy & Delano High vs. North Star Montessori Elementary School

one-to-one comparison:

View Delano Academy & Delano High's full report
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View North Star Montessori Elementary School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    200 Racco Parkway, Maple, Ontario, L4J 8X9, Canada

    1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7J 1J3, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    0

    1996

    Enrolment

    200

    110

    Grades

    Preschool to 12

    Preschool to 7

    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate

    Montessori

    Curriculum pace

    Accelerated
    The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
    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

    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”.
    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

    16 to 18

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated gifted school

    Preschool/K curriculum

    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.
    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

    $22,600 to $23,600

    $8,550 to $16,785

    Boarding Tuition

    $23,600

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    4%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    1 to 12

    K to 7

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    13

    10

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    50%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    Yes: grades 5 - 12

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    Delano was founded in 2014 with the mandate of providing a very forward looking approach to the early and elementary years. The focus is on collaboration, 21st century literacies, and allowing students to grow into an international, empathetic understanding of the world and their place within it. The core competencies are delivered, as is a sense of how they relate to who we are and what we’re able to achieve. The ideal student is one operating toward the top of his or her peer group, and able to thrive in vibrant, active, socially engaging learning environment.

    View full report

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    North 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.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    "Students truly have a very rich academic life. They are always encouraged to think and inquire..."
    ANA LIGIA MALAVAZI - Parent   (Aug 22, 2018)
    Our son has become much happier and full of life after he started at Delano. It was the best decisio... View full review

    "My kids love the one on one attention."
    Sabrina Bartolini - Parent   (Aug 22, 2018)
    My kids love the one on one attention. They feel that their needs are met and understand the materia... View full review

    "Teacher-student-parent communication is very efficient and effective through many channels"
    Raye Cai - Parent   (Jun 22, 2020)
    We had attended another school that was very good at the beginning when it had a good principal who ... View full review

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    information not available

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    "Vaughan's top CO-ED private K-12 school, Delano is a 21st century IB candidate, university preparatory school that values evidenced-based best practices for teaching & learning. Delano is a place of rigorous curriculum standards, globally-minded education and a balance of Academics, Arts, Athletics & student wellness. We support our bright/gifted students in harnessing resiliency & critical thinking skills as visionary makers, creators & innovators. Delano enriches learning as a STE[A]M & Tech rich school."

    • International Baccalaureate PYP/MYP
    • Co-Educational & Non-Denominational
    • STE[A]M
    • Gifted High performance school
    • Before & After school care
    • Low class ratio 16:1
    • Tech Rich School
    • Balanced Art/Athletic/Academics
    • French
    • Small Boutique School

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "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."

    • A welcoming student-parent-teacher community
    • Programs include- infant & toddler, full and half day preschool , kindergarten and elementary
    • Specially trained & dedicated teachers committed to the development and well-being of each student
    • Robust and rigorous academic curriculum
    • Practical hands-on experience to reinforce concepts
    • Promotes creative and critical thinking skills in a non-coercive atmosphere
    • Fosters independent, self-motivated and goal-directed students with a life-long love of learning
    • Extensive Physical Education program
    • Fully integrated music and art programs
    • Wide-ranging and regular filed trips, classroom visitors, and community outings

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    "Delano Academy values community and a positive school culture that prides itself on being at the forefront of best practices in teaching and learning. Delano is a progressive, transformational learning environment that prepares students for leadership. Following the International Baccalaureate program, it provides students with the tools and life skills beyond university. Delano is fueled by creating a learning environment of globally-minded students that reflects the diverse world we live in."

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "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!"

    Array

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

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    "Families appreciate that Delano has a strong school culture that creates a warm and welcoming community. Students are motivated by a positive and caring school environment. Students are welcomed into the Delano family and provided with a supportive team that encourages the personal growth, development and vision of each student. Parents appreciate the attention to individualized learning the "Dream Bigger" attitude, and the rich and rigorous programming that encourages student potential."

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "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."

    Array

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

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    "Delano is committed to supporting a culture of wellness, and balance and prioritizes community, as a key feature for overall faculty and student wellness. Our rich culture adapts innovatively to the realities of global citizenship in the 21st century. The community we have cultivated encourages and promotes the Delano legacy and IB principles. We value building meaningful life-long relationships with our students, families, faculty and alumni."

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "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."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    "The details are prioritized and every decision, connection, activity, and celebration is relevant, authentic, meaningful and plays an important role in developing a well-rounded student. Co-curricular, programs and enrichment opportunities are integral and vital to a rich school environment. Students are encouraged to experience everything, be risk-takers and open-minded and to explore all that Delano has to offer. Our culture is rich, and exciting and ignites curiosity."

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "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."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Head of School's Welcome,

    If you are going to dream for your child, then dream BIGGER.

    Delano Academy was created on the vision to provide an exceptional learning environment where academic rigour is met with a balanced education. Delano prepares students for university and life with an intensive academic focus and exceptional 21st-century teaching practices. At Delano Academy, there is an emphasis on providing students with state-of-the-art cutting-edge resources. Students access outstanding resources and facilities in all areas of their education, every day. We are a school that values student-centered learning and evidence-based practices. 

    Delano is a forward-thinking school that respects 21st-century teaching practices, administration, environmental design & curriculum focus. We have extraordinary expectations of our students and we are DREAM role models. We want our students to achieve greatness and we provide them with a school that inspires students as visionary, creative and critical thinkers.

    Delano values globally-minded thinking and innovation. Imagineering students are problem solvers, makers and doers. The Delano Archetype is a collaborator, has effective communication skills, curious and confident.

    Delano is a school that fosters creativity, passion, innovation, problem-solving & critical thinking. We are not simply keeping up with a changing world and preparing students for University. We are preparing students for careers that are yet to be created and a future that has never been dreamed of yet.

     

    Sincerely,

    Mrs. Palombo

    M.Ed (York), B.Ed (OISE), SHon. BA (YORK) 

     

     

    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

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    • Air & Navy Cadet Core
    • Drumline Program
    • Cheerleading
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    1 - 12

    K - 7

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    4%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    50%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    Yes: grades 5 - 12

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades 5 - 12

    No

    Entrance essay required

    Yes: grades 5 - 12

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    The Delano student archetype is Confident. Has strong Character. Is Curious.   Is a Collaborator. We provide the milieu that fully supports our students. The Delano is a cutting edge academy with a strong vision for our students to reach limitless learning potential. We are searching for student candidates that are eager to be part of the Delano school vision.

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    The younger the child is when exposed to the Montessori environment, the more success they will have in it.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH

    The Admission Process at Delano is fully online. It is an opportunity for families to learn about our academy in a personal friendly setting. Parents are invited to bring their son/daughter to the initial meeting for a casual discussion. At this time parents will learn about our intake process for student candidates.

    Candidates who are applying to the school will be invited for an individual interview and assessment. All potential candidates are invited for a day visit.

    Parents seeking student enrollment are required to complete a full interview and follow an acceptance process.

    Delano is a small school providing nurturing individualized attention and care. Families searching for a small private school that provides an unparalleled teacher-to-pupil ratio and is designed with the programs and facilities of a large school will feel comfortable in this environment.

     

     

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Please visit North Star's Website for more information.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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DELANO ACADEMY & DELANO HIGH:
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