AN OUR KIDS REPORT:École Montessori vs. Community Life Christian School

one-to-one comparison:

View École Montessori's full report
VS.
View Community Life Christian School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    1367 Altona Rd, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1M2, Canada

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

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2014

    Enrolment

    75

    77

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 6

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Homestay, Day

    Language of instruction

    French

    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."
    Social
    The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Spiritual
    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Montessori

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

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

    Academic culture

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

    Avg. Class Size

    5 to 18

    12 to 15

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated gifted school

    Preschool/K curriculum

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

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $8,400 to $17,000

    $8,000 to $14,000

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    7

    5

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 2 - 6

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    The French immersion programs that Canadians are most familiar with were born out of the multicultural movement of the 1970s, and to some extent, they continue to reflect their age. The public school immersion programs begin, most typically, with Grade 1. Which is strange, given what we know about language acquisition, including uptake as well as the overall academic benefits of leering a second language. Ecole Montessori offers a rich program that addresses precisely that, providing an early and authentically immersive French-language program. Given what we know about what learning languages can do for cognition, confidence, and just general academic engagement, the question isn’t “should we enroll in immersion?” but “why not?” The Ecole Montessori program has a lot to offer, including a strong basis for children to advance to immersion programs in the primary years. Class sizes are small, allow for a high level of student-teacher engagement. The summer camp programs offer a nice opportunity for students to continue in a familiar environment outside the standard academic year.

    View full report

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    "The other students were also very helpful towards her and helped her to speak and read French."
    Sutha Ananthakumar - Parent   (Sep 15, 2021)
    My child’s experience at Ecole Montessori is great. She entered the school with no knowledge in Fr... View full review

    "...the teacher took our feedback to work with our daughter to develop her leadership skills."
    Dianne Tamburro - Parent   (Sep 21, 2021)
    Our daughter loved her first year at Ecole Montessori. She loved everything from the curriculum to t... View full review

    "My daughter likes the smaller class sizes and the attention she receives from the teachers."
    Tina Cox - Parent   (Aug 05, 2022)
    My daughter started attending École Montessori in grade 2 during the Fall of 2020 and has now compl... View full review

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    information not available

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    "F4T École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French Montessori and private school for students aged 2.5 to 12. École Montessori students master French while balancing an academically enriched environment. Our students are given freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections in all the academic avenues in the classroom. Our students are confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners who seek knowledge and understanding of the world around them."

    • Full French Immersion from toddler to grade 6.
    • Progressive Montessori curriculum.
    • Small class sizes.
    • Individualized student attention.

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Information not available

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    At École Montessori, our highest dream is that every single child who passes through our school doors will be inspired and become so courageous to follow the highest calling in their lives. We desire that every student will dream impossible dreams and be so audacious as to know that they can achieve them.

    Dear friends/families,

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

    All the best,

     

     

    Principal Rev. Kelly Jia

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Montessori


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Information not available

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      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.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      The fundamental principle of Maria Montessori’s method is to value a child’s naturally inquisitive and developing mind to foster learning in an intuitive and natural way. In our school, children learn and socialize with older children, while the older students help solidify concepts and ideas by teaching them to younger students. This way, no child is limited by his or her age group, and every student has opportunities to learn. Gifted children are curious and ask a lot of questions, they take their own approach to assignments, they have a large vocabulary and enjoy interacting with older students, they have original ideas, they are cognitively advanced and are able to self-teach new skills and they are sensitive to their environment. Montessori education is tailored to create critical thinkers

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Montessori


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ÉCOLE 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.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      At F4T École Montessori we offer an education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In our classrooms, children make creative choices in their learning. Our teachers offer age-appropriate activities to guide each student in their learning. Children work in groups and individually in order to discover and explore the world around them.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

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

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Each classroom is different and depends on its students. Depending on the activities, students are paired according to their strengths and weaknesses.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Rigorous


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      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”.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      We have benchmarks that we have set for our students; however, as a classroom is made of up a of many different types of learners and we understand that not all students will reach the same benchmarks at the same time. In the early years of education, the learning process is most important. The love of learning is what will ensure future success. Informal activities are given during the year to see where students are in their comprehension. Observations are shared with parents.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Information not available

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

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

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Social
      The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

      Students who have social awareness can empathize with others and will become great citizens of the world and agents of change.

      COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

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

    COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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


    What the school says

    What the school says

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 2 - 6

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ÉCOLE MONTESSORI

    Students entering the second year of the elementary program must have prior French knowledge.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

ÉCOLE MONTESSORI:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

COMMUNITY LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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