105-2235 Sheppard Ave East , North York, Ontario, M2J 5B5, Canada
40 College Hill Road, Rothesay, New Brunswick, E2E 5H1, Canada
2002
1877
84
310
Nursery/Toddler to 3
6 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day, Boarding
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Varies
14 to 16
In-class adaptations
$14,500 to $18,500
$25,130 to $27,650
$44,000 to $70,830
No
Yes
0%
28%
None
6 to 12
$0
$15,500
11
44
0%
48%
7%
85%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Unique to Head Start Montessori is the deep involvement of its founder and director, Naureen Shah, along with director Sara Alvi, who both maintain a hands-on approach and an open-door policy, further strengthening the school’s welcoming environment. Head Start Montessori offers one of Toronto’s only infant Montessori programs, extending up to Grade 3. The school adheres to the AMI Philosophy, is CCMA Accredited, and CCYEA Licensed, reflecting its commitment to high-quality Montessori education. The school’s non-competitive atmosphere and lack of traditional testing contribute to self-driven academic achievements among students. With a focus on individual needs and collaboration with families, Head Start Montessori nurtures well-rounded development, preparing students for lifelong success. Additionally, the school’s curriculum is individualized, encompassing infant, toddler, casa environments, and lower elementary grades, along with extracurriculars like music, yoga, and gymnastics. The school provides summer and March camps, catered hot lunches, and places a strong emphasis on creating a warm, personalized community.
View full reportThe school dates to 1877 when the brilliantly named Ezekiel Stone Wiggins founded Thompson's School, a coed day school. It teetered a bit in the early years, with changes in ownership, and direction, though in time ultimately found both its academic and financial footings. A long-standing association with Netherwood, a school for girls founded in 1894, resulted in an amalgamation between the two in 1984. Students are empowered to emerge as a self-confident individuals who have character, courage, creativity and a commitment to community. A daily advisor program ensures that each child receives high levels of emotional and social support from committed faculty and staff. The school remains true to a tradition of academic excellence, and the campus is rich with reminders of its long history. The school has also benefited from robust development, the product of a number of capital campaigns over recent decades. Between the long tradition and extensive recent development, there's frankly a lot here to love. Notably among the school's alumni is John Peters Humphrey, primary author of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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"There is always an upbeat feel on campus."
Amy MacIsaac - Parent (Oct 22, 2020)
My son appreciated the welcoming community at Rothesay and the chance to make friends from many diff...
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"RNS works hard to create a positive environment for students."
Wanda Flemming - Parent (Oct 22, 2020)
Our daughters have really enjoyed the relationships they have developed with teachers and staff. Mo...
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"My child can not say enough good things about her RNS experience!"
Lisa Ashworth - Parent (Oct 22, 2020)
To say that my daughter's life was transformed by attending Rothesay Netherwood School is not an exa...
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"Head Start Montessori School was founded by Naureen Shah in 2002, because of her firm belief in Maria Montessori's vision, that the child, if provided with the right environment, will reach their full potential. Growing in the North York community, Naureen was joined by Sara Alvi in 2013, and they have now achieved their goal of nurturing children from the age of 9 months-9 years old. HSM is one of the only infant Montessori programs in Toronto, now going up to Grade 3. Both Naureen and Sara are Montessori trained teacher"
"Founded in 1877, Rothesay Netherwood School (RNS) is a progressive, co-ed, boarding and day school for Grades 6 to 12. We offer rigorous academics in a beautiful, safe community that is supported by low student-teacher ratios and a world-class IB curriculum. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where students are empowered to embrace their individuality while pursuing the greater good. Our graduates are compassionate leaders determined to make a difference in the world."
"Each child at Head Start Montessori has an individualized Montessori curriculum. With both owners, Naureen and Sara, being Montessori trained teachers, parents can be rest assured that their child(ren) are being provided with an authentic Montessori education. We believe that the parents and the school have to collaborate in the best interest of the child. Keeping this in mind, HSM holds many parent workshops throughout the year, as learning never stops!"
"RNS has a daily Advisor Program that is truly unique. It ensures that each student receives the highest possible level of emotional and social support from our tremendously committed faculty and staff. Our well-rounded student support services provide our students with encouraging words when they need them. And our University Placement office works one-on-one with students as they make their post-secondary education decisions, helping them navigate the application and scholarship process."
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"HSM provides a warm, loving, personalized community of like-minded parents, staff and owners who believe in the importance of the foundational years of a child's life. The collaboration of Families-School is very important to Head Start Montessori and we have an open-door policy where parents are always welcome. HSM prides itself on good communication and transparency. We also have a Parent Council, ensuring that we are all working in the best interest of the children."
"RNS is a small school with a big reputation worldwide. We are recognized across Canada and around the world for our 100% commitment to educating, celebrating and supporting each and every student. Our position at the forefront of education is because of our inspired and inspiring faculty and staff. Our highly-qualified, committed teachers know every student, and every family, by name. They work tirelessly toward our students' education and enrichment."
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"Starting with our youngest in the infant room, families don't realize the time, energy, effort and unconditional love each member of the school provides, in order to make Head Start Montessori a home away from home.
Our bond with families doesn't end when they leave. Our students come back to volunteer and visit throughout the year. Through numerous siblings, our school stays connected to many families for more than a decade, forming strong relationships and becoming like family."
"The RNS community is a family. If students arrive on the Hill feeling a little apprehensive, their nervousness is fleeting thanks to the friendliness, encouragement, and welcoming nature of not only our faculty and staff, but of the other RNS students and families. All of our students are immediately embraced; they are supported, assured, and cheered on throughout their journey (and beyond!) at RNS."
"Both owners, Sara Alvi and Naureen Shah, are Montessori trained teachers, and are always present at the school. They are both passionate about their work, and love to talk about Montessori, life and the children. Their office is always open for quick chat and a cup of tea!"
"Our day mirrors a typical adult working day: We start at 8:15am and end most days at 5pm. We have a rich academic program, followed by participation in competitive or non-competitive physical activities like field hockey, soccer, tennis, yoga, track and field, rugby, martial arts, or rowing, to name a few. We also have a passion for promoting the arts. Students can join bands, develop their visual arts skills, act in plays or a musical, or take on costume or set design."
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Dear Parents,
We welcome you to Head Start Montessori School. For over 20 years we have been an important part of the community, promoting Montessori Education and overall well-being for our children. Please call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment to come and visit the school. We look forward to meeting.
Almost a century and a half ago, Rothesay Netherwood School (RNS) was established as a place where students would receive an education of excellence that would meet their individual interests, abilities, passions, and needs. I am proud to say that this tradition continues today.
RNS is a small school with a big reputation worldwide. We are an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for students in Grades 6 to12 that is situated on the tree-lined banks of the majestic Kennebecasis River in the charming town of Rothesay, New Brunswick. We offer a rigorous academic program and extraordinary life experiences to a diverse student body that hails from both Canada and around the world.
We are a school that is distinctive in so many ways. We provide a safe and nurturing learning environment that presents students with unparalleled opportunities to make an impact on our extraordinary 125-acre campus as well as in the nearby community. Our vibrant and fully integrated academic, residential, and co-curricular experience is sustained by a diverse and exceptional faculty and staff that is 100% committed to celebrating, supporting, and challenging every one of our students so they can be their best.
Please feel free to reach out to us should you require other information before you choose where your child will be pursuing their path. I look forward to the possibility of your family being an active part of our community.
Liberal Arts
International Baccalaureate
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.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
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.
The academic program at Rothesay Netherwood School is diverse and challenging; it is designed to meet the changing needs of students as they develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Students have the opportunity to live and study in an environment where intellectual curiosity and academic achievement are highly valued. This rich learning environment is created through the combined efforts of the school's faculty, students, parents, alumni, the board of directors and governors. Small class size, highly qualified and caring teachers, extra help, compulsory study, and frequent reporting facilitate the students' learning The academic program of RNS is designed for students to experience courses in both the humanities and the sciences. In addition to the obvious academic rigor provided through the International Baccalaureate's Diploma Program, there is also ample opportunity to develop the whole student. These opportunities exist in the arts, athletics, and the various other extracurricular experiences such as local service projects, Duke of Edinburgh awards, student exchanges, and Round Square International Service programs..
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Mathematics at Rothesay Netherwood School is an ever evolving program that is student-centred with a focus on collaboration and critical thinking. We aim to challenge our students by encouraging them to seek a deep understanding of the curriculum through inquiry in order that they may make connections to the world around them. Our students are introduced to mathematical concepts in diverse ways through teacher-led instruction, online platforms, or in an array of projects, that continue to promote creativity and collaboration. We aim to develop a foundation of content with a more student centred approach that focuses on being an independent learner. It is less teacher led instruction and more student orientated learning which allows for individual pacing and fosters growth in the classroom. This provides our students a healthy mix of traditional math as well as a discovery based approach to promote critical thinking.
The textbooks used at Rothesay Netherwood School for mathematical instruction are “ Mathematics for the international student” by Haese and Harris publications. The middle school books follow the MYP IB program and the senior school books follow the IB curriculum.
Our calculator policy at Rothesay Netherwood School is a scientific calculator in the middle school while a graphing calculator is required once students enter senior school. The required graphing calculator is a (Texas Instruments) TI-84.
Not applicable
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
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Process approach
The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
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Students explore writing in multiple formats with a significant emphasis on revision and feedback. The process of writing is a balance of formal and creative avenues which allows students to harness their imagination, and also the more structured approach to exploring their ideas. Students produce work that is internally published and this ranges from short stories to magazine style publications. It is especially linked to their explorations in Social Studies where students learn about the research and writing process.
Equal Balance
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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The science program is heavily focused on Inquiry based learning in the Middle School and becomes a more Equally Balanced program in the senior years. We strive to develop students who think critically, work collaboratively to solve problems and become curious learners that are capable of asking challenging questions. Students gain hands-on experience through experimental design, data collection, creating models and participating in larger group projects within the school and global community. The curriculum for grades 6 through 10 is comprehensive and prepares students to move into the IB program in grade 11. We feel it is important to provide a diverse education that gives students the foundation to have success in all academic pursuits. As such, we focus on the development of universal skills that allow our students to conduct research, analyze data and graphs and become organized and logical problem solvers.
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
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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We do maintain, to some extent, a traditional approach to literature as we work to decode the mechanics of the text while also understanding its historical context. Ideas are often formed and expressed through formal class discussions and critical essays. At the same time, we foster an awareness for the individual experience of literature as an expression of self. Both classic and contemporary literature form the foundation of larger societal explorations, as students work to understand their complicated relationship to larger societal forces. Learning is often creatively expressed and cultivated through a reflective practice, as well as cooperative and project based initiatives.
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
Thematic
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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This program is module based where students explore three themes over the course of the academic year. These themes are designed to collaborate with their English program to permit cross-curricular enrichment. Over the past few years, the students have explored agriculture (past, present and future), human migration and the collision of cultures (local First Nations and European history). Students focus on immersing themselves in the theme through field trips, guest speakers, writing and research. Each module is centered around a large project which can range from the creation of a professional magazine publication to planning and hosting a museum night for the school and wider community.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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The mission of the Social Sciences at Rothesay Netherwood School is to advance knowledge, promote inquiry and to cultivate independent and creative thinking in our students. Our program represents a balance of periennalism and pragmatism. It is our goal that students will engage with the past and their world not only to uncover the catalyst, course, and consequence of dynamics resulting in change but also how such an investigation can impact their current lives. The humanities give critical insight into aspects of thought, values, and achievement in all times and places. Such a holistic and balanced view is critical to citizens of the 21st century. A primary focus is on the acquisition, refinement, and expression of a broad scope of literacy skills leading to an individual capable of creative, rational, and compassionate thought.
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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The Rothesay Netherwood School Modern Language Department offers students the opportunity to begin, improve upon, or master a second language by building upon their current level of knowledge, and challenging them to attain the goal of fluency. Our curriculum is student-centered, and intended to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, independent enquiry and a love of languages and the cultures of the countries from whence they come. Students are challenged to achieve their highest personal standards in terms of communication and personal expression in a second language.
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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Creative
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
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The fine arts program is designed to foster the development of creativity and individual student growth through the integration of history and theory with musical, theatrical and visual arts production. Students are met with a variety of opportunities to challenge their own learning through traditional, student-guided, individual and collaborative tasks. Students are encouraged to be risk-takers, develop their natural curiosity as inquirers and an appreciation for elements of their own culture as well as an openness to the values, perspectives and traditions of others. In addition to classroom based learning, productions, performances and exhibitions play a vital role in our program and help our students to develop both confidence and a passion for the arts.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
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Information technology is integrated into the learning process throughout the curriculum. As a one-to-one laptop computer environment, students and teacher alike use their computers as integral tools in their daily work.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Physical Health & Education is a program of instruction and activity that develops skills and attitudes towards a healthy active lifestyle. This enables each student to enter an interscholastic program with more confidence in his/her self and abilities. The program objectives are to develop skills, self‐discipline, improved judgment, improved self‐confidence, peer relationships, more active lifestyles, an appreciation of physical activities that are part of our culture, improved physical fitness (stamina, strength and flexibility) and health promotion (weight regulation, stress reduction, reduced risk of heart disease). Physical Education is required for Grades 6 - 9, and is offered as an elective in Grade 10.
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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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Standard-enriched
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.
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.
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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.
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.
The academic program at RNS is challenging and comprehensive, yet flexible enough to accommodate all of our students. Providing the necessary support for students to succeed is the hallmark of an RNS education. Effort is highly valued as the evaluation of one's academic performance is tied directly to their level of effort. As students progress through our program, they gain the skills, confidence, and independence necessary to be successful in their future endeavors.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
The RNS student values working together, being a part of each other's lives, and looking out for the greater good of the community. Our philosophy encourages students to put forth their best effort. We provide students with a compassionate and comfortable learning environment, allowing them to be courageous and take risks. Our community breathes the values of dignity and respect for all. Our graduates are literate, numerate, technologically savvy, independent and critical thinkers.
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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
6 - 12
0%
28%
$0
$15,500
7%
85%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Students attending Rothesay Netherwood School are expected to: strive for individual excellence: academically, artistically, athletically, socially, and spiritually; demonstrate respect for their surroundings and environment; know and maintain the standards of the school; treat everyone with respect and dignity; develop an enduring sense of responsible citizenship; and leave RNS a better school and continue to be active in school affairs.
ADMISSION POLICY
We ask that all interested families:
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
(September 1st – May 1st); payable to “Head Start Montessori School”
WITHDRAWAL POLICY