105-2235 Sheppard Ave East , North York, Ontario, M2J 5B5, Canada
1900-56th Street, Delta, British Columbia, V4L 2B1, Canada
2002
2000
84
663
Nursery/Toddler to 3
K to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Varies
18 to 24
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
$14,500 to $18,500
$21,600 to $42,825
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
11
51
0%
0%
7%
30%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Not available
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Not available
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 reportSouthpointe Academy is a relatively young school, having been founded in 2000, and just as there are benefits with age, there are also benefits with youth. Unlike older schools that need to evolve their programs and infrastructure to meet the changing needs of students, Southpointe was formed around those needs, i.e., the skills, values, and behaviours students will need to succeed in university and professional life. Starting with a primary and elementary program, the school quickly grew to include the high school years. A sparkling new facility, opened in 2012, was purpose built to house the programs, with spaces conducive to project-oriented learning and creative collaboration. The curricular offerings, including the International Baccalaureate and a nice compliment of AP courses, are rightly a draw for the families that enrol here. So too is the attention to growing an awareness of global citizenship, as perhaps best exemplified in partnerships with schools in China, France, Spain, and the US. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a challenging, student-driven, and intellectually diverse learning environment
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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"
"Southpointe Academy is the only (IB) Continuum World School south of the Fraser River, offering the full spectrum of IB programs from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our mission is to ignite curiosity and inspire students to explore the world through hands-on experiences that foster global thinking and student agency. Our core values of kindness, integrity, perseverance, respect and responsibility provide the foundation to create a place of belonging where the spirit of community is alive."
"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!"
"Southpointe distinguishes itself through a tailored approach. Our multifaceted programs nurture confidence, communication, leadership, mentoring, service, and vocational skills. We're dedicated to unlocking each student's unique potential and shaping well-rounded individuals who will positively impact the world."
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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."
"Southpointe Academy stands out in the eyes of families for its commitment to IB Continuum Education, its convenient location in Tsawwassen, the world-class facilities, and the welcoming atmosphere that defines our school community. These factors collectively make us the preferred choice among families looking for an exceptional educational experience for their children."
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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."
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"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!"
"We host various engaging community events that bring everyone together, celebrating our diversity and shared experiences.
Families will find a unique feeling of connection between all three school divisions – PYP, MYP, and DP. This seamless transition supports student growth and development.
Beyond academics, our extensive extra-curricular programs, including sports, clubs, and co-curricular activities, provide students with opportunities for personal growth and exploration."
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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.
Welcome to the Southpointe community. On behalf of everyone at our school, I would like to thank you for considering our community during your search for an independent school.
Southpointe Academy cultivates engaged, well-rounded citizens poised to thrive in their pursuit of post-secondary education and primed to achieve their full potential. Our comprehensive program blends a rigorous academic curriculum with extensive extra-curricular opportunities in the arts, athletics, and community service. Our educational travel programs promote global awareness, inspiring our students to make a difference in the world. We challenge our students to pursue their passions, to dream, and to plan for their future. Our students depart armed with the preparation necessary to succeed at university and beyond.
Southpointe is much more than a school; it is a dynamic community of sharp, young minds, impassioned educators and dedicated parents. As instructors, mentors, coaches and role models, our faculty is committed to high quality learning for all students. As active participants in their educational journey, students are given the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their talents. We remain committed to nurturing strength of character in keeping with our core values – respect, responsibility, integrity and perseverance – to help our young people learn, lead and succeed.
The following pages will impart some sense of what a Southpointe education entails, but they cannot replace a visit. If you are interested in gleaning a greater understanding of our educational vision, please take the next step and contact our Director of Admissions to arrange a tour of our school.
Progressive
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.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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.
We offer the Primary Years Programme from Kindergarten to Grade 5, Middle Years Programme from Grade 6 to Grade 10 and Diploma Programme from Grade 11 to 12, making us one of the few schools in Canada and the only school in Delta to be authorized to deliver the IB Continuum Programme from K-12.
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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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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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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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Not applicable
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Not applicable
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Academic
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-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.
At Southpointe Academy, our Kindergarten students enjoy a wonderful year of learning and laughter within a dynamic, nurturing K-12 school community. As Southpointe is an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school, all Kindergarten students engage in a rigorous, concept driven, inquiry based curriculum that aims to equip learners with the skills, attitudes, and attributes needed to succeed and lead in an increasingly interconnected, rapidly-evolving global community. A highlight of the year is the Kindergarten/Grade 12 Buddy programme, which provides opportunities for the youngest and oldest Southpointe students to interact and form special bonds.
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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Rigorous
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
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”.
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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."
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
0%
0%
$0
$0
7%
30%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Not available
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
No
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades K - 10
No
No
No
No
We enrol students who are developmentally ready for the grade they are entering, as it is important that each student demonstrates age-appropriate skillsets for their learning environment. Students who are curious about the world around them and parallel the mission of the IB to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world.
ADMISSION POLICY
We ask that all interested families:
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
(September 1st – May 1st); payable to “Head Start Montessori School”
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
We are thrilled that you are considering Southpointe Academy for your child’s education. Offering a world-leading education, we equip our students with the skills and competencies to succeed in university, career and citizenship.
Our Admissions Team is happy to help you throughout the admissions process. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 604-948-8826.
STEP 1 – Complete our Online Application form
When submitting an online application, please be prepared to provide the following documents electronically.
STEP 2 – Plan a Visit
STEP 3 – Schedule an Entrance Assessment
After completing an application to Southpointe, applicants for all grade levels will be invited to attend our Prospective Student Assessments in January. Students applying to Kindergarten to Grade 10 will take part in teacher-prepared activities and assessments.
Applicants in Grades 6-10 who are unable to attend an in-person assessment, must submit the appropriate Middle or Upper Level SSAT assessment to Southpointe's Admissions Department by the end of January for consideration.
STEP 4 – Student & Family Interview
STEP 5 – Admission Decisions