15 Madison Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S2, Canada
1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7J 1J3, Canada
15 Madison Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S2, Canada
1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7J 1J3, Canada
2001
1996
150
110
JK to 8
Preschool to 7
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Liberal Arts
Montessori
14 to 20
Varies
In-class adaptations
$19,500 to $23,500
$8,550 to $16,785
Yes
Yes
0%
0%
None
K to 7
$0
$0
14
10
0%
0%
0%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Founded in 2001 by the visionary Australian educator, Jan Howlett, Howlett Academy is an embodiment of educational excellence, situated in the heart of Toronto. Under the guidance of Jan's eldest son, Court Howlett-Ben, the school has grown, while maintaining a student-to-staff ratio of less than 7:1. Howlett Academy distinguishes itself with its carefully crafted curriculum that, in addition to fundamental skills, nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and organizational skills. Embracing change and the unique pace at which each student develops, the school provides multi-age, flexible learning groups and individualized programs. Parents and students appreciate the school's commitment to fostering a respectful, calm learning atmosphere, and a growing sense of independence in students. The Howlett Academy's mission is to ensure its graduates are well-prepared for the demands of secondary education and beyond, embodying the characteristics of confident, organized, lifelong learners engaged with their community.
View full reportNorth 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.
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" ... teachers who are passionate, dedicated, energetic ..."
Catherine Maule - Parent (Feb 03, 2018)
We chose Howlett for 4 reasons. (1) My daughter (then 7) loved the feel of the classroom: students w...
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"Howlett Academy is a hub for educational excellence, blending innovation with heart. More than a school, it's a transformative journey marked by academic excellence and a nurturing environment. Our devoted faculty blends expertise with empathy, ensuring personalized attention. Embracing diversity, we celebrate each student's uniqueness, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. At Howlett Academy, education transcends conventional boundaries, cultivating curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning."
"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."
"We provide two full-time teachers per classroom to ensure individualized support and foster academic excellence across all subjects. We offer dynamic extracurriculars, including extensive clubs and sports programs, along with community outreach opportunities to instill social responsibility and holistic development. The learning environment is respectful, calm and fosters a love for learning. Our commitment extends beyond education to shape confident, well-rounded individuals poised for success."
"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!"
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"Families choose Howlett Academy for its engaging environment, dedicated teachers fostering a love of learning, and positive impact on students' lives. The supportive community, commitment to education, and transformative experiences set it apart, creating a well-rounded and exceptional educational choice."
"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."
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"Often under-appreciated is our commitment to fostering independence and executive functioning skills. While families recognize our strong academic focus, they may not fully grasp the profound impact these skills have on their child's long-term success. Howlett Academy uniquely equips students with crucial life skills, laying the foundation for resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world."
"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."
"Families are pleasantly surprised by our school's vibrant community spirit, where learning extends beyond textbooks. The personalized attention, innovative teaching methods, and emphasis on character development create an educational journey far richer and more transformative than anticipated."
"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."
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Montessori
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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.
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.
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Howlett Academy’s academic programs prepare our students for higher order thinking while ensuring they have many opportunities to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Each student develops at a slightly different pace, creating a need for fluid age groupings and an education plan that is tailored towards his or her cognitive, social and emotional needs. If the student is ahead or needs additional help, the education plan will be adjusted accordingly. As the student masters different disciplines, the teacher will adjust the curriculum to encourage and challenge the student to develop higher levels of thought and action. Individual progress is carefully monitored.
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Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
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The Montessori materials allow the students to explore a concrete experience of abstract mathematics concepts. This work provides the student with solid underpinnings for conventional mathematical principles, providing a structured scope for abstract reasoning.
North Star has the full scope of Montessori Materials for the Mathematics curriculum,
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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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The language program, which begins at age 3, is phonetically based. Sound games and other activities are played to establish phonological awareness. Once a student is familiar with all or most of the sounds, they begin to put them together to build words. When this base is strong, they move to learning blends, phonograms and sight words.
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Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Writing comes before reading in Montessori. Through letter sound recognition, students use the Movable Alphabet to begin building words and sentences. Prior experience with the practical life exercises helps strengthen the hand and create habits for writing including the pincer grip, moving from let to right and the circular motion for cursive writing. Students are writing phonetic stream of consciousness long before spelling and grammar are formally taught.
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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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Visit North Star's website for more detailed information.
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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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Not applicable
Please visit North Star's website for more information
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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Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
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Please visit North Star's website for more information.
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Please visit North Star's website for more information
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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These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Please visit North Star's website for more information.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Montessori
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 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.
Throughout the day the teachers will work with individual children, small groups and the whole class. The kindergarten curriculum is based on a mastery approach to education, whereby fundamentals and concepts are repeatedly taught until the student has grasped a strong understanding of the material. Once proficient, new and more challenging material is introduced. Guided-played is used as a tool to help enhance the child’s cognitive, social and physical development. The kindergarten curriculum is well-planned and modified for those who are ahead or need additional help. Individual progress is carefully monitored.
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Student-paced
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).
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.
The teachers carefully observe the students, record their progress, give further support and direction as necessary, and present the next level of martial /work, when the student is ready.
Supportive
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”.
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.
Howlett Academy’s academic programs prepare our students for higher order thinking while ensuring they have many opportunities to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Each student develops at a slightly different pace, creating a need for fluid age groupings and an education plan that is tailored towards his or her cognitive, social and emotional needs. If the student is ahead or needs additional help, the education plan will be adjusted accordingly.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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.
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
K - 7
0%
0%
$0
$0
0%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
The younger the child is when exposed to the Montessori environment, the more success they will have in it.
Our admission process is relaxed and informal. It begins with a tour and a conversation. A few spaces are open for next year and we welcome your interest.
Please visit North Star's Website for more information.
