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AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Mentor College vs. Fern Hill School - Ottawa

one-to-one comparison:

View Mentor College's full report
VS.
View Fern Hill School - Ottawa's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    40 Forest Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, L5G 1L1, Canada

    50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1X1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1982

    1981

    Enrolment

    1500

    170

    Grades

    JK to 12

    Preschool to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    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."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    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

    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.
    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Avg. Class Size

    16 to 19

    10 to 20

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Academic
    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
    Play-based
    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $15,965 to $23,200

    $8,750 to $15,200

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    100

    14

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    100%

    Day entry years

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

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    Yes

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    information not available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Mentor College and TEAM School are closely associated, something that brings unique strengths to both. They are overseen by a single administrative body, and they share some facilities, services, and extracurricular programs. The benefits are in a shared infrastructure and organizational efficiency. The facilities are modern and robust, as are student services and transportation. There is a robust, rich program of extra-curricular activity, something that, again, is a benefit of not only the school's size, but also the intra-school associations and programs. That said, the division of the campuses gives each—high school, intermediate, and primary—its own sense of propriety and identity. It's a unique model, one that gains both the benefits of a large student population, as well as those of smaller communities of students. In numbers, this is one of the largest schools in Canada, though the lived experience of the families that attend doesn't bear that out. Frequent and casual communication between parents and teachers, as well, underscores a personal, student and family-centered approach.

    View full report

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Families typically cite academics as an important driver when considering a school, and certainly they should be. That said, in the best school settings, a strong academic program is simply the baseline for what the program offers, and Fern Hill is a great example of that. Yes, numeracy and literacy are the core components, though confidence and self-esteem are too. Students are encouraged to grow in all literacies, including those of the arts and music and social interaction. The French language program has been augmented in recent years, driven principally by the needs of students and desire of parents. Administration has worked to create an environment of discovery across all curricular areas, and they’ve succeeded in that. Yes, academics are strong, though, rightly, that’s just the beginning of what Fern Hill is able to offer. It's perhaps the things over and above that which truly give strength to the overall program and distinguish the school.  

    View full report

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "Mentor College provides a strong academic program for its students. A caring environment rich in personal attention has been established, and this positive atmosphere both allows and encourages students to think and reason for themselves. The school places emphasis on communication between the teacher, parent, and student. The homework book, monthly teacher phone call, and regular assessment ensure that this communication is clear and current. Located in Port Credit, Mississauga, the High School (Grades 9 to 12) and Intermediate (Grades 5 to 8) levels are housed at the Main Campus. An adjacent Primary Campus is home to the JK to Grade 4 students. The facilities include an indoor pool, artificial turf field, seasonal dome, multiple age and grade-appropriate gyms, science labs, and music rooms. Co-curricular trips to the school's Outdoor Education Centre in Muskoka enhance in-class learning in the upper grades. Extracurricular activities abound, and include learning opportunities in sports, music, drama and special-interest clubs."

    • Very strong academic program
    • 1:1 Laptop Program (Grades 9-12)
    • Turf Field & Winterized Dome
    • Mobile Technology
    • Two visual art studios
    • Separate campus for JK to Grade 4
    • Outstanding classroom facilities
    • High school: ROPSSAA Athletics
    • Elementary school: PSAA Athletics
    • Transportation available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    "Established in 1981, Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers an enriched curriculum for preschool, kindergarten and elementary grades 1-8, including Core & Advanced French and a variety of extracurricular activities. Fern Hill provides quality education in a warm, caring and nurturing environment, with a diverse international community. Guided by dedicated teachers, students enjoy a supportive community that instills a strong sense of self, responsibility and a lifelong love of learning. Located 10 minutes from downtown."

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "Mentor College offers a consistently high quality of education from JK through to university entrance. Students benefit from this continuity as they progress through the grades and transition from the Primary to Intermediate to High School Divisions."

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "At Mentor, we pride ourselves on providing clear and consistent communication. The monthly phone call by the child's homeroom teacher (beginning with an introductory call in early September) provides parents with steady, clear, two-way communication. The homework book is another key component that begins in JK and continues to Grade 12. Evaluations take place throughout the entire school year and every student receives a detailed, formal progress report three times per year."

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "We believe that the Mentor extracurricular program offers a club or team for just about every interest. There are clubs, teams, and special events at Mentor that have been running for decades. Many of these groups were initiated by a student or staff member's passion and knowledge in a specific area. Most clubs, teams, and events are grade/division-specific and schoolwide events like the Culture Show and the charity Fashion Show bring together students of all ages."

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "Families are pleased when they discover how long Mentor College has been in existence. For over 40 years, Mentor has had a steady presence in Mississauga - preparing generations of students for success in university and in life. Parents are also reassured by the fact that all of the members of our leadership team - from director Mr. Macdonald to the principals - were at one time teachers in a Mentor classroom."

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit the Mentor College page at the Our Kids website. I am sure you will like what you see when you read about our school. Mentor College has been offering excellence in education since the school's founding in 1982. With our high standard of academics, extensive extracurricular programme, and superb teaching staff, we are able to prepare students for success in post-secondary education and beyond! If you would like to know more about the school, I kindly invite you to our next open house. Please click on the "Events" link for the next open house date. If you cannot make it on that day, one of our principals will be more than happy to meet with you and your child on a more convenient date.

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA



    Welcome to another exciting year at Fern Hill School. I look forward to working with our staff to provide a learning community that is safe and secure; one that builds the young child’s self-esteem and develops confidence. I have the pleasure, on a daily basis, of working with our teachers to provide activities and opportunities that will enhance your child’s learning experience.

    I couldn’t imagine a more rewarding job! Our staff work together to create an environment at Fern Hill where students can thrive and learn. Emphasis is placed on the complete development of the child during the preschool, kidergarten and elementary years. Fern Hill's preschool program is designed to provide a wide variety of opportunities for learning through play. We continue to place importance on literacy and numeracy in the preschool years in a warm and caring setting. Fern Hill's elementary school programs are integrated to provide continuous and connected experiences in Languages, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science.  Specialty subjects such as Art, Music, Technology, French and Physical Education are incorporated into the curriculum.  The kindergarten and grade school programs provide an extensive program to help children reach their full potential and to develop confidence, while still retaining his/her individuality.  The emphasis of the program is not only on academics, but on the development of the whole child.  Students develop important character attributes such as respect, responsibility and positive communication which are fostered and reinforced throughout the year in a caring and nurturing environment.

    Increased French education has long been an interest of our families and we are pleased to offer additional French opportunities for the kindergarten levels, as well as the Extended French program beginning in Grade One.  The Extended French program is woven into the school day and provides students with the opportunity for French Language Arts enrichment.

    I welcome the input from parents and thank you all for your support – in the past and throughout the upcoming year. It is our privilege to be a part of your child’s education and we value the relationships between students, teachers, and parents – please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.

    Our commitment is to spark a life-long love of learning by inspiring all our children to become actively involved in discovery, and I look forward to another successful year with Fern Hill students, parents and staff.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM

      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Traditional

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Traditional

      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Information not available

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      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.

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      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

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Not applicable

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Not applicable

      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Academic

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      At Fern Hill School we follow a traditional teaching approach. Our focus is on building skills needed for life-long learning, including independence, self-confidence and a strong academic foundation. The enhanced language, math and science curriculum is complemented by a strong arts and sports program. The aim of the Grade School program is to provide an extensive and enriched curriculum to help children reach their full potential while retaining their individuality.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM

      Approach

      Approach

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Academic

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Play-based

      Our Take

      Our Take

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      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.

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      All-day JK & SK.

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      The emphasis of the program is on the development of the whole child.Through an integrated approach, experiences and opportunities are provided for each child to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. It is recognized that children learn in different ways and at different rates, therefore a variety of learning experiences are provided to meet the needs of each child.

    • CURRICULUM PACE

      Pace

      Pace

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Standard-enriched

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Standard-enriched

      Our Take

      Our Take

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      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.

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      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

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Students are grouped within the classroom for work and are challenged with individual learning opportunities.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE

      Culture

      Culture

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Supportive

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Supportive

      Our Take

      Our Take

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      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.

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      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.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      The provision of a wide variety of enriched programming within a traditional setting allows the students to participate fully and share their ideas. Students are encouraged to strive for success and a high standard of work is expected from all students. The positive, nuturing environment instills a love of learning and students take pride in their accomplishments.

      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES

      Primary

      Primary

      MENTOR COLLEGE

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

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

      Secondary

      Secondary

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Not applicable
      Not applicable

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Not applicable
      Not applicable

      What the school says

      What the school says

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      The emphasis of the program is not only on academics, but on the development of the whole child. Through an integrated approach, experiences and opportunities will be provided for each child to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. It is recognized that children learn in different ways, so a variety of learning approaches are provided to meet the needs of each child. Self-esteem and autonomy are key to development, and are fostered and reinforced in a caring and nuturing environment. Leadership opportunities are provided throughout the grade levels. Students develop into self-confident learners, with a strong sense of community.

  • 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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

  • 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

    100%

    100%

    Day entry years

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

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    Yes

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes

    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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    What the school says

    What the school says

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

MENTOR COLLEGE:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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