33 Overland Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 2C3, Canada
2260 Philip Ave, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 2W8, Canada
1988
0
130
60
JK to 12
Preschool to Preschool
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Progressive
Reggio Emilia
12 to 16
5 to 15
Learning
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
$14,635 to $16,635
$2,400 to $5,500
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
9
60
0%
0%
0%
100%
Preschool
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Small class sizes, strong academics, a nurturing environment, and a supportive community—Seneca Hill, by any metric, meets and exceeds all the things that families look for in a private education. Founded in 1988, it has a long history in the region, and a consistent leadership throughout. The student population is 120 across K-12, so each student is known, and curriculum is delivered through keen understanding of their strengths, talents, and needs. An attention to project based learning and 21st century literacies is also a plus, as is a dedication to proving strong foundational skills in order to support them.
View full reportThis community-based, not-for-profit childcare program offers preschool and out-of-school childcare in North Vancouver. With a curriculum rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Sunflower Early Learning Society makes children’s early education engaging and meaningful.
At Sunflower, kids are valued for their ability to do meaningful work and their sense of wonder and curiosity. Teachers view them as competent with an innate ability to learn about the world around them, and they’re encouraged to express themselves and learn through interaction with their community. Parents are considered to be partners in education, at Sunflower, and teachers are viewed as guides who help facilitate the exploration of children’s interests.
"The academic level is higher than average schools."
Boudiguet Bruno - Parent (Nov 16, 2020)
Our two girls spent a semester of studies in Canada. We already feel emotional because that was an u...
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"The academics offered at Seneca Hill are challenging."
Arielle Baubie - Alumnus (Jan 31, 2022)
As a former student of Seneca Hill from Grade 1 -12, I can truly attest to the warm community and ac...
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"Everything they do is super fun and engaging for the kids, and you can tell that everything is rooted in learning real skills for life."
Diana Mirhosseini - Parent (May 10, 2023)
I was initially worried when signing up my son for preschool, as he was extremely attached to me, ho...
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"With personal goal-setting, enriched academics, STEM programming, athletics, & extracurriculars, our students are motivated and challenged daily. We focus on developing good skills and habits while also supporting our students to become compassionate critical thinkers. We nurture curiosity and actively involve students in developing good work habits, positive attitudes & GRIT in their journey as lifelong learners. It's not unusual to share a high-5 with a teacher or spot our principal playing guitar for students."
"Sunflower is a community centred Not-For Profit Childcare Society that offers Reggio Inspired Preschool & Out of School Care Programs in the heart of beautiful Pemberton Heights, North Vancouver. Drawing inspiration from the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, Sunflower creates an inclusive space for children and families to co-create curriculum and living pedagogies. At Sunflower you will find that children are valued and honoured for their ability to do meaningful work, their sense of wonder and their curiosity."
"With faculty that truly cares for your child’s well-being, we provide a rare tight-knit community that feels like home. Our teachers take the time to get to know all students that walk our halls– not just their own. With a warm school culture and a welcoming environment, our students are inspired to confidently make their mark in the world."
"Some families might be surprised to see that we don’t have a strict, structured curriculum, but instead a flexible and hands-on curriculum. Each year our programs look different as the children and educators come together to create unique groupings with different interests, thoughts and observations. We aren’t afraid to step out of our daily routine to take a sporadic walk to the forest, or even bake muffins in the classroom!"
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"Families choose Seneca Hill because they feel their child will thrive in a close-knit community that emphasizes skill-building as the foundation for academic success. When families drop their child off at our school, they know their child is well cared for, valued for their unique contributions in the class, and rigorously prepared for future success. This is all underpinned by a focus on skills and growth mindset habits. We use the framework from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
"Families choose our school over other schools because we offer a calm, welcoming and nurturing classroom. Oftentimes when families first enter our space, they feel relaxed with our neutral colours and natural light. We work hard at creating spaces that make our children feel comfortable - natural items from the outdoors, a cozy corner for children who need a quiet space, photos of families to comfort children who may be having a tough day and a magical outdoor space hidden amongst the trees."
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"At Seneca Hill Private School, we blend rigorous academics with real-world learning, like our annual Science Expo, Career Days, and projects on global issues. This approach prepares students for the future, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Join us to give your child a transformative education where they not only learn but thrive in real-life scenarios. Welcome to where future leaders are shaped!"
"Something that can be unappreciated until realised at Sunflower is the incredible benefits of joining our Sunflower Board of Directors. All parents of Sunflower are eligible to join our Board every fall at our AGM. Being a board member is a way to build strong local networking connections and make an impact in our community. Sunflower Board members also receive the benefit of priority registration for all of our programs including preschool, B&A and Camps."
"How much their child can achieve when the right environment and people surround their child. Our goal is not just to have your child do well but to thrive. One way we track this is by understanding how much your child takes academic risks. We want our students to reach as far and wide as possible to discover their passions and dedicate themselves to building strong habits. These habits become the cornerstone of success in their lives both now and in the future."
"Our educators set up open-ended activities and provocations for children to explore, as opposed to sit-down lessons. As a Reggio-inspired school, we investigate and inquire about different topics through play and exploration. Our goal is to empower children to be researchers in their own learning experiences."
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Seneca Hill Private School has been in my family for over 35 years and I am proud and excited to continue our tradition of excellence into the future. Over the years our school has developed a reputation for strong academics, a range of athletics and a comprehensive extracurricular program. Inspiring our students to think creatively, critically and analytically, our school stimulates growth and provides a healthy balance between academics and personal development.
As Principal, I am thrilled to carry on the legacy of our founder - and my grandmother - and take our school to the next level. I believe in a school culture that supports students in becoming independent and lifelong learners. We understand that as educators, we can't just teach the standard material. We must go above and beyond the classroom to give students the opportunity to demonstrate, exercise, perform, and build skills and experiences in their lives that cultivate success.
We welcome all children and seek to understand all aspects of their abilities and learning styles. We are pleased to offer your child a personalized educational experience. We instill confidence in our students to act with purpose and strive for excellence. We foster a bully-free environment and teach conflict resolution, so that our students become strong collaborators who work towards solving complex problems.
My promise to each of our students and families is open communication. The success of your child is of utmost importance to us. I look forward to helping your child unlock their true potential.
I knew from the moment I walked in that Sunflower Preschool was a very special place. I have the privilege of leading the school and I fall further in love with it everyday. From our intentional and developed classrooms to our enchanting garden and caring educators, your child will feel warm and welcome as they enter and experience preschool. Our variety of classes allows you to select a time and number of sessions that works for you while our diverse and experienced staff guide you through your time at Sunflower. One of the things that makes Sunflower so special is its community orientation and Reggio curriculum. Our Sunflower students learn through experience and engage with the community on varying levels. Our older children plan and host community events while preschoolers take local walks where we wave to neighbours and play with friends. Our education team works to ensure everyone is included and is able to learn at their best. We notice small things and develop long term inquiry projects into topics that interest and engage children. Come visit my office for a coffee and I can tell you more about this truly magical place.
Warm Regards,
Katherine Keenan
Reggio Emilia
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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.
Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
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We provide an enriched curriculum for students to discover, experiment and engage with the material. All students learn coding, gain practice with critical thinking and enrich their analytical thinking skills. Students are given the space, materials to grow, while supportive and caring teachers help motivate and mentor students to success.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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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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Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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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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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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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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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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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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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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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Reggio Emilia
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.
Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.
We use leading research on early childhood development to provide a comprehensive program that is responsive to the socio-emotional, physical and burgeoning academic needs of your child. It is here that your child explores their environment, become curious about the world and develops crucial social-emotional skills. Our program integrates play-based learning, academic skills, gross- and fine-motor development, and above all else, a fun and happy place to grow.
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Student-paced
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.
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.
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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.
In a supportive and student-centered environment, our teachers motivate and encourage students to perform their very best. We do this through classroom interactions, inter-school competitions, and high academic expectations placed on students. We promote lifelong learning by combining curiosity and critical thinking throughout our curriculum.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
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."
We are so proud of our graduates, who have gone through our educational system and emerge confident in themselves, empathetic about those around them and aware of the global currents that affect their lives. Through unique experiences, a faculty that mentors and a school culture that promotes empathy and personal growth, our students become leaders in their lives and in their careers.
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FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. |
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
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Students that attend Sunflower Earlly Learning Society are given support to accomodate nad match their needs. Sunflower is a partner of the North Shore Supported Child Development Team and works in tandem with them to providfe support for children in need of 1-1 care or other accomodations.
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RecreationalRec. |
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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
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$0
0%
100%
Preschool
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
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No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Sunflower is looking for all students to join our school. We believe that diversity is our strength and that every child has the right to preschool.
New students to Sunflower are able to register in Preschool on the 1st of February before the academic year of which they are applying.
A one month deposit and $50 Society fee is required to register.
For more details on how and when to apply please visit our website.