AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School vs. Laureate College

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View Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School's full report
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View Laureate College's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    2246 Camilla Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5A 2J6, Canada

    1921 Snake Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7P 4Y2, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2000

    2012

    Enrolment

    24

    92

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    9 to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day, eSchool, Boarding

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Arts

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Spiritual
    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
    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

    Liberal Arts

    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.

    Avg. Class Size

    10 to 15

    6 to 12

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Montessori
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $7,070 to $11,960

    $15,800 to $23,800

    Boarding Tuition

    $44,800

    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

    6

    23

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    13%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    85%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades 9 - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    When Edgerton Ryerson established a national, public education system, he highlighted the need for consistency: every school should be the same, offer the same things, from coast to coast. Sadly, that conception of what schools should be, and what they should provide, remains doggedly with us today. Thankfully, schools like Shepherd Montessori step away from that model, choosing rather to offer something as unique as the community they are formed to serve. Shepherd is a school using the Montessori method to deliver a program that is also based in the values of the Catholic church. In that, it’s happily one of a kind. Further, the student population is small, allowing a heightened level of individual attention, something that is also a primary draw. The community of the school is diverse, and while not all families are active within the Catholic church, all nevertheless appreciate the school’s attention to developing the students’ understanding of their spiritual selves. The approach in the classroom is child-centered, child-directed, and project oriented. The ideal student is one able to thrive with a close-knit learning environment.

    View full report

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    A personalized focus on learning sets Laureate College apart as an option for Grades 9 through 12. With a blended learning model that allows students to gain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as well as ESL (English as a Second Language) and EAP (English for Academic Purpose) certifications if needed, Laureate College prepares kids for higher education success no matter where they end up. Laureate College also offers a complete online learning model that runs parallel to its in-class programs. Class sizes are kept small, and an inclusive culture helps kids feel like they belong there. Specialized arts, science and engineering, and international business programs offer unique opportunities for students. And, Laureate’s partnerships with schools around the globe give kids the opportunity to study abroad for Grade 12. 

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    "The only Catholic based Montessori School in the GTA (curriculum encouraged and supported by the Archbishop of Toronto). We provide an intimate environment for students aged 2.5 - 5 yrs that stimulates independent thinking and enriches moral development. Faculty and parents work together to foster, within each child, the early habits, attitudes and skills necessary to establish a lifelong joy in learning. Our responsibility is to guide the whole child - spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually."

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    "Our experienced faculty will lead Laureate College to give all students equitable opportunity to pursue their interests, nurture their strengths by establishing sustainable learning as well as finding their potential through academic and personal investigation. S.T.E.A.M. are embedded in our Specialized pathways in International Business, Science and Engineering, and the Arts and Design. Located on a magnificent campus of natural expansion, the learning environment promotes student engagement and focused learning."

    • Blended Learning Model
    • Specialized Programs of International Business, Arts, and Science & Engineering
    • Personalized and intentional Learning
    • Believers of Change
    • Inclusive Culture
    • Small Class Size
    • Forever Learning
    • Global and Innovative Thinking
    • Creative Awareness
    • Self-directed Learner

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    "Laureate College is located on a spectacular campus that has access to the Niagara Escarpment creating a learning environment where students feel safe and engaged by its surroundings and interactive learning spaces. Where every student can succeed, they receive personalized learning, student-centred activities, and an inclusive environment. Students can select specialized pathways such as the arts, international business, or science & engineering using project-based learning."

    Array

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

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    "Choosing Laureate will give students choices and opportunities to advance their learning to receive multiple offers from top colleges and universities. Students will be prepared for their next stages of growth where learning is forever. Their growth is developed through grit, curiosity, and imagination. Every Laureate student will understand the importance of research to substantiate their opinions but also value acts of kindness, gratitude, and setting goals."

    Array

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

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    "Laureate College is designed to be affordable and deliver quality programs and provide excellent teachers. Students need to be encouraged to take ownership of their learning and develop their strengths through inquiry-based learning and student-centred activities. Laureate's reputation is defined by the people who work, live, and learn together on this beautiful campus or virtually through our on-line learning platforms."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    "To ensure every student is able to achieve success, learning is a shared process among staff and students where Laureate instills the belief of forever learning for all. Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom but learning is a state of mind to continuously expand our knowledge, understanding, and critical-thinking for students, staff, and other partners Becoming a self-directed learner and being excited about discovery will enrich our lives to be an active contributor in our communities."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Laureate College offers multi-dimensional learning that is essential for students to develop the global competency skills through student-centred activities, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated instruction.  Students excel and reach their potential when learning is personalized and focus on deeper learning.  Student engagement comes when they understand the purpose of learning, develop the mastery of a concept, recognize the connections to our communities, and become self-directed learners.

     

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Liberal Arts


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Our school builds on a foundation to help balance both the academic and spiritual growth needed during the early stages of learning! Our atrium program also is run using the same pholoophy as Montessori.

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Laureate College was founded on the belief that every student is unique and possesses an inherent yearning for learning, growth, and the ability to acquire knowledge, creating a meaningful pathway for life purposefully. At Laureate, every student actively shapes their learning experiences within an inclusive environment characterized by innovative teaching, personalized learning, abundant resources, and global connections. Through our vision, mission, and values, we aspire to create a transformative learning experience that empowers students to embrace opportunities and challenges with confidence, leveraging the knowledge and skill sets they acquire throughout their Laureate journeys.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      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.

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Our school has a strong focus on the spiritual aspect although it is a catholic school we do accept all different religions creeds and beliefs.

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      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.

      LAUREATE 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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Teachers will cover all the required expectations and meet the individual needs of the students because of the small class size.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      This option allows you to "opt out" of selecting one of "rigorous" or "supportive". Doing so means you will not be shown on pages relating to academic culture, (your exposure will be diminished).

      LAUREATE 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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      Laureate focuses on providing students with quality education, small class sizes, and opportunities to be successful in and out of the classroom. We are committed to whole student development, allowing students to meet their educational goals and ultimately be successful as a human being outside of their education.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Spiritual
      The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available

      LAUREATE COLLEGE

      First and foremost we are an educational institution committed to meeting the intellectual needs of our students. However, we firmly believe that students need more than just a strong academic portfolio, meaning we also focus on their social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

  • 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

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    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

    LAUREATE 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


    What the school says

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    9 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    85%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades 9 - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    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

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    All students may apply to Laureate College as long as they strive to do their very best, attend and participate in all their classes, complete their course work including homework and wish to become a continuous learner.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    LAUREATE COLLEGE

    The following steps are required for admissions:

    1. Complete the student application form with an application fee payment of $250 CAD.   

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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