6920 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 4J9, Canada
2600 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 1C1, Canada
2015
2014
165
140
Nursery/Toddler to 2
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Liberal Arts, Montessori
Varies
10 to 18
Dedicated gifted school
$17,600 to $23,600
$23,600
No
Yes
0%
4%
None
1 to 12
$0
$0
24
9
0%
0%
0%
50%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
Yes: grades 5 - 12
information not available
information not available
Student-centred programs and an efficient interface with parents have endeared Western Heights to the families that turn to it. Now with seven locations throughout the GTA, it has all the benefits that come from a larger administration team, while also maintaining a close-knit, community feel at each of the schools. Teachers are skilled, qualified, and engaging. A strong core Montessori program is augmented with language instruction, including Mandarin, and music beginning at the toddler level. On-site catering, with lots of healthy options, is also a draw.
View full reportDelano was founded in 2014 with the mandate of providing a very forward looking approach to the early and elementary years. The focus is on collaboration, 21st century literacies, and allowing students to grow into an international, empathetic understanding of the world and their place within it. The core competencies are delivered, as is a sense of how they relate to who we are and what we’re able to achieve. The ideal student is one operating toward the top of his or her peer group, and able to thrive in vibrant, active, socially engaging learning environment.
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"Students truly have a very rich academic life. They are always encouraged to think and inquire..."
ANA LIGIA MALAVAZI - Parent (Aug 22, 2018)
Our son has become much happier and full of life after he started at Delano. It was the best decisio...
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"My kids love the one on one attention."
Sabrina Bartolini - Parent (Aug 22, 2018)
My kids love the one on one attention. They feel that their needs are met and understand the materia...
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"Teacher-student-parent communication is very efficient and effective through many channels"
Raye Cai - Parent (Jun 22, 2020)
We had attended another school that was very good at the beginning when it had a good principal who ...
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"Serving the Oakville, Mississauga, Milton and Burlington communities with seven campuses since 2015, Western Heights Montessori Academy offers an enriched Montessori curriculum to children from six months to 12 years of age. Voted as the best child care centre in Oakville and Mississauga, we believe that every child is special and unique. It is our mission to bring out the full potential in every one of our students by offering a customized, engaged, and enriched program in a close-knit, caring environment."
"York Region's top CO-ED private Pre-K-12 school, Delano is a 21st century, university preparatory school that values evidenced-based best practices for teaching & learning. Delano is a place of rigorous curriculum standards, globally-minded education and a balance of Academics, Arts, Athletics & student wellness. We support our bright/gifted students in harnessing resiliency & critical thinking skills as visionary makers, creators & innovators. Delano enriches learning as a STE[A]M & Tech rich school."
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"Delano Academy values community and a positive school culture that prides itself on being at the forefront of best practices in teaching and learning. Delano is a progressive, transformational learning environment that prepares students for leadership. We follow the Ontario Curriculum using the IB framework and offering curriculum enrichment. Delano's youngest learners benefit from the blended Montessori values in our Prep School division. Delano provides students with the tools and life skills beyond university. Delano is fuelled by creating a learning environment of globally-minded students that reflects our diverse world.
Delano Academy has a strong reputation for its rigorous curriculum, attention to teaching and learning, and strong student-focused approach, which leads to a positive school climate.
Delano Academy has been voted #1 Private School in Vaughan by Top Choice Awards in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024"
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"Delano Academy has prioritized personalized learning and attention to student learning over school growth and size. The school is small and offers a boutique approach to quality education intentionally. The school remains small in size to support an environment where students are known, communication is transparent, relationships are built and nurtured and students thrive emotionally, and educationally. When you enter our school building you will notice that the space is humble, however, there is great attention to detail in its space. Students appreciate the attention to detail in planning, scheduling, and life. Students feel valued, appreciated and cared for. They know that the school values their voice and they contribute to their learning space meaningfully. The tradeoff is that our school remains small to prioritize attention to detail in your child's educational journey. While students are young, we build a strong foundation to support success in University."
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"Delano Academy was envisioned in 2014 and quickly grew and gained its reputation for offering an unparalleled approach to education with this rigorous attitude towards enriched schooling. The school motto encourages students and parents to dream BIGGER. Delano Academy facilitates this vision in everything it offers and provides students with unique experiences that are rarely offered in smaller to mid-range elementary private schools. For a relatively young school, Delano Academy is steeped in cultivating, creating and establishing its culture and history. Co-creating this legacy with our faculty and students reinforces our identity. Delano Academy celebrates its tenth anniversary and is proud of its accomplishments and future potential."
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"We provide a milieu that fully supports our students. Delano is a cutting-edge academy with a strong vision for our students to reach limitless learning potential. Our student archetype has HIGH STANDARDS. We are at the forefront of education giving our students an educational advantage at an early age. Beyond curriculum, our objective is to support our students in becoming leaders in the 21st century. At Delano Academy, our school is STUDENT-CENTRED
Our students are encouraged to be balanced and the well-being of our students is our number one priority. Our pastoral curriculum is central to our school and an important part of student life. Wellness, self-care, leadership, empathy, and pluralism, are taught, encouraged and supported. We support our students in becoming world changer makers.
Our students embody the IB learner profile attributes as they become engaged and worldly-balanced students."
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"Small boutique environment
Classrooms are designed to engage in conferencing and communication in a small group capacity.
Facilities are new, clean, and high attention to detail yet humble. Parents feel confident knowing that their children will receive high-quality education and a safe and nurturing environment."
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"Families appreciate that Delano has a strong school culture that creates a warm and welcoming community. Students are motivated by a positive and caring school environment. Students are welcomed into the Delano family and provided with a supportive team that encourages the personal growth, development and vision of each student. Parents appreciate the attention to individualized learning the "Dream Bigger" attitude, and the rich and rigorous programming that encourages student potential."
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"Delano Academy is known for its rigorous and balanced student-centred education.
Our balanced education values a hybrid approach to teaching and learning using the best elements of Montessori, and IB. Our objective is simple; to prepare students for High school, University, and life. We have realistic expectations and attitudes to ensure students are prepared from Pre-K to Grade 12. We provide a strong foundation preparing our youngest learners and equipping them for a successful future."
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"Delano is committed to supporting a culture of wellness, and balance and prioritizes community, as a key feature for overall faculty and student wellness. Our rich culture adapts innovatively to the realities of global citizenship in the 21st century. The community we have cultivated encourages and promotes the Delano legacy and principles. We value building meaningful life-long relationships with our students, families, faculty and alumni."
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"Delano Academy attends to details and prioritizes the best interests of its students. Our ultimate objective is to support a well-rounded community that is diverse, respectful and kind. We create a relevant, authentic, and meaningful experience by encouraging students to be risk-takers, and open-minded and to explore all that Delano has to offer. Our culture is rich, and exciting and ignites curiosity."
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"Delano Academy prioritizes a balanced school experience for our students. School is not confined to subjects and classes but also strongly emphasizes developing the whole child. Our school has prioritized developing signature programs to improve student school experiences. Students are encouraged to explore and engage in all the school offerings, take risks and develop attitudes and habits that support a balanced attitude toward education. Our school continually supports improving experiences for your child that engage your child in action. Our school continues to develop student leadership, mindset and wellness, personal responsibility, student participation and attitudes, financial literacy, communication skills, technological literacies, independence, advocacy, and so much more."
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Dear parents and students,
Welcome to Western Heights Montessori Academy, where every child's journey of discovery and growth is celebrated. As the Head of School, I am thrilled to lead a dedicated team of educators committed to nurturing young minds through the Montessori pedagogy. Our holistic approach to education, tailored for children aged 6 months to grade 2, fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.
At Western Heights, we believe in providing a nurturing environment where each child is empowered to explore, discover, and flourish at their own pace. Our Montessori-inspired classrooms offer hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to partner with us in creating an enriching educational experience for your child. Together, let's cultivate a community where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
I look forward to witnessing the growth and achievements of each and every student at Western Heights Montessori Academy.
Warm Regards,
Helen Mansour
Head of School
Western Heights Montessori Academy
Head of School's Welcome,
If you are going to dream for your child, then dream BIGGER.
Delano Academy was created on the vision to provide an exceptional learning environment where academic rigour is met with a balanced education. Delano prepares students for university and life with an intensive academic focus and exceptional 21st-century teaching practices. At Delano Academy, there is an emphasis on providing students with state-of-the-art cutting-edge resources. Students access outstanding resources and facilities in all areas of their education, every day. We are a school that values student-centered learning and evidence-based practices.
Delano is a forward-thinking school that respects 21st-century teaching practices, administration, environmental design & curriculum focus. We have extraordinary expectations of our students and we are DREAM role models. We want our students to achieve greatness and we provide them with a school that inspires students as visionary, creative and critical thinkers.
Delano values globally-minded thinking and innovation. Imagineering students are problem solvers, makers and doers. The Delano Archetype is a collaborator, has effective communication skills, curious and confident.
Delano is a school that fosters creativity, passion, innovation, problem-solving & critical thinking. We are not simply keeping up with a changing world and preparing students for University. We are preparing students for careers that are yet to be created and a future that has never been dreamed of yet.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Palombo
M.Ed (York), B.Ed (OISE), SHon. BA (YORK)
Liberal Arts
Montessori
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.
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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Delano Academy has a reputation for its strong curriculum. The Ontario Ministry Curriculum Expectations act as the foundation for learning. Then the curriculum is enhanced with an IB worldview, giving our students a head-start. We embrace a changing world in education. Delano is a place of rigorous curriculum standards, worldly education aligning itself with the prestigious International Baccalaureate-IB world school standards. Learners feel challenged with richer learning opportunities that support their unique learning profile. Our natural teaching lends well to gifted learners with greater opportunities for higher-level critical thinking, problem-solving, design-thinking and global-mindedness. Delano is a place where students learn that anything is possible. With sound research in international educational practices, we have sourced the best resources and materials to enrich learning for our students. Coupled with a strong framework in child development and student wellness, our curriculum is world-class support.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Balanced Literacy
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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Equal balance
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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Equal Balance
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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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
Zoology
Equal Balance
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
Core Knowledge
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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Equal Balance
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
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
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Our facilities are exceptional with 6500 square foot high school gym and 6 acres of trails and athletic space for students. Our students participate in athletic competitions and events and train for intramural events.\n\nOur standard physical education program provides students with intensive training and preparation for individual, group recreational and competitive events.
Academic
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Our preparatory program is a fully enriched inquiry-based advanced program where students receive a rigorous academic advantage. Students learn to read competently, write, learn grammar with formal instruction, develop penmanship formally, problem solve, and explore science and the world around them.\ Our students develop language, cognitive, motor, social-emotional development and self-regulation & independence.\ Students thrive in our small environment where learning is centred on their needs.\ Our class ratio is 1:8. Our objective is to prepare our students with a strong foundation for elementary education. Our students receive a varied well-rounded comprehensive curriculum that develops critical learning skills and habits.
Accelerated
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).
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Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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."
We provide an environment that is balanced between academics, athletics, arts and character development. We enable every student to be a leader. We support every student in this effort and provide them the foundation for leadership in the 21st century. Every student has the opportunity to become the next CEO and training starts at Delano Academy.
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RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Fencing |
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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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Snowboarding |
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Softball |
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Weightlifting |
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Archery |
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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
1 - 12
0%
4%
$0
$0
0%
50%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
Yes: grades 5 - 12
No
No
No
Yes: grades 5 - 12
No
Yes: grades 5 - 12
No
No
Our children are Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers and Kindergarteners. They are very young! We would love to have students who are interested and eager to explore the world around them and strive to be independent!
The Delano student archetype is Confident. Has strong Character. Is Curious. Is a Collaborator. We provide the milieu that fully supports our students. The Delano is a cutting edge academy with a strong vision for our students to reach limitless learning potential. We are searching for student candidates that are eager to be part of the Delano school vision.
1) Schedule a tour at our each individual campuses to get to know more about the curriculum, learning environment and get all your questions answered
2) Meet-and-Greet with the child during the tour
3) Submit enrollment forms with a copy of your child's immunization records
4) Make deposit payment
The Admission Process at Delano is fully online. It is an opportunity for families to learn about our academy in a personal friendly setting. Parents are invited to bring their son/daughter to the initial meeting for a casual discussion. At this time parents will learn about our intake process for student candidates.
Candidates who are applying to the school will be invited for an individual interview and assessment. All potential candidates are invited for a day visit.
Parents seeking student enrollment are required to complete a full interview and follow an acceptance process.
Delano is a small school providing nurturing individualized attention and care. Families searching for a small private school that provides an unparalleled teacher-to-pupil ratio and is designed with the programs and facilities of a large school will feel comfortable in this environment.