AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Western Heights Montessori Academy vs. Eastgate Academy

one-to-one comparison:

View Western Heights Montessori Academy's full report
VS.
View Eastgate Academy's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    6920 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 4J9, Canada

    200 Karolie Rd, Riverview, New Brunswick, E1B 1R1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2015

    2020

    Enrolment

    100

    33

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    K to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive, International Baccalaureate

    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.

    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

    Varies

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    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.
    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

    $15,900

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    6 to 8

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    25

    4

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades 2 - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    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 report

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Eastgate Academy is the first Moncton school to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme to students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Students graduate with an internationally recognized diploma that’s highly regarded by universities in Canada and across the world. 

    Eastgate Academy structures the curriculum around themes to help students make sense of the world around them and to provide them with opportunities to build skills and understanding that can be transferred to various situations. The school tailors the learning experience to every student, allowing students the freedom to pursue their interests, while balancing academic and intellectual growth with physical and mental well-being. 

     

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    "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 six years of age. Voted as the best child care centre in Oakville, 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."

    • Enriched Montessori curriculum with specialized Music, French, Mandarin and Kids Yoga classes.
    • Diamond award winner of Best Child Care in Oakville by Oakville Beaver for three consecutive years
    • Schedule your private tour today: http://www.westernheightsmontessori.com/schedule-a-tour/
    • Contact us: http://www.westernheightsmontessori.com/contact-us/

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    "Focusing on balancing academic and intellectual growth with physical and mental well-being, we offer a tailored learning experience to every student. Eastgate Academy is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that Eastgate Academy believes is important for our students."

    • A challenging and robust academic curriculum delivered by exceptional faculty.
    • We provide a safe and supportive environment open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
    • At 12 students per teacher, learning becomes mentoring.
    • Collaboration: teachers, students and parents work together to support our learners.
    • Culture: Built on respect and appreciation of each individual in our community.
    • Wellness: Personal and collective wellness is a priority.
    • Engagement: Students are given opportunities to succeed by developing their full potential.

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    "A central feature of our program is wellness. Our community believes in the importance of providing students with opportunities to learn more about personal and collective wellness. We frequently connect with local experts, practitioners, and community members, and our teachers intentionally build strong relationships with students. We provide our students with various experiences to explore tools and strategies to support their physical, social, and emotional wellness."

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    "Eastgate Academy offers learners opportunities to grow in a safe, collaborative environment. Students are put at the center of learning and given voice, choice, and ownership in their learning journey. The educational experience at Eastgate is student-centred, inquiry-based, and focuses on developing the whole child. This allows students to develop attributes and skills to independently and collaboratively solve problems and create change in their local and global communities."

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    "Our Eastgate Explorers program allows our students to arrive at school an hour before our day begins or stay up to two hours after the school day ends. During these times, our learners can engage in explorations that connect with their interests or try something new. These explorations rotate throughout the year and support our learners in becoming balanced, open-minded, and collaborative. Explorations range from active (soccer, pickleball) to creative (stop motion, drama, yearbook)."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    "While students' learning journeys are the top priority, educating our families on our programme offering and how best to support learning at home is essential. Of course, we see our families as partners and consistently communicate. However, we also offer parent workshops in the evening and provide childcare. These hands-on workshops give families a glimpse into how their child(ren) learns while exploring the central features of our program."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    information not available

    Welcome To Eastgate Academy

    We are, first and foremost, a community of students, educators and families committed to nurturing young people as they find their purpose and grow into their potential.

    Our goal is to create a stimulating and supportive environment where our learners can grow through an iterative inquiry, action and reflection process. A culture of courage and curiosity encourages our learners to push the boundaries of their social, intellectual and physical comfort zones, while a culture of collaboration and community creates a system of support from which our learners draw the confidence to learn from successes and setbacks.

    I am filled with gratitude to be part of such a special community. I feel fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented educators and staff and look forward to supporting Eastgate Academy’s continued growth as principal.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      International Baccalaureate


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      Eastgate Academy's programme offering takes an inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching. As such, students are active participants in their learning and frequently collaborate with their peers and teacher to construct their understanding. Using the British Columbia curriculum and the International Baccalaureate framework, students develop attributes and skills, allowing them to become internationally minded.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      Play-based


      Our Take

      Our Take

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      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.

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      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

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      Supportive


      Our Take

      Our Take

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      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

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      The academic culture at Eastgate is both rigorous and supportive. There are high expectations and a challenging curriculum as students progress through the grades. However, at the heart of the culture is support to support student wellness, inspire curiosity, and cultivate a love of the pursuit of learning. Students are heavily involved in creating norms and expectations that guide the academic culture, and educators are seen as facilitators that create learning engagements that meet students where they are and challenge them.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      EASTGATE ACADEMY

      "We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."

  • 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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    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

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    • We offer Kids Yoga, French, Mandarin, and Music class in addition to our Montessori curriculum. As a school with diverse community, we also showcase our learning through culture avenue via our international week open house event!

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    • The school is open to students from 7:30-5:30pm. The co-curricular activities offered before and after school are are included in the tuition and are eligible as a child care expense. As such, receipts for that portion of the tuition will be issued for tax purposes.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    6 - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades 2 - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes: grades K - 8

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    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!

    What the school says

    What the school says

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    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 

     

     

    EASTGATE ACADEMY

    Application fee:

    $100 per student (non-refundable), paid at the time of online application submission. This covers the cost of the admissions assessment.

    Registration deposit:

    $1000 per student, due upon enrollment to secure a place at the school. This amount is non-refundable but will be applied towards tuition.

    Bond: 

    $10,000 per family, paid upon enrollment. The bond is an investment in the growth and development of the school. It is reimbursed to the family at the end of the school year in which the last child leaves the school.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

EASTGATE ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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