6920 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 4J9, Canada
615 Wellington Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3R6, Canada
2015
2012
165
30
Nursery/Toddler to 2
8 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Liberal Arts
Varies
5 to 8
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
In-class adaptations
$20,200
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
24
6
0%
0%
0%
94%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
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 reportThe Sycamore School doesn’t look like a typical school—it occupies a house in downtown London—and, in fact, it isn’t a typical school, which is why families turn here. The students arrive having demonstrated their skills and academic abilities, yet, for a range of reasons, aren’t reaching their potentials in a more traditional learning environment. Instruction is cooperative, allowing students to take responsibility for their learning in consort with their instructors. One of the goals is to motivate learners, and to help them find their own unique paths to success. The ideal student is one who will thrive within a very close-knit, student-oriented setting, and who is capable of operating at the top of his or her peer group.
View full reportinformation not available
information not available
"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."
"The Sycamore School offers personalized, alternative education for today’s learners who must be capable of independent, flexible thinking. The school's unique approach aims to educate students who are able to meet the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and yet experience struggles along their path. Courses are offered within a multidisciplinary framework enabling positive, collaborative, learning experiences that are guided by caring teachers."
Information not available
"Our students work best in the small community atmosphere that they have chosen to guide their path to high school graduation. Students are supported by their teachers and other staff who adapt the learning opportunity to reflect student learning preferences, ambitions and life goals."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Our students and their families have chosen The Sycamore School for the low student: teacher ratio that is, on average 1:6. Our micro school population ensures a less stressful environment for students and a more co-operative and inclusive atmosphere for those who wish to focus on completing their high school education."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Since The Sycamore School has worked hard to avoid the traditional school-like setting, students and their parents learn to appreciate the home like surroundings; homeschooling parents refer to TSS as the homeschool away from home. We are proud of that difference."
Information not available
"Students and their families often comment on the atmosphere of caring that they feel in the entire school population … students and staff. There is an easy integration among students and staff of differing grades, ages, genders and cultures that creates a community of learners. Completing assignments at school with teacher assistance enables families to participate more fully in after school activities."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
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
Learning in the 21st Century requires that schools change with the times. Bodies of knowledge do not stagnate and education must not continue to do so. At the turn of the 20th Century, John Dewey believed that "the teacher should only provide background information and have the students work together in groups on the concept. This should start conversation and discussion, and give rise to valuable collaboration. Although the written exam would continue to play an important role, particularly presentations, projects and other evaluation techniques are used to keep track of the progress."
The London School pedagogy considers these notions and takes them forward into the 21st Century where all that exists as knowledge is available to everyone who knows how to access it in the online forum, how to evaluate the credibility of the information and how to interpret its meaning. Students no longer must prove their worth by spouting the wisdom of the ages but rather by developing the discernment required to use knowledge to its best advantage; how to apply it to everyday life and how to evaluate the impact of certain knowledge and actions from the appropriate historical perspective. We do not want future generations to repeat past mistakes but we do want them to understand how their choices and actions will shape their future. What our students need to know remains to be seen. It is our job to ensure that they have the confidence and skills to recognize the value and application of knowledge as presented to them through a variety of personal and school experiences.
Liberal Arts
Information not available
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.
Not applicable
Information not available
Our progressive liberal arts program aims to deepen the learning experience while strengthening skills and exciting a passion for learning in a creative, collaborative environment. We focus on building opportunities for success and provide a stimulating intellectual environment where students can shape their academic goals. We work with family teams for anxious and stressed students and develop personalized academic plans for students experiencing school refusal that has compromised their success in traditional schools. The High School program, leading to the OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) for which our school is authorized to grant credits on behalf of the Ministry of Education, is based on the courses offered toward the OSSD as outlined in the Ministry document entitled Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12, Policy & Program Requirements. Each course is presented in a manner that accommodates individual learning needs at a pace that supports student success.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Information not available
Information not available
Textbooks are used as reference, not followed as curriculum delivery systems.
Calculators are used as a tool; not as a crutch.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
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.
Information not available
Information not available
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.
Information not available
Choices of Literature are based on individual choice with teacher approval of relevance to curriculum expectations. Current literature in all genre is explored. Reading, writing, analysis and thought are presented as means of enjoyment in learning.
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
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Equal Balance
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Since student choice and interest is germane to the success of their learning experience, current thought and discovery is examined within the appropriate historical perspective. Content is explored through various lenses especially those of the indigenous peoples of the world.
Communicative
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
Information not available
In response to student interest, many First Nations Languages may be offered. Oneida and Lunaape languages have been well received by First Nations and non First Nations students.
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.
Information not available
Practicing artists become part of the teaching/guiding program in Visual Arts.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Information not available
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
Our Healthy Active Living Plan is focused on building opportunities for health and wellness that can last a lifetime. We approach fitness from an outdoor education platform that enables youth to engage with nature and creates a learning environment that extends beyond the classroom walls.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Information not available
Student-paced
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.
Students may choose open prerequisite subjects from other grade levels based on interests and/or special abilities. Assignments and evaluation techniques are tailored to specific learning strengths; for example oral exams or quizzes or power point instead of essay.
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.
Our aim is for our students to meet their graduation requirements at their own pace, within the expectations of Ontario Secondary School curriculum in a positive manner that is meaningful and memorable for the individual .
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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."
The Sycamore School's Trillium Teaching method has been designed to enable students to develop personal resilience, discernment and empathy so that they can bring a sense of purpose and strength to their future.
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
| ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
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.
| ||||
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
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Information not available
Accommodations: preferential seating, computer use, lighting alternative, reduced sensory stimuli if possible, Use of headphones/music when appropriate, Cue transitions, Breaks, Using timers/planners, self-monitoring Additional: Written/Verbal explanations, Visual cues, supportive peer placement, reduce/minimize distractions, address fragrance sensitivity, increase distance between desks, alternative workspace, direct instruction, simplified format, smaller, chunked amounts of work, repetition of information, scribing, note sharing, focus prompts, verbal/visual signals to begin, positive reinforcement, peer assistants, responses given privately, mind mapping, use graphic organizers, hands-on materials/activities, manipulatives, dramatization of information, note taking instruction, teacher modelling for notebook organization, active participation, acceptable alternatives; provision of video tutorials, extended time, alternative locations or formats, large print, one question per page, increased line spacing; Providing a designated reader, headphones/music, visual tracking tools , space to stand, recording devices to capture oral responses and encouraging verbal and/or graphic responses
Information not available
High school aged students typically may have previously diagnosed learning disabilities; The Sycamore School will refer students to an appropriate clinician for assessment and/or renewed assessment as indicated. The Sycamore School offers accommodations to students with learning disabilities who are able to work toward achievement of graduation requirements with minimal support. Small classes may be the support that individual students need.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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
0%
0%
$0
$0
0%
94%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 8 - 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!
Teens who are experiencing anxiety, depression, sensory overload, social anxiety and/or school refusal and who have demonstrated the ability to complete credits toward the OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma but may who require more time in order to meet the graduation requirements.
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 deposit of $2,000.00 represents part of the total yearly tuition and as such is applied to monthly tuition at the rate of $200.00/month or fraction thereof over the ten month period.