AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Western Heights Montessori Academy vs. Trafalgar School For Girls

one-to-one comparison:

View Western Heights Montessori Academy's full report
VS.
View Trafalgar School For Girls's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    3495 Simpson Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 2J7, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2015

    1887

    Enrolment

    165

    240

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 2

    7 to 11

    Gender

    Coed

    Girls

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    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

    Montessori

    Progressive

    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

    10 to 20

    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

    $17,995 to $26,000

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    20%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    7 to 11

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    24

    48

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    7, 8, 9, 10, 11

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades 7 - 11

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    English Language Eligibility Certificate Required

    No

    Yes: grades 7 - 11

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    information not available

    TRAFALGAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

    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

    TRAFALGAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

    Trafalgar was founded in 1871, and as many girls' schools from that time, the intention was very forward thinking: to provide opportunities for girls. There weren’t any universities yet admitting girls, yet, even so, Donald Ross, a businessman, gave a substantial piece of his estate to house the school. Other supporters of a like mind quickly followed. Times, happily, have changed, though a need to empower and inspire girls remains, something that Traf continues to do. The leadership of today’s school is notably consistent, as is the commitment to developing programs to meet the needs of today’s students. But the tradition is important too, and for many girls, the knowledge that they sit in the same space, conceptually, as so many young women before them, can itself be empowering and motivating. The ideal student is on able to thrive in a challenging, diverse learning environment, and preparing for post-secondary education.

    View full report
  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    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

    Trafalgar has always been forward-thinking about the education of women. I am proud to join such a vibrant community that values authentic engagement, intellectual curiosity and integrity.

    At its core, Trafalgar truly understands that girls must be engaged in the world around them, embrace their challenges, and be proud of who they are and what they are accomplishing!

    Years of research confirm that girls education leads to girls’ achievement. Studies suggest that girls who attend single-sex schools benefit in lasting ways as learners and as individuals. They experience

    • stronger self-esteem
    • greater self-confidence
    • broader leadership opportunities
    • higher aspirations

    (National Coalition of Girls’ Schools)

    Being a girls’ school is a clear advantage for Trafalgar - but the truth is, parents and girls choose Trafalgar because of how we provide a phenomenal educational experience for girls. First and foremost, our people are outstanding; through their combined qualifications, commitment and abilities, our teachers understand education, engagement and what makes for an exceptional learning environment, in and outside the classroom. Trafalgar’s long-standing history of innovation ensures that creativity, risk taking and the sharing of ideas is engrained in our culture. Part of that culture is experienced through our location. “Place” is important and being part of the downtown core, ensures that our campus is shared with our urban partners, providing our girls and faculty the resources and opportunities to engage in a pluralistic ethos. Together, the people and the place create a sense of purpose for our girls and our community. A purpose based on strong principles of generosity, kindness, humour and commitment!

    We live in an interdependent world, and the manner in which our people, place and purpose act together at Trafalgar, provide for our girls’ social and intellectual growth within a safe, supportive setting so that they can explore their own beliefs and take risks that speak to those beliefs. Trafalgar nurtures global citizens. As our students learn to understand themselves, they grow to become women who are able to recognize the worth of every individual and value of the diversity of human culture, they aspire to an empathetic understanding of others while actively seeking community engagement.

    I am honoured to be part of this community, The Traf Family, as I believe that it offers a vision of girls’ education that is unique and founded on authentic engagement and growth.

     

    Katherine Nikidis

    Principal

  • 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

    TRAFALGAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

    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!
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    7 - 11

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    20%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    7, 8, 9, 10, 11

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades 7 - 11

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    English Language Eligibility Certificate Required

    No

    Yes: grades 7 - 11

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes: grades 7 - 11

    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 

     

     

    TRAFALGAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

    Access to English language education in the province of Quebec is governed by the provision of the Charter of the French Language (Bills 101 and 104). Basically, English schools receiving provincial grants can only admit students who have a government-issued Certificate of Eligibility for English Language Education. As Trafalgar receives partial government funding, all students require an eligibility certificate to attend our school.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

TRAFALGAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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