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

one-to-one comparison:

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

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    2250 Sheridan Garden Drive, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 7T1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2015

    2002

    Enrolment

    165

    60

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 2

    2 to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Montessori

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    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.

    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

    4 to 8

    Special needs support

    Learning, Developmental, Behavioral

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated class; 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

    $34,000

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    24

    9

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    85%

    Day entry years

    2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    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

    WILDWOOD 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

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    Wildwood was founded in 2002 in order to serve primary and middle-grade learners who require more support than they would find within a traditional classroom. The environment—both physically and pedagogically—was designed to address the needs of students with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, dyslexia, and autism Spectrum Disorder. In some senses, that describes quite a range of students and abilities, including those who may function both above and below their peers. While the classroom setting and extra-curricular activities provide opportunities for social development, the pace of instruction is individualized. The intention is to prepare students for high school, developing a personalized suite of strategies and skills necessary for them to make the most of academic life once they leave Wildwood after grade 8.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Very small class sizes and group sizes (as the kids break into learning groups). Wildwood provides the most one to one attention of any private school we researched."
    Kimberly Bell - Parent   (Apr 15, 2019)
    My daughter struggled in the public system with dyslexia and was not receiving enough support. It w... View full review

  • 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 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."

    • 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 four consecutive years
    • Schedule your private tour today: http://www.westernheightsmontessori.com/schedule-a-tour/
    • Contact us: http://www.westernheightsmontessori.com/contact-us/

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Wildwood Academy is a charitable, not-for-profit school specifically designed to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities and students who require extra support to upgrade their academics. Through research based teaching and positive reinforcement, we close gaps in student knowledge and build students' confidence in their own ability to learn. Wildwood Academy offers all academic subjects from Grade Levels 2-8, as well as Emotional Intelligence classes, clubs, field trips, and extracurricular activities."

    • Small class sizes (1:1-10:1)
    • Mastery-based learning
    • Successful teaching methods
    • Specializes in support for exceptionalities (examples: Learning Disabilities, ADHD, etc.)
    • Chromebooks
    • Caring, professional staff
    • Bright, spacious environment
    • Fully equipped gymnasium
    • Research Based and Validated Direct Instruction Programs for Teaching
    • Emotional Intelligence Classes

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Wildwood academically groups students based on their needs and level of learning, not their age. Students have individualized schedules, so in every class they are in they are neither bored nor frustrated. The teacher does not need to modify curriculum, and can teach more to the students in the class.

    Wildwood uses Direct Instruction Programs to teach academics. Direct Instruction Programs are scientifically based and validated by research. They are proven to be effective in closing academic gaps and teaching more to students in less time. These programs offer repetition, explicit linking of concepts, high frequency of student participation, and continuous monitoring of student progress.

    Wildwood Academy has Emotional Intelligence Classes where students explicitly learn self-regulation and social skills. Based off monthly Character Education and the PEERS program for making and keeping friends, students learn skills they need for social success."

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Wildwood Academy uses Direct Instruction, an explicit and prescribed method of teaching for academic classes (Math, Reading, Writing and Spelling). This style of teaching is not play-based , and students are learning from the teacher not their own exploration. At Wildwood, we have had a huge amount of success with Direct Instruction, which is proven to give students a strong academic base. Teachers bring their joy and personality to classes, and make these lessons fun and engaging for students. We make up for the more structured lesson time with 5 minute body breaks at the end of every class, 3 recesses a day, 3 free choice club blocks a week, and incorporate exploration based learning into our lessons in Arts, Physical Education, and Emotional Intelligence."

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "In 2002, Wildwood Academy was founded by two parents who could not find a suitable education for their son. Wildwood began with 6 students, and has grown to 60."

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Wildwood best supports students who need extra support in their learning, or who are learning at dramatically different grade levels in different subjects. For example, if a student is working at a grade 3 level in reading, but a grade 6 level in math, they would be placed into those classes. Students all have individualized schedules and move around the school to the classroom reflecting the curriculum best suited to their level and learning style. We find the perfect balance between boredom and frustration where optimal learning can take place. Students who get the most out of their time at Wildwood tend to benefit from small class sizes and explicit instruction to master concepts."

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Wildwood has a large campus, but a small student body. With only 60 students, and class sizes between 4-14 (ratio maximum 10:1), students get to know the whole school and make close social connections. We combine students with other groups for social, sporting, and free-choice clubs. Students who wish to be in large groups all the time may find Wildwood's small size too small. Some families participate in out of school clubs for more social connections.

    Wildwood is a member of the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA), has a fully equipped full-size gymnasium, basket ball courts, a soccer field, and a recreational field. Wildwood participates in 2-4 PSAA events and competitions with other schools per year. Due to our smaller size, we do not participate as a school in more than 4 competitive sporting events per year. Many of our students with special sports interests (example: hockey or baseball) participate on teams outside of school."

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Wildwood is a wonderful environment for students who are having challenges learning in the typical classroom environment. Whatever the barrier to learning may be: attention and focus, gaps in knowledge, learning disability, processing speed, etc., Wildwood's small class sizes and personalized student schedules can make a huge difference. We work with families to create individualized learning goals for each student. Goals are different for every student, but may include: catching up to grade level and rejoining their previous school, learning to read, closing gaps in knowledge, developing tools to manage dyslexia, etc.

    Students that need more support at Wildwood can participate in our Education Assistant (EA) Program. Their EA is dedicated specifically to them to shadow and assist them throughout their day. This can be beneficial for students who need extra breaks, support managing their belongings, or support learning in class."

    Array

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

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "We are well-known for closing gaps in student understanding, support students with exceptionalities, catching students up to grade level, and supporting students who need individualized schedules. For academic subjects, we group students based on the level and style of their learning, not their age level. When students are surrounded by others working at the same level, their self-confidence and their participation in classes improve. If students are above grade level in one subject, and below in another, they will be placed in classes that meet their learning needs. Students with a gifted/LD profile benefit from this type of flexibility in student grouping."

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Wildwood Academy offers two Emotional Intelligence Classes per week. During these classes, students work with their homeroom on self-regulation, social skills, and conflict resolution. These classes utilize teacher created lessons, the PEERs program for making and keeping friends, and a Character Education Program. Students learn skills they need to navigate social and emotional situations in their future. This ties into our philosophy of educating students holistically."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Parents are often surprised how happy and engaged students are in classes. Many students who have typically not liked school in their past have found their place at Wildwood and are now happy to attend school."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "In 2023, Wildwood received a generous donation and was able to upgrade all of our projector technology and provide every student with their own ChromeBook. Students utilize Google Classroom to complete and submit assignments. We have two computer and STEM classes where students utilize these for skills such as typing, coding, and building their skills for Google Sheets and Slides."

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    "Wildwood will continue to provide individualized schedules and education to students who need more support in their learning. We will continue to improve every year through Professional Development, new technology, and new ways to reach students."

  • 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

    I joined the Wildwood team in the fall of 2021.  Before coming to Wildwood, I worked as a teacher for 12 years and then became a Vice Principal with the Halton District School Board.  After 3 years as a VP, I became a Principal, a role I enjoyed for 17 years.  Throughout my 32 years in public education, I had the pleasure of working in 3 different school boards.  I opened a new elementary school in Milton and also worked as a System Principal.  Each role and opportunity allowed me to learn and grow so I could better serve the needs of my school community.  After retiring from public education, I worked for a teacher recruitment company in London, England. This was a very different experience and I felt privileged to visit teacher’s colleges across Canada and help new teachers find teaching jobs in the U.K.  In 2021, at a time when we were finally enjoying relaxed restrictions with COVID, I was given an opportunity that turned out to be the highlight of my professional career.  I received an email from a colleague who shared that Wildwood Academy was looking for a Principal.  Feeling unsure if this was the right move for me, I came for a visit to learn more about the school and its philosophy. After 10 minutes, I was sold.  This school’s “raison d’etre” re-ignited my passion for working with children, especially those who struggled to succeed or feel safe at school. This was my chance to serve the needs of students who are often underserved in mainstream schools.  Seeing these children come to school with a smile and leave each day feeling successful was enough to put my retirement plans on pause.  This school does what all schools should do: make students feel that, regardless of their past experiences and challenges, they are valued and respected and, like everyone else, they can be successful.  My only regret is I didn’t start this role earlier.  I am proud to be part of the Wildwood community.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Montessori

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      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.

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Wildwood Academy is an academic school. We provide very substantive support for students with special needs and learning challenges.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      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.

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Supportive


      Our Take

      Our Take

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      WILDWOOD 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

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

      Core academic skills are the focus, in a supportive and caring environment.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

      Information not available

      WILDWOOD ACADEMY

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

  • SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT

    FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIES

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect 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.

    Additional support

    Additional support

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    INFORMAL SUPPORT FOR MILD DIFFICULTIES

    Learning Strategy

    Extra Support

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD

    Accommodations

    Modifications

    Extra support


    Additional support

    Additional support

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy


    What the school says about their special needs support

    What the school says about their special needs support

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    Wildwood Academy is designed to help students with special needs and learning difficulties. Our whole school runs based on the philosophy that each child is unique, and so their learning plan should also be unique.


    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

    Information not available

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    Wildwood is specifically designed to support students with learning disabilities. With small class sizes, grouping based on ability, additional support, repetition, review, and specialized strategies, we help students with learning difficulties.

  • 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

    WILDWOOD 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!

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    • Wildwood runs social skills clubs often called "board games" or "social" clubs, where trained staff help students regulate and work on social skills in real time.
    • Wildwood has 3 club blocks per week built into the schedule during the day. Students choose from a variety of clubs.
    • Wildwood is part of the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA) and competes against other private schools in the area.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    85%

    Day entry years

    2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    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

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    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!

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    Students must be able to attend to a lead teacher in a classroom, independently manage their belongings, understand and attend to their bodily signals (example: hunger, thirst, temperature, toileting, etc.), and show that they have self-regulation skills to not disrupt the classroom environment. If a student does need more support in one of these areas, we can offer our Educational Assistant Program, where an Educational Assistant is paired specifically with the child and helps them meet their needs throughout their day. Wildwood also has a 1:1 program, where one teacher is paired with the student and can support them academically to build the skills the student needs to be in larger Wildwood classes. The increase in support does come with an increase in tuition costs.

    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 

     

     

    WILDWOOD ACADEMY

    At Wildwood, we have a three step admissions process. 

    Step 1: A discovery phone call with the principal. Parents have a chance to ask questions and discuss if Wildwood Academy is a good environment for their child. 

    Step 2: A private school tour. The principal or director will tour parents around the school and talk about how specific aspects of the day could help the child applying. Parents get to see classes, meet students, and see a snapshot of life at Wildwood Academy. 

    Step 3: A visit/trial day. The child applying to be a Wildwood student will come into the school for a half day or full day. They will be paired with a buddy for the day who is at a similar level and follow their schedule. This day allows our team at Wildwood to ensure that this is the best fit for the student. If there is evidence that Wildwood is a good fit, our team will complete some assessments with the child to determine grade levels in various subject areas. This gives us their placement to create their personal schedule. 

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

WESTERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

WILDWOOD ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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