Arts and Languages

Drama, language, and other arts programs at private schools

Students at several different private schools discuss the benefit of those schools' rich focus on arts and language.


Behind the brushstrokes

When the Grade 8 class produced and performed in a production of Fiddler On The Roof, they were doing much more than entertaining a crowdthey were learning.

Even the backdrop for the play, designed and painted by the students in the style of the late artist Marc Chagallwith help from their visual arts teacher Anna Grudawas incorporated into an overall lesson.

"By studying the biography of Chagall in art class, we were able to learn more about the time period in Russia when the play took place," says Simon, a 14-year-old student. "We all helped paint this huge canvas with colours and images Chagall used in his work."

The result was quite spectacular and the project helped the students relate to the characters they were playing on stage.

At Toronto Waldorf School, in Thornhill, Ontario, students spend three-week intervals focusing on one main lesson, while a number of their other classes, including art, support the subject they're learning.

"It allows the students to really immerse themselves in something specific," says Gruda. 
 

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Joining the culture club

When Grade 8 student Jimena, travelled to Marseilles, France earlier this year to compete in an international gymnastic competition, it changed her opinion about learning French.

"It was my first time in Europe so it was a great experience to see how different things are," she says.

Jimena was grateful for the opportunity to practice what she has been learning in the classroom at St. Jude's Academy, in Mississauga, Ontario, since almost everyone she encountered on her trip spoke French. This experience made her decide to take her learning of the language to the next level.

"When I came back to Canada, I was inspired to learn French so that I can speak fluently," she says. "I finally realized that there was a point to learning another language."

Taking centre stage

Justin, 15, is learning about William Shakespeare by participating in a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream in which he's playing the role of Demetrius.

"My character is really snobby and stuck-up," he says. "It's fun playing different personalities."

Each year, the Grade 9 and 10 students from Venta Preparatory School, in Ottawa, Ontario team up with the Grade 2 class to bring Shakespeare's plays to life.

"You literally want to become your character on stage," says Justin. "You have to speak and think like him."

The school is also involving students in the younger grades. Justin notes that the children in Grade 2 will play the fairies.

"They don't have many lines, but they love to dance around in their costumes, he says.

—Hailey Eisen & Claudia D'Souza
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In the spotlight:



List of schools with arts and languages programs

 
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Burlington, Ontario
Hwy 6/Dundas Street
 
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"Our belief is “Forward Learning. Transforming People”. We focus on the artistic pathway, 21st century learning skills, collaborative discussions, and inquiry-based thinking to prepare students with global competencies." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $9,600 to $23,800
  • Day, Boarding, eSchool
  • 92 students
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Laureate College 9600 HighSchools Day Boarding eSchool Coed
Scarborough, Ontario
Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue
 
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"Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 6 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $11,158 to $17,500
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Enquiring Minds Montessori 11158 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
 
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"Aurora Alternative Micro School has created a curriculum that combines academic and creative experiences , engaging a child's head, heart and hands in an environment that is supportive, nurturing and rich in growth." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $11,000
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Aurora Alternative Micro School 11000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Whitby, Ontario
Brock Street South/Dundas Streer West
 
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"The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for their uniqueness and is guided through learning accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 8 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $12,250 to $15,750
  • Day school
  • 0 students
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Hatch House Montessori School 12250 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Concord, Ontario
 
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"Rotman School: Educating children to empower them for positive contributions to Canadian society. Fostering independence, creativity, and self-esteem through exploration of unique skill sets." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; Reggio Emilia
  • $12,000 to $16,500
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Rotman Arts and Science School 12000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Queen/Silver Birch
 
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"The Cole Academy welcomes students of all genders and orientations and their families. Using stories of under-represented communities, TCA prepares students socially, emotionally, and academically for future schooling." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $25,000
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The Cole Academy 25000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
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