Gain exclusive insight into life at Astolot Educational Centre from our carefully curated video and written reviews that deliver in-depth insider info from parents, alumni and students.
Our Perspective on Astolot Educational Centre
Not all children learn in the same way, and that’s been a guiding principle behind the Astolot Educational Centre since Jennifer Cowan founded it in 1998. Classes are small, and instruction is student-oriented, beginning with the talents, interests, and perspectives that the children bring with them into the classroom and starting from there. Learning is cooperative, with faculty and students working together to tailor delivery to best meet their individual learning styles. It’s not the typical approach, which is precisely why families turn to Astolot. In addition to reaching student potentials, the program encourages learner responsibility while growing the students’ awareness of how they learn best. While there are a range of student supports, the ideal student is one who is capable of thriving in a challenging atmosphere, and who operates at the top of his or her peer group.
Video reviews
Get crucial behind-the-scenes information about Astolot Educational Centre from video interviews with probing questions that we recorded live with parents, current students, and recent alumni.
Watch our alum interview with Jennifer Cobden to learn about the unique experience of attending Astolot Educational Centre.
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Written reviews
Dive deeply into the real culture of Astolot Educational Centre with reviews we’ve structured to highlight only the most valuable insights and opinions submitted by parents, students, and alumni.
Our son had an excellent experience at Astolot. Previous to starting the school in Grade 6 he h...
The school leadership and administration are very good. The founder of the school, Jennifer, sets a tone of firm leadership with good boundaries. She expects a good standard of behaviour from the children and holds them accoun...
The teachers at Astolot are excellent. They are truly dedicated educators. We were very happy with the quality of the instruction. They seemed very passionate about what they do and extremely hard working. They are truly on t...
Astolot excels in supporting each student to achieve the most positive outcome in terms of academic achievement. Each child is evaluated on an individual basis and much attention is given to providing that child with the suppo...
When our child started Astolot there were several clubs in place but unfortunately due to the pandemic, these were suspended. The children do have access to a local park which provides a good area for outdoor time and the scho...
Astolot is a small school, I think there were approximately fifty students or so from Grade 1-12. Having that small number does create a family feel which is enhanced by the way the school is run. It's common for the older kid...
Our child did very much enjoy his time at Astolot. He felt included and welcomed by teachers and students alike. It is a very safe and inclusive environment which is so needed by many kids who have not fared well in the public...
I enjoyed the potluck breakfast held at the beginning of each year where parents contribute food. Also, we really enjoyed the Christmas potluck lunch which was followed by the school performing 'A Christmas Carol.' I also atte...
I found the location of the school very handy as it is on a major bus route and also near a bike path, so my child rode his bike or bussed himself there. I think that before COVID older students could venture beyond the school...
I called the school after a few different people recommended it and directly had a conversation with Jennifer Cowan. I felt immediately understood and that she got the situation of our child which was a wonderful experience. W...
Our son started at Astolot in grade 2 and is graduating this year. As a person with dual except...
Both the principal (Jennifer Cowan) and the teachers impress upon the children the importance of community and responsibility. They provide clear direction to parents and students about expectations through the school handbook...
The teachers at Astolot are incredibly devoted to the welfare of their students. They go out of their way to tailor the curriculum to the needs of each child. For instance, my child was given an opportunity to accelerate his l...
This school celebrates the unique needs of each child, and tailors the curriculum to meet these needs. The expectations are clear but the children are given support to meet these defined goals. Like many students at Astolot, m...
Astolot is a small school so there are no competitive athletic teams that I'm aware of and no gymnasium. This is not a school that prioritizes a defined athletic program. That being said, the children exercise at a beautiful...
The student body is small, inclusive and diverse. My child has told me it feels like a family. The school is divided into elementary and secondary schools, but the classes are multi-age and multi-level. The children's unique t...
My child loved this school from the first day. He went from being a very unhappy child enrolled in a local public school's French immersion program to a child who looked forward to attending school each day. Rather than seein...
As I've mentioned before, this school feels like a family. Each year there are breakfasts and potluck dinners where the parents contribute food. Parents are also encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and fiel...
This school is centrally located in Old Ottawa South. It is easily accessible by bus routes and walkable for those in the Glebe, Old Ottawa South and Old Ottawa East (Main Street). It is co-located in a business complex on Ban...
