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.
School's Perspective
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How Astolot Educational Centre sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"Astolot Educational Centre was founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to deliver curriculum with success. Astolot staff consider Dyslexia requirements, have small groups, ADHD strategies, as well as programming for gifted students. Our mix of students results in positive learning experiences as challenges are matched with strategies to ensure student success."
Small Class Sizes
Accommodations, simply put in place
Dyslexia Reading Program
Excellent on line learning results
An understanding that remote learning has been difficult and gaps need to be addressed.
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Education programs are developed with the parent, child and teaching staff. Small class sizes and experienced, dedicated staff allow for proper implementation. Students and teachers have a role in directing learning. Students have input into how they learn as they become more aware of their own learning style. The method of teaching and learning varies; a student may learn paragraphs in a 'step by step' method, through computer editing, or holistically while researching a science topic."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Cooperative learning is not a typical approach, this is precisely why families turn to Astolot. In addition to students reaching their potential, they are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, whilst also developing their personal awareness of how they learn best. While the school offers a range of student support strategies, 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."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Astolot Educational Centre was founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to deliver curriculum with success. Astolot staff consider all student needs, including programming for gifted students. Our mix of students results in positive learning experiences as challenges are matched with strategies to ensure student success."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"Grade 1 to 6 classes are formed with student learning style and academic needs as the priority. Therefore, the classes are multi-grade level allowing for students to learn at an appropriate level. Grade 7 and 8 are important years, preparing them for the academic demands of high school. Grade 9 to 12 follow the Ontario Curriculum, earning credits towards the OSSD, granted by the Ministry of Education."
Outdoor sports and skills are a part of every day at Astolot.
Out of our back door is a baseball diamond, a soccer pitch and football goals.
Our gross motor room is used for lessons, rainy days and athletic skills building.
Arts facilities
Art is meant to be shared and can be created in many spaces.
Art, building and math can be part of one project.
Plays are a fabulous opportunity to mix literature with the arts and with family.
Campus
Classrooms are large and bright.
Outdoor space connected to our building.
We have moved to a larger space.
Classrooms
Large bright classes.
Primary classes are small with individual attention.
Extra classrooms allow for individual attention, assessment and break out groups.
Science facilities
Science has a dedicated room and equipment for individual and small group learning.
Robotics are a part of the program.
Lab work is completed in small groups, including dissections.
Instructional resources
Online included time away from the screen.
Gift baskets where given to seniors during the pandemic. Community outreach, giving, is part of our school culture.
Google docs editing with the teacher and the use of zoom white board enhanced learning at home.
Shared spaces
Families came out to help unpack and decorate our space. There are reading nooks for little ones, high school space for lunch, gym space to share and a large art space, even space for music classes.
Shared space are perfect for reading buddies.
Activity days have a great deal of space for gathering groups for learning.
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School Videos
Insider Perspectives
How people from the school’s community see Astolot Educational Centre
Our son started at Astolot in grade 2 and is graduating this year. As a person with dual exceptional...
School leadership
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Message from school leadership
Jennifer Cowan, Founder and Owner Bachelor of Arts, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario1984 Bachelor of Education, Queen's University, Ontario1988 Master of Education, University of Ottawa, Ontario 1997
Welcome to Astolot!
We are a small, not-for-profit, Ministry Inspected private school serving grades 1 to 12. We believe that structured, individual learning, allows students to reach their full potential. Students who are considered gifted have the opportunity to excel and be challenged, while additionally students are accommodated or offered alternative programming to meet their learning needs. Our classroom ratio is small, on average 1 teacher to 10 students, and we emphasize life skills in all aspects in school.
