912 Vancouver Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3V7, Canada
159 Glebeholme Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, M4J 1S7, Canada
1989
2022
270
10
JK to 8
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Arts
Progressive
Progressive
Varies
10
In-class adaptations
$8,196 to $16,950
$11,000
Yes
Yes
6%
0%
K to 8
None
$3,925
$0
25
1
0%
0%
0%
90%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades K - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
Located in the heart of Victoria, B.C., Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) provides a first-rate education for boys and girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. While it’s an Anglican school that promotes Christian values, it welcomes kids from all religious backgrounds. Many families choose CCCS for its tight-knit community and its supportive and welcoming environment. But it’s also known for having exceptional teachers, small class sizes, and a broad scope of curricular and extracurricular programs. A distinguishing feature of CCCS is that its students learn to make a difference in the world through various activities such as preparing food for the hungry, singing and reading to seniors, and organizing fundraising events for charities.
View full reportAurora Alternative Micro School (AAMS) is a small JK to Grade 12 school with a unique approach to education. AAMS boasts small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios, which promotes engagement and interaction, and which provides the opportunity for fun activities like cooking. Even for a small school, it has a remarkably close-knit and intimate community where all kids feel like they belong. AAMS also offers personalized learning, in combination with a traditional curriculum, to capitalize on children’s innate curiosity and love of learning. Finally, the school prioritizes the development of critical thinking, artistic expression, confidence, and leadership skills in all of its students, from kindergartners to older teenagers.
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"The school is very blessed to have experienced, passionate teachers and educational assistants."
Lindsay Loomer - Parent (Apr 13, 2023)
We had a wonderful experience at Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS). Despite starting in the midd...
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"There isn’t enough space here for me to sing the praises of the teachers both my children have encountered."
Philippa Carrie - Parent (Apr 13, 2023)
My children and I love the sense of community - the students in other grades and the teachers know t...
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"Founded in 1989, Christ Church Cathedral School provides an outstanding and inspiring education to children JK-8. Ranking among the very top performing schools in our city and rooted in the Anglican ethos, we provide a well-rounded curriculum accessible to students of all beliefs, nurturing the spiritual, social, physical and intellectual growth of every child. We aspire to be the school of choice for families who seek an excellent education for their children in a vibrant, caring and inclusive community."
"Aurora Alternative Micro School ! A holistic educational experience in Toronto's East End catering to the Primary, Junior and Intermediate grades. We offer a direct, expansive and heartfelt learning opportunity. At Aurora, we combine traditional pedagogy with relational, outdoor and child centred philosophies."
"Our low student-to-teacher/educational assistant ratio allows us to “know your child.” All our teachers support and challenge our students to effectively draw out their best efforts. The result is students who are ready to take on challenges and step into leadership roles. If you are not yet part of our school community, please get in touch with us to arrange your personal tour."
"Our school is aimed at families es who are seeking a real and relational alternative to traditional and systemized education. At Aurora, we believe in creating community for our students and families. We have created an organic and alive curriculum weaving together parental and student voice with a host off teaching philosophies. Our motto 'where all is possible' really is the nucleus of the school's intention."
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"Our downtown Victoria location provides three unique campuses for JK-8 and after-school care for parents working downtown. Our small class sizes, low teacher-to-student ratio and access to nearby community facilities and outdoor spaces provide diverse opportunities for our programs and curriculum within and beyond the school."
"Families choose Aurora Alternative as they see their children thriving with other students of differing ages and feeling the joy of learning and living. Not only are students exploring traditional reading, writing and mathematical skills, they are given space to cook, create, play, and suggest avenues for their own learning. We also explore the city and visit all that Toronto has to offer."
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"Aurora Alternative focus is to create relational, critical thinking, and emotionally articulate individuals. Through drama, play and group building activities student are given opportunities to think about themselves as learners and as vulnerable human beings. Students learn their strengths and also where they are meet challenges, frustration and disappointment within themselves and in relation to other. Aurora Alternative also really focusses on the joy of learning."
"One consistently praised aspect of CCCS is the strong sense of community fostered among students, parents, and staff. Families joining our school are warmly welcomed into a close-knit community characterized by a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Our inviting environment makes it easy for families to acclimate to the unique culture of our school quickly, and we take great pride in creating a welcoming and engaging space for all who are a part of our community."
"Aurora is a vibrant learning experience where parents can drop off their kids and know that they are happy, nurtured and growing. We believe in creating leaders and we have many Grade 9- Grade 12 students who volunteer and teach activities based on their passions. We encourage Aurora students to share their passions with the belief that students are teachers."
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Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral School. When I ask parents why they chose to send their children to our School, their answers are unique, of course, but there are common threads in their responses. Most choose Christ Church Cathedral School for its strong sense of community, an appreciation for the Christian values of the school, our outstanding teachers that always go that extra mile, small classes, and the variety of extra- and co-curricular programming one would expect only at a much larger school.
When I ask the teachers and support staff what it is about our school that they are most proud of, they too speak of a supportive and connected community, the values we live by, and the wonderful programming we offer. But they are most proud of our students.
With one class at each grade level, every student becomes part of a close-knit cohort that feels like family—a family that offers support and encouragement and celebrates the success of each individual. This is summed up by our school motto, “Let your light shine!”
Upon graduating from CCCS in grade 8, our students stand out in Victoria’s high schools as mature and confident learners, ready to get involved in the positive opportunities available to them. They are ready to make a real difference in their high school and in the community beyond. I would be pleased to show you around so you can learn how we can help your child shine.
I look forward to meeting you,
Stuart Hall
Head of School
As a passionate educator of 30 years, I have been inspired by the many countries I have lived in and visited. Having taught in London, England for 15 years as a French/Spanish and Comparative Religions High School teacher, I thrived in the multiculturalism of a city bustling with immigrants and refugees. The students I met, filled my heart with their courage, determination and joy. I was inspired by their desire to improve their life circumstances through the gift of education. In those classrooms, student respect was earned as many of the systems that they had relied on had failed them. Finding ways to engage them was a challenge, but what a delight when their curiosity was tweaked and their trust was gained. It was here that I began to understand the power of learning and the importance of relationship. I learnt that there is no end to the possibility and potential here.
I also had grown up hearing stories and reading articles about Summerhill school, revolutionary in their mission to impassion and engage young minds and hearts. I wanted to bring this energy and philosophy to the urban classroom. I was fortunate enough to teach in Paris for several years, complimenting my understanding of teaching in a diverse and inner city environment , but with a fresh twist. Added to this mix, my travels to Israel and life on Kibbutz opened my eyes to the importance of nature as an inherent teacher and impressed on me the value of community and camaraderie. This was accentuated in New Zealand where I furthered my understanding of ecological literacy and the interconnectedness of life and learning. As a parent of a child in TDSB’s alternative outdoor education Equinox Holistic Alternative school, the years of accompanying school trips to the Evergreen Brickworks and the Pine Project helped me see, first hand, the deep rooted impact of this type of enrichment.
My travels brought me to Toronto which is where I now call Home. I have been working for the TDSB initially as a Grade 5 /6 French Immersion and Core teacher and also a Grade 7 and 8 Core Homeroom teacher.
In addition, I graduated from the Transpersonal Therapy Centre in 2008 and have a small practice where I work with individuals and families. As well, I have facilitated many groups for adults working with personal growth, movement and meditation.
All these experiences, the places and the people, are integrated into the fabric of who I am as a human being and who I am as a teacher.
Progressive
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Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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The school provides a well-rounded curriculum designed to encourage the development of character, imagination, creativity, critical thinking, physical fitness, an open and receptive mind and a spirit of responsibility and service. Classroom work is supplemented by field trips, regular use of the library, and the development of research skills using texts, computers, and the latest technology. Teachers give as much individual attention as possible, which is made easier by the small class sizes. They take into account the children’s different learning styles, and students needing some extra assistance are able to work with our Learning Support Team. The School is continuously working on curriculum development and the teachers keep abreast of best practices by attending regular professional development sessions.
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Discovery Math
Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.
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Students will develop their confidence with math skills and explore the magical world of numbers. We will start with an introduction to the abacus and the origins of counting. As students grow, the math curriculum will focus on the principles of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. At Aurora, we will make math learning as experiential as possible and create opportunities to integrate math skills into real world situations. All students will be given in a workbook for their particular age level which they can use at home. Students will also have access to computers and are able to learn coding through programs such as Scratch and Scratch Junior.
Jump Math
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Process approach
The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
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progress developmentally, the curriculum transforms to meet their changing inner requirements. Literacy and Languages At Aurora, we aim to nurture the love of reading and writing. Students will develop their ability to express their ideas; we start with letters, continue to forming words and sentences and then by the end of the primary years, students will be able to see their work grow in sophistication as their vocabulary and grammatical understanding develops. The school offers a broad and vibrant Library cultivating creativity, curiosity and imagination. Each year students will write their own stories and will have them formatted and printed into a bound book. Students will also have spacious time to play, as it is our experience that students love of storytelling starts and is integrated through this sacred time. Basic French and Spanish will be introduced during these years. Be prepared for a trip to the local French bakery!
Inquiry
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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Science is all around and within us! With this in mind, the science curriculum will focus around these units. Animals and their habitat Food and Health Compounds and experiments Making structures The science curriculum will be supported by Scientists in the School and the Toronto Wildlife Association visits.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Not applicable
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Thematic
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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At Aurora, students will develop an understanding of the world around them through an understanding of countries and continents and stories of people’s culture sand experiences. Students at each age will be invited to create a family tree and share stories of their own personal family history and the geographical paths that have brought them to the present day.
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Communicative
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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We offer French and Spanish.
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Creative
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
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At Aurora, we see the arts as an evocative and powerful gateway for self expression. Students will delve through the realms of their imagination using as many mediums as possible; (clay, acrylics, baking, play dough, sand sculptures, water colours, wooden and magnetic tiles. In fact, there is no end to the kaleidoscope of possibilities here!) Students will each be given a sketch book to harness and explore their creativity.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
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All students have access to a laptop and explore graphic design and Scratch.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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This will be an integral part of the school day and students will be encouraged to move their body, play together and learn new skills. We offer volleyball and tennis lessons. We have many parks in the area with a range of green spaces, beach, creek and woodland areas.
Play-based
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Faith: All children participate in daily grace at lunchtime. We attend chapel once a month, and we participate in bi-weekly faith classes. Kindergarten Readiness: Our kindergarten readiness program was developed with our Kindergarten teacher at Christ Church Cathedral School. The program focuses on five key components. They are Literacy and Numeracy, Fine / Gross motor, Social Emotional, and Independence Skills. Our program exposes your child to a deeper level of these concepts so they will be prepared for their next journey. Literacy: Educators read daily with the children. We teach the children name and letter recognition using the Jolly Phonics program for pre-literacy.
At Aurora, we focus on a play based approach for our young learners. We provide a range of learning centres revolving around imagination and creativity that helps our students develop healthy relationships with their peers. We also encourage outdoor play and inquiry.
Student-paced
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
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At Aurora, we aim to nurture your child academically, emotionally, spiritually cultivating a capacity to develop secure and healthy relationships. We believe in this way, that as students come to understand themselves holistically that they can forge a healthy and happy life in the world.
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
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
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
K - 8
6%
0%
$3,925
$0
0%
90%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades K - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
We accept families and students who are looking for an alternative to mainstream and traditional education. Students will be looking to share their interests and curiosities and develop their critical and creative skills. Families will be looking for a more scared and holistic educational experience.
We are thrilled you are considering our school for your child’s education and childcare needs!
Come to the school or our JK for a personal tour and a consultation regarding your child’s education. Contact the school office at 250-383-5125 or email [email protected] to set up a time.
Contact our JK Director, Caitlin Wynne [email protected] for Junior Kindergarten.
The next step is to submit an application. After we receive your application and all required documents, your child will be considered for placement. If we determine your child is well-suited for a Cathedral School education and we have a spot for your child, we will then invite your child into the school for a visit as part of a group (Kindergarten entrance) or individually.
Our admissions team will contact you with our decision and guide you through the rest of the registration process.
If you have any questions about enrolling your child at any time, please reach out to speak with us. We accept children throughout the year if space is available and give priority to siblings so they can attend together. Other, consideration for admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
There will be a yearly $200 fee for supplies.