125 Brentcliffe Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
2221 Elmira Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 1H3, Canada
2020
1954
24
135
JK to 3
JK to 8
Coed
Girls
Day
Day
English
English, French
Nature-based
Academic
Progressive
Progressive
Varies
10 to 18
Dedicated gifted school
$5,575 to $13,750
$16,600
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
4
12
0%
0%
100%
85%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
With its unique forest school approach, Explore Nature stands out as an innovative school that transcends the conventional classroom setting. Immersed in nature, the school enables children to experience enhanced focus, reduced anxiety, and deepened self-awareness. Explore Nature’s commitment to personalized learning is clear with their 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which allows them to cater to the unique learning styles of each child. Beyond the standard Ontario curriculum, the school’s holistic education includes mindfulness sessions, literacy and numeracy growth, and the chance to care for animals in collaboration with Pawsitively Pets. These experiences foster empathy, responsibility, resilience, and a broad range of emotional and social competencies. At the heart of Explore Nature is a commitment to students' overall well-being and a balanced development through creating positive connections with the self, others, and the environment.
View full reportJoan of Arc was founded by the Congregation of the Sisters of Joan of Arc in 1954, the intention being to provide support for girls living away from home. The school, quite obviously, has changed considerably over the years, bringing the focus to education, and moving to an ecumenical curriculum. Many of the changes were driven by parents of the school, including a revisioning of the core mandate in 1991. The school moved to its current location in 2002, and has continued to grow its programs and enrolment since then. Academics are taught through the lens of bilingualism and global education. The girls-only environment helps build a foundation of empowerment, something that graduates take with them into their high school careers and beyond. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging, diverse, community-based educational environment.
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"The teachers are well-equipped to have kids working on skills appropriate to their level in any subject."
Karen Sadler - Parent (May 17, 2023)
My daughter is thriving thanks to the small, collaborative nature of this school. The teachers work ...
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"I can't say enough about the positive benefits of sending your child to a forest school where immersion in nature is part of the everyday experience."
Alicia Shala - Parent (Jun 01, 2023)
This school is all around amazing. My kiddo has a lot of energy and needs space to move around and e...
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"Explore Nature is a unique outdoor education school (K-3) nestled in Leaside. Small class sizes (6:1) and serene forest classroom allow for hands-on learning and curiosity-driven exploration. Learning outside improves attention, reduces anxiety and cultivates self-awareness. In addition to the Ontario curriculum, we offer mindfulness sessions, literacy and numeracy development, and the chance to care for animals. Our passionate teachers create an inclusive environment where individual learning styles are embraced."
"Since 1954, Joan of Arc Academy has provided a truly bilingual environment and a balanced offering to allow our students to reach their personal best. Excellent French and English language skills, an advanced understanding of math and science, well-entrenched study habits, and confidence in both their leadership skills and academic prowess will set the Joan of Arc Academy student apart from others."
"Explore Nature stands apart from other schools by offering a unique blend of outdoor education and holistic development. Our forest school approach fosters a deep connection with nature and provides students with hands-on experiences that ignite their curiosity and love for the natural world. Our school goes beyond traditional classroom walls, allowing children to learn and explore in a serene and calm outdoor environment."
"At Joan of Arc Academy we have the resources of a large school but the individual investment and support of a small community. This is what sets us apart. The teachers invest so much into the achievement and well-being of each and every student. With additional resource teachers, guidance and outside programs, our school is a place where you daughter knows she matters and will thrive."
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"Explore Nature goes beyond academic learning, equipping students with essential tools for managing stress, building resilience, and promoting overall well-being. By tailoring the learning experience to individual needs and building upon students' unique starting points, we foster a sense of achievement, boosting their self-esteem and motivation. Students graduate from Explore Nature with the tools to thrive in diverse settings and become compassionate and confident leaders in their communities."
"One of the draws to our school is the caliber of the French program. As a parent you can feel assured that your daughter will become fully bilingual in French and English over the course of her time as a JOA student. The quality and consistency of the French teachers will always be maintained. The teachers know how to curate a learning environment that allows students both absorb the language quickly and develop the confidence to use the language in writing and speech."
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"Our school's partnership with Pawsitively Pets offers students a unique opportunity to interact with and care for rescue animals. This hands-on experience not only teaches children about empathy, responsibility, and animal welfare, but it also instills a sense of pride and confidence in their abilities. By nurturing a caring relationship with animals, students develop a deep appreciation for all living creatures, fostering a compassionate and empathetic mindset."
"While being an all-girls school a main pillar of who we are as a school, it tends to be an undervalued benefit of choosing Joan of Arc Academy. Learning in an all-girls environment helps our students develop confidence, leadership skills and critical thinking skills. Our learning environment feels safe and welcoming to our students. Therefore, they feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their ideas and leading other students in clubs, sports teams and mentorship programs."
"We prioritize building positive connections with self, others, and nature. Through meaningful experiences and relationships, our students develop a strong sense of self-awareness, empathy, and respect for others and the environment. A focus on positive connections enriches well-being and personal growth, promoting a balanced lifestyle. By providing a nurturing and inclusive space to express their emotions and develop self-regulation skills, we empower them to navigate challenges with confidence."
"We place a large emphasis planning student experiences for students that help create real world ties to curriculum expectations. For example a unit in science is not simply concluded with a test regurgitates concepts from a textbook. More often than not, there is a project that asks students to use what they learned to solve a real world issue or there is a guest speaker who shares how they use this scientific knowledge to contribute to society."
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As the principal of Explore Nature, I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant learning community. At Explore Nature, we believe in the transformative power of outdoor education and experiential learning. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing your child with an exceptional educational experience that fosters a deep connection with nature, cultivates a love for learning, and nurtures their overall well-being.
We are proud to offer a unique curriculum that combines academic excellence with meaningful outdoor experiences. Our students engage in hands-on activities, explore the wonders of the natural world, and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
At Explore Nature, we celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the value of each student's unique talents and abilities. We provide a safe and supportive environment where students can express themselves, take risks, and grow both academically and personally.
I invite you to explore our website, schedule a visit, and discover firsthand the exceptional educational opportunities that await your child at Explore Nature. Together, let's inspire a lifelong love for learning, foster a deep connection with nature, and empower our students to become compassionate and engaged global citizens.
We, at Joan of Arc Academy, are very proud of our heritage, our strong commitment to academic excellence and our environment in which all aspects of our students’ development – intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, moral and cultural – are nurtured.
The Academy believes that:
Fundamental to the philosophy of Joan of Arc Academy is the belief that education is not solely the Academy’s responsibility; it is shared with parents and guardians, who are encouraged to participate in school events and in their daughters’ educations. Parents have become well integrated into the fabric of our school, whether they are involved in coaching sports teams, leading the chess club, building our ice rink, growing our pumpkin patch, or participating on committees.The benefits derived from a Joan of Arc education are numerous. The girls-only environment, small class sizes, nurturing setting, accelerated and enriched programming, and seamless after-school program are just some of the many features our students enjoy. The quality of the Joan of Arc education is highlighted year after year as our graduating grade eight students are accepted to the high schools of their choice and offered significant scholarships.
Joan of Arc Academy will give your daughter a “passport to the world” because it is bilingual, multi-cultural and ecumenical. Joan of Arc’s Catholic history has evolved as Canada has evolved. Today in religion class, students learn about world religions, the meaning of friendship and good citizenship, anti-bullying strategies, self-image and constructive problem solving.
I hope that while navigating our website, you will note the warm and purposeful atmosphere that characterizes our school and makes it so special.
I look forward to meeting you and your daughter and welcoming you to our unique school.
Brian Lamb
Head of School
Progressive
Information not available
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.
Not applicable
With excellent French and English language skills, an advanced understanding of math and science, well-entrenched study habits and confidence in both her leadership skills and academic prowess will set the Joan of Arc Academy student apart from others.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Math concepts are introduced through implicit teaching, and each strand is structured according to the Ontario Curriculum. Once introduced, concepts can then be explored through experiential based learning in the forest, using nature to explore how each idea presents itself in the real world, as well as cross-curricular connections, such as graphing colours found in nature, or exploring shapes in natural art.
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Balanced Literacy
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Explore Nature uses the dual coding theory to teach literacy, encoding language as sensory information that can be taught through phonics and sight word skills, as well as conceptual imagery that includes whole word concepts and comprehension. A systematic phonics program is used to support and fill learning blocks in readers of all grades, with a whole language reading and writing program used in all subjects to support the reading of age-appropriate literature.
Information not available
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
At Explore Nature, we foster a love of writing and equip our students with essential writing skills from a young age. Our approach to teaching writing in the younger grades is designed to engage students, encourage their creativity, and develop effective communication skills. We believe that writing is a powerful tool for self-expression, and we provide numerous opportunities for students to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through written expression. Through structured lessons and creative writing exercises, we nurture their love for writing and motivate them to become proficient writers. We take a systemic approach to teaching foundational writing concepts in the early grades. We guide students in correctly printing their names, emphasizing proper letter formation and alignment. Our teachers provide individualized support to students, recognizing their unique writing abilities and adapting instruction accordingly. They employ various instructional strategies, including modelling, guided practice, and peer collaboration, to writing proficiency.
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Equal Balance
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.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
We aim to instill a love for scientific inquiry, nurture curiosity about the natural world, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, introducing science through hands-on exploration and observation. Students engage in age-appropriate experiments, and sensory activities to develop their scientific skills and understanding. They learn to ask questions, make predictions, and gather evidence, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement about the world around them. We cover a wide range of topics, including life sciences, earth and space sciences, physical sciences, and environmental sustainability. We believe in fostering a strong connection to nature. Our outdoor learning environment provides the perfect setting for scientific exploration, allowing students to observe and interact with ecosystems, plants, animals, and natural phenomena firsthand. Our teachers serve as facilitators and guides, encouraging students to think critically and ask thought-provoking questions. They provide reflection, discussion, and self-assessment opportunities, nurturing a growth mindset and lifelong learning habits.
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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
Not applicable
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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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 Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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.
Our approach fosters students' understanding of their place in the world, promotes cultural awareness, and embraces the richness of Indigenous history and perspectives. Our social studies curriculum is designed to connect students with their immediate surroundings and expand their understanding to a global scale. We begin by exploring identity, family, and community, encouraging students to reflect on their experiences and how they contribute to the social fabric. Cultural themes are woven throughout our social studies curriculum to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach. We prioritize teaching the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, with a focus on pre-colonial and pioneer-settled Canada. Our teachers create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions, asking questions, and engaging in respectful dialogue. They facilitate discussions on social justice, human rights, and ethical issues, empowering students to become active participants in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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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
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium 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.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
A digital Smartboard is used to convey concepts that require extensive visuals, or to show videos of places or practices that can't be found in the classroom. Older students are taught to use digital presentation programs, such as Google Slides, to prepare them for a junior level classroom. Technology is also employed when needed by the curriculum, such as digital media as a part of Media Literacy, or coding as part of Mathematics.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
At Explore Nature, our approach recognizes the vital importance of physical education in a child's overall development. Teaching physical education promotes an active and healthy lifestyle while instilling a love for movement and physical activity. We provide a well-rounded physical education curriculum that combines structured lessons with opportunities for unstructured play and natural exploration. Our teachers integrate physical fitness activities seamlessly into our outdoor learning environment. Our physical education program focuses on developing fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, throwing, and balancing. Students build their coordination, strength, and agility through engaging and age-appropriate activities. We also emphasize the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play, fostering social skills and cooperation. To ensure a comprehensive approach, we cover a range of activities, including games, sports, yoga, nature hikes, and outdoor adventure challenges. Our students can engage in nature-based activities that enhance their understanding of the environment while staying physically active.
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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.
Our kindergarten program is offered entirely in French to allow our students to be exposed at a young age to the language. Our different stations in the classroom allow them to progress in their skills at their own pace whilst the use of technology combined with standard teaching approaches develop their love of education.
Standard-enriched
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.
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.
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."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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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RecreationalRec. |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Martial Arts |
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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
JK - 8
0%
0%
$0
$0
100%
85%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
At Explore Nature, we welcome students who possess a sense of curiosity, a love for learning, and an appreciation for the natural world. We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students can thrive and develop to their fullest potential. We are looking for students who enjoy outdoor activities and have a natural curiosity about the environment. Our curriculum heavily emphasizes hands-on exploration and outdoor learning, so a willingness to engage with nature and the outdoors is important. While we welcome students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, it is important that students are able to meet the physical demands of our program, such as walking and carrying their own bags comfortably. Ultimately, we are looking for students who will embrace our educational approach, connect with our values of nature exploration, and actively participate in creating a positive and inclusive learning community at Explore Nature.
See student profile on school website: https://joanofarcacademy.com/students/student-profile/
At Explore Nature, we have a straightforward application process that welcomes all students who meet our basic requirements. We kindly request that students be potty trained to ensure a positive learning environment, as this promotes independence and hygiene.
We prioritize fostering a deep connection with nature, so we recommend that students have an enjoyment of outdoor activities. Our curriculum heavily emphasizes outdoor exploration and hands-on learning, allowing students to fully engage with the natural world around them. Additionally, students should be able to walk and carry their own bags comfortably, as we often move between indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
When applying, parents or guardians can complete our application form, providing the necessary details about the student. We encourage families to book a visit to our school, allowing them to experience our unique environment firsthand and ask any questions they may have.
1. We recommend coming to the school for an in-person visit. It is the best way to see our school environment and we can address your questions in-person.
2. During the visit we will give you a package containing all registration forms and tuition information (annual tuition is $16,600).
3. We ask to see the student's latest report card and an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) if they have one.
5. Based on the Report Card or if the student has taken limited french classes, we may recommend an assessment.
4. Pending approval based on the report card or assessment, the student is registered once the forms and deposit are received.