2221 Elmira Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 1H3, Canada
159 Glebeholme Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, M4J 1S7, Canada
1954
2022
135
10
JK to 8
JK to 8
Girls
Coed
Day
Day
English, French
English
Academic
Arts
Progressive
Progressive
10 to 18
10
Dedicated gifted school
In-class adaptations
$16,600
$11,000
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
12
1
0%
0%
85%
90%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades K - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
Joan 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.
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.
View full reportinformation not available
information not available
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"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."
"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."
Information not available
Information not available
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
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
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
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.
Information not available
Discovery Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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.
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
Information not available
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Process approach
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Not applicable
Information not available
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.
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.
Information not available
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.
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
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.
Information not available
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
Information not available
Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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.
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
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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.
Information not available
All students have access to a laptop and explore graphic design and Scratch.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
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.
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.
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.
Information not available
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"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."
Not applicable
Not applicable
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.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Badminton |
||||
Baseball |
||||
Basketball |
||||
Canoeing/Kayaking |
||||
Cricket |
||||
Cross-country skiing |
||||
Cycling |
||||
Downhill skiing |
||||
Equestrian |
||||
Fencing |
||||
Field Hockey |
||||
Figure Skating |
||||
Football |
||||
Golf |
||||
Gymnastics |
||||
Ice Hockey |
||||
Ice Skating |
||||
Lacrosse |
||||
Martial Arts |
||||
Mountain biking |
||||
Racquet Ball |
||||
Rowing |
||||
Rugby |
||||
Running |
||||
Sailing |
||||
Skateboarding |
||||
Snowboarding |
||||
Soccer |
||||
Softball |
||||
Squash |
||||
Swimming |
||||
Tennis |
||||
Track & Field |
||||
Volleyball |
||||
Weightlifting |
||||
Wrestling |
||||
Archery |
||||
Curling |
||||
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
85%
90%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades K - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
See student profile on school website: https://joanofarcacademy.com/students/student-profile/
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.
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.
There will be a yearly $200 fee for supplies.
2221 Elmira Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 1H3, Canada
159 Glebeholme Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, M4J 1S7, Canada
