2221 Elmira Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 1H3, Canada
901 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M6A 1C3, Canada
1954
1983
135
60
JK to 8
Preschool to 8
Girls
Coed
Day
Day
English, French
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Traditional, Montessori
10 to 18
Varies
Dedicated gifted school
$16,600
$10,500 to $18,300
No
Yes
0%
15%
None
1 to 8
$0
$5,000
12
5
0%
0%
85%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades Preschool - 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 reportInspired by Leonardo da Vinci's and Maria Montessori's philosophies, Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences (LDVA) integrates Montessori and traditional education methodologies. This involves the Italian immersion Scuola Materna preschool and the authentic Casa Montessori for younger students. From Grades 4 to 8, the academy transitions to an enriched traditional curriculum, emphasizing whole-brain thinking and independence. Specialist classes in French, Italian, and Music, from preschool to Grade 8, complement this holistic educational approach. Inspired by the "Seven Da Vincian Principles," the curriculum cultivates creativity, problem-solving, and balanced mind-body development. The school's renovated facilities, as well as small class sizes, further enhance this innovative learning environment of LDVA. In its four decades, LDVA has consistently delivered exceptional education, guided by a mission to develop well-rounded individuals who possess a lifelong love for learning.
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"Academics, friends and great teachers contributed overall to my happiness and well-being at the school."
Rosamaria Pagani - Alumnus (Nov 27, 2023)
My time at Leonardo Da Vinci Academy was truly memorable. From the moment I began in the Scuola Mate...
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"The quality of the teachers at LDVA is one of the strongest assets of the school."
Ian Parrott - Parent (Feb 20, 2024)
Our daughter received a wonderful education at LDVA and is currently thriving in a demanding high sc...
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"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."
"Leonardo Da Vinci Academy is an independent school that has been serving children of discerning parents since 1984. LDVA provides exceptional schooling from preschool to Grade 8 and promotes whole brain thinking, independence, and self-esteem. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and Maria Montessori, LDVA's approach to education is to enable students to achieve their full potential and encourage a love for lifelong learning."
"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 unique curriculum combines Montessori and traditional education with a Da Vincian approach to learning. From our Casa Montessori and Scuola Materna Preschools, students progress to our Lower Elementary Montessori program for Grades 1 to 3. Our Upper Elementary program begins in Grade 4 and transitions students into a traditional classroom setting where they follow an enriched curriculum up to Grade 8. Across all levels, we foster a 'Thinking Like Leonardo' approach for lifelong learning."
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"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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"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."
"From preschool to Grade 8 teachers of the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy employ “Seven Da Vincian Principles” to help students explore and cultivate their own creativity and thinking skills. By using strategies inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci children are encouraged to develop their full potential. Along with a heightened appreciation of the world, areas of development that are promoted include: problem solving, creative thinking, self-awareness, and the balancing of mind and body."
"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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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
Leonardo Da Vinci was an extraordinary example of the human mind and its capabilities. An intellect of universal proportions, Leonardo was master artist, scientist, inventor, engineer, and life-long learner. His relentless quest for knowledge, truth, and beauty, and his approach to these pursuits are an inspiration to many individuals. When we founded the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in 1983 we could not imagine a more suitable name for the school we envisioned.
LDVA's unique “Thinking Like Leonardo” approach to living and learning encompasses both traditional and contemporary philosophies of education. Our Preschools and Primary grades are based on the teachings of Maria Montessori which are in perfect harmony with our school’s educational philosophy and the Da Vincian principles.
Now in its 40th year, LDVA continues to live up to its mission providing exceptional schooling for the formative years. Students at all levels are well served by a solid, continuous educational framework and an empowering approach to learning. We are most grateful to the hard working administrators for their commitment to the school's mission and purpose in the manner inspired by both Leonardo and Maria Montessori.
Anyone witnessing our children engaged in “Thinking Like Leonardo” will observe students leaning from their mistakes, children experiencing with all their senses, youngsters joyfully discovering their physical nature, individuals balancing their creative and logical sides, and young minds making meaningful connections with their world.
We wish to express our appreciation to all the parents and staff who have helped to keep the dream of our school alive.
Traditional
Montessori
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.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
Not applicable
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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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
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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
Not applicable
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Montessori
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.
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
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.
Casa Montessori and Scuola Materna are licensed preschools for children aged 2.5 to 6. Both are nurturing Montessori based learning environments that include French and Music programs. Our Casa Montessori is accredited by the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) as an authentic Montessori preschool. Scuola Materna is our Italian Immersion preschool. It is the only program in Canada with official status and recognition from the Italian Government.
Standard-enriched
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.
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.
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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 “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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"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."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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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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Lacrosse |
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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
1 - 8
0%
15%
$0
$5,000
85%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
See student profile on school website: https://joanofarcacademy.com/students/student-profile/
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.