2221 Elmira Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 1H3, Canada
95 Bellevue Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2N8, Canada
1954
2008
135
155
JK to 8
Nursery/Toddler to 8
Girls
Coed
Day
Day
English, French
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Montessori
10 to 18
10 to 24
Dedicated gifted school
Dedicated gifted class
$16,600
$18,700 to $20,700
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
12
12
0%
0%
85%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades 1 - 6
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 reportThere are various aspects to the Montessori model of instruction, though Westside nicely addresses not only what Montessori is, but also what it can mean in the longer-term. Maria Montessori didn’t think small—her classrooms, she felt, could be a doorway to many things, including world peace. That’s a very big thought of course, but within it is that idea of the longer-term, the belief that education is about the future of a society through addressing the future of each child. At Westside, that’s very much the intention: to give young students the basis for success in their education, and ultimately, success in life. The vibrancy of the surrounding Kensington Market community finds its way, very happily, into the classroom as well. Core literacy and numeracy are important, though there is also an attention to esteem, executive functioning, and social interaction. Rightly, families look to Westside, often principally, because of the program’s attention to those foundations.
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"They have instilled in her a love for learning..."
Georgina Lopez - Parent (May 08, 2018)
I cannot say enough good things about this school. I am so happy I discovered it 4 years ago for my ...
View full review
"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."
"From the earliest years through adolescence, Westsiders radiate self-confidence and a love for learning. Our two downtown campuses, each with expansive green space, offer Toddler (1.5-3yrs), Casa (3-6yrs), Elementary (6-12yrs) and Adolescent (12-14yrs) programs that are holistic, bilingual (French) and academically challenging, while staying true to Montessori Philosophy. Our children develop strong executive functions, a love of and connection to nature, and a sense of belonging and commitment to their community."
"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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"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."
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"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
Children present us with opportunities to think about the world in new and fascinating ways. I am blessed to share my days with our Westside students and my evenings with my own child, who is three. A few months ago, when explaining to my son Wyatt that I work at his school and we may see each other from time to time, he began with the “Why? Why?” that educators and parents are extremely familiar with. He wanted to know why I work at his school, “Because I like to help children and teachers.” “Why?” “Because I love children.” “Why?” Up until this moment, the conversation had been easy, really easy. This was a huge question and he was awaiting my response, “I love children because within each child lies an opportunity for a better world”.
Maria Montessori, who lived through two world wars, believed that through children, we can achieve world peace, and I quote, “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” Mahatma Gandhi met Maria Montessori in 1931, and she invited him to speak to a group of Montessori teacher trainees. He said, “If we are to create peace in our world, we must begin with our children.”
They are right, if peace doesn’t begin with the children, it doesn’t begin at all. Spending time with these beautiful souls reminds me on a daily basis that anything is possible and they will lead us there. We must give them the opportunity, trust and confidence to make it happen. We must have faith in their development and know that they will arrive.
I invite you to set up a time to come to Westside Montessori School and learn more about our programs and the independent, motivated and compassionate students we are guiding.
Montessori
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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.
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.
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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.
Every child is an individual, captivated by different things at different times. We personalize your child’s learning experience by creating individualized lesson plans based on their interests, level of understanding and experiences. In this manner, every child is introduced to all aspects of our curriculum at the right time in their development. Children who graduate our program will be prepared for the next step in their education, private or public, with a genuine love of learning. They will have an increased curiosity about the world around them and the confidence necessary to take on new academic and social challenges.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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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
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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
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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.
The Montessori classroom is a nurturing, bright and spacious environment specifically prepared for children. At WMS, children engage in a variety of activities; some enjoy a snack, one child writes a story, others work in a group and the teacher introduces a new lesson to a student. The mixed age setting enables the older children to build confidence and leadership skills through teaching and helping their younger peers. Meanwhile, the younger children are inspired to adapt the responsible, mature behaviours of their older classmates.
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.
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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 honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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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."
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
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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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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
0%
0%
$0
$0
85%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades 1 - 6
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.