901 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M6A 1C3, Canada
1080 Rue St-Pierre, Orleans, Ontario, K1C 1L3, Canada
1983
0
60
50
Preschool to 8
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional, Montessori
Traditional
Varies
10 to 12
$10,500 to $18,300
$4,600 to $7,250
Yes
Yes
15%
0%
1 to 8
None
$5,000
$0
5
3
0%
0%
0%
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Inspired 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.
View full reportLocated in the warm and welcoming suburban community of Orléans, Ottawa Victory Christian Academy is a distinguished private school dedicated to developing young individuals who excel academically and in all aspects of life. The diverse curriculum, featuring French, music, and STEM programs, is part of a broader faith-based educational approach, in light of the school being a member of the Accelerated Christian Education network. Understanding the varied educational needs of families, the school offers flexible learning options, including full-time, home school, and part-time pathways. Committed to a low student-teacher ratio and individualized learning approach, the school focuses on each child's academic, social, physical, and spiritual development. In the heart of a community-oriented suburb, Ottawa Victory Christian Academy is dedicated to raising future leaders in collaboration with families and the local community.
View full report
"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...
View full review
"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...
View full review
information not available
"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."
"Ottawa Victory Christian Academy is a private school for children in Kindergarten through grade 12. Our staff and teachers work with every student and their family to achieve success academically, socially, physically, and spiritually. Our comprehensive well-rounded curriculum includes French, music, and STEM. Our curriculum is faith based curriculum using the King James version of the Bible. Full time, home school, and part-time options are available. Call us, and come in for a tour. We would love to meet you."
"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."
"One aspect of our educational approach that families particularly value is the opportunity for mixed ages to work together. Our multi-grade classrooms create a dynamic learning environment where older students mentor younger ones, fostering empathy, collaboration, and leadership skills. This intergenerational interaction not only enriches the academic experience but also promotes social and emotional growth, preparing students to navigate diverse relationships and perspectives in the real world."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Families appreciate the family like environment, and holistic approach to education and student development. We know each and every students strengths and weaknesses, and challenge them to excel. Our low student-to-teacher ratios, enable us to deliver individualized attention, tailor instruction to meet diverse learning needs, and cultivate strong relationships between students and educators."
Information not available
Information not available
"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."
"The school's faith-based values are sometimes under-appreciated. While some schools offer religious education as an add-on or elective, at OVCA, Christian principles permeate the entire curriculum and school culture. It can easily be taken for granted, but families appreciate how our faith-based approach not only nurtures their child's spiritual development but also serves as a guiding framework for ethical decision-making and character formation."
Information not available
"Families often find two things surprising: 1. The breadth of opportunities available, given the size of the school. Rather than solely relying on traditional teaching methods, we prioritize hands-on activities, project-based learning, and community engagement initiatives both inside and outside of the classroom. 2. How flexible and supportive the school community is. We work with each family and student to meet their needs at school, online, and at home."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
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.
information not available
Traditional
Information not available
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.
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.
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Not applicable
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
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
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
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
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
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
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
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
Information not available
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
Information not available
Academic
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.
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
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.
Information not available
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.
Information not available
Not applicable
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”.
Not applicable
Information not available
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Information not available
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
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
1 - 8
15%
0%
$5,000
$0
0%
Not available
Rolling
Jan 01, 1970
Not available
Jan 01, 1970
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No