AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Montessori House of Children vs. Carmel New Church School

one-to-one comparison:

View Montessori House of Children's full report
VS.
View Carmel New Church School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    85 Charlotte Street, Brantford, Ontario, N3T 2X2, Canada

    40 Chapel Hill Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, N2R 1N2, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1974

    1892

    Enrolment

    41

    40

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    JK to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Montessori

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    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.
    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.

    Academic culture

    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.

    Avg. Class Size

    8

    6 to 12

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Montessori
    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.
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    10

    4

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Established in 1974, Montessori House of Children is within the first cohort of schools offering the method in Canada, with the first schools starting up in the late 60s. Then as now the intention was to provide a strong, values-based foundation with an eye to the skills and abilities that children will need to be successful in the primary and elementary grades. The program intends to offer a family-oriented approach in a comfortable, familiar environment, as supported by the building itself. Also true to its original mandate, MHC hews closely to the philosophy and methods developed by Maria Montessori, something that is a draw for the families that enroll here. A range of learning differences are supported, and small class sizes ensure a high level of individual attention.

    View full report

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    The Christian programming and curriculum offered at Carmel New Church School educates kids holistically while protecting their innocence and promoting spiritual and academic growth. This small, peaceful school runs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 and prides itself on cultivating the development of unique talents, creativity, and high academic achievement. Extracurricular activities include musical theatre, choir, the school newspaper, photography, and a wide range of sports. Staff share the belief that a happy and productive life begins by developing an affirmative outlook toward God and through charitable conduct with one another. These values are reflected in the school’s programs and ensure that it provides a cohesive community in which kids learn, play, and form close and lasting friendships.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    "The academic program at Carmel was excellent."
    Ayla Van Der Meulen - Alumnus   (Jan 24, 2024)
    My best school experiences were at Carmel New Church School. The maximum class size I was in was ten... View full review

    "When my son wakes up on Saturday morning, he is so disappointed that school is not open during the weekend."
    Aishwarya Balan - Parent   (Mar 27, 2024)
    My son loves his school. When he wakes up Saturday morning he is so disappointed that school is not ... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    "Institutional building located a few blocks from Laurier Univ. Founded in 1974 to help children reach their maximum learning potential through independent and self-directed learning. Our program for Toddler and Pre-school. Our program is successful for children who will attend Montessori or traditional education; and also for children with learning differences like Disability, Autism, and ADHD. Our Extra-curricular activities: French, computer, swimming, and music."

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    "Established in 1892, Carmel New Church School offers a century of experience in a modern facility and rural campus. Our Christian school educates children holistically, protects their innocence, and promotes spiritual and academic growth. Customized programs inspire and support the development of unique talents, creativity, and high academic achievement. We believe that a happy and productive life begins by developing an affirmative outlook towards God and through charitable conduct with one another."

    • Ontario Curriculum enriched with Christian values
    • Low Teacher-to-Student ratios for more personalized teaching
    • Weekly Chapel services and daily worship in the classroom
    • Classes capped at 12
    • Ample greenspace for outdoor learning opportunities
    • Forest Playground with outdoor classrooms space, and nature inspired playspaces
    • Individual Laptops from 1-8
    • Part time Kindergarten program
    • Experienced, passionate, professional teachers
    • Supportive, connected community

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    "Our school seeks to provide a spiritual overlay to all the learning that takes place. Each day includes worship, and each subject is infused with Christian principles. Teachers and staff, working together with parents, can explore the ways that God would have students conduct themselves. Education for usefulness is a core theme."

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    "Parents choose us because of the faith-based curriculum that teaches loving the Lord and the neighbour on a daily basis. They see their child benefit from the personalized attention that comes with small class sizes and they develop closer relationships with their peers."

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    "Since we are a Christian school, we encourage students to follow the Lord’s Word, We teach students to love and respect our Creator and all His gifts to us, including nature and one another. We believe in providing quality education and using that education to serve the Lord and our neighbours."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    "Since the school backs onto fields and forest, classes are often taken outside to learn and see their lessons in action. We are currently developing some of our outdoor space for outdoor classrooms and nature-based playspaces, as well as a garden area."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Information not available

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    information not available

    I believe in educating the heart as well as the mind. Through lessons from the Word and a caring, supportive Christian community, we give students a strong foundation to build quality character. We take advantage of our spacious grounds to take learning beyond the classroom and keep children engaged.

     

    I am thankful to be part of CNCS and for the opportunity to teach and help children grow into themselves. As principal, I work closely with passionate educators and with loving parents to ensure students’ needs are met and that they are given the best opportunities to encourage their talents.

     

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Montessori


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Information not available

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      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.

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Information not available

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      New Church curriculum is developed in hand with the Ontario curriculum according to stages of development:  Primary students thrive on movement, sensory experiences, singing, simple tales, and praise & affection. We use this to create a love of learning and develop basic skills in reading and mathematics Junior students demonstrate more social awareness as they begin to see deeper levels of meaning in stories, characters, and events. Through student-led inquiry, academic concepts are grounded in tangible examples so students can build on these connections to better understand curriculum principles. Intermediate students are encouraged to transition from knowing to understanding through focusing on the application of that knowledge. By viewing the Ontario Curriculum through a Christian lens, students look for positive, useful applications for the concepts they learn.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Montessori


      Our Take

      Our Take

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      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.

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Beautiful building located a few blocks from Laurier University. Founded in 1974 to help children reach their maximum learning potential through independent and self-directed learning. Our program for Toddler and, Pre-school. Our program is highly successful for children who will attend Montessori or traditional education; and also for children with learning differences like Disability, Autism, and ADHD. Our Extra-curricular activities: French, computer, swimming, art, and music.

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      We have a small Kindergarten class that follows the four frames of learning, Belonging, and Contributing, Self-Regulation, and Well-Being, Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematics Behaviour, and Problem-Solving and Innovating (how does learning happen) together with our school's faith and scripture foundation to support children in their development and growth in the JK/SK years.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Standard-enriched

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      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.

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Information not available

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      This option allows you to "opt out" of selecting one of "rigorous" or "supportive". Doing so means you will not be shown on pages relating to academic culture, (your exposure will be diminished).

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Information not available

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      As a school connected with a Church, we look at a child’s education as part of the bigger life picture. Yes, we want to equip each child with the knowledge that will serve them in finding a career one day. However, it’s not their career that will bring them happiness, but rather their relationships with others and their inner connection with God.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

      Information not available

      CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    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


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    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

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    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


    What the school says

    What the school says

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    What the school says

    What the school says

    CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL

    Please visit our website www.carmelnewchurchschool.org for our admissions process and next steps

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

CARMEL NEW CHURCH SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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