AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Rosseau Lake College vs. Calgary French & International School

one-to-one comparison:

View Rosseau Lake College's full report
VS.
View Calgary French & International School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    1967 Bright Street, Rosseau, Ontario, P0C 1J0, Canada

    700 - 77th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5R1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1967

    1969

    Enrolment

    135

    730

    Grades

    7 to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Boarding, Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French, Spanish

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    Progressive, International Baccalaureate

    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.
    Rigorous
    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”.

    Avg. Class Size

    15 to 18

    16 to 20

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    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

    $22,700 to $32,700

    $9,200 to $18,570

    Boarding Tuition

    $55,170 to $66,300

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    10%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    6 to 12

    None

    Median FA package size

    $10,000

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    23

    43

    Percent in boarding

    67%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    85%

    75%

    Day entry years

    6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    “It’s a small school in all the best ways: intimate, active, and personal. … In addition to mastering the core curriculum, students are asked to consider how they can serve their communities, and they are given ample opportunities to do just that.”

    “ … there isn’t a sense of being pushed from class to class, discipline to discipline, whenever the bell rings. Instead, there is time offered to get into a task and stay with it. The dissection of a frog, for example, might take a whole afternoon. This is a school that believes in the value of taking time, that learning is an experience to be savoured.”

    “It’s true that every school is unique, though that’s especially true here. In so many ways, it’s one of a kind, beginning with the integration of outdoor education into all aspects of student life.”
    Read The Our Kids Review of Rosseau Lake College

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Throughout its life, Rosseau Lake has forged its own path, its own tradition, which itself is a primary draw for students and faculty alike. It’s true that every school is unique, though that’s especially true here. In so many ways, it’s one of a kind, beginning with the integration of outdoor education into all aspects of student life. The Seven Generations program, too, is a model for others to follow. And on it goes. The students come because they want an education, yes, but also because they are looking for more. They want to be engaged, to find a place within a community of kindred spirits. They intend to go on to post-secondary studies, though they also understand that school should never be only a stepping stone to some future accomplishment. The school rightly prides itself on graduating students who have a strong sense of identity as learners, are able to describe who they are, and analyze the experiences they’ve had. And while many schools will say those kinds of things, Rosseau Lake can actually point to them. In addition to earning a degree, students leave having spent the equivalent of two months on outtrips. They’ll have paddled canoes, tied knots, and, for many, travelled the world. Despite the small size of the school and its location beyond urban centres, they will also have learned alongside others from diverse communities around the world and down the street. As alumni invariably say, they will have also gained a profound sense of community, having experienced how important they can be to a group, just as they’ve been lifted by it. Both Graham Vogt and Cheryl Bissonette noted to us that Rosseau Lake may not be “the school for everyone,” but, in many ways, perhaps it should be.

     
     

    View full report

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    The Calgary French & International School (CFIS) is one of the leading independent schools in Canada. Students enjoy enriched academic courses, take part in incredible co-curricular programming, and graduate fluent in three languages. Each student’s unique potential is nurtured within our warm, welcoming community, and we work together to create a dynamic learning environment with each student’s individual learning needs in mind. Strong academics and robust language programming are the foundation of CFIS, and to that end, a wide range of options is offered to encourage students to explore interests in subject areas they may not have previously experienced. Within CFIS’s French immersion learning environment, the curriculum is taught in French, with the exception of English language arts and Spanish as a third language. CFIS students graduate fully bilingual in French and English and with functional fluency in Spanish. Tomorrow’s world will require today’s young people to be innovative and creative global citizens. As multilingual learners in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated School, Round Square School and IB programming at the Senior High level, CFIS students will be confident in their ability to communicate in a variety of languages, which will help them to make a difference in their world. Each one is encouraged to lead advocacy and humanitarian work related to their studies, in their local community and even globally. Through international connections, including travel studies in higher grades, students are taught to effectively and confidently navigate among different cultures, which affords our graduates an exciting range of future options. CFIS graduates are well-prepared for university, finishing Grade 12 with the courses required to pursue post-secondary studies in the fields of their choice. CFIS alumni have moved on to study at French and English universities throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom in a wide-range of disciplines.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    "This is my first year here and I can tell you for sure, there is nothing like it."
    robi pardo - Student   (Feb 08, 2018)
    If you are looking for a school where teachers care about the students, and treat them like friends ... View full review

    "an incredible outdoors, future forward, and inclusive school"
    Christopher Gan - Student   (Feb 08, 2018)
    Rosseau Lake College is an incredible outdoors, future forward, and inclusive school. Personally I l... View full review

    "Teachers were fantastic, engaging"
    Barbara Barclay - Alumnus   (Feb 09, 2018)
    I attended RLC in the 90's, for grades 9-13 (OAC) and had a wonderful experience. The dorm experien... View full review

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "We have been blown away by the care and attention demonstrated by the teaching staff at CFIS."
    Jimmy Porter - Parent   (Sep 11, 2018)
    Our daughter absolutely loves CFIS. She feels a strong community connection with supportive teacher... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    "Rosseau Lake College is an independent co-ed day and boarding school established in 1967 in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario, a region dotted with pristine lakes and areas of hardwood forest. The lakefront campus provides the basis for an innovative academic program that immerses your child in powerful experiential learning that’s impossible to gain in traditional classroom settings. Our intentionally small school environment ensures meaningful relationships and a deep engagement in curricular and co-curricular life."

    • located within a stunning natural environment
    • small class sizes, allowing for individualized instruction and student support
    • opportunities for students to engage each day in outdoor activity
    • a global perspective through a diverse student population
    • a supportive environment where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered
    • member of the Round Square global network of schools.
    • member of the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards Program

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "CFIS is a multilingual learning environment where international education and global learning experiences develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This begins in our junior preschool program and continues through Grade 12. Students adopt a culture of compassion, respect and a deep understanding of new cultures. Our early childhood program fosters students’ early development, learning and growth, keeping French language acquisition at the core of all we do. No French is required for early Elementary applicants."

    • Founded in 1969
    • Full French Immersion Learning Environment
    • International Baccalaureate (Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme)
    • Round Square & UNESCO member school
    • International Travel Studies
    • Intramurals & Sports Teams
    • Fine Arts (Music, Band and Drama)
    • Busing Services
    • House Program (grades 6-12)
    • Spanish Language Arts (grade 4-12)

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    "A key aspect of our program is outdoor education. In many people’s minds, outdoor education is synonymous with outdoor adventure and athletics. That’s one aspect of what RLC offers: education of the outdoors, learning how to paddle and swim and climb; experiencing the satisfaction of reaching a goal.

    It’s also education for the outdoors: learning about the environment, about what is happening to the ecosystems.

    And it’s education in the outdoors. The campus—forest, fields, lake, watershed—is essentially a 56-acre STEAM lab. You can test ideas here. Newton’s laws describe the motion of canoes just as they do a block descending an inclined plane. You can be inspired here. The natural setting brings a unique calm and focus.

    In all, we believe that outdoor education delivers the skills that post-secondary programs and employers are looking for: problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, teamwork, observation, synthesis, communication, and calm."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    "Rosseau Lake College was established in 1967, the year of Canada’s Centennial. The founders were of course aware of that, and in a sense the creation of the school was a centennial project. In a letter announcing the appointment of R. H. Perry as headmaster the board wrote, “As Canada prepares to enter its second century, there is a pressing need to equip its future citizens socially, morally, and intellectually so that they may meet the challenges of ensuing decades with courage, intelligence and understanding.” The letter ends by saying that the school intends to “do its modest share to help young Canadians face the post-centennial years.” It’s important that the founders were thinking in that way—thinking to the future, and to the needs of the students in their ability to meet that future. Ever since, that kind of thinking has been what has guided the mission of the school."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    "For us, the ideal student is one who is willing to try something new and to be open to new discoveries. The academic program at RLC seeks to maximize a sense of personal discovery. It’s the difference between spotting an owl on a trail walk and seeing it at the zoo: the bird is impressive in both scenarios, but the experience is vastly different. We want our students to see the owl, not because we show it to them, but because they discover it for themselves. That’s metaphorically true–discovery and experience is at the heart of our academic delivery. It's also literally true–there really are trails, and students really do see owls. At the end of the day, we believe that outdoor education is uniquely able to deliver that sense of discovery. We also feel it delivers the skills that post-secondary programs and employers are looking for: problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, teamwork, observation, synthesis, and communication."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "CFIS offers students a unique, full French immersion educational experience in an inclusive and diverse community. Our dynamic multilingual educational environment nurtures academic excellence, cultural understanding and global perspectives. We value the student experience and academic success to prepare students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world."

    Array

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

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    "We have a lot that distinguishes us, the most obvious being that we're on a 56-acre property on the edge of a pristine lake in Muskoka. The region is home to some of the original Ontario summer resorts, and a nearby are the Windermere and the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka. Given the celebrities who have homes here, the New York Times has called Muskoka the “Malibu of the north,” (if thankfully quieter and more reserved than the Malibu of the south).

    That said, our greatest distinction within independent schooling in Canada—and many would argue our greatest advantage—is scale. When people talk about small schools, they’re typically thinking of enrolments of a few hundred. Today at 130 students, we’re the smallest independent school in Canada. That’s intentional. Our students benefit from being visible and known to all staff, peers, mentors, and parent volunteers. They feel part of a community that wants to see them succeed. Because of that, we believe that small is beautiful."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    "I think one thing that families don't expect is that we're in a typical Muskoka village. Truly, the experience of the village of can be a pinch-me kind of moment. There’s a bakery, a post office; there’s a farmer’s market, people walking their dogs at dusk, children jumping off the municipal dock on a late spring day. The Rosseau General Store has been operating here since incorporation, and the creaking, worn wooden floors are a charming reminder of its age. (Celebrity sightings are common, too, particularly in the General Store, given the cottages in the area.) In history, and feel, and that sense of community and safety, the village of Rosseau is a unique and delightful aspect of where we are and who we are. True, the village isn't a factor in our academic program, but it's a very important aspect of the student experience. Ask alumni about their time at RLC, and you'll invariably hear about how wonderful it was to spend those years in a charming village by a lake in Muskoka."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Our multilingual education opens doors to international cultures and connections. Join our diverse, inclusive community where differences are celebrated. We're not just a school, we are a global village. CFIS values your child's experience and academic success, preparing them with the skills, language, knowledge, and attitudes they need to thrive in an interconnected world. At CFIS education means becoming a global citizen with limitless horizons."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    “We are all one drum and we need each other”  – Richard Wagamese from One Drum

    Our incredible natural setting along with our small, cohesive community establishes a sense of home, belonging and immersion. We truly live, learn, and explore through authentic relationships.

    Nestled among the pines on a pristine 56-acre historic lakefront property in traditional Anishinaabeg territory, Rosseau Lake College offers a boarding and day school experience that is like no other in Canada.

    Students at Rosseau Lake College develop transferable dispositions that transcend time and place by understanding who they are and what they can achieve. 

    Our Discovery Projects represent our student centric beliefs. Students are able to express themselves, explore their passions, and demonstrate their curiosity and intellectual skills. 

    The Seven Generations and Rosseau Roots foundations are integrated into all we do along with our amazing Outdoor Learning. Students are immersed into academic pursuits that are integrated, meaningful and incorporate values, curiosity, our natural setting and relationships.

    Rosseau Lake College is unparalleled in our natural environment and small school size. We truly are connected to each other, our land, and our values. We have without a doubt an extraordinary school and experience that is a privilege to experience. 

    When students graduate from RLC they have developed the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on any challenge. They are ready for anything.


    “Being immersed in our majestic, close knit campus is an incredible privilege. We are unique, proud, and joyful. Students develop character, personal expression and meaningful relationships with the land, self and others. Learning transcends time and place so students develop an everlasting sense of belonging and an understanding of who they are and what they can achieve.”

    – Dave Krocker, Head of School

     

    At Calgary French & International School (CFIS), we are inspired by exploration and curiosity. Our immersive language learning environment and global education bring the world to our students in ways that help them experience other cultures, people and places in authentic and exciting ways.

    Within a curriculum that encourages children to expand their interests and deepen their learning, CFIS students as young as 19 months benefit from enriched education, participate in various co-curricular activities, and graduate bilingual in French and English and functionally fluent in Spanish.

    Our academics, extraordinary language education, international focus and development of the whole student form the foundation of learning at CFIS. We are an IB world school — offering both the senior high Diploma Programme and Primary Years Programme for preschool to grade 5 students — and we are moving towards becoming a full IB continuum school.

    CFIS’s overarching programming develops the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. As multilingual learners in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated School, students are encouraged to lead age-appropriate advocacy and humanitarian work related to their studies in their community and worldwide. Students are taught to effectively and confidently navigate different cultures through international connections, including travel studies in the Secondary Division.

    At CFIS, our teachers and leadership team place a strong emphasis on individualized learning. Additionally, engaged principals, specialized classroom teachers, learning strategists and literacy coaches ensure CFIS students receive the attention required to thrive in all subject areas. As a result of the school’s dynamic learning environment, CFIS students’ average results on both diploma and course-awarded marks are considerably higher for CFIS students than the provincial average. Students are well-rounded in their achievements, transition easily into university and embody CFIS’s values as leaders, critical thinkers and ethical, engaged citizens. CFIS alumni avail themselves of an exciting range of post-secondary options at French and English universities throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Thank you for considering CFIS for your children. I look forward to meeting your family!

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Information not available

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      International Baccalaureate


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      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.

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Not applicable

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Rosseau Lake College is a preparatory school that challenges and empowers each student individually through the rigours and adventures of a highly academic program; one that is intentionally rooted in the vast opportunities of nature and our incredible geographical setting. Our teachers are relentless in the maintenance of our kind, caring and supportive personalized learning community while continuously innovating practices and approaches that make us a leading outdoor-education, environmental, indigenous-knowledge-based and experiential school. Students graduate from Rosseau Lake College with a strong sense of self according to each of our six Rosseau Roots, and the knowledge and skills that will allow them to truly thrive in the next phase of life. Our mission is to connect students’ lives to the natural world, enriching their education, health, wellbeing and personal development with a focus on cross-curricular project based learning, diverse learning strategies, and building skills and competencies for the future. Nature is present in every aspect of the school’s operations and is central to, and deeply embedded in, the school’s culture.

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      The Calgary French & International School blends a progressive approach to learning in a full French immersion environment that is enriched with Spanish beginning in Grade 4. Through projects, inquiry and a balanced approach to teaching and learning, students are guided and nurtured in a supportive and enriching environment. Offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, our candidacy with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and through affiliations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Round Square and Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), CFIS is actively supporting the development of global citizens while focusing on academic, artistic, musical and physical development.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        Approach

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Equal Balance


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        At the forefront of all subject areas in our Academic Program is building a love of subject through "real world" applications and experiences. At Rosseau Lake College we also work to explore the relevance and meaning of topics through the adventure of the outdoors and our natural, geographical setting. All of this is balanced by challenging and supporting our students with only the highest level of curriculum as offered through the Ontario Ministry of Education. Mathematics at Rosseau Lake College maintains an overall balanced approach of intentionally building a foundation of skills and knowledge while helping students to discover creative applications.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Writing


        Approach

        Approach

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Equal balance


        Our take: writing approach type

        Our take: writing approach type

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        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.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        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.


        What the school says about their writing program

        What the school says about their writing program

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        After gathering an impressive foundation of oral French vocabulary, students begin to read and write in French starting in Grade 1. At the end of Grade 2, English reading and writing begins and students quickly progress in their bilingual skills towards the end of Grade 3. In Grade 4, students begin Spanish lessons with specialist teachers.

      • Science


        Approach

        Approach

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Inquiry


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        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.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        The CFIS science program is impressive, particularly into the senior high where laboratory assignments echo that of first and second year post-secondary studies.


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Physics

      • Social Studies


        Approach

        Approach

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Thematic


        Our take: social studies approach type

        Our take: social studies approach type

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        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.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.


        What the school says about their social studies program

        What the school says about their social studies program

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Social Studies at CFIS is enriched with IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.

      • Humanities and Social Sciences


        Approach

        Approach

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Pragmatism


        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.


        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Physical Education


        What the school says about their physical education program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

        Rosseau Lake College offers an active outdoors education program which makes great use of our 56 acre campus with over 3000 feet of shoreline on beautiful Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. Climbing, paddling, hiking, camping, and outdoor pursuits and skills are developed in each grade (7 - 12).

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        The Calgary French & International School recognizes that extracurricular athletics promotes school pride, sportsmanship, and good citizenship. The chief objectives of school athletics are to provide students with opportunities for leadership development whether as an athlete, coach or official. Representing CFIS demands a high level of commitment from students, coaches and parents, but not at the cost of academics.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Not applicable

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL 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

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Information not available

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Our emergent curriculum for children starting as early as 19 months, provides individualized learning based on children's interests. Intentional learning stations and activities are influenced by student interest and the development of language, pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, social and emotional skills. A wide variety of projects focus learning strategically on areas such as developing fine and gross motor skills, literacy and numeracy through play.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      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.

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL 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

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Information not available

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Student-led projects occur in every grade through our International Baccalaureate and UNESCO affiliations. Students are encouraged to take on community service initiatives connected to their curricular studies. A focus on differentiated learning occurs through individualized and small-group targeted instruction where learning strategists and literacy coaches support students across grades.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Supportive


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      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.

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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”.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      Information not available

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

  • 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

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    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

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL 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

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    • Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program. A balanced, non-competitive program that encourages personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, and responsibility to self and community.
    • Fall outtrips are a long-standing tradition at Rosseau Lake College. Each grade is assigned a five-day expedition in a remote area of Ontario, where students and teachers participate in activities like canoeing, sea kayaking, hiking and survival skills. Past destinations have included Killarney Provincial Park, Georgian Bay, and Temagami.
    • The House Cup is a popular fixture among students, giving plenty of opportunity to engage in fun activities while enjoying some healthy and friendly competition.

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    • One of the best travel studies programs in western Canada with travel to five continents.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    6 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    10%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $10,000

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    85%

    75%

    Day entry years

    6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes: grades 1 - 12

    Entrance essay required

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Rosseau Lake College is looking for students who are well-rounded individuals and those who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, extracurricular involvement.. and those who love being in the outdoors.

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Families that find CFIS to be a good fit are committed to multilingual education enriched with global thinking, and enjoy being part of and contributing to our diverse school community. The ideal candidate for a CFIS is a student who is a curious and engaged learner and thrives in a diverse community. Self and mutual respect, strong character and a family emphasis on volunteerism and a commitment to education are all important characteristics in a CFIS student.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ROSSEAU LAKE COLLEGE

    Step 1. The Paperwork

    Application Form, Teacher Reference Form, Academic Records from previous two years, and a non-refundable application fee of $200 CDN for Canadian students / $330 CDN for International students.

    Step 2. The Interview

    Once the paperwork is received and evaluated we schedule an interview. This can be done via video conference (zoom).

    Step 3. The Entrance Test

    Every applicant must complete an entrance test. The test is used to assess the student's fluency in math, their English comprehension and writing ability.

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Calgary French & International School is a full French immersion school that prepares children with the tools to learn Spanish and graduate with internationally recognized mastery of French and English. 

    Most students new to CFIS do not speak French at home with their families. At CFIS, our French immersion learning environment is designed to meet the needs of students who are new to the French language. 

    Our application process is intended to find a mutually good fit between families, students and the school. Our Admissions team considers each applicant’s academic record, character, and citizenship qualities.

    We welcome many new students to the CFIS community each year, and are excited to meet your family.

    If you have any questions about the application process, our Admissions Team is here to help! Please email us at [email protected].

    Student Eligibility: No previous experience in French is required for admission to our Early Childhood Division — Junior Preschool, Preschool, Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten — and for Grades 1 to 4 through our Embark transitional immersion program.

    Our Elementary and Secondary divisions welcome applicants currently attending a Francophone or French immersion school in all grades. Students entering Grade 5 to Grade 12 must be currently attending a Francophone or French immersion school to be eligible to apply and attend CFIS. 

    Application Process:

    Step 1: Visit CFIS for a tour and information session.

    Step 2: Complete an application at CFIS.com: Start Here

    Step 3: Applicants complete an educational assessment (Junior Preschool excluded). Preschool and Junior Kindergarten applicants participate in an assessment with a parent.

    Step 4: The Admissions Office offers placement to the applicants' family.

    Step 5: The applicants' family confirms enrolment by signing a tuition agreement and paying a deposit.

    International Students: CFIS welcomes applications from international families. Families who do not have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status are considered international. CFIS also requires:

    • At least one parent of international students must possess a valid work or study permit during the application process, which must not expire before the start of school in September.
    • The student must reside with their family. We do not offer boarding facilities or a homestay program.
    • The student must be proficient in French if applying to Grade 3 and higher. 

    All applications received prior to the application deadline will be given equal consideration, regardless of the timing of their receipt. We are excited to receive your application and ask that you apply only in the appropriate year, not sooner.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Jonathan Alderson (1987)
    Jonathan is a Sorbonne and Harvard university graduate. Jonathan is an autism treatment specialist, educational consultant , trainer and lecturer. He founded his company, Intensive Multi-Treatment Intervention.
    David Straiton (1983)
    Freelance film director and producer, currently living in Beverly Hills. His productions include episodes of popular shows on American television, such as House, Hemlock Grove, and Star Trek: Enterprise.
    Katie Tsuyuki (2001)
    Athlete, consultant, and motivational speaker. Named to Canadian Olympic Snowboard Team in Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018.
    Waubgeshing Rice (1997)
    Waubgeshig Rice is an Anishinaabe writer and journalist from the Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound, Ontario. Waub has published four books and won several awards for his writing.

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Cameron Davenport (2014)
    I graduated from CFIS in 2014 and am a second-year student at the University of Sussex in the UK studying neuroscience.

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