AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Alexander Academy vs. La Villa Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View Alexander Academy's full report
VS.
View La Villa Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    400-570, Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1Y1, Canada

    1943 Ironoak Way Unit 106, Oakville, Ontario, L6H0N1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2013

    2012

    Enrolment

    300

    90

    Grades

    10 to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to 6

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Homestay, Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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

    Montessori

    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.
    Student-paced
    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    Academic culture

    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”.
    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

    10 to 16

    Varies

    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $16,500 to $22,800

    $8,100 to $15,608

    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

    100

    8

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    100%

    Day entry years

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - K

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    In many ways, Alexander is very much an expression of its context, namely the cultural and social life of Vancouver. The approach is international, drawing students from a range of cultural backgrounds, though also teaching with an eye to global communication and issues. The school is very forward looking, adapting programs to address 21st century literacies, and providing support for individual student success, including flexible scheduling. Academics are front and centre, just as they should be, but there is an attention to student life within the walls of the school and beyond. The location is proximate to a range of resources, including galleries and museums, arts venues, and transportation. The ideal student is one preparing for university studies.

    View full report

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    La Villa rightly prides itself in offering a very authentic presentation of the Montessori method, and for many families that is a primary draw. As such, students are engaged in an active, hands-on, cooperative environment, where the core curriculum is delivered in consort with a growing understanding of their place in the community of the school and beyond. Close attention is given to the acquisition of skills as well as interpersonal, physical, and emotional development.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    "The community at Alexander Academy is welcoming."
    Kate Mezentseva - Parent   (Nov 03, 2022)
    The school is very compact, has under 100 students, and feels very private and personal. My son love... View full review

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "My child appreciates the independence"
    hina marsonia - Parent   (Feb 13, 2018)
    My child appreciates the independence she has in choosing her activities and material that she works... View full review

    Teachers instill confidence and motivation
    Christine Johnson - Parent   (Feb 16, 2018)
    My child's experience has been better than I ever could have imagined. Even if we have had a bad mo... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    "Alexander Academy is a private high school for students in grades 10-12 and is dedicated to educational excellence that is both student-centred and community-oriented. Alexander Academy offers the BC Dogwood Diploma, a unique University Transfer Program and an English Language Development Program for our international students. Our approach is to offer personalized learning, relevant out-of-classroom experiences, and the opportunity to earn advanced university transfer credits."

    • Unique University Tarnsfer Program
    • BC Transfer Credits
    • English Language Development
    • BC Dogwood Diploma
    • Concurrent Studies Program with Alexander College
    • Centrally Located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver
    • Individualized Student Sucess Program
    • Robust Extra-Curricular Program
    • Mandatory uniform
    • Co-education

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "La Villa Montessori School is a charming community school dedicated to fulfill the intrinsic needs of each child by following Dr. Montessori’s principles and guidelines of the Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.). Our mission is to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that satisfies a child’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. By addressing these needs, the children become active and productive members of society while fostering a life-long love of learning."

    • Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) recognized
    • Young Children's Community (15 months-30 months)
    • Primary (30 months-6 years)
    • Elementary (6-12 years)

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    "We recognize that each student has their own academic goals, learning style, passion, and talent. Our teachers are committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to challenge themselves academically to reach their full potential. Alexander Academy’s teaching staff is comprised of 11 full-time equivalent qualified faculty members, as well as our Head of School, Headteacher, Student Services Manager, Health and Wellness counselor, and a full-time Librarian. Our student-teacher ratio is 1:11."

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    "Alexander Academy is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in an ever-changing world. We aim to foster a safe, caring, student-oriented community by focusing on building strong relationships between a diverse and inclusive group of internationally-minded learners. We do this by cultivating a collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere that encourages action, inquiry, healthy living, and life-long learning."

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    "What makes us special? Alexander Academy is widely proud of the 100% University Acceptance of its students."

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    "Our staff promotes holistic education and sustainability practices that place the students first. We aim to cultivate creativity, engagement, collaboration, empathy, and integrity in our students. Alexander Academy seeks to raise awareness for the process of truth and reconciliation and creating authentic connections with Indigenous communities. We nurture skills such as leadership, creativity, resilience, and responsibility to prepare our students for success in an increasingly interconnected w"

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome to Alexander Academy. We are delighted that you have found us and invite you to get to know us better. As you will see, at Alexander Academy our lively classrooms celebrate the joy of learning and foster the quest for excellence and exploration. The first thing you will notice when you arrive at Alexander Academy is that the excitement is tangible: you will feel the energy and sense the vibrancy as soon as you enter our school. You will grasp the wonder of discovery in the classrooms as each student and faculty member engage in authentic critical thinking and learning. Our small classes provide the opportunity to challenge students to express themselves in an environment where teachers are a vital part of each student’s daily experience. Our personalized community also helps to build lifelong friendships among students and faculty.

    We are a professional learning community following a holistic approach to education. We educate the whole person: academically, artistically, physically and socially as we put the student and their strengths and interests first. No two students or journeys are alike and we will go out of our way to find and nurture each student’ unique abilities. To help students on their path, we craft a unique program designed for each student. Ultimately, it is our goal is to shape 21st century leaders who have the courage to take intellectual risks as they work effectively with others. Our aim is that every student should leave Alexander Academy happy, fulfilled and prepared for the next stage of their life.

    In navigating through the pages of this website, I hope that you will get a real sense of the richness and diversity of life at Alexander Academy. Above all else, I hope that you will gain a strong impression that, at Alexander Academy, the interest of our students comes first.

    Please do come and visit Alexander Academy. You will be warmly welcome.

     

             La Villa Montessori School came to fruition after years of imagining what the ideal environment would be like for my own children. I had come to truly understand the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child" in order to provide the most positive and healthy environment for the children to thrive in every way. In Latin, the word Villa (Villam) refers to a farm or village and so it became La Villa Montessori School and the very essence of our community. After our first year of operating in 2015, I saw that having a strong cohesive community between the parents and staff at La Villa being a pillar of support and guidance for the children in our care.  We continue to provide the highest level of care and compassion for the children while fostering a trust and support with our parents. 

    As one of a handful of internationally recognized Montessori schools in Canada following AMI’s standards of quality and authenticity, we are very proud to have this distinction to support and grow the Montessori movement around the world. 

    I invite you to visit us and see what La Villa Montessori School is all about. Thank you.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      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.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Alexander Academy is authorized to offer the BC Graduation Program. We also offer an English Language Development Program and a unique University Transfer Program in conjunction with Alexander College. Alexander Academy is dedicated to providing educational programs that inspire students to follow independent paths to success. We recognize that each student has their own academic goals, learning style, passion, and talent. Our teachers are committed to ensuring that each student has the opportunity to challenge themselves academically, enabling them to reach their personal level of academic excellence. Out-of-Classroom Learning Alexander Academy recognizes that students thrive in an environment that has relevance and context to their learning. Through authentic, out-of-classroom learning experiences, students are inspired and obtain in-depth knowledge of the curricular subjects they are studying through active and engaged learning, inquiry, real-world exploration, and challenges.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      La Villa Montessori School is dedicated to fulfill the intrinsic needs of each child by following Dr. Montessori’s principles and the guidelines of the Association Montessori Internationale ​(A.M.I.). Our mission is to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that satisfies a child’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. By addressing these needs, the children will have a wholesome growth while developing a life-long love of learning.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      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.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Rigorous


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      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”.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI 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

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

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

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.


      Secondary

      Secondary

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Intellectual
      The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Not applicable
      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ALEXANDER ACADEMY

      Our aim is to see well-rounded citizens gain acceptance to the university of their dreams.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI 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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI 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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    8 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    100%

    Day entry years

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - K

    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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    We seek to identify students who will be the best educators of one another and their teachers—individuals who will inspire those around them during their high school years and beyond.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Applicants are required to submit the completed online application, supporting documents and fees, and attend an admissions interview either via Zoom or in person.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

ALEXANDER ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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