AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Alexander Academy vs. Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School

one-to-one comparison:

View Alexander Academy's full report
VS.
View Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    2246 Camilla Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5A 2J6, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2013

    2000

    Enrolment

    300

    24

    Grades

    10 to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Homestay, Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    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.
    Spiritual
    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    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

    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

    10 to 16

    10 to 15

    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

    $7,070 to $11,960

    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

    6

    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, 1

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    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

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    When Edgerton Ryerson established a national, public education system, he highlighted the need for consistency: every school should be the same, offer the same things, from coast to coast. Sadly, that conception of what schools should be, and what they should provide, remains doggedly with us today. Thankfully, schools like Shepherd Montessori step away from that model, choosing rather to offer something as unique as the community they are formed to serve. Shepherd is a school using the Montessori method to deliver a program that is also based in the values of the Catholic church. In that, it’s happily one of a kind. Further, the student population is small, allowing a heightened level of individual attention, something that is also a primary draw. The community of the school is diverse, and while not all families are active within the Catholic church, all nevertheless appreciate the school’s attention to developing the students’ understanding of their spiritual selves. The approach in the classroom is child-centered, child-directed, and project oriented. The ideal student is one able to thrive with a close-knit learning environment.

    View full report
  • 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

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    "The only Catholic based Montessori School in the GTA (curriculum encouraged and supported by the Archbishop of Toronto). We provide an intimate environment for students aged 2.5 - 5 yrs that stimulates independent thinking and enriches moral development. Faculty and parents work together to foster, within each child, the early habits, attitudes and skills necessary to establish a lifelong joy in learning. Our responsibility is to guide the whole child - spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually."

    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."

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    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."

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    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."

    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"

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ALEXANDER ACADEMY

    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.

     

  • 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

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC 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, 1

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    No

    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

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ALEXANDER ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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