AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Alexander von Humboldt German International School vs. Miss Edgar's & Miss Cramp's School

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  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    216, rue Victoria, Baie-D'Urfé, Montreal, Quebec, H9X 2H9, Canada

    525 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3H6, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1980

    1909

    Enrolment

    300

    295

    Grades

    Preschool to 12

    K to 11

    Gender

    Coed

    Girls

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English, French, German

    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

    Traditional

    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.
    Accelerated
    The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

    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

    10 to 12

    12 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.
    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

    $9,950 to $12,350

    $21,800 to $26,380

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    15%

    Eligible grades for FA

    1 to 12

    6 to 11

    Median FA package size

    $5,000

    $5,000

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    19

    25

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    80%

    60%

    Day entry years

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

    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades K - 12

    Yes: grades K - 11

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    English Language Eligibility Certificate Required

    No

    Yes: grades 7 - 11

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    “[ECS] was founded in 1909 by Maud Edgar and Mary Cramp, two trailblazing educators who were determined to open a school—not just any school, mind you, but one that would advance the cause of gender rights and equality. … [and] believing to their core that the school would play a role in quite literally changing the world.” “While the strength of the academic programs is understandably a principal draw, the thing that sets schools apart is their moral ecologies: the values and expectations they prioritize, and the ways of being they demand of the students who participate within them.” “The administration isn’t prone to resting on laurels, but instead consistently reviews best practices and builds new programs to meet the evolving needs of the student population.”
    Read The Our Kids Review of Miss Edgar's & Miss Cramp's School

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    The program at Alexander von Humboldt is unique in Canada, principally because it admits students for whom either English, French, or German is the language spoken at home. Students need to use those languages not just to interact with the coursework, but also to make themselves understood to their peers, something which creates a particularly rich academic environment. Students arrive speaking different languages, with different life experiences, yet all share the experience of difference, and are faced each day with the social and linguistic challenges of making themselves understood to others. While they learn languages, they also have a more authentic experience of language than students in the more typical immersion programs found in Canada. Likewise, the atmosphere is particularly conducive to the development of social competencies, including empathy and cooperation, as well as an authentic global perspective through which the core curriculum is taught. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging, diverse academic and social environment.

    View full report

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Miss Edgar's & Miss Cramp's School was founded in 1909 by Maud Edgar and Mary Cramp, two trailblazing educators. Although still not allowed to own the property that housed their school, or even to vote, Miss Edgar and Miss Cramp were determined to create educational opportunity for young women, to change their place in the world. Those roots in activism and leadership—and the desire to do things better, and more equitably—remain at the school today. The strength of the academic program is a principle draw, though the values, very rightly, are as well. The school has built itself around an ethos of achievement, providing opportunities for authentic engagement with the curriculum and substantial interaction with like-minded peers and mentors. The ideal student is one who shares that vision, and who has the interest and the drive to play an active role in a changing world.  

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "From pre-K through Grade 12, AvH offers multilingual (German, French and English) private, internationally recognized German general education with special focus on languages, math and sciences. AvH is the only school in Canada to offer the German International Abitur which provides students with the opportunity to fast-track straight from high school to university where they are able to study at Canadian, German or international universities."

    • Trilingual Learning environment
    • Choice of completing German Abitur for fast-track to best universities
    • School is situated on vast green space on the banks of the St Lawrence River
    • After school activities such as soccer, karate, programming, 3D-printing, badminton, tennis
    • High-end Biology laboratory
    • Annual Stratford Trip under normal circumstances
    • Annual School Theater Play
    • School Soccer & Volleyball Teams
    • Makerspace room with 3D-printer
    • School Band

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    "Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s is small in size and big in ideas. An innovative girls’ school founded by female mavericks in 1909, ECS values and stewards each girl’s distinct journey. We offer an engaging and exceptional education to thrive in an ever changing world. At ECS, she will feel a sense of belonging and receive individualized attention giving her ownership over her learning process. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, each girl is empowered to create her own future and become a global citizen."

    • Early French Immersion (K to 5)
    • Francais Langue d'enseignement (Grades 6 to 11)
    • Comprehensive athletics programs
    • Varied co-curricular activities and clubs
    • Academic excellence/college prep
    • Leadership development program
    • Middle and Senior school laptop program
    • Entrepreneurial Platform (K to Grade 11)
    • Advanced Placement courses (Grade 11)
    • Bilingual Programme - French/English (Grades 3 to 8)

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "We offer Trilingual learning environment :
    We believe in opening doors for our students and pathing the way for future success – AvH-graduates leave our school trilingual (German, English & French)
    We offer excellence in the STEM-subjects :
    A major focus of AvH are STEM-subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). Adhering to the German Education curriculum we build applied learning spaces and project-oriented units into our curriculum."

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    "ECS is committed to redefining the status quo in education with a strong academic offering and through our innovative Entrepreneurial Platform (EP). Collaborative in spirit, this Platform fosters an entrepreneurial mindset which is opportunity-seeking, persistent, and resourceful. Through the iterative process, they learn to reframe problems as opportunities as well as express and execute their strategies with clarity."

    Array

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

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "In a safe and close-knit environment our highly qualified and dedicated teachers provide the very highest standard of education, from Preschool right up until Grade 12. Children benefit from small classes and feel nurtured in a modern and immersive learning setting."

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    "ECS offers an environment where all students have access to opportunities to thrive, grow, and reach their full potential. Guided by our vision and mission, we strive to mentor each girl on her distinct journey. Small class sizes, strong academics and a vibrant co-curricular programme are just a few ways that we inspire students as they pursue their academic and discover their passions."

    Array

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

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Why German?

    Germany has the biggest economy in the European Union and the fourth largest worldwide. It is home to numerous international corporations and at the forefront of technological innovation. German is the most widely spoken mother-tongue language in Europe. And just like at AvH, English, French and German are the three official working languages of the European Union."

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    "Our Co-curricular and Athletics programmes are exceptional. Students experience life outside of school though trips, special events and guest speakers who touch upon many social issues. From sport tournaments to field trips they get to experience the world in a safe and nurturing environment with our wonderful staff. Student Life at ECS provides opportunities beyond the classroom, that build leadership skills, self and global awareness, and independence."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Multilingualism breaks down communication barriers, broadens horizons and allows us to learn about other cultures and ways of life. Numerous studies have shown that speaking multiple languages provides many advantages that go far beyond the knowledge of the languages themselves. Multilingual speakers can concentrate better, resolve conflicts easier and empathize better with others. Overall, the multilingual brain is much more flexible, even into old age."

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    "ECS is a home away from home. Students love their school and they are nurtured by a dedicated teaching team and surrounded by a caring student body that spans Kindergarten to Grade 11. Students not only find peers within their class but also through special school activities and events throughout the school year. Students at ECS are part of a sisterhood that lasts beyond their school years and carries them into the future."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    AvH is a member of a network of over 140 German schools abroad. In 2018, we were once again awarded the official “Excellent School Abroad” seal of approval by the German government. We are recognized by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec. Therefore, we can offer two degrees: the internationally respected and globally recognized German International baccalauréat (Abitur), which allows a seamless transition to university studies, as well as the Quebec Secondary School Diploma, which leads to CEGEP. Our school’s academic success is clearly reflected in the fact that our graduates go on to the world’s leading universities.

    Since its founding in 1980, AvH has been educating students of German, Canadian and international origin. Our graduates acquire a wide range of skills and competencies and they master three languages: German, French and English. All this prepares them especially well for the challenges of our global world.

    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 VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN 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

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S 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 VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    • Karate
    • After-school soccer
    • Supervised homework assistance
    • Maker Space 3D printing
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    1 - 12

    6 - 11

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    15%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $5,000

    $5,000

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    80%

    60%

    Day entry years

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

    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades K - 12

    Yes: grades K - 11

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    English Language Eligibility Certificate Required

    No

    Yes: grades 7 - 11

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes: grades 1 - 11

    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 VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    A multilingual education (especially a trilingual education) can be challenging for both students and parents, yet the benefits of that hard work are incalculable. We look for students and parents who are want to accept this challenge and will put in the required work and effort to achieve them.

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    Curious, courageous, mission-appropriate, risk-takers, motivated to learn, well-rounded. We're looking for the sparkle in their eye - the girls who are keen to learn, enthusiastic. We're looking for the girl who plays rugby, the oboe, and loves ballet; the girl who loves math, engineering, and a good book. Our student body is varied and diverse - give us a call.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Families who are interested will be invited for a tour and an interview with the principal.

    Skype interviews can be arranged for all parents and students who do not live in the area.

    The purpose of the interview is to give a general idea about the school and provide an opportunity to ask questions. It is also important to get to know each other and prevent false expectations.

    MISS EDGAR'S & MISS CRAMP'S SCHOOL

    • Birth Certificate

    • Final Report Cards for Last Two Years

    • Junior School - Permanent Residency cards or Certificate of Eligibility or Study Visa or Parent Work Permit or Parent Diplomatic Status

    • Middle / Senior School - Certificate of Eligibility or Study Visa or Parent Work Permit or Parent Diplomatic Status

    • Candidate photo

    • $50 application fee

    • Admissions test and ‘Spend-A-Day’ on site

    • Family interview

    • International applicants Grade 8 through 10 must provide their IELTS/TOEFL scores.

    • All Grade 7 applicants must write the Common Admissions Test with Brisson Legris (mid-October). If inquiring after the deadline, please contact our Admissions Team.

    • In some cases, we require a copy of the child and parent's passports

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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