AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Aurora Montessori School vs. Town Centre Private Schools

one-to-one comparison:

View Aurora Montessori School's full report
VS.
View Town Centre Private Schools's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    330 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 4C3, Canada

    155 Clayton Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3R 7P3, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1989

    1986

    Enrolment

    400

    1000

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 8

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

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

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Montessori

    Traditional, International Baccalaureate

    Curriculum pace

    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.
    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.
    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

    15 to 24

    15 to 24

    Special needs support

    Learning, Developmental, Behavioral

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated gifted school

    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.
    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

    $19,400 to $22,150

    $7,400 to $17,250

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    7%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    Preschool to 8

    None

    Median FA package size

    $1,000

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    31

    59

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    80%

    0%

    Day entry years

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

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8

    Yes: grades 1 - 9

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    AMS is a Montessori school, though in many ways it exceeds the expectations that parents might have of what a Montessori education offers. The programs are hands-on, community based, though the academic environment is large, both in terms of physical space and student population. As such the extra-curricular programs are robust, including sports as well as a fully development music program that includes group and individual instruction. Those things, in themselves, are a draw for many families. The grounds are extensive, with a porous interface between interior and outdoor learning spaces. The amphitheater is impressive, and likewise is a symbol of the school’s dedication to outdoor and environmental education. In all of that, the school’s name can risk being misleading. AMS isn’t your average Montessori school. It offers broad curricular and extracurricular programs, strong academics, and an overt attention to emotional and social development through the elementary grades. 

    View full report

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Town Centre offers the best of many worlds, beginning with a pre-school Montessori program. TCPS is also an IB Continuum World School offering the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and DP. The programs run from pre-school through Grade 12, and the student body is on the large end of the private school spectrum, certainly much larger than a majority of the schools nearby. All of that provides a lot of room for the school to develop the curricular and extra-curricular programs. For the families that look to TCPS, those are the things that really catch their eye: dedicated teaching, a broad range of programming, and a clear demonstration of academic strength and innovation. For families enrolling in the earlier years, the fact that the school offers before- and after-care is certainly also a plus; for those of older children, equally welcome is the offering of various after-school programs, including after school courses, tutorials, clubs, and competitive sports. Throughout, TCPS provides a truly unique program—there’s no other school quite like it—one based in an attention to learner-based instruction and collaborative learning, and a vibrant student environment.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "AMS has a reputable 30+ year history in Aurora. Educating students from 18 months to Grade 8, AMS nurtures the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively, on 14 acres with an amphitheatre, outdoor classroom, sports fields, and a wealth of green space! Friendly and nurturing staff instill a love for learning the Montessori way. Specialty classes in Elementary include Phys Ed, Technology, Visual Arts, Music, Mindfulness and French. A warm and family-focused atmosphere sets AMS apart!"

    • Montessori excellence since 1989
    • Montessori and Early Childhood educated teaching staff
    • Now offering an 11 month school program from September through July
    • Half/full day program; Before and After-school supervision; Extracurricular programs
    • Specialty classes in Music, Art, French, Gym, Computer and Drama
    • Individual/group tutoring; Private music lessons; Low student to teacher ratio
    • Multicultural, Non denominational and Inclusive
    • March Break and Summer camps
    • Dedicated after school athletics program for sports skills development
    • Building expansion featuring state of the art Music, Visual Arts and Gross Motor/Fitness Rooms

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    "Founded in 1986, Town Centre Private Schools (TCPS) is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Continuum World School providing a foundation for academic excellence with a well-rounded program. TCPS offers a Pre-School Montessori program starting at 18 months. TCPS is enrolled in the CWELCC program. At the age of 4, students start a combined Montessori/IB program. The Pre-School provides half day or full day programs with 2 to 3 teachers per class. The Elementary program offers an IB (PYP and MYP) curriculum with 2 teachers per class providing enrichment in the core subjects. French, Music, Computer studies and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers. The High School offers an IB/University Prep and optional IB Diploma Programme in addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 100% of students who apply to university are accepted. School life is enhanced with extracurricular competitive sports, intramurals, clubs, community outreach, trips and visitors. TCPS offers before school 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and after school programs 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. which are included with tuition. Weekly Pre-School and Elementary Camps are available each summer as well as High School Ministry Credit Courses. Our programs fully prepare the students for the challenges ahead as they advance to the next grade at Town Centre or begin their studies in university."

    • Montessori Pre-School - Enrolled in the CWELCC Program
    • International Baccalaureate® Continuum World School (PYP, MYP and DP)
    • Included with Tuition Before School (7:00 - 9:00 am) and After School programs (3:30 - 6:30 pm)
    • Low Student to Teacher Ratio
    • Study Hall, Tutorials, After School Courses, Clubs and Competitive Sports
    • Summer Camps and Ministry Credit Courses

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome to Town Centre Private Schools®. Founded in 1986, TCPS® is a unique school offering a Montessori Pre-School program and an Elementary and High School International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School. Students who take the IB Programme excel in university studies and beyond.

    It is so gratifying to find an ideology that can take our Montessori foundations and build upon them in both the Elementary and High School Divisions. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) prepare students for the demands of the High School IB Diploma Programme. In grades 11 and 12, TCPS students have the option of completing the regular Ontario Ministry curriculum, taking IB Certificate Courses, or doing the full IB Diploma Programme (DP). In today’s world with rapidly changing parameters, critical thinking along with self-challenging habits are a necessity and TCPS students will be able to rise to the challenges with ease.

    It is with great pride that each year we celebrate the graduating class, many of whom we have had the privilege of watching grow up as part of our TCPS family. With our Remote Learning program in the spring of 2020, our students are fully prepared for the start of school this September, both with Town Centre and those moving on to university. This year the graduating class of 2020 earned over $28,000 in university scholarships. We wish these graduates all the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

    With detailed safety protocols established, we ran a successful Pre-School Summer Camp and Elementary Summer Camp during July and August. High School students were also able to earn additional credits with online courses this past summer.

    Over the summer a comprehensive re-opening plan for the regular school year was put in place allowing students to return to Town Centre this fall and continue with their studies in a safe and controlled environment. Visit TCMPS.com for more information.

    Classed resumed on Tuesday, September 8th with students from Pre-School to High School attending class 5 days a week. For TCPS families who prefer to study from home, we are also offering a Remote Learning program for students in Preparatory (age 4) to grade 12.

    We have come a long way from our modest beginnings in 1986. One of the keys to our success has been the dedication of our teaching staff and administration. I would like to acknowledge their hard work and enthusiasm over the years. We have grown over the last 3 decades to become a reputable and respected educational institution and I look forward to our future together.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Montessori


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      International Baccalaureate


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      AURORA 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.

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      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

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Students are expected to work to the best of their ability so that they may develop to their highest academic and personal potential. Primarily, Montessori and secondarily, Reggio instructional methods will be used to encourage student learning. Decisions regarding methods will be based upon the needs of the students and the recognition that good teaching should build strong personal values and positive attitudes, both towards content and learning. High achievement is the goal for all students in all areas of development. Teachers and parents are expected to work together to help students meet the expectations.

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      Contact the school for more information.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Montessori


      Our Take

      Our Take

      AURORA 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.

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      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

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Montessori programs aimed at Preschool and Kindergarten aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. 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 busy, calm and orderly; children either work alone or in small groups.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Student-paced

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      AURORA 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.

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      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

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Multi-aged environments allow for classroom communities to build leadership skills, competencies and attain successes through discovery and making attempts without the judgement of failures.

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Supportive


      Our Take

      Our Take

      AURORA 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.

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      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

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Students are expected to work to the best of their ability so that they may develop to their highest academic and personal potential. Montessori instructional methods will be used to encourage student learning. The needs of the students and the recognition that good teaching should build strong personal values and positive attitudes, both towards content and learning. High achievement is the goal for all students in all areas of development. Teachers and parents are expected to work together to help students meet the expectations of the grade level including continued internal and external supports when necessary.

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      AMS supports the Montessori philosophy of educating the whole child. This includes opportunities to guide students in their educational journey in all aspects of life such as the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development in practical and abstract ways through all the Montessori curriculum while attaining the highest standards possible.

      TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

      Information not available

  • SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT

    FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIES

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:
    Resource Assistance:
    Withdrawal Assistance:
    Partial Integration:
    Full-Time Class:
    Forms of Support Environments Forms of Support Environments
    ADHD (moderate to severe)
    This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life.
    Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.
    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
    Dyscalculia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.
    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
    Developmental
    Autism
    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).
    Asperger's Syndrome
    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.
    Down syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).
    Williams syndrome
    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
    Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
    Clinical Depression
    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.
    Clinical anxiety
    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.
    Suicidal thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
    Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
    Cerebral palsy
    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
    Muscular dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
    Blindness
    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."
    Deafness
    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Additional support

    Additional support

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    INFORMAL SUPPORT FOR MILD DIFFICULTIES

    Learning Strategy

    Extra Support

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD

    Accommodations

    Modifications

    Extra support

    Accommodations


    Additional support

    Additional support

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy


    What the school says about their special needs support

    What the school says about their special needs support

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available


    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    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

    AURORA 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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    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

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    • DECA Club
    • MUN Club
    • STRIVE Club
    • Planting Club
    • HOSA Club
    • Film Festival Club
    • Drop-In Sports
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Preschool - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    7%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $1,000

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    80%

    0%

    Day entry years

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

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8

    Yes: grades 1 - 9

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    What the school says

    What the school says

    AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    1) Book a tour.

    2) Interview with Linda Jazzar

    3) Day visit in an AMS classroom with potential grade level teacher.

    4) Teacher, Registrar and VP determine suitability of applicant.

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Please refer to the links below for admissions details for each division level.

    Pre-School Division - 18 months to age 6

    Elementary Division - grades 1 to 8

    High School Division - grades 9 - 12

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

AURORA MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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