3080 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5M 2M8, Canada
2379 Trafalgar Road, Unit 6, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 6K7, Canada
1993
1997
200
84
Nursery/Toddler to 6
Preschool to 3
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Montessori
15 to 24
8 to 18
Accelerated curriculum
$17,975 to $27,300
$13,195 to $14,195
Yes
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
18
12
0%
0%
100%
95%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 6
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Bannockburn is founded in Montessori, and hews close to the spirit of the method and its fundamental principles. There is an abiding attention to creating a supportive, student-centric environment, one that can stimulate and build on children’s curiosity. That said, there are a few welcome adaptations as well, such as lower teacher/student ratio that one might expect to see within a Montessori classroom. The school is very much an expression of the surrounding community—it was begun in 1993 by local parents and educators, and retains very close ties to the surrounding community today. The life of the school is informed by an active and robust parents’ association, with meetings held on the first Monday of each month. Given the location of the school, the fact that it sits on a five-acre property is an added plus, one that both adds to the atmosphere of the school, and allows for the programming, as appropriate, to spread beyond the interior instructional spaces. So, yes, the school has a strong Montessori program, though there is also a clear Bannockburn identity, one that nicely reflects the community that it serves.
View full reportTrafalgar Ridge Montessori School is an established, proven, Montessori program that reflects the core of the method—respect, community, purposeful engagement, motivated learning—within a setting crafted to deliver it. The staff see themselves as a natural support of the families that turn to them, not merely teachers of students, adding further strength to the program. The extended hours and summer camp programs take the offering beyond the hours of the school day and through the holiday months, something that parents rightly appreciate—it adds a consistency, and a sense of the familiar, throughout the calendar year. The school has parent association, which says a lot, actually. It’s unique to schools of this size and focus, though signals a dedication to communication and transparency. The program and the school culture no doubt benefit from that level of parental involvement.
View full reportinformation not available
information not available
"Bannockburn offers an outstanding, authentic Montessori learning environment, carefully implemented to meet the specific needs of children during the most crucial periods of their formative years. Each fully equipped classroom is directed by dedicated, qualified teachers complemented by specialist instruction in French, music, visual arts and physical education. We invite you to discover how Bannockburn can make a brilliant difference in your child's life.... from the very beginning."
"Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School has provided "Quality Education in a Nurturing Environment" since 1997. The fundamental principle governing our approach to learning is that the "whole child" (emotional, intellectual, social & physical) must be the focal point of the activities so each student can develop at their own pace. We embrace multiculturalism and the uniqueness of each member of our school community and offer Montessori programs from Preschool to Grade 3."
Information not available
"Our forte is personalized care and early learning for each of our unique students. We treat children as an extension of our family and support the parents in helping them raise amazing and happy citizens of the world. Another measure of success is the overwhelming positive feedback we receive from our Alumni. Our goal is to prepare students for continued positive growth on their educational journey once they move on to different schools."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Affordable true Montessori quality education. One to eight Teacher to Student ratios for Preschool but also for Junior and Senior Kindergarten. Structured learning program and daily French instruction. Music and dance are integral parts of the curriculum. Off & on- site physical education program. Information technology and coding for Elementary students."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"The exterior frontage of the school perceives it to be quite small but in reality we have spacious classroom and a bright interior environment. Our playground is nature based and spacious."
Information not available
"The owner has been actively involved at TRMS since the school was established in 1997. First as a parent, volunteer and teacher and later as administrator and for the past 21 years as owner and Director. She has a reputation for her commitment to each student and their family. "There is no greater privilege or responsibility than educating young minds. Each child in our care must be treated with the upmost integrity and in a loving and nurturing manner at all times." S. Lescure"
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Thank you taking the time to read about Bannockburn. I encourage you to pay us a visit and see what makes Bannockburn such a special place. It starts with our Toodlers who show us that these young individuals are capable of so much more than we would normally expect, and culminates with our Upper Elementary graduates who truly exhibit that they are responsible, nurturing, peaceful young people with self-esteem and respect for others. Bannockburn graduates are self-motivated, intellectually curious, love learning and achieve academic success.
Choosing a school, that is most appropriate to the individual needs of your child, is a major decision for parents. Many questions arise but the most important is whether the school’s educational and social philosophy meets the parent’s own expectations and standards.
Trafalgar Ridge’s philosophy is based on the principle that each child will achieve their personal best in all areas of their development! Education involves the progress of self-motivated, responsible and self-disciplined children. From a very young age we bring children, through purposeful activities, to independent learning and self-initiative, enabling them to achieve their highest potential. Self-esteem is achieved and skills vital to a fully functioning member of society are developed.
Our students work independently as well as cooperatively, learning to respect the needs of others as well as their own. A love of nature and a deep sense of responsibility for others and their environment are fostered. Also, the child should have fun and develop new friendships. Most importantly self esteem is nurtured so that each child is proud of their ability and is confident in what they can achieve.
A child’s school should be an extension of their family, providing a safe environment in which they can explore ideas and feelings. Parents who enrol their children at Trafalgar Ridge are required to attend and participate in all information meetings arranged by the school to foster open communication channels for the benefit of the children.
All this in an multicultural environment that embraces diversity and teaches children to celebrate their cultural heritage and that of others!
It is our aim to direct each child to achieve their personal best by allowing them to develop at their own pace.
Please contact us to arrange a tour of our school and to meet our passionate and dedicated teaching team.
We hope to see you soon!
Montessori
Information not available
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.
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.
Not applicable
Bannockburn School leads in Montessori education by offering an exceptional, enriched Montessori curriculum and a nurturing, inspiring environment carefully prepared to meet the needs of children in the formative years of childhood. Every day in the classroom is a study in the balance of young children purposefully working to develop cognition, concentration and independence in a nurturing and carefully prepared environment.
TRMS offers the full Montessori curriculum from Preschool to Grade 3 focusing on developing the whole child by introducing them to all areas of learning including language, STEM, social studies, art, music and physical education. French enrichment is included at all grade levels. We also focus on character education and social emotional wellness. We strive for happy students who love life and learning!
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
We offer a two fold Math curriculum that encompasses Montessori and traditional Math. We offer coding for grades 1 to 3.
Information not available
Information not available
Phonics-intensive
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
The Montessori curriculum is mostly focused on phonics however whole language concepts are also introduced during early reading and onwards. Reading comprehension and deciphering information occurs once the child starts to read beginning phonics readers. A comprehensive reading program is introduced during the Casa years.
Systematic approach
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
Learning to write works in conjunction with early reading literacy. From Preschool onwards children learn to formulate letters, words and sentences. A strong focus on grammar and creative writing skills occurs in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3.
Equal Balance
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
STEM is introduced from Preschool through exploration and inquiry. Elementary grade 1,2,3 students participate in a mandatory annual STEM FAIR.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Not applicable
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
Not applicable
Information not available
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Core Knowledge
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
Information not available
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Communicative
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
Information not available
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
Information not available
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Information not available
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Bannockburn’s Physical Education and Athletic program is an active and exciting part of the school with many classes and events to get our students' hearts and bodies moving. Within the school day, the Physical Education program accesses all Bannockburn students from Toddler to UEL. Our curriculum focuses on providing opportunities for our students to engage in a variety of physical activity, movement, and sport in an effort to develop a wide range of physical, social, and emotional skills. In addition to our Physical Education classes, Bannockburn has been active in attending inter-school athletic activities within the Toronto community. Additionally, Elementary students have the opportunity to participate on a team with our intramural sports program during recess. The primary goal of our Athletics program is to provide our students with positive opportunities to participate in sporting events, while demonstrating their improving skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a supportive environment.
Physical development is essential for the growing child. We offer movement breaks both structured and free style (recess) throughout the day. In addition an off site structures physical education program is offer for JK to Grade 3 which can include multi-sports, Zumba and skating, swimming depending on the grade level.
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 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.
The Primary-age child has an astounding capacity to learn and absorb, thus, utmost emphasis is placed on ensuring an uninterrupted work cycle. This enables the child to explore freely and learn through purposeful work in the different areas of the classroom: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Culture. Concrete, manipulative materials for each area enable the child to use the five senses to build an essential foundation of knowledge and concepts.
We offer a lower Casa (preschool) and Upper Casa (JK SK) well-rounded Montessori program taught by Accredited and experienced Montessori teachers.
Standard-enriched
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).
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.
We allow the child to progress at their pace.
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.
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.
Information not available
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Information not available
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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
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
0%
0%
$0
$0
100%
95%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 6
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Families who are seeking a nurturing environment for their child to develop in all areas of learning at their pace. Students who complete the full Montessori program at both the Casa and Lower Elementary level achieve the best foundation in their early education.
Contact the school for program information, then to schedule a tour.