3467 Duval Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7J 3E8, Canada
1167 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1L3, Canada
2,325.5 km
324.8 km
2004
1968
345
170
JK to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Montessori
Varies
10 to 20
In-class adaptations
Dedicated gifted school
$27,200 to $30,600
$8,500 to $20,500
Yes
No
0%
0%
SK to 12
None
$0
$0
23
13
0%
0%
0%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Feb 01, 2024
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
Families rightly turn to Brockton for strong academics, and it certainly has that, undergirded by the IB program. But families turn to private school for other reasons as well, prime among them an environment in which students enter a community of peers of a like mind, and who are academically inclined, and Brockton offers that as well. Even more importantly though is an aspect of the school that perhaps parents don’t think to first, though they should, and that’s the opportunity to have authentic experience with a range of endeavor that they wouldn’t otherwise. The community of the Brockton School is close-knit, while the academic and extracurricular programs are broad. No, it’s not always easy to try new things, and the school is cognizant of the barriers to participation, anticipates them, and seeks to provide a sympathetic introduction. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a vibrant, active, supportive yet challenging academic environment.
View full reportMore than 50 years old, Dearcroft is one of the older Montessori schools in the country, founded in 1968 by Peter and Barbara Phippen. It also has very consistent history, now being directed by Gordon Phippen, son of the founders. All of that, while not essential to the delivery of a quality Montessori program, nevertheless underscores what parents and students value in the approach, namely a clear sense of community, family, cross-generational interaction, and a sense of tradition. The program hews very closely to Maria Montessori’s model, and also brings the community—both local and beyond—into the classroom. The student body is on the larger end for a dedicated Montessori school, and the benefits of size are apparent in the range of programs offered.
View full reportinformation not available
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"Brockton is a co-educational IB Continuum World School located in North Vancouver with programs from JK to Grade 12. At Brockton students are offered an inclusive, holistic, and challenging learning environment where personal experience and development is paramount. The program supports students in becoming life-long learners, and offers a variety of co-curricular, leadership, and service opportunities. At Brockton every student and every family is known, welcomed, respected, and valued."
"Established in 1968, Dearcroft is Oakville's original Montessori school offering programs from Toddler through to Junior High with three campuses in Oakville delivering exceptional Montessori Programs. Our North Campus offers an urbanized natural space, complemented by over 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms. Our Satellite campus offers enriched Montessori programs for Toddler and Casa. Dearcroft is a fully accredited charter member of CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators)."
"Within a challenging IB framework, Brockton School focuses on each child and on the whole child. It is a school where every student matters, every family matters, community matters, and learning for life matters. Students work to learn from successes and challenges to explore their sense of purpose and direction. Students are given the strong foundations that inspire them on a journey as outstanding humans."
"At the core of our Montessori curriculum is a strong emphasis on peace education. This creates an environment of kindness and compassion where students are supported not only by our staff, but also by their peers as well. In short, a Montessori education creates wonderful opportunities for independence, creativity, and character development."
"Families choose Brockton because of the authentic connections made between students, staff, and families that, when married to the program delivery, lead to thriving and confident learners. The environment is warm, welcoming, and supportive. The academic standard is high and students are inspired to learn how to learn. Inspiring and supporting students to pursue their dreams with a sense of purpose is a priority."
"A wonderful degree of innovation and natural design have driven the evolution of our school community. An excellent curriculum that goes above and beyond the public system requirements, where our graduates are positioned to pass entrance exams and be successful along their future learning paths. Our students have access to specialized programming including drama club, music, French beginning in our Casa program, and, intra-school sports competitions."
"Brockton walks the talk. It is not words on a website or other; Brockton lives its mission and guiding principles.
Brockton is an incredibly innovative school and works with students and families to be successful today and in the future. Brockton is not afraid to be ahead of the curve."
"For 25 years Dearcroft/West Wind has been Canada’s leader in elementary experiential education. Our award-winning Expedition Education Program established in 1996 has been an innovative and exciting extension of our curriculum. Through an integrated and highly ambitious travel-based experience, our West Wind Junior High students have had the opportunity to explore Canada from Coast to Coast."
"Brockton has an impressive number and diversity of programs.
Students find extraordinary success in multiple arenas.
The student leadership program is innovative and engaging of all students in one capacity or another.
The culture of the school and the associated supports attracts accomplished and outstanding staff."
Information not available
"Innovative: One of only 2 schools in BC and 40+ schools world wide to offer all the full IB World Continuum including the Career-Related Program
Successful: 100% of graduates are accepted into post-secondary programs; 100% of the graduating class of 2022 graduated with honours
Well-rounded: Offering over 60 sports teams and extra-curricular activities
Supportive: 1:7 faculty to student ratio with 80% of faculty having advanced degrees
Connected: Warm, welcoming, fun, and committed community"
Information not available
Imagine a school where students are excited about getting to class; where students are encouraged to be risk-takers; where every opportunity is seen as one for learning. Imagine a school where parents, teachers and students collaborate to create their best possible educational adventure. Imagine Brockton!
Brockton is a safe, caring environment where students are challenged academically through a broad and balanced curriculum which surpasses the expectations of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British Columbia Education Ministry requirements. The academic programme is complemented by a range of co-curricular activities, from athletics and leadership, to service and our World Music Program. Students are encouraged to engage with our local and global communities as they are guided to become life-long learners.
As an IB World School we embrace the concepts of 21st century learning, providing challenging programs in a culture of inquiry, and fostering the importance of giving service to others. At Brockton we encourage all students to achieve their true potential by being active learners and global citizens.
Students at Brockton don’t simply attend school, they embark on an educational adventure where they are encouraged to take risks and inquire about the world around them. I am really proud to be the Head of Brockton School. It is an honour to lead a truly dedicated and highly trained staff and to serve the families of the Brockton Community. I would like you to be able to experience everything that is brilliant about Brockton, and I welcome you all to come and see what makes our school so special.
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Montessori
Information not available
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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.
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.
Not applicable
Brockton is an IB World Continuum School hosting the Primary Years Programme (JK-Gr.5), Middle Years Programme (Gr.6-Gr.10), and Diploma Programme, with a choice of pathways at Grade 11&12. At Brockton, student learning and personal experience are paramount. Students are acknowledged as individuals and are supported according to their respective gifts and areas for growth. Brockton’s small class sizes and close knit community allow for the outstanding faculty and staff to guide students in a journey of inspired learning. The Brockton program is challenging, innovative, and holistic and integrates an array of co-curricular, leadership, service, and character-development opportunities. From the students entering as early as JK through to our Brockton Graduates (and Alumni), Brockton aims to nurture (among other things) self-awareness, resiliency, ingenuity, open-mindedness, international-mindedness, principled behaviours, social responsibility, effective communication, and a sense of purpose. Brockton students are guided on a journey of learning that provides them opportunities to chart a course for success during their school years, at their choice of post-secondary, and in life beyond.
At Dearcroft Montessori, the comprehensive and methodical training of staff, excellent student to teacher ratios and long-term relationships allow us to focus on the individual child’s development in full alignment with Montessori best practices. All our classrooms feature: individualized, child-centred programs, enriched programming tailored to meet the needs of each student; multi-age environments; low student-teacher ratios; hands-on; experiential learning; individual and small group lessons and enriched music and French programming.
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.
Understanding mathematical concepts using concrete materials and eventually moving onto abstract calculations is the objective. The Montessori materials become tools that the children use to creatively explore a new concept. Teachers act as consultants to students to help master the new concept given in individualized or small group lessons.
Montessori aparatus
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.
By providing an environment rich in oral language, each child has the opportunity to increase his or her receptive and expressive language. Formal individualized language lessons are given daily. Informal language lessons are an integral part of our program throughout the day’s lessons and activities. Children learn pronunciation, inflection, grammar and vocabulary in this rich environment.
Equal balance
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.
Information not available
Equal Balance
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.
Information not available
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
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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).
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Information not available
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light 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.
Information not available
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
The primary goal of the Dearcroft gym program is to encourage lifelong participation in physical activity and increase knowledge of each student\'s personal health to ensure a healthy future. These goals are achieved through active participation in a number of different sports and activities over the course of the school year.
Montessori
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.
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.
Early Years Education at Brockton School emphasizes the facilitation of intentional and experiential learning opportunities through a play-based inquiry model. Our unique approach builds upon the framework and curricular requirements of both the BC Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Programme. While play-based in nature, there is a strong academic framework that sets a foundation for early elementary school success. At Brockton, we believe that children learn through doing, and therefore our students are provided with opportunities to explore their interests and passions in a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
We are a traditional, best practices (orthodox) Montessori school.
Student-paced
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.
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.
Brockton is an innovative school where creative opportunities for learning are optimized. Personalized approaches to teaching/learning, a well-resourced Student Services team, and multiple pathways of grade 11/12 programming are among the aspects that support diverse learning needs.
Montessori Classrooms are multi-aged with three developmental years together. Toddler is 18 months to 3 year olds, Preschool is 3 to 6 year olds, Lower Elementary 6-9 year olds, Upper Elementary 9-12 year olds and Junior High for 12-14 year olds.
Supportive
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”.
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.
Please note: we would like to be listed in both rigorous and supportive categories. To define us in one and not the other would be misleading. Brockton provides a unique combination of a rigorous academic program within a supportive academic culture. Students are inspired to want to learn and to engage a life-long curiosity. This inspiration is nurtured within the challenging IB academic curricular program, a program that is process based while preparing students for optimal post-secondary and future success. Brockton works with each student (and family) to establish goals for each student relative to their particular potential.
Information not available
Information not available
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.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Brockton attends to the whole child development. While there is a focus on intellectual growth, this is achieved through a balanced approach with attention paid to the multiple aspects that lead to a student's overall development. Brockton exists within a compassionate community where students are encouraged to explore their own growth in multiple dimensions.
Dearcroft will provide a high quality Montessori education to children aged 18 months to fourteen years on the Toddler, Preschool, Elementary and Junior High levels. Children of any sex, race, colour or religion will be educated by qualified Montessori teachers within a supportive matrix of care, encouragement and challenge.
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Cycling |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Skating |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Wrestling |
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Curling |
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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
SK - 12
0%
0%
$0
$0
0%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Feb 01, 2024
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Student selection is based on both academic and non-academic considerations. These include but are not limited to: The ‘fit’ of the child and family with the school. The availability of space and class composition at the particular grade level. Character traits such as curiosity, independence, responsibility, self-discipline, and creativity.
STEP 1: DISCOVER BROCKTON
Start by exploring our website for information about the school, our programming, fees, deadlines for admissions, and culture.
Dive deeper into our unique programming by downloading our Admissions Information Package or registering for an Open House.
Once you know that Brockton is the right fit for your family, click the apply button. You will be prompted to create an account and fill out an online application.
Please note that applications are not considered complete until we receive all supporting documentation, and the non-refundable $300 application fee has been paid.
For more detailed information on the application process, download our application guide and required documentation checklist.
STEP 3: SCHEDULE ASSESSMENTS
Student applicants are required to participate in an entrance assessment to determine ‘fit’ and evidence of the applicant’s potential for success within our program. Parents will also be invited to meet with a member of our admissions/leadership team for a personal interview.
These can be booked in your admissions checklist.