18 Coldwater Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 1Y7, Canada
3910 Quesnay Wood Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7M3, Canada
18 Coldwater Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 1Y7, Canada
3910 Quesnay Wood Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7M3, Canada
1995
1995
1075
468
Nursery/Toddler to 6
JK to 12
Coed
Coed, Boys, Girls
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Liberal Arts
Varies
15 to 20
$12,500 to $20,000
$6,300 to $17,400
No
Yes
0%
20%
None
1 to 12
$0
$5,000
98
31
0%
0%
100%
75%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 6
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Since it was founded in 1995, CMS has grown to include five locations in the GTA. The program is founded on the core ideals that Maria Montessori promoted in her work, those of respect, community, purposeful engagement, and self-directed learning. That said, Montessori didn't create her program as a museum piece, but rather as a starting point, and that's a spirit that CMS upholds as well. Dr. Montessori, as has been said, "adjusted and adapted her educational system to better serve children's needs, and well-functioning Montessori classrooms typically share many features reflecting those adjustments." One of which was, of course, a willingness to adjust and adapt. As such, the CMS program includes, as at the Maplehurst location, a computer lab, a library, and a music room. In all, the focus is very clearly on the child, and supporting child development, which is just as it should be.
View full reportClear Water Academy consistently ranks very highly nationally, distinguished particularly by the strength and quality of the academic program. The approach is also a distinguishing factor, and it’s the only school in Canada to base the curriculum in integral theory, one that relies on the full spectrum of knowledge formation, from empirical inquiry to personal and spiritual engagement. As a Catholic institution, the relationship that students grow with God and their understanding of themselves as spiritual beings is yet another significant draw, and rightly so. Class sizes are small, and the feel of the school is very much of a community, one that includes the parent population. That’s a reflection of how the school was formed; in 1995 a few families got together in order to create a better education for their children. They did, and indeed very many families have been the beneficiaries of their vision ever since. Clear Water Academy presents a robust academic environment, with programs delivered through an authentic Catholic lens.
View full report
"the Montessori method has, in our opinion allowed a deeper understanding of the material that is taught."
Rizwan Suleiman - Parent (Mar 15, 2021)
When enrolling our kids to a private school, we chose the Montessori method of teaching because it r...
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"The practical life aspect of the curriculum was insightful as this was not what I had experienced as a child."
G Mok - Parent (May 03, 2021)
We've been with CMS since 2015, and we can tell that our kids enjoy going to school as they come bac...
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"It is nice to see teachers help kids to develop interest."
Terry Smith - Parent (Dec 10, 2021)
My kid started in this school (different campuses) when she was two. Now she is in grade 6.
When sh...
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"For over 25 years, CMS has focused on engaging students and building strong foundations during the most formative years of their lives. We provide quality Montessori education at every stage of a child's development. Our renowned Toddler & Casa programs nurture and encourage the inquisitive minds of children to build the foundational skills needed for future success. As children move through our Casa Program, the emphasis gradually shifts from basic motor skills and language to the development of concentration, coordination, independence, and a sense of order. This allows the child to consolidate their writing, reading, and math skills. Our Elementary program offers an enriched curriculum that promotes analytical and collaborative thinking while nurturing individual strengths. We exceed the Ministry of Education curriculum by introducing hands-on material, facilitating a deep understanding of all learning. Physical education, French, music, art, computers, STEM, and a variety of extracurricular activities enrich the learning experience for CMS students. We are a CCMA-accredited school highlighted for teaching excellence and offering quality Montessori education."
"Clear Water Academy stands as the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous program from Jr. K to Grade 12. Our dedicated faculty educate the whole child in their intellectual, spiritual, human, and apostolic formation. We provide small class sizes, single-gender classrooms from Grades 4 to 9, and a top-ranked university-prep program, which includes Advanced Placement courses. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education. While we are a Catholic school, we welcome students of all faiths."
"Our school is truly a caring school. Staff are loyal to the organization and stay for more than 10 years using their expertise and love of all things Montessori to guide the children's learning. The level of creativity is also an additional richness with weekly themed lessons and assemblies and an awareness of so many topics and ideas that young people should come to know such as World Children's day, Indigenous month and an understanding of of many diverse religious festivals."
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"Our families and our graduates report the importance of having learned independence and creativity after their time at CMS. They speak volumes at the annual alumni panel about the compassionate teachers who empowered them to succeed no matter what they were facing, more so during the pandemic when lessons continued uninterrupted for the entire day and even additional lessons of health and gym and art complemented their learning at home. We are a community of individuals who nurture children."
"Families choose Clear Water Academy for its commitment to academic excellence in a safe, caring, and fun environment, emphasizing character and moral growth. The prestigious University Preparatory program secures children's university placements. The separated classrooms for girls and boys in Grades 4-9, tailoring teaching to unique interests, are cherished. They value the high-quality Catholic education and small class sizes that foster strong connections and community."
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"You get more bang for your buck at CMS. An intimate setting where you have highly qualified professionals who go out of their way to enrich the lives of children. The quality of the hot lunches, the size of the classrooms and their versatility of use, the integretaed STEM lessons, the diversity of the students and strong mentoring and wellbeing program are all aspects of the CMS experience parents appreciate after they have attended our school for a short while."
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"Parents have answered the question in this way:
We have loved the multiage classrooms where older students truly mentor the younger ones
We have loved the French Immersion experience from Casa to lower and then upper elementary
Our two boys attended CMS and are very successful and stand out at their current school for their ability to be independent and think outside the box.
CMS is a family, everyone cares about the wellbeing of the children first and foremost and the academics complement this."
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Maria Montessori developed a unique method of education to inspire a child's love for life-long learning. CMS provides a stable and nurturing environment to the support the child through this journey in education. Our program engages the child and ensures they have a strong educational foundation.
Dear Parents of Prospective Students,
Thank you for your interest in Clear Water Academy, A Catholic School - Forming Christian Leaders. Our school is centrally located in Calgary, Alberta and offers programs from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12. We are proud that our school is consistently ranked a top school in Alberta by the Fraser Institute.
Clear Water Academy is a school where students receive a balanced spiritual and educational foundation. We ensure that every child receives a personalized education aimed at forming their character, intellect, faith, and desire to serve others. Today, Clear Water Academy is home to nearly 450 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, and over 75 staff members (role models). Clear Water Academy teaches, educates, and forms students so that they will become the leaders necessary to change society.
Semper Altius - Always Higher is Clear Water Academy's motto. Whether it is helping a classmate with difficult math homework, taking on a leadership role in a school club, or participating in the dozens of athletic teams or service projects that take us into local neighborhoods and around the world, Semper Altius is a way of life.
I invite you to learn more about our very special school. Please contact our Admissions Director, Val Blahut, to book your personal tour. We'd love to meet your family and introduce to Clear Water Academy!
God Bless,
Darren Forrester
Principal
Liberal Arts
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.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
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Our schools’ aim is to prepare children to reach their full potential and to play a responsible role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony with natural processes and community interests. CMS endeavors to provide quality education in a safe, diverse, nurturing and creative environment that helps the development of the whole child. Our mission ensures that the child is academically motivated, artistically creative, physically active and emotionally supported.
Our goal is to provide the highest quality education with an emphasis on developing authentic Christian leaders. Our university preparatory curriculum sets high, yet attainable, academic expectations. Solid intellectual formation provides students with the ability to think, speak and write clearly, coherently, and persuasively. Our students develop habits essential for ongoing academic success including study skills, critical thinking, perseverance, and a desire to produce high quality work. Our approach provides an excellent education amongst like-minded peers, with a wide range of enrichment activities in a challenging, positive, faith-filled environment. Our dedicated team of educators gives our students the personal attention they need to develop their unique potential and God-given talents. Through leadership and personal development opportunities, we focus on character and spiritual formation, instilling confidence, poise, and maturity. Our graduates are young men and women of integrity and character who have attained a solid foundation in their faith, the humanities and the sciences.
Equal Balance
Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Montessori based use of materials to enable each of the learners to kinesthetically access the curriculum. Whilst the provincial curriculum is also followed students are able to surpass their grade level expectations with the multi age support available in the class.
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Balanced Literacy
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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Home reading program commence in Junior Kindergarten.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
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.
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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.
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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
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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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).
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Spanish taught from JK to Grade 3. French taught Grade 4 to Grade 9. High school students encouraged to take either French or Spanish. Spanish and French clubs are offered.
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
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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The fine arts are an integral part of our program from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. In addition to classroom time, our students can participate in our musical theatre productions at both the elementary and secondary levels.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Computers and technology are used in our classrooms to enhance the learning environment and allow our students to become competent in the use of technology. We have some options courses that are primarily focused on technology.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Physical education is an integral part of our program. We provide our students with exposure to many sports and outdoor education opportunities. Our goal is to foster healthy attitudes and provide our students with life skills. Athletics and outdoor education provide character formation opportunities. Our youngest students focus on developing gross and fine motor skills with the help of a certified PE instructor. In addition to regular PE classes, our elementary students receive skating and swimming lessons and have a chance to join the Jr. Crusaders. In junior high and high school we have field competitive teams in basketball, volleyball, track and field, badminton, and soccer. Our teams regularly qualify for provincial competitions. Our outdoor education program in junior high allows students to experience many activities from skiing, to cycling, to hiking and camping.
Play-based
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.
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.
We follow a Montessori Educational Philosophy based on the belief that a child learns best within a social environment that supports and nurtures each individual's unique developmental pattern. We follow the child's natural curiosity and desire to learn and provide an environment, materials and experiences to help each child reach their full potential. Children are free to challenge themselves at their own pace allowing them to build confidence and independence. All our classrooms are equipped with Montessori resources and our staff are Montessori trained. the casa program is also supplemented with additional specialist lessons of French, Art, Music and Physical education.
We have taken what we believe to be "best practices" from the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, embedded within those are traditional academic practices coupled with authentic Catholic values. We also offer specialized Spanish, Music, and Phys. Ed programs. Numeracy and literacy skills are introduced and reinforced through play. Our Jr. Kindergarten students are well prepared for entry into Kindergarten and the academic expectations of our Elementary program.
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.
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.
Our students work at their own pace and level allowing them to excel in many areas of the Ontario Curriculum. We use the Montessori's hands-on, inquiry based methodology for teaching, therefore our students tend to cover
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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.
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”.
We set high standards for academic performance and personal character development in a caring and supportive learning environment that focuses on the whole child. We recognize that strength lies in virtue as well as in academic performance. Loving, talented teachers give each student the tools needed to learn to the best of their ability. Our program provides structure, academic foundation, study of the Catholic faith, and leadership opportunities. Students are naturally led to intellectual curiosity, the love of learning, and positive character formation. Our students grow in self-control, generosity and respect of others.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
We empower our students to become well rounded individuals who have the skills and confidence to excel in all areas life. We strive to provide a nurturing environment where children are intellectually motivated, artistically creative and academically challenged. We value confidence and leadership skills and endeavour to develop these skills from a young age by allowing students to collaborate and communicate their ideas as valuable members of their classroom community .
Our mission is to provide the highest quality education and foster integrally formed Christian leaders. We focus on four dimensions: intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic. We strive to: teach the mind, in an environment of academic excellence; educate the heart, helping each student to love authentic values and to develop a sense of what is good, right, noble, beautiful; form the character, which serves as the foundation of all virtue and integrity. Our graduates become strong Christian leaders, convinced of the truth, prepared and committed to establish and foster a society where Christian values are put into practice.
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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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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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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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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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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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
1 - 12
0%
20%
$0
$5,000
100%
75%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 6
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades K - 12
No
Yes: grades 2 - 12
No
No
We are looking for citizens of our world and the leaders of our tomorrow. We are looking for open minded children and parents to join our community where they will learn and discover how to ask the big questions, problem solve at their own peace and learn the importance of peace and harmony through the Montessori method of learning. We also offer a French Immersion programme.
We are looking for families that will partner with us in the education of their children and that are open to having their children educated within the Catholic faith. Our students are well-rounded with many interests and are open to discovering who God created them to be. Our students are willing to face challenges and stretch themselves to become the best they can be.
Please review our school website here for the full details of the registration and deposits according to the age of your child.
https://cmschool.net/application-form/
All Applicants:
Canadian Citizens:
Non-Canadian Citizens:
