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AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Claren Academy vs. Prince Edward Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View Claren Academy's full report
VS.
View Prince Edward Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    201- 1085 Homer Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1J4, Canada

    2850 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M8X 1B2, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2017

    1995

    Enrolment

    80

    100

    Grades

    K to 7

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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.
    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

    Progressive

    Curriculum pace

    Standard-enriched
    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
    Accelerated
    The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

    Academic culture

    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
    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

    9 to 11

    10 to 16

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Accelerated curriculum

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Play-based
    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
    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

    $19,855

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    K to 8

    None

    Median FA package size

    $9,000

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    10

    25

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    75%

    100%

    Day entry years

    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades K - 6

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    information not available

    PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Claren Academy is one of those places that, in every way, was clearly created with the the learner foremost in mind. The teaching environment is bright, clean, and inviting, with lots of colour and natural light. It’s just a very comfortable place for young people to spend their days. Instruction is student-centred, building on the skills, interests, and needs that the students bring with them into the room. The intention is to deliver the attributes and knowledge they will need in the future as they move on to secondary and post-secondary education, and life. Administration references future-focused skills, though it says something about the school that creativity, empathy and kindness make that list. The school leadership is accessible, and assessment and progress reporting is consistent and detailed. So, yes, the school looks charming, and indeed it is, in all kinds of ways. Founded in 2017, Claren Academy has quickly become an important and valued educational offering within the city.

    View full report

    PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Prince Edward was founded in 1995, and has since grown to incorporate two campuses. The program at both extends from the early years through grade 1, providing a seamless transition into the elementary curriculum. Literacy and numeracy are at the forefront of the program, just as they should be, though the development of interpersonal skills and physical education are as well. All of those are draws for the parents to who enroll at Prince Edward. The summer camp offerings are a draw as well, providing some opportunities for a consistency of care throughout the year.

    View full report

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM

      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Progressive

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Information not available

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      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.

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Claren Academy prepares students for the world of the future, with strong academic foundations and creative use of technology. We strive to develop critical thinkers who are caring, confident, lifelong learners in a diverse community. We foster creativity, joy, and passion for learning through our personal connections with each student and their family. We provide opportunities, encouragement, inspiration, and mentoring for each child. We use the B.C. curriculum to provide strong fundamentals using developmentally appropriate practices and materials, while also exposing students to forward-looking areas of study such as programming, virtual reality, robotics, and much more. Our technology-enhanced personalized learning takes place in a school environment that emphasizes creativity, independence, entrepreneurial skills, and academics. There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment. All students are immersed in a creative learning process through exploration, critical thinking, and reflection. Together the students think, work, and create in a way that demonstrates their new understanding.

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Writing

        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Equal balance

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Not applicable

        Our take: writing approach type

        Our take: writing approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        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.

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Not applicable

        What the school says about their writing program

        What the school says about their writing program

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        For the core foundational subjects of literacy and math we used a levelled program that fits students into their just-right group, regardless of grade. That allows students to have more support as needed, and to advance with mastery.

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Science

        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Equal Balance

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Not applicable

        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        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.

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Not applicable

        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        No matter how much the world changes, creativity and inventiveness are skills that will always be in demand. The Oxford study The Future of Employment states, “Specialist occupations involving the development of novel ideas and artifacts, are the least susceptible to computerisation.” This includes occupations in the fields of science and engineering, but it also includes work in the fields of entertainment, helping, and the arts. We foster creativity in our students by reducing emphasis on rote memorization, and by teaching them to find answers for themselves, critically assessing the information available.

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Information not available

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Not applicable

      • Computers and Technolgy

        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Heavy integration

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Not applicable

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Not applicable

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Humans evolved to enjoy play because play helps us to learn about our environment and prepare for our adult lives. However, learning only feels like play when it is hands-on, self-directed, and self-motivated. Students are excited about learning when they can see how the subject at hand will be relevant to their lives. Most high school students are not excited about learning the quadratic formula because they don't see how it will ever be useful to them outside of school. At Claren Academy, we expose students to aspirational fields in a hands-on way to show that their studies will indeed help them to excel in the areas they most enjoy. Our students are introduced to: Computer programming Digital art & music Robotics & electronics Entrepreneurship Science experiments 3D printing Broadcasting & streaming Digital film making & animation Virtual reality Molecular gastronomy (cooking!) Game design and much more!

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Information not available

        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM

      Approach

      Approach

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Play-based

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Montessori

      Our Take

      Our Take

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      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.

      PRINCE EDWARD 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.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      We have developed a method of teaching to personalize learning for each child. Teachers prepare materials, centre play activities and projects with our students' interests and needs in mind. Our programs are inspired by the approaches used in Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Play-based programs. Humans evolved to enjoy play because play helps us to learn about our environment and prepare for our adult lives. However, learning feels like play most often when it is hands-on, self-directed, and self-motivated. Students are excited about learning when they can see how the subject at hand will be relevant to their lives.

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Montessori is a philosophy with the fundamental tenet, that a child learns best within a social environment which supports each individual's unique development.Children create themselves through purposeful activity.

    • CURRICULUM PACE

      Pace

      Pace

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Standard-enriched

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Accelerated

      Our Take

      Our Take

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      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.

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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).

      What the school says

      What the school says

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Our students have opportunities each day to learn across grades in a large group setting as well as smaller groups based on ability and/or on curriculum.

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE

      Culture

      Culture

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Supportive

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Supportive

      Our Take

      Our Take

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      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.

      PRINCE EDWARD 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.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Information not available

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      "We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES

      Primary

      Primary

      CLAREN ACADEMY

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

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

      Secondary

      Secondary

      CLAREN ACADEMY

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

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      We foster creativity in our students by reducing emphasis on rote memorization, and by teaching them to find answers for themselves. Similarly, we encourage diversity over conformity, and instead of a "one size fits all" program, our students are at liberty to explore their own areas of interest, permitted that a strong grasp of core subjects has been demonstrated.

      PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Nobody will be rejected; nobody exempt!The whole of mankind will be enrolled in the children's life .

  • 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

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    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

    PRINCE EDWARD 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

    What the school says

    What the school says

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    K - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $9,000

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    75%

    100%

    Day entry years

    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades K - 6

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Admission to grades K-8 at Claren Academy is based on: - The candidate's social, emotional, and developmental readiness - The family's interview - The candidate's actions during the play-based observation - The school's assessment of references and past academic records The following may also be considered: - Availability of space in the year to which the candidate is applying - Diversity and gender balance - Siblings of students already enrolled

    PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    What the school says

    What the school says

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Please visit our admissions page to learn about our requirements and process. 

    Claren Academy is accepting applications for kindergarten to grade 8, adding a grade each year up to grade 12. Children born from 2010 to 2018 are eligible to apply for 2023. 

    Application steps:

    1. Complete our simple Applicant Information Form, above.
    2. If your application is in order we will contact you within 2 business days to collect the necessary supporting documents, and the $200 application fee.
    3. Visit us for a family interview and play-based evaluation.

    Interviews and play evaluations take place on a rolling basis. Placement decisions will be announced within two weeks of your interview and observation. Successful applicants will then be asked for a deposit to secure enrolment.

    Please visit our admissions page to learn about our requirements and process. 

    PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

CLAREN ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

PRINCE EDWARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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