AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Claren Academy vs. Scholars’ Hall

one-to-one comparison:

View Claren Academy's full report
VS.
View Scholars’ Hall's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    888 Trillium Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, N2R 1K4, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2017

    1980

    Enrolment

    80

    350

    Grades

    K to 7

    JK to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    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.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Emotional
    The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    Traditional

    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

    15 to 16

    Special needs support

    Learning, Developmental

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated class; in-class adaptations

    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.
    Academic
    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $19,855

    $12,950

    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

    23

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    75%

    0%

    Day entry years

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

    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

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    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

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Fred Gore established Scholars’ Hall in 1980 for the best reason there is to begin a new school, namely to address a range of student need that wasn’t currently being met in the region. Known as the “Student Whisperer” Gore made it his life’s work to help students who were, for a range of reasons, unable to thrive in other academic institutions. He started the school with just one student—something that itself is telling of his desire to help families—and it grew steadily over time largely because of the success he had and the reputation that the school began to build. Now, more than four decades later, the focus is the same as it was then: to serve families, and to help students reach their potentials. While first paying specific attention to students with learning disabilities, the focus of the school broadened in time in the knowledge that every student benefits from personalised learning. Families are drawn to the smaller class sizes, the quality of the offering, and the close-knit, compassionate, student-centred learning experience.  

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    "The leadership at this school is exceptional and I have never in my life seen such a positive environment!
    Keri Martin Vrbanac - Parent   (Aug 17, 2021)
    Simple sheer perfection! My daughter has loved every minute of her time at Scholar's Hall! She loves... View full review

    "The staff at Scholars' Hall continue to impress me."
    Anna Ethier - Parent   (Nov 02, 2021)
    We left the school in grade 7 to try the school in our area to be able to make friends with the chil... View full review

    "The teachers at Scholars' Hall are probably my favorite part about the school."
    Vaan Vashishtha - Student   (Feb 27, 2023)
    My experience at Scholars' Hall has been exceptional, my teachers have truly shown me my full potent... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    "Claren Academy is a future-focused independent school located in downtown Vancouver. Claren Academy has a brand new campus and a vibrant middle years program for students in grades 7, 8, and 9. With individualized learning plans, dedicated educators, strong fundamentals, and real, hands-on learning, Claren Academy gives students the tools to be creative, competent, and happy in their changing world."

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    "Scholars’ Hall is more than just a university preparatory school. We are a Jk to grade 12 school that fosters a love of learning. Because of our unique university system, our graduates go on to their first choice post-secondary school where their abilities place them in the top percentage of students in their first year. Family values and traditional teaching practices are the core of Scholars' Hall. With over 40 years of educational excellence, Scholars' Hall is the most desired private school in KW."

    • Full in-person program
    • Vocational teachers
    • Homework assigned and checked daily
    • Classes capped at 15
    • Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm
    • Clubs and activities
    • Traditional teaching practices
    • Traditional Math Program
    • Structured spelling and grammar
    • Study habits and work ethic

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    "Scholars' Hall is a family, first and foremost. When we intake a student, we are welcoming them into our family; they become an extension of us. With the parents, our goal is to raise, guide, nurture, and educate the child. The parent's role is to instill values and morals. Our role is to educate. Together our focus is to raise successful adults. It is this nurturing focus that makes Scholars' Hall truly unique."

    Array

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

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    "First, our reputation for educational excellence is second to none. We are a firmly established school for over 40 years and Scholars' Hall is well-known in the KW area. Second, we offer significant sibling tuitions. It is our belief that a family should not have to pick which child receives the best education possible. Lastly, we are a JK to grade 12 year and many of our families have children in multiple grades."

    Array

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

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    "Families often comment on how polite and respectful our students are. We expect our students to use manners in their interactions with their fellow students, teachers, administrators, and parents. We teach and coach our students how to be aware of others to develop the concept of politeness and respect."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    "Families have expressed relief when we take them on a tour. Parents feel that our focus on traditional learning is refreshing. They are happy to see the students using textbooks, writing in cursive, having structured spelling tests, and being expected to write traditional math tests. Many parents are surprised that they recognize our classroom expectations since it is very similar to what they experienced."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    information not available

    Welcome to Scholars' Hall Private School! It is an absolute pleasure and joy to introduce to you my amazing school, staff, and students. Scholars' Hall is much more than a school, it is a family. Once you become part of our school, we are completely and totally dedicated to your academic, social, and character development. Family is at the core of everything we do at Scholars' Hall and our curriculum and social environment echoes that. Our curriculum is focused on traditional teaching practices - reading, writing, and arithmetic. Our classrooms are welcoming and warm. Our staff is knowledgeable and passionate. Indeed, I believe we are the best school in all of Southern Ontario. Our main goal continues to be to provide the richest environment possible so that the child will have all post-secondary options open to them. You give us great kids, and we turn them into incredible students and very successful adults. 

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Progressive

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Information not available

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      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.

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

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


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      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.

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      Our traditional approach to teaching yields tremendous results. With a structured, teacher-directed Language and Math curriculum, students have a strong foundation to develop critical thinking, mathematical, and technical skills.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Equal Balance

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Traditional Math


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math 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.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Our Guided Math Program begins in JK and continues through to grade 12. Its basis is simple; to directly teach the basic math foundations, to reinforce memorization of basic math facts, to use and memorize the foundational algorithms needed in more sophisticated math, and then introduce problem-based discovery learning.


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Journey's in Math for grades 1 to 6, MathPower for grades 7 to 8, and other Trillium Textbooks for grades 9 to 12.


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Students from JK to grade 8 are not permitted calculators. Students in grade 9 to 12 must have a scientific calculator.

      • Early Reading


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Balanced Literacy

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Phonics-intensive


        Our take: early reading approach type

        Our take: early reading approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        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.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        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.


        What the school says about their early reading program

        What the school says about their early reading 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.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Using the specified components of a strong reading program, Scholars' Hall has created a 5 Pillar Literacy Program. Each pillar focuses on one of the essential components of literacy instruction: Phonological and Phoneme Awareness, Phonics and Word Study, Fluency, Vocabulary, Comprehension Skills and Strategies, and Writing.


        DIBELS testing

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        No

      • Writing


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Equal balance

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Systematic approach


        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.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        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.


        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.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        The writing pillar focuses on direct and structured instruction of grammar, spelling rules, handwriting, punctuation, and mechanics.

      • Science


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Equal Balance

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Expository


        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.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.


        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.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        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

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        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

      • Literature


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Traditional


        Our take: literature approach type

        Our take: literature approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        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.


        What the school says about their literature program

        What the school says about their literature program

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Information not available


        Domains covered by the literature program

        Topics covered in literature curriculum

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

      • Social Studies


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable


        Our take: social studies approach type

        Our take: social studies approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.


        What the school says about their social studies program

        What the school says about their social studies program

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Information not available

      • Humanities and Social Sciences


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Perennialism


        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.


        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Information not available

      • Foreign Languages


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Equal Balance


        Our take: foreign language approach type

        Our take: foreign language approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.


        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Information not available


        Language instruction offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese


        Learning a foreign language is required until

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Information not available

      • Fine Arts


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable


        Our take: fine arts approach type

        Our take: fine arts approach type

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        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.


        What the school says about their fine arts program

        What the school says about their fine arts program

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Information not available


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

      • Computers and Technolgy


        Approach

        Approach

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Heavy integration

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Light integration


        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.

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        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.


        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!

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Students from JK to grade 4 will have little to no interaction with technology. The main instruments of study are the pencil and paper. From grade 5 to 8, students will take a computer's class where they are taught keyboarding, software development, and beginning coding. In high school, students must have a computer as part of their class supplies, but the classes are still taught traditionally and not through the technology.


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        CLAREN ACADEMY

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        SCHOLARS’ HALL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Play-based


      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.

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.


      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.

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      Our Academic Kindergarten program uses traditional teacher-directed techniques where students are learning letter and sound recognition as well as numeracy understanding. All children have a strong base going into Grade 1.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Standard-enriched

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      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.

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      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.

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      All students are tested prior to joining Scholars' Hall and placed in a class grouping that is appropriate to their skill level

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      CLAREN ACADEMY

      Supportive

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      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.

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      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

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      The driving focus of Scholars' Hall is building strong academic skills in every student


      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."

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

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

    • 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."

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      CLAREN ACADEMY

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

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      Emotional
      The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."


      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.

      SCHOLARS’ HALL

      Scholars' Hall aims to create successful adults; strong in mind, firm in their abilities, kind and compassionate to others, and is able to handle the practicalities of being an adult.

  • SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT

    FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIES

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:

    B - Environments

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

    Additional support

    Additional support

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    INFORMAL SUPPORT FOR MILD DIFFICULTIES

    Learning Strategy

    Extra Support

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD

    Accommodations

    Extra support


    Additional support

    Additional support

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy


    What the school says about their special needs support

    What the school says about their special needs support

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    By definition, a Scholars' Hall student would not require any accommodations or modifications to our program. That being said, accommodations that are made at the student level can be implemented quite easily into all classes. If a child requires further assistance, they would be referred to our St. Jude's program.


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

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

    CLAREN ACADEMY

    We are able to provide minor accommodations for our students experiencing subclinical difficulties. At this time, we do not have the resources to assist any clinically diagnosed learning disability.

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Scholars' Hall has a sister school, St. Jude's School, that specializes in working with bright yet learning disabled students. Any student that needs additional support would be directed to our St. Jude's programming.

  • 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

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    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

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    • Yearly school-wide production
    • Leadership program for all grades
    • Scott McNichol Art Program
  • 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%

    0%

    Day entry years

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

    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

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    Scholars' Hall seeks students who are dedicated to achievement - both inside and outside of the classroom. Our students are eager to learn and hopeful about their future. The ideal Scholars' Hall student may or may not be performing at their highest potential, but they all have a drive and desire to improve their skills to earn entrance to their first choice university program. Our students are kind and compassionate, hard-working and focused.

    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. 

    SCHOLARS’ HALL

    At time of registration, Scholars' Hall will assess each student using Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Achievement. These results help us best place each child in the right classroom environment surrounded by the same level of learners. Upon registration, all forms must be submitted including a signed registration, a student information form, and Method of Payment form. A child's seat is not finalized until we have all forms submitted and the deposit of $1750 per family. 

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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