1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4P3, Canada
3 Sunforest Drive, Brampton, Ontario, L6Z 2Z2, Canada
1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4P3, Canada
3 Sunforest Drive, Brampton, Ontario, L6Z 2Z2, Canada
1979
1969
1700
490
9 to 12
Preschool to 8
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
12 to 22
Varies
In-class adaptations
$15,860 to $16,380
$3,000
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
425
41
100%
0%
86%
95%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
No
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
While some schools pride themselves on being small, Columbia finds its strength in being large—with a student population in excess of 1800, it is easily the largest boarding school in Canada. What Columbia might lack in intimacy it gains in the ability to provide a wealth of supports and programs that smaller schools simply can't. The school maintains extensive liaison offices, a dedicated guidance staff, and even its own medical clinic. The faculty, through size and experience, is remarkably adept at providing a quality, well-rounded education with an eye to success in postsecondary education. The school provides ESL to students who need it, and liaises directly with universities in Canada and beyond in order to facilitate the transition to postsecondary education. In all, the school excels at doing what it was created to do: to support the university-bound international learner who is living away from home within a culture, and at times a language, that is unfamiliar.
Read The Our Kids Review of Columbia International College
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While some schools pride themselves on being small, Columbia finds its strength in being large—with a student population in excess of 1800, it is easily the largest boarding school in Canada. What Columbia might lack in intimacy it gains in the ability to provide a wealth of supports and programs that smaller schools simply can't. The school maintains extensive liaison offices, a dedicated guidance staff, and even its own medical clinic. The faculty, through size and experience, is remarkably adept at providing a quality, well-rounded education with an eye to success in postsecondary education. The school provides ESL to students who need it, and liaises directly with universities in Canada and beyond in order to facilitate the transition to postsecondary education. In all, the school excels at doing what it was created to do: to support the university-bound international learner who is living away from home within a culture, and at times a language, that is unfamiliar.
View full reportRMS was founded in 1969, placing it within the first cohort of Montessori schools in the country. As with those of its vintage, RMS has a long reputation for providing a quality program, one that has a high fidelity with the core aspects of the method. The school has grown to comprise four campuses, allowing for a nice range of resources while also maintaining a close-knit community environment at each location. RMS has also grown into its own identity, one based in adopting new methods and approaches, as appropriate and when sympathetic to the school’s mandate to educate with an eye to achievement and leadership. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a close-knit, challenging, active, and social learning environment.
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"...RMS gave me the tools and resources to reach my full potential."
Zayne Thawer - Alumnus (Jun 14, 2018)
I was a student at Rowntree Montessori Schools for almost 10 years, and in that time the biggest fee...
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"The school leadership and administration do an excellent job to ensure the needs of the students and parents alike are met"
Melicia Roberts - Parent (May 24, 2019)
Rowntree Montessori School (RMS) has become my child's second home. The academic and intellectual de...
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"...teachers are able to assess the child's development and work towards coaching them in areas where there is a need."
Salima Gilani - Parent (Dec 04, 2019)
My daughter has been in RMS since prep-one. Our experience with the school has been beyond excellent...
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"Columbia International College is Canada’s largest private boarding school, offering Grades 9 to 12 programs. Our Total Care Education System® ensures that every student’s academic, social, emotional and physical needs are tended to. We are #1 in offers of admission from the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and McMaster University. We are also #1 in scholarships awarded by universities. We offer the only official University of Toronto partnership program - the Elite Pathway Partnership Program."
"Founded in 1969, RMS has been "Nurturing Tomorrow's Achievers" for over 50 years. Rowntree offers a balanced and enriched curriculum, combining more traditional skills such as public speaking and handwriting with more modern approaches within a Montessori-inspired environment. Rowntree’s innovative use of technology and its genuine commitment to 21st Century teaching and learning are focused on creating a dynamic, engaging, and inclusive environment from which future leaders will emerge."
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"At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we pride ourselves on our caring and stimulating approach to learning where we create a family oriented environment. Our smaller class sizes make it possible for teachers to develop close working relationships with our students and their families. We create a motivating and friendly atmosphere while addressing the individual learning needs and styles of each student."
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"Rowntree Montessori Schools produces life-long learners and truly prepares our students for future academic and social success. Our diverse community, and academically progressive programs such as STEAM and Pre-KM French, alongside our inclusive teachers, and staff members result in our students consistently achieving above provincial standards."
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"RMS is partnered with International Schools Partnerships; this allows our students to be globally connected with over 56 schools around the world! RMS student body partakes in global events allowing them to collaborate with students around the world; ISP Scientist, ISP Chess Competition, ISP Virtual Buddy Exchange, ISP Math Contest, ISP Model United Nations, and ISP Film Festival."
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"Over the years parents are amazed at how well-rounded the RMS programme is. RMS indirectly sets the students up for success with their further experiences, both academically and socially. This takes place not just during regular scheduled classes, but also within the co-curricular programmes that are provided to the student body. Every grade is unique and the programmes provided reflects the transitions from primary years to middle years."
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Welcome!
As Principal of Columbia International College, my belief is that in order for your children to be successful as international students, they need to be cared for as if they were at home with you. All my teachers and staff share the same belief.
The need for students to learn in an environment where they are well supported is the chief concern that thousands upon thousands of parents have shared with us over the years. From its beginning in 1979, CIC was built to address this concern. We wanted to make sure that every international student could study in a fully supported environment of caring: academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
We created an approach that would do just that – look after the whole child around the clock. We call it the Total Care Education System®. It’s a study environment where the academic program, the staff and the facilities are fully integrated as one – all geared towards helping students achieve success and give parents peace of mind.
After almost 40 years, we are proud of how well our Total Care approach works. Our students are most successful in getting admitted to some of the world’s best universities and receiving admission scholarships. Our consistent, proven track record has gained the confidence among parents from over 100 countries.
But most important to me, it’s how the students have achieved success: in a supportive environment, one where they can study in health, safety and happiness and where their parents can be fully confident that they are being cared for.
Columbia International College can make the difference in how your child can go higher with their future: positively building their character and helping them to be responsible, global citizens. Through our brochure and website, you can learn more about how Total Care Education System provides peace of mind for parents and fosters success for students.
If you have any questions about our approach, please reach out to me personally at [email protected].
Welcome to Rowntree, the largest and longest-running Montessori School in Brampton.
Our Montessori-based Kindergarten Montessori (JK-aged students) and Prep-ONE (SK-aged students) combine with our Elementary programme to provide an integrated and seamless Junior Kindergarten to Grade Eight experience. Rowntree takes a holistic approach to learning and education, with the primary goal of helping children to develop their maximum potential, not only cognitively, but also physically, emotionally, and socially.
The goal of Rowntree’s Elementary curriculum is to meet and exceed the expectations set by the Ontario Ministry of Education, and the school is very proud of its recent initiatives in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Throughout the grades, Rowntree provides a more traditional classroom structure and the pursuit of academic excellence with the nurturing aspects of the Montessori approach. Small class sizes ensure that each child is provided with the attention that he or she needs in order to be successful.
Our commitment to “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers” goes beyond our classroom walls. Co-curricular activities in the arts and athletics ensure a well-rounded school experience, and charitable fundraising connects our students with those in need within our community and around the world. Our LEGO® robotics club’s recent participation in the Provincial championships demonstrated how a strong academic foundation can lead to exceptional results in the co-curricular realm.
We appreciate that school choice can be a difficult one for today’s parent, and we encourage you to start planning for your child’s future now. We are accepting applications for our three Preparatory campuses for children entering Montessori Kindergarten (Junior Kindergarten age) to Grade Three and for Rowntree Academy (JK to Grade Eight). Our Academy campus is truly a first-rate private school environment, with the professional staff and facilities needed to provide an exceptional Elementary school experience.
Every day is an Open House at Rowntree, and we invite you to drop in for a tour any school day between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For those of you who may not be available on weekdays, we also offer several evening and weekend Open Houses throughout the year. For any questions about the school’s admission process, please feel free to contact Admissions at 905-790-3838 or [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you at Rowntree soon!
Jonathan Harris
Progressive
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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.
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.
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CIC offers a wide variety of courses to enable students to meet the admission requirements for their desired university programs. https://www.cic-totalcare.com/total-care-education/total-care-learning/courses/ CIC has a Traditional approach to Curriculum. 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.
Better described as "well-rounded". A progressive academic focus with an emphasis on character, values, and extra-curricular.
Traditional Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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.
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Our Mathematics teaching team focuses on developing skills in solving word problems, enhancing performance on test such as GAUSS, CNML (Canadian National Mathematics League), CTBS (Canadian Test of Basic Skills) and Mathematica.
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Phonics-intensive
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
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Our program approach would be best described as phonics-intensive up to and including Grade 3. From Grade 3 onward, our approach is one more of balanced Literacy.
Systematic approach
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.
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Letter formation and associated sounds taught through direct instruction, then application ans practice
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.
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
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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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Themes explored include life in earlier times, family traditions, communities and mapping - enhanced by frequent outings and field trips.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Presentation and exploration of information, supported by topical presentations, speeches, debates, and field trips.
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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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.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Regularly scheduled classes for music and visual arts, supported by frequent and high profile performances in class, festivals and concerts.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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.
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Classrooms are equipped with state-of-art interactive white boards and Chromebooks (i.e. laptops) are available for all classrooms via mobile carts.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Our approach to teaching physical education provides a specific blend of Activities/Sports, Healthy Living and Movement Competence for each age level.
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.
Our Kindergarten Montessori programme takes a balanced approach to learning by creating an engaging and highly academic experience. Students learn in a safe and nurturing environment where they participate in a variety of hands-on activities that promote critical thinking. Taking a Montessori-inspired approach to learning, children bui;d a strong foundation in Mathematics, Reading, Writing, and Problem Solving. The programme is filled with opportunities to learn new skills, discover the world around them and experience positive social interactions.
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.
With RMS's smaller class sizes and direct teacher involvement, students have the opportunity to grow and develop at their own rate of progress.
Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “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”.
Our academic culture encourages and nurtures all of our students to achieve at their highest potential, with enrichment or remediation as required.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"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.
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."
Our aim is to shape students to be resilient, compassionate, inclusive and provide them with skillsets to make conscious decisions .
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
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
0%
0%
$0
$0
86%
95%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
No
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Students who are pursuing OSSD and post-secondary education.
Students who derive the most benefit from the programs at Rowntree are those who are prepared to fully engage in school life. Positive attitude, varied interests, respect for themselves and others, and academic capability are amongst the most important attributes for students and their families to bring to RMS. While the school has a strong focus on “STEM” (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) oriented classes and activities, Rowntree is also well known for its vibrant arts and athletics programs, and community involvement.
Students are asked to submit their transcripts from their previous school with their application form.
Rowntree Montessori School challenges its students towards Academic Excellence while developing the whole-child. We welcome all student applications regardless of academic level, learning styles or previous private school attendance.
We do not administer entrance exams, however, through the Admissions process, each student will be assessed through one or more of the following in order for the school to make an informed Admissions decision: observation, interview, more formal assessment and report cards, where appropriate.
Click here to Submit an Application to Rowntree Montessori Schools for your child. When submitting a new application, click on Create Account and fill in the information for the incoming student (candidate) and the parent who is completing the application. Once the Admissions Office has received the full application you will be notified about next steps. Additional required school forms and a financial contract will be assigned to the parent through the online enrollment system, when appropriate.
When submitting your completed application, you will need to provide copies of the following: Proof of Citizenship, Health Card, Immunization records, and report cards from the last two years for students who have previously attended an elementary program elsewhere. We also require your signatures on a financial agreement with the school as well as all the required payments.
Tuition fees for the 2019-2020 school year range from $7,500 to $13,900 depending on programme selection. We offer sibling discounts and a number of payment plans.
Tuition fees for the 2018-2019 school year range from $7,100 to $13,200 depending on programme selection. We offer sibling discounts and a number of payment plans.
Bussing and Extended care are available at additional cost.
Although we host a number of Open Houses throughout the year, please feel free to drop by ANYTIME for a tour at any of our Brampton campuses. We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the school community of which we are so proud.
For more information, visit www.RowntreeMontessori.com/admissions
