1167 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1L3, Canada
2379 Trafalgar Road, Unit 6, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 6K7, Canada
1167 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1L3, Canada
2379 Trafalgar Road, Unit 6, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 6K7, Canada
1968
1997
170
84
Nursery/Toddler to 8
Preschool to 3
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Montessori
10 to 20
8 to 18
Dedicated gifted school
$8,500 to $20,500
$13,195 to $14,195
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
13
12
0%
0%
100%
95%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
More than 50 years old, Dearcroft is one of the older Montessori schools in the country, founded in 1968 by Peter and Barbara Phippen. It also has very consistent history, now being directed by Gordon Phippen, son of the founders. All of that, while not essential to the delivery of a quality Montessori program, nevertheless underscores what parents and students value in the approach, namely a clear sense of community, family, cross-generational interaction, and a sense of tradition. The program hews very closely to Maria Montessori’s model, and also brings the community—both local and beyond—into the classroom. The student body is on the larger end for a dedicated Montessori school, and the benefits of size are apparent in the range of programs offered.
View full reportTrafalgar Ridge Montessori School is an established, proven, Montessori program that reflects the core of the method—respect, community, purposeful engagement, motivated learning—within a setting crafted to deliver it. The staff see themselves as a natural support of the families that turn to them, not merely teachers of students, adding further strength to the program. The extended hours and summer camp programs take the offering beyond the hours of the school day and through the holiday months, something that parents rightly appreciate—it adds a consistency, and a sense of the familiar, throughout the calendar year. The school has parent association, which says a lot, actually. It’s unique to schools of this size and focus, though signals a dedication to communication and transparency. The program and the school culture no doubt benefit from that level of parental involvement.
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"Established in 1968, Dearcroft is Oakville's original Montessori school offering programs from Toddler through to Junior High with three campuses in Oakville delivering exceptional Montessori Programs. Our North Campus offers an urbanized natural space, complemented by over 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms. Our Satellite campus offers enriched Montessori programs for Toddler and Casa. Dearcroft is a fully accredited charter member of CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators)."
"Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School has provided "Quality Education in a Nurturing Environment" since 1997. The fundamental principle governing our approach to learning is that the "whole child" (emotional, intellectual, social & physical) must be the focal point of the activities so each student can develop at their own pace. We embrace multiculturalism and the uniqueness of each member of our school community and offer Montessori programs from Preschool to Grade 3."
"At the core of our Montessori curriculum is a strong emphasis on peace education. This creates an environment of kindness and compassion where students are supported not only by our staff, but also by their peers as well. In short, a Montessori education creates wonderful opportunities for independence, creativity, and character development."
"Our forte is personalized care and early learning for each of our unique students. We treat children as an extension of our family and support the parents in helping them raise amazing and happy citizens of the world. Another measure of success is the overwhelming positive feedback we receive from our Alumni. Our goal is to prepare students for continued positive growth on their educational journey once they move on to different schools."
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"A wonderful degree of innovation and natural design have driven the evolution of our school community. An excellent curriculum that goes above and beyond the public system requirements, where our graduates are positioned to pass entrance exams and be successful along their future learning paths. Our students have access to specialized programming including drama club, music, French beginning in our Casa program, and, intra-school sports competitions."
"Affordable true Montessori quality education. One to eight Teacher to Student ratios for Preschool but also for Junior and Senior Kindergarten. Structured learning program and daily French instruction. Music and dance are integral parts of the curriculum. Off & on- site physical education program. Information technology and coding for Elementary students."
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"The exterior frontage of the school perceives it to be quite small but in reality we have spacious classroom and a bright interior environment. Our playground is nature based and spacious."
"For 25 years Dearcroft/West Wind has been Canada’s leader in elementary experiential education. Our award-winning Expedition Education Program established in 1996 has been an innovative and exciting extension of our curriculum. Through an integrated and highly ambitious travel-based experience, our West Wind Junior High students have had the opportunity to explore Canada from Coast to Coast."
"The owner has been actively involved at TRMS since the school was established in 1997. First as a parent, volunteer and teacher and later as administrator and for the past 21 years as owner and Director. She has a reputation for her commitment to each student and their family. "There is no greater privilege or responsibility than educating young minds. Each child in our care must be treated with the upmost integrity and in a loving and nurturing manner at all times." S. Lescure"
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Choosing a school, that is most appropriate to the individual needs of your child, is a major decision for parents. Many questions arise but the most important is whether the school’s educational and social philosophy meets the parent’s own expectations and standards.
Trafalgar Ridge’s philosophy is based on the principle that each child will achieve their personal best in all areas of their development! Education involves the progress of self-motivated, responsible and self-disciplined children. From a very young age we bring children, through purposeful activities, to independent learning and self-initiative, enabling them to achieve their highest potential. Self-esteem is achieved and skills vital to a fully functioning member of society are developed.
Our students work independently as well as cooperatively, learning to respect the needs of others as well as their own. A love of nature and a deep sense of responsibility for others and their environment are fostered. Also, the child should have fun and develop new friendships. Most importantly self esteem is nurtured so that each child is proud of their ability and is confident in what they can achieve.
A child’s school should be an extension of their family, providing a safe environment in which they can explore ideas and feelings. Parents who enrol their children at Trafalgar Ridge are required to attend and participate in all information meetings arranged by the school to foster open communication channels for the benefit of the children.
All this in an multicultural environment that embraces diversity and teaches children to celebrate their cultural heritage and that of others!
It is our aim to direct each child to achieve their personal best by allowing them to develop at their own pace.
Please contact us to arrange a tour of our school and to meet our passionate and dedicated teaching team.
We hope to see you soon!
Montessori
Information not available
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Not applicable
At Dearcroft Montessori, the comprehensive and methodical training of staff, excellent student to teacher ratios and long-term relationships allow us to focus on the individual child’s development in full alignment with Montessori best practices. All our classrooms feature: individualized, child-centred programs, enriched programming tailored to meet the needs of each student; multi-age environments; low student-teacher ratios; hands-on; experiential learning; individual and small group lessons and enriched music and French programming.
TRMS offers the full Montessori curriculum from Preschool to Grade 3 focusing on developing the whole child by introducing them to all areas of learning including language, STEM, social studies, art, music and physical education. French enrichment is included at all grade levels. We also focus on character education and social emotional wellness. We strive for happy students who love life and learning!
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Understanding mathematical concepts using concrete materials and eventually moving onto abstract calculations is the objective. The Montessori materials become tools that the children use to creatively explore a new concept. Teachers act as consultants to students to help master the new concept given in individualized or small group lessons.
We offer a two fold Math curriculum that encompasses Montessori and traditional Math. We offer coding for grades 1 to 3.
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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.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
By providing an environment rich in oral language, each child has the opportunity to increase his or her receptive and expressive language. Formal individualized language lessons are given daily. Informal language lessons are an integral part of our program throughout the day’s lessons and activities. Children learn pronunciation, inflection, grammar and vocabulary in this rich environment.
The Montessori curriculum is mostly focused on phonics however whole language concepts are also introduced during early reading and onwards. Reading comprehension and deciphering information occurs once the child starts to read beginning phonics readers. A comprehensive reading program is introduced during the Casa years.
Systematic approach
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.
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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Learning to write works in conjunction with early reading literacy. From Preschool onwards children learn to formulate letters, words and sentences. A strong focus on grammar and creative writing skills occurs in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3.
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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STEM is introduced from Preschool through exploration and inquiry. Elementary grade 1,2,3 students participate in a mandatory annual STEM FAIR.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Not applicable
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).
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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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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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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Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
The primary goal of the Dearcroft gym program is to encourage lifelong participation in physical activity and increase knowledge of each student\'s personal health to ensure a healthy future. These goals are achieved through active participation in a number of different sports and activities over the course of the school year.
Physical development is essential for the growing child. We offer movement breaks both structured and free style (recess) throughout the day. In addition an off site structures physical education program is offer for JK to Grade 3 which can include multi-sports, Zumba and skating, swimming depending on the grade level.
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.
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.
We are a traditional, best practices (orthodox) Montessori school.
We offer a lower Casa (preschool) and Upper Casa (JK SK) well-rounded Montessori program taught by Accredited and experienced Montessori teachers.
Standard-enriched
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
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.
Montessori Classrooms are multi-aged with three developmental years together. Toddler is 18 months to 3 year olds, Preschool is 3 to 6 year olds, Lower Elementary 6-9 year olds, Upper Elementary 9-12 year olds and Junior High for 12-14 year olds.
We allow the child to progress at their pace.
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.
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.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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."
Dearcroft will provide a high quality Montessori education to children aged 18 months to fourteen years on the Toddler, Preschool, Elementary and Junior High levels. Children of any sex, race, colour or religion will be educated by qualified Montessori teachers within a supportive matrix of care, encouragement and challenge.
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Fencing |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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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
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$0
$0
100%
95%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Families who are seeking a nurturing environment for their child to develop in all areas of learning at their pace. Students who complete the full Montessori program at both the Casa and Lower Elementary level achieve the best foundation in their early education.
Contact the school for program information, then to schedule a tour.
