AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Fern Hill School - Ottawa vs. La Villa Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View Fern Hill School - Ottawa's full report
VS.
View La Villa Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1X1, Canada

    1943 Ironoak Way Unit 106, Oakville, Ontario, L6H0N1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1981

    2012

    Enrolment

    170

    90

    Grades

    Preschool to 8

    Nursery/Toddler to 6

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    Montessori

    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.
    Student-paced
    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.

    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

    10 to 20

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Play-based
    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
    Montessori
    Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.

    If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $8,750 to $15,200

    $8,100 to $15,608

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    14

    8

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - K

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Families typically cite academics as an important driver when considering a school, and certainly they should be. That said, in the best school settings, a strong academic program is simply the baseline for what the program offers, and Fern Hill is a great example of that. Yes, numeracy and literacy are the core components, though confidence and self-esteem are too. Students are encouraged to grow in all literacies, including those of the arts and music and social interaction. The French language program has been augmented in recent years, driven principally by the needs of students and desire of parents. Administration has worked to create an environment of discovery across all curricular areas, and they’ve succeeded in that. Yes, academics are strong, though, rightly, that’s just the beginning of what Fern Hill is able to offer. It's perhaps the things over and above that which truly give strength to the overall program and distinguish the school.  

    View full report

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    La Villa rightly prides itself in offering a very authentic presentation of the Montessori method, and for many families that is a primary draw. As such, students are engaged in an active, hands-on, cooperative environment, where the core curriculum is delivered in consort with a growing understanding of their place in the community of the school and beyond. Close attention is given to the acquisition of skills as well as interpersonal, physical, and emotional development.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "My child appreciates the independence"
    hina marsonia - Parent   (Feb 13, 2018)
    My child appreciates the independence she has in choosing her activities and material that she works... View full review

    Teachers instill confidence and motivation
    Christine Johnson - Parent   (Feb 16, 2018)
    My child's experience has been better than I ever could have imagined. Even if we have had a bad mo... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    "Established in 1981, Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers an enriched curriculum for preschool, kindergarten and elementary grades 1-8, including Core & Advanced French and a variety of extracurricular activities. Fern Hill provides quality education in a warm, caring and nurturing environment, with a diverse international community. Guided by dedicated teachers, students enjoy a supportive community that instills a strong sense of self, responsibility and a lifelong love of learning. Located 10 minutes from downtown."

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "La Villa Montessori School is a charming community school dedicated to fulfill the intrinsic needs of each child by following Dr. Montessori’s principles and guidelines of the Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.). Our mission is to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that satisfies a child’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. By addressing these needs, the children become active and productive members of society while fostering a life-long love of learning."

    • Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) recognized
    • Young Children's Community (15 months-30 months)
    • Primary (30 months-6 years)
    • Elementary (6-12 years)

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

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    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

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    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

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    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership



    Welcome to another exciting year at Fern Hill School. I look forward to working with our staff to provide a learning community that is safe and secure; one that builds the young child’s self-esteem and develops confidence. I have the pleasure, on a daily basis, of working with our teachers to provide activities and opportunities that will enhance your child’s learning experience.

    I couldn’t imagine a more rewarding job! Our staff work together to create an environment at Fern Hill where students can thrive and learn. Emphasis is placed on the complete development of the child during the preschool, kidergarten and elementary years. Fern Hill's preschool program is designed to provide a wide variety of opportunities for learning through play. We continue to place importance on literacy and numeracy in the preschool years in a warm and caring setting. Fern Hill's elementary school programs are integrated to provide continuous and connected experiences in Languages, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science.  Specialty subjects such as Art, Music, Technology, French and Physical Education are incorporated into the curriculum.  The kindergarten and grade school programs provide an extensive program to help children reach their full potential and to develop confidence, while still retaining his/her individuality.  The emphasis of the program is not only on academics, but on the development of the whole child.  Students develop important character attributes such as respect, responsibility and positive communication which are fostered and reinforced throughout the year in a caring and nurturing environment.

    Increased French education has long been an interest of our families and we are pleased to offer additional French opportunities for the kindergarten levels, as well as the Extended French program beginning in Grade One.  The Extended French program is woven into the school day and provides students with the opportunity for French Language Arts enrichment.

    I welcome the input from parents and thank you all for your support – in the past and throughout the upcoming year. It is our privilege to be a part of your child’s education and we value the relationships between students, teachers, and parents – please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.

    Our commitment is to spark a life-long love of learning by inspiring all our children to become actively involved in discovery, and I look forward to another successful year with Fern Hill students, parents and staff.

             La Villa Montessori School came to fruition after years of imagining what the ideal environment would be like for my own children. I had come to truly understand the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child" in order to provide the most positive and healthy environment for the children to thrive in every way. In Latin, the word Villa (Villam) refers to a farm or village and so it became La Villa Montessori School and the very essence of our community. After our first year of operating in 2015, I saw that having a strong cohesive community between the parents and staff at La Villa being a pillar of support and guidance for the children in our care.  We continue to provide the highest level of care and compassion for the children while fostering a trust and support with our parents. 

    As one of a handful of internationally recognized Montessori schools in Canada following AMI’s standards of quality and authenticity, we are very proud to have this distinction to support and grow the Montessori movement around the world. 

    I invite you to visit us and see what La Villa Montessori School is all about. Thank you.

  • 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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation


    What the school says

    What the school says

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - K

    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

    What the school says

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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