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AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Fern Hill School - Ottawa vs. Quo Vadis Elementary School

one-to-one comparison:

View Fern Hill School - Ottawa's full report
VS.
View Quo Vadis Elementary School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    4258 Bloor Street West, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9C 1Z7, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1981

    2020

    Enrolment

    170

    40

    Grades

    Preschool to 8

    JK to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, Polish

    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

    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.
    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”.

    Avg. Class Size

    10 to 20

    8 to 16

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    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

    $8,750 to $15,200

    $12,900

    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

    4

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY 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

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    When it opened in 2020, Quo Vadis at a stroke added a new dimension to the educational mosaic in Toronto, particularly around language instruction. It’s the first to offer an intensive bilingual Polish-English program at the elementary level. Bilingual, in their meaning, is as good as it gets, namely a Polish and an English teacher together, at all times, in every classroom. The language curriculum based on that used in schools in Poland. The cultural piece is here too, widening the students’ perspective on the Polish community in Toronto, Canada, and around the world. The school is itself an expression of that community, founded to meet the needs of parents who were looking for a student-oriented school, one that would start at the early grades and continue adding grades as they grow. Quo Vadis checks those boxes and then some. Academics are rigorous, and delivered through a Catholic lens.

    View full report

  • 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."

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "Quo Vadis Elementary School is a one-of-a-kind independent Catholic day school offering a fully bilingual Polish-English academic program for Kindergarten through Grade 8. We are currently accepting students to JK through Grade 5. Quo Vadis provides a well-balanced education at a high academic level combined with the teaching of Polish language and culture, and Catholic values in an environment that will help and encourage each student to develop to his or her full potential."

    • Academic excellence, by providing an education that exceeds curriculum standards
    • Promoting a strong understanding of the Polish language and an appreciation for Polish heritage
    • Nurturing character development by cultivating respect, responsibility, and self discipline
    • Fostering the spiritual development of students in keeping with the values of the Catholic faith
    • Hot lunch program available
    • Before & after school care available from 8:15 to 5:30
    • Polish language immersion summer camp for kids aged 4-10

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    Information not available

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA



    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.

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    information not available

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM

      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Traditional

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Traditional

      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Information not available

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      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.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      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

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Not applicable

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      At Fern Hill School we follow a traditional teaching approach. Our focus is on building skills needed for life-long learning, including independence, self-confidence and a strong academic foundation. The enhanced language, math and science curriculum is complemented by a strong arts and sports program. The aim of the Grade School program is to provide an extensive and enriched curriculum to help children reach their full potential while retaining their individuality.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM

      Approach

      Approach

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Play-based

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Academic

      Our Take

      Our Take

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      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.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      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

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      The emphasis of the program is on the development of the whole child.Through an integrated approach, experiences and opportunities are provided for each child to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. It is recognized that children learn in different ways and at different rates, therefore a variety of learning experiences are provided to meet the needs of each child.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE

      Pace

      Pace

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Standard-enriched

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Accelerated

      Our Take

      Our Take

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      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.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

      What the school says

      What the school says

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Students are grouped within the classroom for work and are challenged with individual learning opportunities.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE

      Culture

      Culture

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Supportive

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Rigorous

      Our Take

      Our Take

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      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.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      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”.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      The provision of a wide variety of enriched programming within a traditional setting allows the students to participate fully and share their ideas. Students are encouraged to strive for success and a high standard of work is expected from all students. The positive, nuturing environment instills a love of learning and students take pride in their accomplishments.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Information not available

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES

      Primary

      Primary

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

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

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

      Secondary

      Secondary

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      Not applicable
      Not applicable

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Not applicable
      Not applicable

      What the school says

      What the school says

      FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

      The emphasis of the program is not only on academics, but on the development of the whole child. Through an integrated approach, experiences and opportunities will be provided for each child to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. It is recognized that children learn in different ways, so a variety of learning approaches are provided to meet the needs of each child. Self-esteem and autonomy are key to development, and are fostered and reinforced in a caring and nuturing environment. Leadership opportunities are provided throughout the grade levels. Students develop into self-confident learners, with a strong sense of community.

      QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • 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

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY 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

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    • Quo Vadis will offer a selection of unique and fun extra curricular activities and clubs. All clubs and extra-curricular activities will take place at lunchtime and after school.

  • 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%

    0%

    Day entry years

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    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

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    What the school says

    What the school says

    FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA

    QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

FERN HILL SCHOOL - OTTAWA:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

QUO VADIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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