16520 - 24th Street Southwest, Calgary, Alberta, T2Y 4W2, Canada
1000 Brookfield East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 6J1, Canada
1980
1993
1007
160
JK to 9
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English, French
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Traditional
20 to 25
14 to 18
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
$3,210 to $7,595
$17,500
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
84
15
0%
0%
50%
90%
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades K - 9
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
information not available
“The parents that turn to Westboro are looking to grant their children something more than merely a passing acquaintance with French. Rather, they want their children to be functionally bilingual in the fullest sense of that term. … the academic and social environment at the school is purposefully crafted to be bilingual in the truest sense.”
“The academic program is challenging yet supportive, demanding without being onerous. The faculty are keen to innovate and adopt new best practices, though this isn’t a school that is quick to deny the value of the tried and true.”
“ … the location, the green space to the south grant a character to the property that is a welcome contrast to the denser, more bustling areas of the city to the north.”
“Head of School, Elyane Ruel, is forward looking, easy to talk to, and, in a world of lots of big, expansive ideas of what education can be, she’s also refreshingly level headed.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Académie Westboro Academy
The initial draw for families considering Glenmore is the values piece: a full curriculum taught through the Christian lens. Certainly, that’s something which distinguishes the school within the region, and often is the first point of contact. What families find in the school, however, is both that and whole lot more. Given the size of the school, Glenmore is also able to offer a very rich, diverse range of programming, something that understandably is also very attractive. There is a full program of intramurals, and the breadth of the music program—including options for individual lessons—is something that also distinguishes the school. A mission program at the grade 9 level offers an international experience earlier than in a majority of programs, and can provide a very nice punctuation to a student's experience at Glenmore. The ideal student is one who will thrive within a vibrant, challenging, community-centered learning environment.
View full reportWestboro was established in 1993 by a group of parents who wanted a quality bilingual elementary education for their children. It began with a single Grade 1 class comprised of just 7 students. Needless to say, the school has grown, though—as at the beginning—growth has been an expression of need within the community. Further, the sense of community within the school is rightly encouraged and prized. The focus remains centred on providing an authentic, effective bilingual program within a setting that addresses academic and social development. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging, active educational environment. As such, at Westboro those who enroll will join a student body of true peers, one in which social currency is gained through achievement in all levels of student life. For many, that experience alone can be transformational.
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"The compassionate, respectful, and inspiring atmosphere at AWA encourages children to push their boundaries while simultaneously respecting their needs."
Julia Albert - Parent (May 03, 2021)
We have nothing but incredible things to say about Westboro Academy. The richness of the curriculum,...
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"...the teachers do an excellent job of creating systems and structures that allow every learner to contribute in meaningful ways, and to demonstrate their unique strengths."
Michelle Schira Hagerman - Parent (May 27, 2021)
This has been our daughter's first year at Académie Westboro Academy, which means that her experien...
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"The school leadership and administration has been outstanding."
Danika G - Parent (May 27, 2021)
My child has attended Westboro Academy since junior kindergarten. He has developed close friendship...
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"Glenmore Christian Academy’s mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ and Serve Through Love. Through a Biblical worldview, students learn liberal arts, sciences, fine arts, languages and Phys Ed from specialist educators in our state-of-the-art facility. Extra-curricular options include performing arts, band, intramural and competitive sports. In Junior High, students partake in outdoor leadership programs including an international Mission Trip in Grade 9."
"Start your child(ren) on the path to bilingualism from the start. Our kindergarten program immerses students in French, with our all day French program, designed to help them learn and become confident in their French speaking abilities. As they advance, our Grade 1 to 8 program has an equal split between French and English language instruction. Our intentionally small class sizes foster a tight-knit community and a personalized learning approach, ensuring every student feels seen and supported."
"GCA is more than just a school: it is a community. It is our priority to work in partnership with parents to help our students discover their God-given talents. At GCA, Bible is more than just a subject. Our enriched academic program is infused with a Biblical perspective, even in the core subjects. Christ is in everything that we do. These two elements working together allow us to provide students the tools they need to continue to thrive academically and spiritually when they graduate."
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"Those that apply to Glenmore Christian Academy are looking for an educational program where their child will be taught how to become a life-long learner, be encouraged to grow in their faith as they learn about Jesus Christ and be given opportunities to put that faith into practice."
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"At GCA, we are truly blessed to have a wonderful facility for our students and staff. Our facilities team are all dedicated Christ followers and completely committed to what they do, and are an incredible example to the rest of our staff. The work that goes into keeping our school clean and safe is a huge endeavour, and our facilities team members are truly inspirational."
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"The culture at GCA is incredibly diverse. Our community is comprised of students whose families are from all over the world, and from more than one sect of Christianity. At GCA, we come together and celebrate our differences all under the banner of Christ."
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Stanford Hielema is passionate about education and nurturing an environment where all children have an outstanding learning experience. Previously, as Associate Superintendent for Palliser Regional Schools, he oversaw student learning, fiscal management, policy and administrative procedures, and community relations for the faith-based alternative schools. Before that, Stanford spent over 20 years building Trinity Christian School from 45 students to more than 400. With a strong focus on community, the school thrived in academics and athletics. He built capacity with teachers through instructional best practices to improve student learning. He acted as a Designated Signing Authority for the province during this time, and evaluated 60+ teachers for their Alberta Permanent Teaching Certificate.
Our mission at Westboro Academy is to provide a truly bilingual and exceptional education, in a community-focused and nurturing environment. What makes us special is our approach to educating and developing the whole child in a true partnership with their parents and guardians. At Westboro Academy, every teacher and staff member knows every student and every parent. When people enter our building, they instantly notice the warm and familial feel of our school. Everything we do is geared towards promoting and maintaining our founding core values of Excellence, Integrity and Respect. Our students love to come to school every day and it is evident in their smiling faces. What makes us unique is our focus on the purest form of bilingualism. Bilingualism is a skill that children in the National Capital Region should be allowed. Our approach towards this is to provide quality instruction half of every day in each of Canada’s official languages. Therefore, when students leave Westboro Academy, they are fully confident in both English and French. Our students have a reputation for having the highest level of bilingualism of any students in Ottawa when they graduate from our program.
In addition to these, we have small classes, with only one class per grade. With an average of 16 students per class, our students have more opportunities and are given more attention than students receive in a regular classroom. Our students love learning and are challenged academically. At Westboro Academy, it is “cool” to be smart.
Our teachers are incredibly dedicated and passionate and our positive school climate makes them want to stay. I am happy to say that our teaching staff has an average tenure of eleven years. This speaks volumes about the stability of our school program.
We simply have so much to show you. Therefore, I would like to encourage Ottawa families and families from the Outaouais region to come to see the school for yourselves and meet our staff and students. I am confident that you will instantly recognize the benefits of a Westboro Academy education for your children.
Traditional
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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.
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.
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In partnership with supportive, involved parents, the goal of our educational team is to develop well-educated, faith-filled youth in a creative, active and nurturing environment. With a focus on high academic standards and using an enriched, balanced academic curriculum, our two dedicated principals work alongside our team of specialist educators to ensure your children are receiving the highest quality education.
Westboro Academy offers a rigorous academic program built on a truly bilingual model for learning. Achieving personal excellence with a strong work ethic, and reaching your best in a supportive environment are keys to success. Students are expected to be critical thinkers and problem solvers who can collaborate with others and work towards a common goal. We build a strong community that fosters a culture of learning and celebrates differences. By using the Ontario English curriculum, and the French first language curriculum from Québec, we ensure a truly bilingual learning environment. Junior and Senior Kindergarten are full-day programs taught in French only. The program from grades 1-8 places equal emphasis on French and English. Our students are privileged to learn from dedicated and trained specialist teachers in Music, Art, Science, and Health and Physical Education. Our class sizes are small, and there is only one class per grade. With an average of 15 students per class, our students have more opportunities and are given more attention. Our students love learning and are challenged academically.
Equal Balance
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.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Basic facts are still emphasized.
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Phonics-intensive
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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.
Students are assessed twice a year in Elementary using a standardized reading assessment to measure growth.
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DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Fountas and Pinnell
Equal balance
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.
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.
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Inquiry
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.
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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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
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Equal Balance
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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
Expanding Communities
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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Equal Balance
Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
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.
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
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.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
In Elementary, Computers and Technology fit in the light integration category, but in Junior High, it is Heavy Integration.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
From K-Grade 5, students are engaged in physical activity on a daily basis. We have specialized phys ed teachers from Kindergarten to Grade 9.
Through the Physical Education program, Westboro Academy aims to foster and develop a life-long love of sport and healthy and active living. We have a strong inclusionary approach to athletics where all students participate equally, regardless of skill or experience. We do not have try-outs for teams. Students are encouraged to participate to their full capacity and to develop skills. Westboro Academy experiences great success in inter-school althletics and remains highly competitive within the league, within the context of a non-competitively focussed approach.
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.
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 program has a strong focus on literacy and numeracy with goals of having students able to read and write for grade one.
Our students are exposed to French, right from the beginning. We offer a full day Junior and Senior Kindergarten program although no prior experience with French is necessary. Children develop the base they need for a strong foundation in the bilingual program that starts in grade 1. At Westboro Academy, we encourage the intellectual, emotional and creative capacities of the children while instilling strong values, social skills and a sense of self. We make it a priority to provide an environment for our youngest students that is warm and nurturing, stimulating and engaging, and one where they can grow to meet their full potential.
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.
Students have a variety of options on how they can showcase their learning.
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”.
The rigorous academic program is built on a truly bilingual model for learning. Achieving personal excellence with a strong work ethic, and reaching your best in a supportive environment are keys to success. Indeed, we believe that it is within a supportive environment that academic rigour can thrive and grow. Academic growth and achievement are key priorities for our school, and our reputation for academic excellence is strongly embedded.
"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."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
We desire to be recognized as a Christian school that maintains high academic standards with graduates who become responsible citizens, worldview thinkers, and have a commitment to Christian service. We value “arts” and “athletics” each as a medium to build within our students a sense of self-worth, supporting each one to discover his/her God-given gifts.
Each student deserves to achieve their very best. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong study skills in preparation for high school and life-long learning.
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RecreationalRec. |
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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
50%
90%
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades K - 9
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades K - 9
No
No
No
No
No
The student should be curious and interested in learning, dedicated to achieving success in a range of areas including academics, athletics and arts. As we are a faith-based school, it is important that parents support the Biblical component infused into all of our curriculum.
Westboro Academy seeks to admit students who are eager to learn and who can handle a challenging bilingual academic environment. Students who embody the school pillars of excellence, integrity and respect are a strong fit for the school.
Our Facility Fee is a one-time, NON-REFUNDABLE fee that applies to all NEW Kindergarten to Grade 9 students.
- First child: $2000
- Subsequent children: $500
Apply to Westboro Academy online.
Application Checklist:
We do not have entrance exams/tests, but assessment visits.
16520 - 24th Street Southwest, Calgary, Alberta, T2Y 4W2, Canada
1000 Brookfield East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 6J1, Canada
