2193 Orchard Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7L 7J8, Canada
497 Scott Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 3X3, Canada
323.8 km
300.2 km
1984
1986
240
180
Preschool to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Waldorf
Montessori, International Baccalaureate
16 to 24
15 to 18
Learning
Dedicated gifted school
$17,600
Yes
No
0%
0%
K to 12
None
$0
$0
15
14
0%
0%
90%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Any school is more than the buildings or the setting, though perhaps especially with Waldorf programs, setting is an important piece. Halton’s program is established and proven, having been founded in 1984, and the facilities are notable as well, providing, in many ways, the ideal environment for the Waldorf approach. The buildings aren’t small, though they really confer a nice sense of place, some that is beautifully extended by the school’s proximity to green space. Waldorf intends to set students apart a bit from the bustle of daily live, and all the distractions that might be found there, and refocus students’ attention, and awaken a perception and appreciation of children’s talents and their place in the world. You’d be hard pressed to find a learning environment that better expresses and supports those goals. It’s idyllic, and matches the strength of the academic program and the experience of the staff.
View full reportWheatley was founded in 1986 by Eda Varalli, who remains as the principal of the school today. Her inspiration was, truly, the best there ever is—to create a school that just did things better than they were being done. She took the Montessori method as a starting point, particularly in its focus on the individual, the belief that instruction is best when it takes the curiosity and the spirit of the learner. The school has grown over the years, including notably in 2001 with the move into the school’s current facility. The community that the school describes includes parents and extended family, and annual events underscore that, such as a grandparent’s day every April; during Family Literacy Week, parents and grandparents are invited to come into the school to read with students. In all, there’s a nice little spark throughout the life of the school, evident in things like the parent open house titled, beautifully, “Come See What I Can Do Day,” or the standing invitation for parents to have coffee with the principal. Sometimes there is a lot of power in the details, as well as in consistent leadership, and Wheatley serves as a lovely example of that.
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"Halton Waldorf School, nestled in northeast Burlington, is an independent school offering a holistic education from pre-K to Grade 12. We offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. The arts are integrated in all academic disciplines to enhance and enrich learning. Our curriculum respects the pace of child development and inspires life-long learning. Halton Waldorf School has been educating the head, heart and hands since 1984."
"Wheatley has been preparing children for the future since 1986. Small classes, a supportive environment and individualized teaching methods allow every child to realize his or her full potential, while promoting academic excellence. Montessori program from two years of age to Grade 4 and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for Grades 5 to 8. Wheatley provides exciting extracurricular activities and enriched academic studies (Grade 9 Math credit offered)."
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"Our curriculum is designed to develop the whole child and to prepare students to be exemplary citizens of our world. Our motto, “Preparing young minds for the future” captures the essence of the school. We provide our students with an education that reflects the needs of the 21st century – developing interdisciplinary skills, offering the tools and resources to explore their potential, and creating a solid foundation around core subjects that are critical to reasoning and comprehension."
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"It is through a balance of curriculum, activity and community that Wheatley develops the whole child. We emphasize the capacity for critical thinking and an understanding of what learning is and how it is applied to real world situations. Our arts programming nurtures the creative spirit and builds confidence through participation in such school activities as art shows, the school band and theatre projects. Our physical education component underscores the importance of teamwork and ongoing skill"
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"Our small classes and low student to teacher ratio allows us to get to know every child and guide him or her on the journey of life. Every child has a voice – at Wheatley, we listen."
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"Wheatley is a diverse community – we welcome international students from around the world and can arrange a safe, secure environment for your child to be billeted in the Niagara region. In addition, International students pay the same tuition rate as our Canadian students."
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"In 1986, Wheatley began with one Casa class of twelve children and twenty-four elementary students in Grades 1 to 4. Growing steadily, it incorporated in 1988 and became a non-profit organization.
In 1991, with the support of a dedicated Board, the School moved to a larger facility. Between 1996 and 1999, three additional classrooms were added to accommodate increased enrollment.
In 2001, Wheatley moved to a beautiful large building on Scott Street. Future plans include developing the grounds"
My involvement with Waldorf education began almost 30 years ago when my daughter started Waldorf Kindergarten in Europe. Our family joined the Halton Waldorf School after arriving in Canada in 2004, and I joined the faculty as an assistant teacher in 2007. I immersed myself in Waldorf Education and became a certified Lead teacher in 2014. I was in the classroom for 15 years and was always interested and involved with the school's leadership. In 2022, I became the Pedagogical Director of the Halton Waldorf School. In each role, I have seen firsthand how the curriculum supports healthy and well-rounded childhood development that helps students flourish and find fulfillment in life.
Our faculty recognizes that true knowledge is best attained through experiences that engage children physically, intellectually, and emotionally. With a passionate commitment and a multi-disciplinary approach, we identify each child’s learning profile and support building their full potential.
As members of a global community of Waldorf schools, we educate children within the context of their evolving awareness of the world. We foster intellectual flexibility, moral discernment, integrity, and a love of learning that profoundly shapes their individual capacities.
Welcome to Wheatley, a vibrant and dynamic independent school dedicated to educating children from toddler age to grade eight. Wheatley embraces a philosophy that values the importance of instilling confidence, self-esteem, responsibility and a lifelong love of learning. We believe in working hard, caring for one another and, above all, making sure that learning is fun.
Our curriculum is designed to develop the whole child and to prepare students to be exemplary citizens of our world. Our motto, “Preparing young minds for the future” captures the essence of the school. We provide our students with an education that reflects the needs of the 21st century – developing interdisciplinary skills, offering the tools and resources to explore their potential, and creating a solid foundation around core subjects that are critical to reasoning and comprehension.
Wheatley promotes two proven educational methods: Montessori for children age 2 to grade 4 and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for Grades 5 to 8. These programs have distinguished themselves around the globe and they share in the belief that peace in our community and our world can be achieved through the education of children.
It is through a balance of curriculum, activity and community that Wheatley develops the whole child. We emphasize the capacity for critical thinking and an understanding of what learning is and how it is applied to real world situations. Our arts programming nurtures the creative spirit and builds confidence through participation in such school activities as art shows, the school band and theatre projects. Our physical education component underscores the importance of teamwork and ongoing skills improvement, and applying them in the gym, on the field and in life.
Wheatley is a diverse community – we welcome international students from around the world and can arrange a safe, secure environment for your child to be billeted in the Niagara region. In addition, International students pay the same tuition rate as our Canadian students.
Our small classes and low student to teacher ratio allows us to get to know every child and guide him or her on the journey of life. Every child has a voice – at Wheatley, we listen.
It is my privilege to be a part of a school that is leading the way in educating the young minds of 21st century. I’d be delighted to provide a personal tour of our school and discuss how Wheatley can make a positive difference in your child’s education.
Please feel free to contact my office at 905.641.3012 or [email protected] to arrange a tour.
Yours sincerely,
Eda Varalli, MS. ED. Head of School
Montessori
International Baccalaureate
Waldorf schools are available from preschool to Grade 12, though they are most popular at the younger ages. Waldorf schools are unmistakably "progressive". Rudolf Steiner, their intellectual forefather, believed the educator's first task should be to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning. Sometimes incorrectly conflated with Montessori schools, Waldorf schools focus on developing the "whole child" - emphasizing collaborative, hands-on learning, along with the arts and music, which are integrated into other areas of study.
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.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
How will your child benefit from a Waldorf education? Our students are not rushed through childhood by academic expectations that exceed their developmental stages. Instead, our teachers cultivate a life-long love of learning with an academic curriculum that is developmentally-appropriate and includes engaging, hands-on activities. Our children learn by doing, figuring out problems and finding opportunities while building respectful relationships in an environment that highly values individuality. What does this look like in a classroom? Our students are engaged both physically and cognitively with projects that strengthen the logical and creative sides of the brain. They do not sit still for long stretches of time or use screen technology that limits creativity and learning capacity by doing the work for them. Our students also spend a lot of time outdoors for projects, recess breaks, and on field trips. Our property includes over five acres of forest and provides unique opportunities to engage children in hands-on learning.
Our Montessori and International Baccalaureate Middle Years curriculum is dedicated to providing a child-centered education whose focus is to develop the whole child. We are committed to developing internationally-minded individuals dedicated to shaping a more peaceful world and become aware of their responsibilities as world citizens. Students are engaged, challenged and supported as they strive for excellence and reach their academic potential. Character development (integrity, respect, responsibility, caring, citizenship) is emphasized.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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As a core main lesson subject, the key concepts of mathematics are taught by the class teachers. To broaden children's knowledge, the main lesson concepts are repeated in different ways by subject teachers during their lessons in art, woodworking, handwork, French and German. In the early grades, students experience an inherent understanding of numbers, both qualitative and quantitative. The four mathematical operations are worked on with rigorous practice and through imaginative stories, drawing pictures, movement and song. This knowledge is deepened in the higher grades with increasing complexity, timetabled skills classes and regular assessment supporting ongoing skill development and preparedness for grade nine mathematics in public school.
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Our classrooms do not use screen technology because we believe it compromises a child's potential to learn for themselves and develop problem-solving skills.
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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.
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Our curriculum is based on a fundamental belief that childhood should not be rushed and therefore we do expect children to read before they are developmentally ready. Our early childhood programs emphasize learning through play and provide a nurturing environment rich with stories, plays, songs and poetry to foster a love of language and the power of stories. Hearing advanced and complex language from teachers helps young children have an understanding of phonetics, rhythm, plot, setting, and story structure. These are all key to story comprehension so that children deeply understand language and love to read rather than memorizing patterns of letters. Grade one students work on clear speech with daily recitations of poems, tongue twisters and songs. Every day includes written and oral reviews of the previous day’s lessons. Some children will learn to read in grade one but for others this may happen in grades two or three.
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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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The Waldorf curriculum places a strong emphasis on hand-writing skills particularly on cursive writing which begins in grade three. Students fill their lesson books with handwriting and illustrations regarding their new knowledge about the focus subjects such as ancient cultures, botany, physiology or physics. This requires a deep understanding of each topic in order to summarize and illustrate what was learned. In grade one students are introduced to letters, and learn the vowels and consonants, often through story images. They also learn phonics and the writing of short sentences. In grade two, students compose abbreviated stories from folktales, begin learning grammar and punctuation, short and long vowel sounds, vowel and consonant blends, and word families.
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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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Waldorf emphasizes sense-based science. Awareness of the world depends on our capacity to sense and pay attention to the phenomena surrounding us. It also depends on the student being able to organize the world into an understandable experience. In grades one to five students develop an awareness of their environment and their relationship to it through the study of zoology, botany, gardening and farming. This is facilitated through hands-on activities and experiences and these important sensory experiences develop capacities for later observations and the development of scientific concepts. In later grades, the development of concepts calls for flexibility as well as rigour of thought at a time when students are trying to consciously make sense of their world. Building the foundation for these capacities is the goal of the sciences taught in grades six, seven and eight including physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy and meterology.
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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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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Literature programs are rooted in the humanities and through experiential learning in multiple subject lessons. Our comprehensive approach discusses fundamental concepts, universal and cultural themes to encourage intellectual flexibility, creative thinking, independent judgement, and moral discernment. The cultural context of stories is further explored with practical work, field trips and theatrical productions. The chosen literature for each grade reflects the childrens' developmental stages and offers lessons to be learned that are directly related to their own evolving awareness of the world and their place within it.
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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
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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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Our social studies are a balance of the Core Knowledge and the Expanding Communities approaches. In geography, we foster an understanding of the students' own surroundings and an awareness of different cultures and human conditions throughout the world. We give the picture of earth and civilization as being inseparable and sharing a need for sustainability. The school's diversity offers an opportunity for abundant first-hand knowledge of many cultures. The teaching of history lives strongly in story-telling, bringing vivid images and using biographies to illustrate specific eras and the role played by individuals in the context of geography, technological, economical and cultural developments. Students also experience historical eras through music, art, poetry and field trips.
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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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As students move into and adjust to early adolescence in grades seven and eight, teachers nurture their growing capacity for independent critical thought and encourage them to creatively express themselves. They are given biographies of striving individuals who made an impression on the world and took responsibility for their actions. The elements of reasoning and self-reflection are steadily emerging at this age and the curriculum supports this development. The history curriculum covers the Middle Ages, Renaissance, the Age of Discovery, and from the 17th century to modern times focusing on the profound social consequences of the revolutions of several eras. Studying world geography brings together physical, cultural, spiritual, and political conditions to create a vivid picture of the earth as a totality. Our membership in the global community of Waldorf schools supports this perspective.
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These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Students experience a different view of the world and humanity through learning other languages. Differences are expressed in tenses, tonal elements, sounds of vowels and consonants, rhythm, vocabulary and sentence structure. Learning another language contributes to a more complete experience of civilization and the world. It complements individual development by practicing perseverance and strengthening the capacity of observation, flexibility in thinking, and interest in other cultures. German is studied from grades one to five. French begins in grade one and because public school students take French in grade nine, there is a stronger emphasis on French in grades seven and eight. Foreign language teachers work with class teachers to address pedagogical questions and to coordinate with the main lesson work.
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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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These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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The aim of the visual arts program is to support the students’ physical and emotional development and to enrich their academic work through painting, drawing and modelling. Grades 1 to 5 have art lessons once a week reflecting the subject of the main lesson. Artistic work permeates all facets of the main lesson and many subject lessons. As students progress through grades 6 to 8 all artistic work becomes more refined and detailed reflecting the development of the students and the curriculum. By the end of their grade 8 year students have the opportunity to work with a variety of artistic material and gain a comfort level in the artistic realm.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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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.
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For the age of our students, the transfer of knowledge and the development of capacities for learning are closely connected to the teacher, not technology. Working with an oral tradition, personal relationships and human interaction are enhanced and the subject becomes alive for the student through the interest, engagement and knowledge of the teacher. This approach allows for the emotional, intellectual and physical engagement of the student and the strengthening of their perseverance and will. For their ages, a computer is considered impersonal compared to the connection they feel to the material when it is experienced in music, poetry, science experiments, story-telling and creating their own main lesson books by hand. Students in the upper grades are given the opportunity to use the internet and other resources for research projects. Other media are occasionally used to provide a visual impression or illustration related to a main lesson.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physical movement is closely tied to neurological development and forms a fundamental component of a Waldorf curriculum. In the early grades, stepping, rhythm, clapping and recitation are part of the daily routine during main and subject lessons. Movement classes include activities and games to strengthen individual balance, spatial awareness, gross motor muscles and fine motor movements. In the upper grades, students take part in skiing and snowboarding at a local ski hill and use a rented gym where team sports are taught. Grade 5 participates in the Greek Olympics in New York State and grade 8 students have swimming and springboard diving lessons. In grade 7 and 8 an annual basketball tournament is held in Toronto with neighbouring Waldorf Schools. Starting as early as preschool, our students spend abundant time outside in our natural playground which includes 5 acres of forest with trails.
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Montessori
Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.
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.
Children and parents make an immediate connection to the nurturing environment of our early childhood classrooms. Teachers and assistants enhance the deep sense of wonder, joy and imagination of young children with enriching stories and activities. We support cognitive engagement through play, the true ‘work’ of the child, to create a love of learning, problem-solving skills and creativity. Social skills are developed through group activities, often outdoors in our natural playground and forest trails. Our preschool is licensed by the provincial government and catered lunches are provided to full day kindergarten and preschool students.
We use the Montessori Method as our curriculum for the Toddlers to age 5. The teacher's role is to guide the child to fulfill their true potential. These first years of school are the most important ones in a child's development. This is the time he/she builds the adult they are going to be.
Student-paced
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.
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.
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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.
We do not see school culture as needing to be exclusively either rigorous or supportive. Our culture is rigorous but also balanced with respect and support for the three stages of childhood development. This means our academic expectations revolve around the specific needs of each stage and do not require students to be rushed through childhood. Our children are engaged with activities of interest that are relevant to their current development needs. At each stage, our teachers aim to provide balance for the child's gifts and challenges, cultivating an enthusiasm for learning and an age-appropriate interest in the world.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
The Waldorf curriculum and teaching methods are designed to nurture intellectual flexibility, creative thinking, independent judgement, moral discernment, refined written and oral communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Children will have the same teacher over several years, sometimes from grade one to grade eight, to allow a deeper support and understanding of each student's needs. It is the goal of a Waldorf teacher to cultivate a sense of wonder and to inspire children to embrace life with enthusiasm, initiative, and purpose.
We value the social and emotional development of each child as much as the intellectual. A happy child is always eager to learn and fulfil their true potential.
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. |
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Accommodations
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Information not available
Young children come to us with an open heart and an eagerness to learn. The Montessori method is an individualized program. Through the use of the Montessori materials and individualized teaching, we are able to very early in their learning identify children's needs. Children are flagged and followed. Modifications are made to the program when necessary. Also, recommendations and referrals are made to outside specialists if a need is identifies.
Based on classroom observation, discussions with class teachers and initial assessment activities, our educational support teacher works one-on-one with students several times a week for areas of need or challenge. We also offer therapeutic classes, at extra cost, in art and eurythmy. Through a combination of physical movement and spoken verses, eurythmy focuses on individual needs to support emotional or physical imbalances. Art therapy can address physical, developmental or emotional challenges and may include water colour painting, drawing or sculpting. When a student needs both therapeutic eurythmy and art therapy the therapists communicate on a regular basis.
Information not available
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
K - 12
0%
0%
$0
$0
90%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Refer to our website for application forms.
When accepting a child in our program, we use the following guidelines:
Toddler Program (18 months-3yrs)
Casa Program (3yrs-6)
Lower Elementary Program (Year 1-4)
Upper Elementary Program (Grades 5-8)