AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Kempenfelt Bay School vs. Hatch House Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View Kempenfelt Bay School's full report
VS.
View Hatch House Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    2145 Innisfil Beach Road, Innisfil, Ontario, L9S 4B9, Canada

    301 Byron Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 4P9, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1999

    2005

    Enrolment

    155

    Varies

    Grades

    JK to 8

    Nursery/Toddler to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Arts

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Emotional
    The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    Montessori

    Curriculum pace

    Standard-enriched
    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
    Student-paced
    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    Academic culture

    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Avg. Class Size

    18 to 20

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    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.
    Montessori
    Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.

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

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $21,250 to $23,210

    $12,250 to $15,750

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    JK to 8

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    14

    0

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    Yes

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Academic excellence is the main focus at Kempenfelt Bay School, which offers Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Individually tailored programs delivered through team teaching and small class sizes help kids excel. On entering Kempenfelt Bay School, kids are placed in one of four houses. This gives them an immediate sense of belonging and camaraderie that they retain throughout their school years. Kempfelt offers plenty of extracurriculars to help spark kids’ interests, including robotics, jazz ensemble, yoga, drama, and dance clubs and activities. The school places a major emphasis on character development and participation in the local community through outreach and volunteer work. And, overall, it offers a safe and calm environment where kids thrive, meet their academic goals, and develop socially and emotionally with the help of caring and committed staff. 

     

    View full report

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    The most striking thing about Hatch House, at least initially, is that, yup, it’s a castle. It was built in 1874 by industrialist Nelson Gilbert Reynolds after he sold his previous home, Trafalgar Castle (which, in time, also became home to a prominent private school, Trafalgar Castle School). The name, Hatch House, comes from a later owner, Frederick Hatch who lived there from 1904 to 1969.

    The best use for the building, by far, is the one it has now: serving as home to Hatch House Montessori. The building adds a nice spark to the school identity, and the interior spaces are charming and include many updates to suit the needs of the academic program—the most recent being “The Hatch,” a discovery room. A strong academic program has been augmented by an impressive language program that covers French and Spanish instructions. Principal Zsuzsanna Vigh says that “education is a journey, not a race.” She’s right, of course, and that perspective informs all areas of student life.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    "We are a co-educational, non-profit, independent school for students in JK to Grade 8 located in beautiful Innisfil, Ontario. As Simcoe County’s only accredited independent school, we believe in providing a higher standard of education so that the children we teach today will be inspired and empowered to do great things in the future. We're a community which inspires independent, lifelong learners by building competence, confidence, and character."

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Hatch House Montessori School is voted Durham Region's Best Montessori School. We provide exceptional care and education from 18 months to Grade 8. We are proud to be the 1st and only private school offering unique Multi-lingual Programs, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Martial Arts within our enriched curriculum. Our goal is to inspire children's self-discovery, to empower them to become confident, contributing members of society, to deliver above expectations and to strive to reach beyond the imaginable."

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "The school's adherence to the Montessori method is highlighted as a significant value proposition. Parents recognize the effectiveness of this educational approach in promoting independence, creativity, and a love for learning among students. And they see what a true Montessori school should look like and feel like when they visit."

    Array

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

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Parents consistently praise the school for its incredibly dedicated teachers who not only provide education but also genuine care and support for the students. This dedication results in a warm and nurturing environment where children thrive emotionally and academically."

    Array

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

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Parents are often surprised that their children achieve early learning milestones at an accelerated pace within our Montessori environment. This includes skills such as reading, language acquisition, and cultural studies, setting children up for success in their educational journey."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      The HHMS Montessori Elementary curriculum is based on the Montessori philosophy of ‘Cosmic Education.’ Cosmic education is an ingenious method devised by Dr. Montessori to use as the primary means of education in the period 6-9 years; it is a bold, and exciting method of learning about the origin of our universe, life on Earth, the emergence of humans, and the history of math and writing, designed to awaken and spark the imaginations of the elementary students. These insightful lessons become the springboard of all learning explorations of culture, science, mathematics, language and social rules and morals from grades 1 - 8. Our focus on Performing and Visual Arts provides extraordinary opportunities for self-expression of the developing minds. HHMS offers a unique French-English Bilingual Elementary Program, which exploits the extraordinary capabilities and receptiveness of children to master the intricacies of the languages with ease in a fully bilingual environment. Spanish is also incorporated in the language curriculum. HHMS is Durham Region's 1st and only Montessori School offering multi-lingual programs.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Academic


      Our Take

      Our Take

      KEMPENFELT BAY 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.

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Unlike play-based Kindergarten programs, our program is academically focused to align with the school’s belief that excellent learning skills are not acquired later on in your child’s learning career but from their first day of learning.

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Our Junior Casa Programme is the natural extension of our Toddler Programme, capitalizing on the acquired skills and achievements of the children. It is delivered based on the harmonious amalgamation of the Montessori philosophy and ELECT. In our Casa classrooms the freedom of movement and the freedom of choice are nurtured. Using coordinated movements to accomplish tasks leads the child toward self-regulation. Children develop observation and problem-solving skills in our prepared environments. Natural limitations instill respect of self, others, and towards their environment. By manipulating, experimenting, and discovering, children begin to move from concrete to abstract.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      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.

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      The HHMS academic culture is driven by the students' inner desire and will to always challenge themselves to achieve more and to surpass their own expectations. Allowing students to develop at their own pace propels them towards exceptional academic performance while maintaining life-long curiosity.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available

      HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      "We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."

  • 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

    KEMPENFELT BAY 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

    HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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


    What the school says

    What the school says

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    JK - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    Yes

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    What the school says

    What the school says

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Step 1: Submit Your Application. Please complete our online application and submit the required supporting documents. Click here to access the online application form.

    Step 2: Visit Day - Interview and Assessment. During your Visit Day, an interview and assessment will be conducted by a member of the KBS Leadership Team. 

    Step 3: Communicating Admissions Decisions.The school will communicate admissions decisions within a week of a completed Visit Day.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

HATCH HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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