AN OUR KIDS REPORT:La Villa Montessori School vs. Town Centre Private Schools

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View La Villa Montessori School's full report
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View Town Centre Private Schools's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    155 Clayton Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3R 7P3, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2012

    1986

    Enrolment

    90

    1000

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 6

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English, French

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Montessori

    Traditional, International Baccalaureate

    Curriculum pace

    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.
    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.

    Academic culture

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

    Avg. Class Size

    Varies

    15 to 24

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Preschool/K curriculum

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

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

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $8,100 to $15,608

    $7,400 to $17,250

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    8

    59

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - K

    Yes: grades 1 - 9

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

    View full report

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Town Centre offers the best of many worlds, beginning with a pre-school Montessori program. TCPS is also an IB Continuum World School offering the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and DP. The programs run from pre-school through Grade 12, and the student body is on the large end of the private school spectrum, certainly much larger than a majority of the schools nearby. All of that provides a lot of room for the school to develop the curricular and extra-curricular programs. For the families that look to TCPS, those are the things that really catch their eye: dedicated teaching, a broad range of programming, and a clear demonstration of academic strength and innovation. For families enrolling in the earlier years, the fact that the school offers before- and after-care is certainly also a plus; for those of older children, equally welcome is the offering of various after-school programs, including after school courses, tutorials, clubs, and competitive sports. Throughout, TCPS provides a truly unique program—there’s no other school quite like it—one based in an attention to learner-based instruction and collaborative learning, and a vibrant student environment.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    information not available

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    "Founded in 1986, Town Centre Private Schools (TCPS) is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Continuum World School providing a foundation for academic excellence with a well-rounded program. TCPS offers a Pre-School Montessori program starting at 18 months. TCPS is enrolled in the CWELCC program. At the age of 4, students start a combined Montessori/IB program. The Pre-School provides half day or full day programs with 2 to 3 teachers per class. The Elementary program offers an IB (PYP and MYP) curriculum with 2 teachers per class providing enrichment in the core subjects. French, Music, Computer studies and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers. The High School offers an IB/University Prep and optional IB Diploma Programme in addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 100% of students who apply to university are accepted. School life is enhanced with extracurricular competitive sports, intramurals, clubs, community outreach, trips and visitors. TCPS offers before school 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and after school programs 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. which are included with tuition. Weekly Pre-School and Elementary Camps are available each summer as well as High School Ministry Credit Courses. Our programs fully prepare the students for the challenges ahead as they advance to the next grade at Town Centre or begin their studies in university."

    • Montessori Pre-School - Enrolled in the CWELCC Program
    • International Baccalaureate® Continuum World School (PYP, MYP and DP)
    • Included with Tuition Before School (7:00 - 9:00 am) and After School programs (3:30 - 6:30 pm)
    • Low Student to Teacher Ratio
    • Study Hall, Tutorials, After School Courses, Clubs and Competitive Sports
    • Summer Camps and Ministry Credit Courses

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

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

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

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

    Welcome to Town Centre Private Schools®. Founded in 1986, TCPS® is a unique school offering a Montessori Pre-School program and an Elementary and High School International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School. Students who take the IB Programme excel in university studies and beyond.

    It is so gratifying to find an ideology that can take our Montessori foundations and build upon them in both the Elementary and High School Divisions. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) prepare students for the demands of the High School IB Diploma Programme. In grades 11 and 12, TCPS students have the option of completing the regular Ontario Ministry curriculum, taking IB Certificate Courses, or doing the full IB Diploma Programme (DP). In today’s world with rapidly changing parameters, critical thinking along with self-challenging habits are a necessity and TCPS students will be able to rise to the challenges with ease.

    It is with great pride that each year we celebrate the graduating class, many of whom we have had the privilege of watching grow up as part of our TCPS family. With our Remote Learning program in the spring of 2020, our students are fully prepared for the start of school this September, both with Town Centre and those moving on to university. This year the graduating class of 2020 earned over $28,000 in university scholarships. We wish these graduates all the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

    With detailed safety protocols established, we ran a successful Pre-School Summer Camp and Elementary Summer Camp during July and August. High School students were also able to earn additional credits with online courses this past summer.

    Over the summer a comprehensive re-opening plan for the regular school year was put in place allowing students to return to Town Centre this fall and continue with their studies in a safe and controlled environment. Visit TCMPS.com for more information.

    Classed resumed on Tuesday, September 8th with students from Pre-School to High School attending class 5 days a week. For TCPS families who prefer to study from home, we are also offering a Remote Learning program for students in Preparatory (age 4) to grade 12.

    We have come a long way from our modest beginnings in 1986. One of the keys to our success has been the dedication of our teaching staff and administration. I would like to acknowledge their hard work and enthusiasm over the years. We have grown over the last 3 decades to become a reputable and respected educational institution and I look forward to our future together.

  • 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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    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

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    • DECA Club
    • MUN Club
    • STRIVE Club
    • Planting Club
    • HOSA Club
    • Film Festival Club
    • Drop-In Sports
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - K

    Yes: grades 1 - 9

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes

    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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Please refer to the links below for admissions details for each division level.

    Pre-School Division - 18 months to age 6

    Elementary Division - grades 1 to 8

    High School Division - grades 9 - 12

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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