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AN OUR KIDS REPORT:London International Academy vs. Dearcroft Montessori School

• SCHOOL LOCATION

  Distance From

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  Address

  Address

  361 - 365 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3C2, Canada

  1167 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1L3, Canada

  Distance

  Distance

  5,776.6 km

  5,700.6 km

• SCHOOL OVERVIEW
  We have limited information on London International Academy as they are currently not registered with us.

  Request information

  Basics

  Basics

  Founded

  N/A

  1968

  Enrolment

  N/A

  170

  Grades

  N/A

  Nursery/Toddler to 8

  Gender

  N/A

  Coed

  Living arrangements

  N/A

  Day

  Language of instruction

  N/A

  English

  Faith Based

  N/A

  School focus

  N/A

  Academic

  Developmental Priorities

  N/A

  Balanced

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

  Academics

  Academics

  Curriculum

  N/A

  Montessori

  Curriculum pace

  N/A

  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

  N/A

  Rigorous

  A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

  Avg. Class Size

  N/A

  10 to 20

  Special needs support

  N/A

  Gifted learner support

  N/A

  Dedicated gifted school

  Preschool/K curriculum

  N/A

  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

  N/A

  $8,500 to $20,500

  Boarding Tuition

  N/A

  Financial aid (FA)

  N/A

  No

  Students on FA

  N/A

  0%

  Eligible grades for FA

  N/A

  None

  Median FA package size

  N/A

  $0

  Enrollment

  Enrollment

  Avg. enrollment per grade

  N/A

  13

  Percent in boarding

  N/A

  0%

  Admissions

  Admissions

  Admissions rate

  N/A

  100%

  Day entry years

  information not available

  information not available

  Boarding entry years

  information not available

  information not available

  Day admissions deadline

  N/A

  Rolling

  Boarding admissions deadline

  N/A

  Not available

  Interview required?

  N/A

  Yes: grades 1 - 8

  SSAT required

  N/A

  No

• School’s perspective
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  We have limited information on London International Academy as they are currently not registered with us.

  Request information

  Who are you, as a school?

  Who are you, as a school?

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "Established in 1968, Dearcroft is Oakville's original Montessori school offering programs from Toddler through to Junior High with three campuses in Oakville delivering exceptional Montessori Programs. Our North Campus offers an urbanized natural space, complemented by over 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms. Our Satellite campus offers enriched Montessori programs for Toddler and Casa. Dearcroft is a fully accredited charter member of CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators)."

  • Spacious, naturally lit classrooms
  • Low student/teacher ratios
  • Extensive athletics program / Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) * NYC
  • Outdoor/Experiential Education
  • Music Programming from Toddler to Grade 8
  • Enriched programming, tailored to meet the needs of each student
  • French from Preschool to Grade 8
  • Before and After Care
  • After School Clubs
  • Environmental and Peace Education

  What does school_name do differently or uniquely well?

  What do you do differently and uniquely well?

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "At the core of our Montessori curriculum is a strong emphasis on peace education. This creates an environment of kindness and compassion where students are supported not only by our staff, but also by their peers as well. In short, a Montessori education creates wonderful opportunities for independence, creativity, and character development. We offer an intimate learning experience within our supportive and close-knit community.  The comprehensive and methodical training of staff, excellent ratios and long-term relationships allow us to focus on all aspects of each child’s development."

  What tradeoffs has school_name made to serve families in this way?

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

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "A wonderful degree of innovation and natural design have driven the evolution of our school community.  An excellent curriculum that goes above and beyond the public system requirements, where our graduates are positioned to pass entrance exams and be successful along their future learning paths.  Our students have access to various programming including drama club, music, French beginning in our Casa program, and, intra-school sports competitions. Located on a stunningly natural, heavily wooded and truly beautiful historic estate short steps from Lake Ontario, Dearcroft’s campus is a remarkably inspiring and special place to grow and learn.
  At Dearcroft Montessori, our commitment to the Montessori philosophy means that we intentionally prioritize a focus on the whole child, including hands-on learning, individualized growth, social and emotional development along with a deep respect for each child’s natural development."

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

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

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "Founded in 1968, Dearcroft is Oakville’s original Montessori School and one of the first independent schools Canada-wide. Under the consistent direction of the Phippen family and a highly experienced and dedicated staff for over 55 years, Dearcroft is now led by owners Gordon and Lynda Phippen who have been members of the faculty for over three decades.  Coinciding with our 40th anniversary in 2008, our affiliate campus (West Wind Montessori School) joined us at Dearcroft (1167 Lakeshore Road East). For an overview of the West Wind Montessori programs. Our graduates are grown with families of their own, and they are now sending their own children to Dearcroft.  The vision of our school’s founders continues to flourish at Dearcroft, where countless young children have made the first steps of their exciting lifelong journey of learning for over half a century."

  What type of student is a good fit for school_name?

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

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "At Dearcroft Montessori, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and challenging environment that fosters a love of learning. When students and families share our values, the Montessori experience becomes truly transformative. We believe that the best educational experience comes from a strong alignment between our philosophy and the characteristics of our students and families."

  Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing school_name?

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

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "Dearcroft Montessori is dedicated to fostering independence, creativity, and a deep love of learning. However, we understand that every family has different priorities when it comes to their child’s education."

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

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

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "A wonderful degree of innovation and natural design have driven the evolution of our school community. An excellent curriculum that goes above and beyond the public system requirements, where our graduates are positioned to pass entrance exams and be successful along their future learning paths. Our students have access to specialized programming including drama club, music, French beginning in our Casa program, and, intra-school sports competitions."

  How would you characterize school_name's image amongst the public?

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

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "Celebrating over 55 years, Dearcroft continually proves to be a highly respected leader in education. Our experienced staff takes great pride in offering a warm and engaging environment for students. Dearcroft provides programs for Toddlers (starting at 18 months – 2.5 year olds), Casa (2.5 – 5 year olds), Junior Elementary (6 – 8year olds), Senior Elementary (9 – 11 year olds) and Junior High (12 and 13 year olds). We offer an intimate learning experience within our supportive and close-knit community. The comprehensive and methodical training of staff, excellent ratios and long-term relationships allow us to focus on all aspects of each child’s development."

  What aspect of school_name is underappreciated?

  What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "One of the most underappreciated aspects of Dearcroft Montessori is the depth and intentionality of our individualized learning approach. While Montessori education is often associated with independence and hands-on learning, the meticulous planning and expertise that go into guiding each student’s unique journey can sometimes go unnoticed. Our approach ensures that each child moves through their educational journey at their own pace, mastering concepts deeply before moving on. This organic progression fosters intrinsic motivation, resilience, and a genuine love of learning—qualities that stay with them for life.
  
  A key component of this journey is our emphasis on Expedition Education—learning that extends beyond the classroom walls. Whether through hands-on environmental studies, community-based projects, or immersive historical and cultural experiences, students develop a global perspective, leadership skills, and the confidence to navigate real-world challenges."

  What do families find surprising about school_name?

  What might families find surprising about your school?

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "For over 25 years Dearcroft/West Wind has been Canada’s leader in elementary experiential education. Our award-winning Expedition Education Program established in 1996 has been an innovative and exciting extension of our curriculum. Through an integrated and highly ambitious travel-based experience, our West Wind Junior High students have had the opportunity to explore Canada. An integral part of our East Coast Expedition is an exciting collaboration with Dalhousie University’s Ocean School, where students will engage in hands-on learning that brings ocean science to life. As part of this immersive experience, students will visit Dalhousie’s renowned marine research facilities and spend time with Dr. Chris Harvey-Clark—a marine biologist, veterinarian, and leading expert in ocean conservation. Through guided exploration and interactive sessions, students will deepen their understanding of ocean biology, climate impact on marine ecosystems, and coastal sustainability."

  What improvements or changes has school_name made recently?

  What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "Dearcroft Montessori has grown into three thriving campuses, each dedicated to providing high-quality, authentic Montessori education in Oakville."

  How will school_name change in the next 5 years?

  How will your school change in the next 5 years?

  LONDON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

  N/A

  DEARCROFT MONTESSORI SCHOOL

  "Over the next several years, we envision our school continuing to grow as a deeply connected, fully aligned Montessori community that supports children from their earliest years through adolescence. Guided by our core mission—to nurture independent, confident, and compassionate learners—we will focus on creating greater continuity, strengthening academic and social–emotional support systems, and enhancing the experience of families across all campuses. In September of 2026, our North Campus will operate from Toddler to Junior High."