AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Luther College High School vs. Calgary Waldorf School

one-to-one comparison:

View Luther College High School's full report
VS.
View Calgary Waldorf School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    1500 Royal Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4T 5A5, Canada

    515 Cougar Ridge Dr. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5G9, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1913

    1985

    Enrolment

    410

    240

    Grades

    9 to 12

    JK to 9

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day, Boarding

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate

    Waldorf

    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.
    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

    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

    23

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Waldorf
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $9,960

    $6,170 to $12,130

    Boarding Tuition

    $15,980 to $42,910

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    10%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    9 to 12

    Preschool to 9

    Median FA package size

    $2,500

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    103

    20

    Percent in boarding

    20%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    0%

    Day entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Mar 01, 2021

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Mar 01, 2021

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Luther College High School was established in 1913 as a boys’ boarding school, and with just 32 students that inaugural year. Girls were first admitted in 1920, and over the years there have been other changes, too. Today the population is predominantly day students, though there is still a sizable boarding program. The High School campus completed a $18.3 million dollar expansion in 2014 which includes a new performance stage, three new classrooms (two of which are dedicated to fine arts), a gymnasium and student fitness training centre, a student commons, and upgrades to existing structures. The school also has fully renovated science laboratories and extensively upgraded on-campus dormitories. The motto “Quality Education in a Christian context” reflects an emphasis on the whole person—intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically—within a progressive Christian context. The values that provide a foundation for the program are rightly a draw. The ideal student is one who can thrive in an active, diverse school community, and who is intending to proceed to post-secondary studies after graduation.

     

    View full report

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    The program is established and proven, having been founded in 1985. Facilities are frankly excellent, having been purpose built for the CWS program in 2002, and created through consultation and cooperation with the entire school community. Spaces are ample, well appointed, and naturally lit. The aesthetic throughout is energizing. A wealth of outdoor space is a plus, to with more than four acres combining multi-use fields, play spaces, and sports fields. The proximity to the Canada Olympic Park isn’t perhaps meaningful in any substantive way, but is nice all the same. In the creation of the facility, to the day-to-day experience of the school, the school prides itself on the community that it both serves and represents, and well it should. There’s a village feel throughout, which only amplifies the academic work being done. Parents feel as much a part of the school as the students, which supports the work of the school in lots of overt and subtle ways. Staff are dedicated and experienced, and the daily routines—from drop off to aftercare—are friendly and sympathetic to the needs of parents and everything that can pop up in the course of a day.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    "Our children have been very happy at Luther"
    Terelyne Vadeboncoeur - Parent   (Feb 23, 2018)
    Our children have valued the sense of community, the friendships, and the range of opportunities ava... View full review

    "Luther is wonderful"
    Mayson Sonntag - Student   (Mar 12, 2018)
    The student experience at Luther is wonderful. The staff is very supportive, and the teacher to stud... View full review

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    information not available

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    "Luther College High School is an independent boarding and day school with over 110 years of history in the beautiful prairie city of Regina. Our students can graduate with an IB diploma and a high school diploma that exceeds the provincial criteria. Our small classes, academic focus, and school spirit creates graduates who've attended prestigious universities such as Harvard, Oxford, Yale, U of T and UBC."

    • Founded in 1913
    • All faiths welcome
    • International Baccalaureate
    • Over 97% of Luther graduates pursue post-secondary education
    • On-campus dormitory
    • Innovative film program
    • French, German, Latin, ESL classes
    • Extensive athletic, cultural and arts co-curricular programs
    • Bursaries and Scholarships

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Central to Waldorf education is a deep respect for childhood. Our enriched curriculum is designed to meet children where they are in their development. Movement and time in nature is built into every student’s daily rhythm. The Waldorf learning experience is hands-on, with unwired and low-tech classrooms. The arts — music, story, drawing, painting, and drama — are interwoven through all subjects. Students also learn two world languages, French and German."

    • Beginning in grade one children learn two world languages, French and German.
    • Handwork and Woodwork are part of the curriculum
    • Middle School students take part in a series of elective classes including wrestling, robotics, etc.
    • Independent School athletics program begins in grade seven with after school sports.

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    "Our mission is to prepare students to be compassionate, creative, critical thinkers, through academic excellence and a community of care that is rooted in our call to love and serve our neighbours."

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "This whole-child approach to education is rooted in the Waldorf concepts of "feeling, thinking, willing," and "heart, head, hands." These concepts are based on Dr. Rudolf Steiner's philosophies, and adapted for a changing world. We strive to honour, nurture, and protect the childhood of our students; to guide them into healthy adolescence; and to help them mature in ways that go beyond the simply material aspects of our nature and our world."

    Array

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

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    "Parents tell us they choose Luther College for academic preparedness, close community and safety."

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Our philosophy prioritizes the integration of arts, imagination, and movement into all academic disciplines. Our curriculum fosters intellectual flexibility and creative thinking, with an eye to ethics and morality. Knowledge is important, but understanding what to do with that knowledge is critical. We believe that becoming a successful human is a function of weaving together a rich tapestry of capacities and abilities."

    Array

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

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "The use of electronic media, particularly television, by young children is discouraged in Waldorf schools. So too is the over-emphasis of commercialism and busy extra-curricular schedules. The importance of a balanced and strong family life is emphasized, encouraged and supported at our school."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Waldorf class teachers build strong relationships with their students. Our methodology is rooted in rhythm and routine, and supported by having a Class Teacher. The teacher stays with their class for several consecutive years, acting as mentor, role model, and guardian. A Class Teacher is better able to assess each individual's development needs, and fosters shared experience and a strong bond between the teacher and the students and their families."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      Liberal Arts


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      International Baccalaureate

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      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.

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      The academic program emphasizes traditional core subjects while incorporating innovative approaches and modern programs. Luther College High School exceeds the curriculum established by the Government of Saskatchewan. In addition to the required courses, Luther students must take more math in Grade 9, a second English class in Grade 11 and a course in Christian Ethics for each year of enrollment. The Luther school year is made up of two semesters. Students are allowed to take a maximum of six courses per semester. At every grade level, there are certain compulsory courses students must pass. Students may also choose optional courses to fulfill the requirements for their Saskatchewan Grade 12 diploma. A dedicated teaching staff challenges students to excel and discover their gifts. Our well educated faculty only teaches in their major or minor disciplines, and most possess qualifications that far exceed standard requirements.

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      Information not available

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH 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.

      CALGARY WALDORF 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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      Information not available

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      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”.

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      Information not available

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • 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

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH 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

    CALGARY WALDORF 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

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    • The Luther Invitational Tournament (LIT) is the longest running high school tournament in Canada. It began in 1953 on the initiative of John Chomay, the senior boys basketball coach and athletic director. LIT is a student-run tournament, lasting three days in February. This annual tournament is one of Luther's most well-known athletic initiatives and cherished traditions. This prestigious tournament is highly regarded for promoting sportsmanship, respect, hospitality and high-level competition. In 2016, LIT was inducted into the Regina Sports Hall of Fame. Teams from across western Canada are invited to participate each year.
    • The Candlelight Services are a musical celebration of Advent composed of lessons and carols presented by the choristers and instrumentalists of Luther College High School. This tradition became an annual event in the life of the College after its relocation to Regina in 1926. The Candlelight Services are a cherished tradition in the life of Luther College and in the lives of many in the

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    • Our School is a member of the I.S.A.A. (Independent Schools’ Athletic Association), a league of independent schools in Calgary that coordinates the sporting season for its students.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    9 - 12

    Preschool - 9

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    10%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $2,500

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    0%

    Day entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Mar 01, 2021

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Mar 01, 2021

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    Yes

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Luther College High School provides an intellectual, challenging and supportive environment where students gain a solid foundation for further education, life-long learning, and service to the community and world. Through the development of the “whole person” – social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual - students are well-prepared to become leaders as caring, ethical, critically engaged citizens. Students will also be well prepared for post-secondary education. Luther College High School welcomes students from the local community, across the country, and around the world.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

    Please see the full admissions application form at www.luthercollege.edu

     

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Henry Taube (1932)
    In 1983, Dr. Henry Taube was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
    Rachel Mielke (1998)
    CEO and founder of Hillberg & Berk luxury jewelry
    Gavin Semple (1963)
    Owner, Brandt Group of Companies
    Derrick Emsley (2008)
    CEO of tentree clothing company
    Lloyd Barber (1949)
    Professor and the second President of the University of Regina
    Patrick Neufeld (2006)
    Professional football player in the CFL
    Merlis Belsher (1953)
    Businessman, lawyer, chartered accountant and philanthropist
    Chris Dixon (1986)
    Creative Director of Vanity Fair magazine
    Andrea Ludwig (1988)
    Opera singer
    Robert Steadward (1964)
    Founder of the paralympic sports movement
    View all
    information not available

Compare:

LUTHER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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