1635 Place du Lycée Pl., Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 0E5, Canada
7410 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 1M5, Canada
1962
1982
980
640
Preschool to 12
7 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English, French
English, French
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Traditional
20 to 24
18 to 22
$12,376 to $14,527
$21,596 to $28,186
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
61
107
0%
0%
75%
0%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 7 - 11
No
No
information not available
information not available
In really any way you care to look at it, there is a lot going on at the Lycée Claudel. It was founded as the Cours Claudel in 1962 in order to provide a school for the children of Francophone diplomats wishing to have their children educated in French, and following the French national curriculum. When the first students graduated the program in 1974, the school became known as Lycée Claudel. The school continued to grow, and move, ultimately moving in 1988 into the buildings vacated by the University of Ottawa’s secondary school.
Lycée Claudel is an international school in two important ways, both of which are somewhat unique to the school. First, its student population includes students from nearly 50 different countries, which is surprising, at least initially, given that it’s a day school and doesn’t have a boarding program. Of course, the reason is because the school is in Ottawa, and therefore enrolls many children of diplomats. Second, the school continues to offer the French curriculum, as it has from day one. It’s also a member of AEFE, an accrediting body to assure that schools comply with the French curriculum, something of particular interest to French nationals living abroad who intend to return to France. There are only four schools that are fully accredited by the AEFE in Canada, and Lycée Claudel is one of just two that are located outside Quebec, and the only one in Ontario.
Many families choose the school because they are French nationals, while others choose it because the instructional language is French, rather than the model used in French immersion classrooms. Others choose the school because if the quality of instruction, and the international focus. Of course, the profile of the school is high, given the range of students that attend and the long list of notable alumni, which includes Justin Trudeau.
In all those ways, Lycée Claudel is remarkably unique. Again, there is a lot going on, and all of it impressive. The ideal student is one who thrives in a large, diverse, and challenging educational and social setting.
West Island College was founded in Montreal in 1974, and was intended to provide a strong bilingual option for families living on Montreal’s West Island. The program there provided a foundation, and a name, for West Island College in Calgary when it was established in 1982. That said, the school quickly established its own independent operations and identity. As such, it was free to build and grow to meet the needs of its students, and it certainly has. The international programs are robust, as are the language programs, all of which contribute to the overall culture of the school. It’s a very interactive, engaging environment, one that requires a lot of the students who attend while also providing the support they need to succeed. The ideal student is one who shares the school’s foundational values and can thrive in a very active and engaging student environment.
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"Teachers are knowledgeable, organized and take pride in their work."
Ksenia Yadav - Parent (Jul 08, 2021)
My children have had a great experience at Lycée Claudel over the past two years. The bar is set co...
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"There is a strong emphasis on the students being independent and autonomous."
Jen D - Parent (Jul 08, 2021)
Our three children are new to the school and all of them have really enjoyed the school. Our childre...
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"...the teachers at WIC are effective communicators inside and outside of their classrooms"
Jing Li - Parent (May 22, 2020)
We have two sons in WIC, both of whom started from grade seven. My older son is graduating in June 2...
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"WIC provided me with a very balanced set of opportunities that helped me thrive academically in university"
Adam Broniewski - Alumnus (May 29, 2020)
My time at West Island College (WIC) was incredibly memorable and has been influential in shaping me...
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"At Lycée Claudel, we offer: * Dynamic teaching that encourages students to take on new challenges and develop their autonomy. *Attentive teachers and staff who provide exceptional guidance and implement innovative educational projects. *School visits, field trips, clubs, and extracurricular activities. *An enriched curriculum featuring a wide variety of courses while encouraging students to face new challenges and strive for excellence."
"West Island College (WIC) in Calgary, Alberta is a Gr. 7-12 independent university preparatory school offering English and French Immersion programming. The College has a diverse school community that encourages unity, collaboration and holistic student development. With comprehensive support, students are nurtured in academic and physical wellness along with emotional well-being. International Studies, Outdoor Education and the Institute Program enhance learning so students can succeed in an ever-changing world."
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Choosing Lycée Claudel for you child aged 3 to 18 means giving him or her the benefit of:
- first-rate guidance provided by highly qualified professionals recruited in France or locally who participate in an ambitious annual training program;
- academic instruction that is meticulous and demanding, based on the programs and teaching methods followed in the French system;
- innovative teaching at the cutting edge of new technologies;
- everyday use of both official languages – French and English – beginning in kindergarten;
- the option of studying a culture in an ancient language: Latin
- an opportunity for certification in English (Advanced Placement), in French (DELF/DALF) and Spanish (DELE);
- sports, artistic, cultural and all activities promoting the development of a well-rounded personality;
- cultural diversity through contact with over 50 nationalities;
- a leading-edge film and audiovisual program;
- civic and social activities to encourage community engagement;
- the development of personal talents in every field;
- the development of a solid humanist and scientific culture validated by the Diplôme National du Brevet and the French Baccalauréat, which are recognized by North American and European universities;
- personal growth in a harmonious environment with a strong family feeling, in which diversity and universality are the key elements.
Do come and visit us. More powerful than mere words, the happy smiles of our students will persuade you to place your trust in us.
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Traditional
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
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In a caring and healthy environment, Lycée Claudel provides quality education and instruction that complies with the programs of Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale of France, and revolves around 3 major themes : - A French education with world-wide perspectives - A welcoming school dedicated on the students journey - A mastered digital culture that meets contemporary challenges
At West Island College incredible opportunities happen every day, in an environment where learning is tailored to each individual student; where relationships are nurtured through effective teamwork and collaboration; and where students are immersed in a community of enthusiastic learners. West Island College emphasizes respect, responsibility and citizenship. We believe that inspiring our students to pursue excellence in academics, leadership, athletics and global awareness prepares them for success in the 21st century. In addition to exceptional teachers, an Advanced Placement Program, Fine Arts Certificate, outstanding athletics, small class sizes and an extensive co-curricular program with leadership opportunities, WIC offers courses in French (Immersion or Second Language) and Spanish and an International Languages Certificate. From our International Studies program and authentic student leadership opportunities to Outdoor Education and WIC’s Business, Health Sciences and Engineering Institutes, students are challenged to go beyond their comfort zones and discover what experiential learning really means.
Traditional Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
L'approche consiste à faire découvrir les concepts mathématiques par des activités, formaliser ces concepts et les appliquer.
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Usage des manuels français numériques et papier. Liste des manuels, visitez http://www.claudel.org/vi-lycee-claudel/manuels/
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Utilisation régulière de la calculatrice scientifique à partir de la 6ème (11 ans).
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Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
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Étude phonologique avancée dès la Maternelle permettant d'avoir une approche syllabique de l'apprentissage de la lecture au cours de la première année. À cela s'ajoute l'étude de livres de littérature de jeunesse dès la 1ère année (6 ans).
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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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Dès la Maternelle, les enfants sont confrontés à la trace écrite réelle. A partir de la 1ère année, l'aprentissage de l'écriture se fait de manière systématique, structurée en prenant également en compte des situations réelles de communication. L'étude de la langue par l'analyse de la phrase permet aux enfants de structurer la langue écrite. Étude avancée de la grammaire, la conjugaison, le vocabulaire et l'orthographe. Dès l'âge de 11 ans, l'étude d'oeuvres littéraires classiques est systématique.
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Equal Balance
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.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Dès l'école élémentaire, la démarche d'investigation scientifique est abordée. Enseignements basés fortement sur les pratiques expérimentales en laboratoires à partir de 11 ans.
WIC has a full time Science technician on hand to assist the teachers with preparing experiments. Thus ensuring steady hands on activities at all grade levels.
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
Physics
Equal Balance
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
L'enseignement français offre une grande place à la littérature. Dès le jeune âge, les élèves sont invités à lire plusieurs livres par année, d'auteurs, de styles littéraires et de thèmes variés. La fréquentation hebdomadaire de notre bibliothèque contribue à donner le goût à la lecture aux élèves.
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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
Not applicable
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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Dans les premières années, le programme est axé sur la découverte du monde en se basant sur l'environnement proche de l'enfant. Dès l'âge de 8 ans, l'enfant est exposé à travers un enseignement riche d'histoire et de géographie à la compréhension du monde plus global qui l'entoure.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Une des grandes forces du Lycée Claudel est de donner aux élèves une culture générale importante avec des apports en histoire et géographie mondiales à partir de la 6ème (11 ans), puis en sciences sociales et économiques à partir de la Seconde (15 ans).
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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
Tous les jours, les élèves de la Maternelle (4 ans) jusqu'à la Terminale (18 ans) ont une pratique régulière de l'anglais en parallèle de celle quotidienne du français (langue d'apprentissage). Possibilité de certifications en français (DELF), en anglais (Advanced Placement) et en espagnol (DELE).
20% of the school is a French Immersion track. Offering 60% French language classes in the Junior School and 40% in the Senior School. We also offer 125 hours of French or Spanish second Language instruction yearly to the Junior school students. French and Spanish language instruction (along with French immersion) is offered through Grade 12 Most students also complete the DELE or DELF A and B levels.
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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Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
Chant chorale, danse, arts plastiques pour les élèves de 3 à 10 ans Musique et arts plastiques pour les élèves de 11 à 14 ans. Ouverture culturelle dès le primaire par la découverte d'oeuvres majeures en musique, peinture et littérature (histoire des arts) Théâtre proposé à partir de 14 ans. Cinéma, arts audio-visuels proposé à partir de 15 ans.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Usage quotidien et raisonné des outils technologiques (ordinateurs, tablettes, tableaux interactifs, robots...). Usage généralisé de la tablette numérique à partir de 10 ans.
Technology is available in most non movement classes. Including Ipads, Macbooks and PCs. All classes have wireless and teaching presentation stations. Technology is used as a tool in most classrooms, courses. Specific technology units taught at various grades, in multimedia, programming, app development, 3D design and printing, game design, html, website development.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
En Maternelle, salle dédiée à la motricité, utilisation quotidienne. Au Primaire, 2 séances obligatoires par semaine en plus d'activités sportives à l'extérieur de manière ponctuelle Au Secondaire, 2 séances obligatoires par semaine avec des spécialistes de la discipline en plus de participations à des compétitions régulièrement.
Daily phys ed is provided in the Junior School. Mandatory phys ed to Grade 10. We also provide PE 20 30, Sports Performance and Sports Med classes.
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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.
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In Pre-School, the children begin their full-time learning at age 3 around five basic areas: acquiring language, discovering writing, becoming a student, moving and self-expressing with one's body and discovering the world. The main learning methods promote hands-on projects to develop independence and physical and intellectual abilities, all tailored to the pace of each student. Arts and physical activities are also among the development areas in pre-school: a different set of motor skills addressed every week, and a weekly choir practice culminating with two performances per year for an audience of parents.
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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.
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.
Independent and accelerated studies are offered on a case by case basis.
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”.
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”.
La rigueur et l'excellence du programme d'étude au Lycée Claudel, fournissent aux élèves, encadrés par des professeurs qualifiés et engagés, une éducation exceptionnelle, un haut niveau de connaissances et de compétences dans un esprit d'ouverture au monde. Des élèves de 60 nationalités différentes se côtoient et se rassemblent autour de la culture française dans le respect de leur propre culture. L'innovation pédagogique est au cœur de la pratique enseignante.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Cross-country skiing |
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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
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0%
$0
$0
75%
0%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 7 - 11
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
No
Meticulous and curious students who are open to learn about other cultures while broaden their perspectives to the world.
At WIC, we strive to attract and retain students who consistently demonstrate character, have strong morals and will uphold our values. As a university preparatory school, WIC offers challenging curricula that encourages students to explore their passions and work to their full potential. While we consider every applicant’s academic performance, WIC seeks out well-rounded students who are prepared to contribute to school life and the greater community. WIC encourages applications from students ready to embrace the College’s motto: Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Ready.
All applications for admission to Lycée Claudel require the following procedures:
1. Complete a pre-registration application (online) (in French only)
2. Forward us the following documentation:
3. Write and pass an entrance exam (students coming from schools belonging to the AEFE network or from France are exempted from the exam)
4. Headmaster and the registration team will then evaluate if the student can be admitted, depending on the number of places available in the requested grade.
5. Complete the personalized registration form, which will be forwarded by e-mail to the new families !
WIC administers the CCAT (Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test), which is a 90-minute standardized test for students entering Gr. 7 – 12. Parents and students must understand that test results are only one part of the admissions process. Spending huge amounts of time and money preparing for the standardized test is not recommended.
Please note, we will accept the SSAT instead of our locally offered entrance exams. Choose West Island College as a recipient in the SSAT online tool.