AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Montessori House of Children vs. Peoples Christian Academy (PCA)

one-to-one comparison:

View Montessori House of Children's full report
VS.
View Peoples Christian Academy (PCA)'s full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    85 Charlotte Street, Brantford, Ontario, N3T 2X2, Canada

    245 Renfrew Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3R 6G3, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1974

    1971

    Enrolment

    41

    784

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    Preschool to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Spiritual
    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
    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

    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

    8

    20 to 26

    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.
    Academic
    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $13,060 to $16,200

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    JK to 12

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    10

    49

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3

    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?

    No

    Yes: grades JK - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    information not available

    PEOPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PCA)

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    Established in 1974, Montessori House of Children is within the first cohort of schools offering the method in Canada, with the first schools starting up in the late 60s. Then as now the intention was to provide a strong, values-based foundation with an eye to the skills and abilities that children will need to be successful in the primary and elementary grades. The program intends to offer a family-oriented approach in a comfortable, familiar environment, as supported by the building itself. Also true to its original mandate, MHC hews closely to the philosophy and methods developed by Maria Montessori, something that is a draw for the families that enroll here. A range of learning differences are supported, and small class sizes ensure a high level of individual attention.

    View full report

    PEOPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PCA)

    There is a great range of approach within Christian education, from those that have chapel in the morning and little more, to those that weave Christian teaching and principles throughout the curriculum and the life of the school. PCA is very much the latter, a place where Christianity informs the entire school experience, and the delivery and the content of the curriculum. This is the school for students for whom the veracity of their faith is tantamount to who they are and the way the wish to learn; faith and fidelity to scripture are at the fore within PCA. The strength of the academic program is evident through decades of academic success. The school is on the larger side of the mean in Canada, and the benefits of that size are seen in the breadth of curricular and extracurricular programs that are on offer. The ideal student is one who is able to thrive in a challenging environment, and who is preparing to advance to university.

    View full report
  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    information not available

    Welcome to Peoples Christian Academy,

    In the education marketplace we know that some schools possess features that set them apart. Here are a number of strengths which help make Peoples Christian Academy distinct: a faith-based curriculum; a proven track record in educational advancement; a strong French program, starting in JK; a global and local focus of demonstrating care for the disadvantaged; a pre-K program, an all-grade program; a school community that is growing in size and in diversity.

    We'd love to have you visit us in person.

  • 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

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    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

    PEOPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PCA)

    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

    MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

    PEOPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PCA)

    • Extra-curricular activities allow students to apply the knowledge and skills attained in class work to be exercised in a more enriched environment. This not only applies within team sports, but also for the purpose of leadership and giving through missionary endeavours. PCA has a variety of programs that allows a wide choice for the student body.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    JK - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3

    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?

    No

    Yes: grades JK - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    PEOPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PCA)

    As a Christian school we would be looking for families/students who are in support of our Mission Statement, which is based on the basic tenets of Christianity. Students need to be diligent, respectful, and caring individuals. We understand that students are individuals and these attributes will develop over time.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    PEOPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PCA)

    Families are invited to contact the school for full information, as well as schedule an appointment for a personal tour.  Applications are received throughout the year.  The submission date will be noted and families will be contacted to begin the acceptance process on a first come, first served basis.  The actual interview date will generally fall after the school's re-registration deadline (February).  The application must be fully completed and be supported by the required documents such as report cards or transcripts.  Upon the completion of the interview a student would be accepted based on meeting all the requirements of enrollment.  The family would then need to fulfill financial obligations to secure a placement for their child. 

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Dr. Jean Chamberlain-Froese (1984)
    Founding director of Save the Mothers and founder and director of McMaster University’s International Women’s Health Program. Member of the Order of Canada.

Compare:

MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

PEOPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PCA):
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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