
401 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1A3, Canada
229 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R4, Canada
340.0 km
333.8 km
1984
1995
200
900
Nursery/Toddler to 8
9 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day, Homestay
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Progressive
Varies
15 to 17
$13,800
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
15
225
0%
0%
0%
80%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
9, 10, 11, 12
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
"Students are able to choose courses of their own liking with the guidance of the administration..."
Kevin Varghese - Alumnus (Oct 05, 2020)
My experience at Braemar was truly wonderful. Being an international school situated in the heart of...
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"It gave me the opportunity to be the leader that I now translate into my own company."
Erika Gilmandinova - Alumnus (Oct 06, 2020)
This school changed my perspective of the world forever. I became so open-minded that I never looked...
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"Braemar College was quite astonishing since everyone works for everyone in the community."
Frank Nguyen - Alumnus (Oct 22, 2020)
My experience at Braemar College was terrific, it was filled with a lot joy and education purposes. ...
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Often what attracts parents to Montessori education is the close, community feel that many schools are able to provide, and that’s very true of MLCP. The school began in 1984 with 25 students, and growth has been less of a concern for its administrators than quality. The student population today is just 200, this in a program that spans preschool through Grade 8. Yes, there are all of the things we expect of the Montessori approach, though that’s coupled with a very close attention to the needs of individuals, both students and parents combined. Before and after care is available, and while it’s not included in tuition, the rates are very reasonable. Likewise, those programs are entirely flexible—parents pay only for what they use. In that, and in other ways, this is a school that really operates with the needs of its families foremost in mind.
The quality of the academic program at Braemar College is a draw, as is the flexibility of the program: there are five annual intakes, and courses are offered throughout the entire calendar year. The location, though, is a principle draw as well, and rightly so. The school sits on the property of the University of Toronto, right in the very heart of the city. As such, it is adjacent to a wealth of world class resources, not limited to those of the university campus, but also museums, theatres, parks, urban hubs, transportation, and even the provincial legislature, which is a block or so away. Students get a sense that they are in the thick of things, and indeed they are, with so many cultural and academic resources so close at hand. Student life here is as close to a university program as you can have without actually being enrolled in university. For many, that can be an inspiring and galvanizing experience—students not only are preparing academically for post-secondary studies, they are growing into that social environment as well. Braemar College is large, though very comfortably so, and students report a vibrant and personal student experience with ample latitude for personalised support and enrichment.
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MLCP caters to students aged 12 months to 14 years, following Maria Montessori's philosophies and theories. Her exciting range of materials is available to introduce new concepts and lessons. To further enrich the curriculum, the school offers French, Physical Education and Music and Movement, with Home Economics, Civics, Computer, library visits and community service for the older students. A bilingual programme is offered beginning at the Junior Elementary Level.
Founded in 1995, Braemar College is a private secondary school located in downtown Toronto, on the St. George campus of the University of Toronto. Our programs are designed to ensure students realize their academic, personal and social potential. Small learning also pods available. Join a class of only 3-5 students
Nicola Phillips opened the Montessori Learning Centre in Pickering in 1984 with the view to offering the Montessori environment in the way that had excited her during her training. The school continues to be devoted to the individualized nurturing and deveopment of each student encouraging potential in each area of the curriculum. Stong subject areas are honed and potentialized and areas in need of attention are recognized and strengthened. The nurturing element of Montessori's method is exercised at all levels with both students and staff respecting differences and encouraging growth in all areas both academic and social.
With the ripples of the pandemic still marking the water, it is all the more vital to focus on long term objectives, lest we be thrown off course. To this end, we look forward to academic 2020-2021 and our 25th Anniversary. We will celebrate this milestone with scholarships, special events, prizes and ceremonies throughout the year ahead. All our staff look forward to welcoming new students and setting them on a path to attain the academic, social and athletic goals fitted to their calling.
In this, we hope to invite prospective students to inquire about our Anniversary Scholarships, our unrivalled Pathways agreements with Canada’s highest ranked universities, and the many awards, distinctions and prizes awarded to our college, its teachers and our students over recent years. We extend this open hand to all students and parents and we look forward to hearing from you in the days ahead. In the meantime, we wish you and your family good health, safety and the best of luck!
Progressive
Information not available
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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MLCP follows the Montessori method of educating the child academically, socially and emotionally with the support of her specially created materials. Students of all ages are encouraged to learn at potential and are not limited by prescribed expectations. Students learn from teachers and other students supporting our motto of "Knowledge with Understanding"
Our philosophy of education is based on the principles of personal autonomy, responsibility, and excellence. These are ideals with timeless appeal. Some of the features that have grown out of our philosophy of education are reflected in the following ways: An environment that places emphasis on autonomy; Small, well managed classes with limited enrollment; Teachers who teach by guiding, not lecturing, students; A rigorous emphasis upon practical academic skills; Knowing the measure of success is attaining one’s best; A school setting where personal responsibility is key.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
The Montessori math materials are incredibly exciting in both presentation and execution. Discovery and implementation are encouraged and supported and the students enjoy hands on manipulation of quantities and qualities allowing both a tactile and intellectual understanding of each new concept presented.
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Some traditional books are used as support for the Montessori curriculum at the elementary level preparing the students for high school.
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Once a concept has been grasped in practice calculators are acknowledged as time savers.
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Not applicable
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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MLCP supports the phonetic approach encouraged beautifully by the tactile, colorful Montessori material and objects so interesting to the young mind. With this approach, word attack skills are honed at a young age allowing for stronger reading at a younger age.
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Not applicable
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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Students at all levels are encouraged to explore writing strategies appropriate to both ability and age. Each student is, through the systematic Montessori materials able to move, at their pace, towards development of interesting, well thought out and creative documentation.
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Equal Balance
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.
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.
Curiosity is an instinct natural to students. Beginning with simple classroom experiments and growing into formalized scientific theory and substantiating evidence the student body develops through challenging instruction
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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
Zoology
Traditional
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.
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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
Not applicable
Information not available
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Equal Balance
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Communicative
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.
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Our foreign language offerings are limited to courses in French, which is offered according to student interest.
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
Information not available
Creative
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.
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Our students benefit both from the work in the school, as well as the studio visits to the school's annually appointed Artist-in-Residence.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Not applicable
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Information not available
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Braemar College both physical education courses, including wellness and nutrition, as well as recreational sports.
Not applicable
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.
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We, at MLCP, endeavour to provide an environment rich in both Montessori materials and her proven methodology and practice and in the CCEYA and HDLH foundations for learning. As such, our classrooms provide encouraging, supportive, individualized learning opportunities through the appealing Montessori materials and the carefully prepared environments.
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Accelerated
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.
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
Montessori stresses the importance of the combined age groups supporting and nurturing each other.
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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.
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.
MLCP promotes a supportive learning environment instilling a love of learning and an expectation of production at potential. Students are offered opportunities to be continually challenged and are emboldened to achieve at potential in each academic area. Montessori classrooms are created to encourage success offering each student what is needed for them to be the best person they can be academically, socially and as a valued community member.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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."
We have developed a program which aims to prepare students to thrive in top Canadian universities. This requires a balanced approached, which would seek to foster key emotional and social virtues at least as much as the intellectual ones that tend to be represented by the numbers on a report card. We aim to help our students develop into well-rounded enthusiastic young adults ready for the next stage and all its challenges.
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering |
Braemar College |
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RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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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 |
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
0%
0%
$0
$0
0%
80%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
9, 10, 11, 12
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
We are looking for families / students who are committed to Montessori's belief that children have different learning styles and that our goal of having each child reach their potential in each area of development and curriculum is important. Montessori offers a whole person approach to education which needs to be respected by all involved parties.
Since 1995 the team at Braemar College has taken pride in putting the individual student at the centre of everything we do. In short, we put our students first. That said, some reflection on our experience would seem to indicate that students who tend to take initiative, students who have interests and enthusiasms, have tended to get more out of the program.
We meet with prospective parents to ensure that they have read through our admissions package and that Montessori's philosophies and theories are in line with their educational plan. We arrange some on site visits, as needed, to further ensure that parents are aware of how the classrooms work and the expectations of the school.
Applicants are invited to apply online through our website. A PDF copy of the same form can also be downloaded if that is more convenient.
Along with the complete application form, the Admissions team would require a copy of the most recent academic information (these do not need to be notarized), as well as a copy of a passport or photo ID. We will also accept, on a temporary basis, older academic records where studies elsewhere are currently underway, on the condition that we receive the most recent as soon as these are available.
Once this has been received, the Admissions team will issue a pre-acceptance letter and an invoice, showing the expenses of the requested services itemized. A place in selected term can only be confirmed once the payment has been received.