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AN OUR KIDS REPORT:NOIC Academy vs. Head Start Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View NOIC Academy's full report
VS.
View Head Start Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    50 Featherstone Ave, Markham, Ontario, L3S 2H4, Canada

    105-2235 Sheppard Ave East , North York, Ontario, M2J 5B5, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2004

    2002

    Enrolment

    289

    84

    Grades

    9 to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to 3

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day, Boarding

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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.
    Emotional
    The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional, International Baccalaureate

    Montessori

    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.
    Student-paced
    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.

    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”.
    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.

    Avg. Class Size

    6 to 15

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $8,000

    $14,500 to $18,500

    Boarding Tuition

    $18,000

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    72

    11

    Percent in boarding

    93%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    7%

    Day entry years

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

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    NOIC ACADEMY

    information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    NOIC ACADEMY

    NOIC was founded in 2004 in order to support international learners intending to enter post-secondary study in North America. The enrollment is relatively small, at just shy of 300, which is rightly a draw—students are known here, rather than lost in the shuffle as the might be at larger international institutions. It offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma in conjunction with the IB Diploma Program, and has been an accredited IB school since 2015. The academic program is rigorous, as are the supports for students who are arriving from overseas and adapting, in some cases, to learning in an English language environment. The ideal student is one looking to learn in an international setting and intending to advance to post-secondary study.

    View full report

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Unique to Head Start Montessori is the deep involvement of its founder and director, Naureen Shah, along with director Sara Alvi, who both maintain a hands-on approach and an open-door policy, further strengthening the school’s welcoming environment. Head Start Montessori offers one of Toronto’s only infant Montessori programs, extending up to Grade 3. The school adheres to the AMI Philosophy, is CCMA Accredited, and CCYEA Licensed, reflecting its commitment to high-quality Montessori education. The school’s non-competitive atmosphere and lack of traditional testing contribute to self-driven academic achievements among students. With a focus on individual needs and collaboration with families, Head Start Montessori nurtures well-rounded development, preparing students for lifelong success. Additionally, the school’s curriculum is individualized, encompassing infant, toddler, casa environments, and lower elementary grades, along with extracurriculars like music, yoga, and gymnastics. The school provides summer and March camps, catered hot lunches, and places a strong emphasis on creating a warm, personalized community.

    View full report

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    "NOIC ACADEMY is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Being a full-time, high end private boarding secondary school, it has offered the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) since 2004. In March, 2015, it was authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to become an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). NOIC ACADEMY is co-inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education and IBO."

    • High-end secondary boarding school in Ontario
    • Mandarin service
    • Exceptional VIP tutoring to every student
    • Offers ESL and social volunteering
    • IB school
    • Online education
    • OSSD Online credit course
    • ELearning online OSSD

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Head Start Montessori School was founded by Naureen Shah in 2002, because of her firm belief in Maria Montessori's vision, that the child, if provided with the right environment, will reach their full potential. Growing in the North York community, Naureen was joined by Sara Alvi in 2013, and they have now achieved their goal of nurturing children from the age of 9 months-9 years old. HSM is one of the only infant Montessori programs in Toronto, now going up to Grade 3. Both Naureen and Sara are Montessori trained teacher"

    • Follow the AMI Philosophy
    • CCMA Accredited
    • CCYEA Licenced
    • Infant/Nido Program Age 9-18 months
    • Young Children's Community (Toddler) Age 18 months -3 years old
    • 2 Casa Environments Age 2.5-6 years old
    • Lower Elementary Grade 1, 2 and 3
    • Extra Curricular Programs - Music, Yoga, Gymnastics
    • Summer and March Camps
    • Catered Hot Lunches

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Each child at Head Start Montessori has an individualized Montessori curriculum. With both owners, Naureen and Sara, being Montessori trained teachers, parents can be rest assured that their child(ren) are being provided with an authentic Montessori education. We believe that the parents and the school have to collaborate in the best interest of the child. Keeping this in mind, HSM holds many parent workshops throughout the year, as learning never stops!"

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "HSM provides a warm, loving, personalized community of like-minded parents, staff and owners who believe in the importance of the foundational years of a child's life. The collaboration of Families-School is very important to Head Start Montessori and we have an open-door policy where parents are always welcome. HSM prides itself on good communication and transparency. We also have a Parent Council, ensuring that we are all working in the best interest of the children."

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Starting with our youngest in the infant room, families don't realize the time, energy, effort and unconditional love each member of the school provides, in order to make Head Start Montessori a home away from home.
    Our bond with families doesn't end when they leave. Our students come back to volunteer and visit throughout the year. Through numerous siblings, our school stays connected to many families for more than a decade, forming strong relationships and becoming like family."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Both owners, Sara Alvi and Naureen Shah, are Montessori trained teachers, and are always present at the school. They are both passionate about their work, and love to talk about Montessori, life and the children. Their office is always open for quick chat and a cup of tea!"

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Welcome to NOIC Academy, a premier private secondary school where high standards, exceptional academic achievement and personalized programming are at the heart of our educational philosophy. At NOIC Academy, we believe in the power of mentoring and tailor-made programming. Our dedicated staff works closely with each student to understand their unique needs and strengths, providing personalized guidance and academic support to ensure their success and acceptance into highly respected international universities.

     

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Dear Parents, 

    We welcome you to Head Start Montessori School.  For over 20 years we have been an important part of the community, promoting Montessori Education and overall well-being for our children.  Please call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment to come and visit the school.  We look forward to meeting.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM

      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Traditional

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Montessori

      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      NOIC ACADEMY

      International Baccalaureate

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      NOIC ACADEMY

      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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      NOIC ACADEMY

      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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      NOIC ACADEMY

      NOIC ACADEMY of both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP). Being a full-time, high end private boarding secondary school, it has offered the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) since 2004 with 667013 as its school code. In March, 2015, it was authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to become an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Its school license code is 049719. NOIC ACADEMY is co-inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education and IBO.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM

      Approach

      Approach

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Montessori

      Our Take

      Our Take

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Information not available

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE

      Pace

      Pace

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Standard-enriched

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Student-paced

      Our Take

      Our Take

      NOIC ACADEMY

      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.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Students complete up to 3 courses per semester with 3 semesters from September to June each year. We support face to face learning with eLearning opportunities for students. We also offer summer school credit courses for students during July and August.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE

      Culture

      Culture

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Rigorous

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Supportive

      Our Take

      Our Take

      NOIC ACADEMY

      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”.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.

      What the school says

      What the school says

      NOIC ACADEMY

      NOIC ACADEMY has very unique model for education offering a mentor / tutor program for every student as they begin their time at our school. While the education culture is rigorous, the model is very supportive with mentoring/ tutoring provided for one hour every day.

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      NOIC ACADEMY

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

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES

      Primary

      Primary

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Intellectual
      The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

      Secondary

      Secondary

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Not applicable
      Not applicable

      HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Emotional
      The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."

      What the school says

      What the school says

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Information not available

      HEAD START MONTESSORI 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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    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

    HEAD START MONTESSORI 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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    • We offer the following Extra Curricular Activities Yoga Dance Music Gymnastics

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    7%

    Day entry years

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

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades 9 - 12

    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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    What the school says

    What the school says

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Transcript from student's previous school is mandatory with their application.

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    ADMISSION POLICY

    We ask that all interested families:

    • Meet the Principal and discuss your vision
    • Learn about Montessori and the school’s philosophy and vision
    • Tour the school and its facilities
    • Partake in a 20-minute classroom observation
    • Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss further questions, perceptions, and/or concerns and ensure a mutual understanding has been established

     

    ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    • Registration Form for enrollment. 
    • Up-to-date Public Health Immunization Form or Conscientious Objection Form
    • A “one-time” Registration Fee (Non-refundable)
    • Payment for one month’s tuition to confirm enrollment (Note: This check is to cover the June tuition and is non-refundable)
    • Nine (9) post-dated monthly tuition cheques dated  the first of each month

    (September 1st – May 1st); payable to “Head Start Montessori School”

     

    WITHDRAWAL POLICY

    • The school requests that written notice of permanent withdrawal be provided to the school two months in advance.  Parents will be invoiced for full program fees if notice is not received. 
    • A permanent space cannot be guaranteed if you wish to temporarily withdraw your child.    Therefore, your child will be placed on a waiting list and the enrollment process will begin again.
    • There is no deduction or refund in monthly fee due to absenteeism, personal vacations, school closure (snow days) and/or holidays. 

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

NOIC ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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