AN OUR KIDS REPORT:NOIC Academy vs. North Star Montessori Elementary School

one-to-one comparison:

View NOIC Academy's full report
VS.
View North Star Montessori Elementary School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7J 1J3, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2004

    1996

    Enrolment

    289

    110

    Grades

    9 to 12

    Preschool to 7

    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.

    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

    $8,550 to $16,785

    Boarding Tuition

    $18,000

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    K to 7

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    72

    10

    Percent in boarding

    93%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    North Star Montessori Elementary School is the only school in the North Shore area offering an authentic Montessori elementary program, enriched by outdoor education and field trips. The school’s welcoming community benefits from dedicated teachers trained in Montessori methods, as well as small classes. The school is known for its individualized approach and the ability to ignite a deep love of learning, independence, and respect in students. Its curriculum surpasses BC grade-level standards, with specialized programs in French, music, and STEM. North Star Montessori also offers extensive physical education, integrated arts programs, and a variety of field trips. Parents are drawn to North Star for its nurturing environment and commitment to academic development. The school maintains a non-competitive atmosphere without traditional testing. North Star's education model focuses on developing well-rounded individuals, prepared for lifelong success with creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.

    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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "An authentic Montessori program from birth to Gr. 7, we are committed to meeting the needs of each student. We foster a love of learning, independence and respect. The benefits and robust academic curriculum of the Montessori program extend beyond the walls of the classroom and the limits of the BC grade-level curriculum allowing students to meet their fullest potential. Practical experiences build confidence and inspire the self-motivation to 'learn' and 'do' which students carry with them throughout their lives."

    • A welcoming student-parent-teacher community
    • Programs include- infant & toddler, full and half day preschool , kindergarten and elementary
    • Specially trained & dedicated teachers committed to the development and well-being of each student
    • Robust and rigorous academic curriculum
    • Practical hands-on experience to reinforce concepts
    • Promotes creative and critical thinking skills in a non-coercive atmosphere
    • Fosters independent, self-motivated and goal-directed students with a life-long love of learning
    • Extensive Physical Education program
    • Fully integrated music and art programs
    • Wide-ranging and regular filed trips, classroom visitors, and community outings

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "We meet the social, academic, and developmental needs of each student in an exciting and engaging way. Students are seen as individual learners and their lessons are planned according to their own unique needs and learning styles. Specially trained teachers use the Montessori materials to create a lasting impression of concepts. Deeper exploration of concepts in a dynamic mixed-age classroom make learning fun!"

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "Families choose North Star because of the warm, caring and inclusive environments in each of the classrooms. They notice from their first tour of the school that students at North Star are calm, focused, and happy. They are confident knowing that North Star is a recognized and authentic Montessori school with high-quality, experienced teachers, and appreciate that their child will be encouraged to strive beyond the academic boundaries of the BC grade-level curriculum."

    Array

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

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "The huge social-emotional and academic benefits of the mixed-age classrooms- The
    collaborative nature of student relationships across the ages provides inspiration and motivation to younger students, leadership opportunities and reinforcement of knowledge for older students and an elevated level of socialization skills for all students. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that more closely reflects the social dynamic in life outside of school."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "Given the non-competitive atmosphere with no traditional testing or homework, it can be surprising to new families that students are so academically advanced, and that grade level competencies are a base, not the ceiling for their child's potential. The way the lessons are presented and the exploratory nature of the Montessori Materials creates a lasting impression and solidifies knowledge."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    NOIC ACADEMY

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    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.

     

    information not available

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      NOIC ACADEMY

      International Baccalaureate

      NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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.

      NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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.


      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.

      NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Standard-enriched


      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.

      NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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.

      NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      The teachers carefully observe the students, record their progress, give further support and direction as necessary, and present the next level of martial /work, when the student is ready.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      NOIC ACADEMY

      Rigorous


      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”.

      NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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.

      NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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."

      NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      "We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."

  • 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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    K - 7

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    The younger the child is when exposed to the Montessori environment, the more success they will have in it.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    NOIC ACADEMY

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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Please visit North Star's Website for more information.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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