255 Yorkland Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 1S3, Canada
3910 Quesnay Wood Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7M3, Canada
369.7 km
1,971.2 km
1981
1995
375
468
JK to 12
JK to 12
Coed
Girls, Coed, Boys
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Liberal Arts
15 to 25
15 to 20
$11,472 to $17,360
$6,300 to $17,400
No
Yes
0%
20%
None
1 to 12
$0
$5,000
25
31
0%
0%
75%
75%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
The program at NTCS has been developed to extend the lived experience of Christianity of home and church into an academic setting. The values expressed there, as well as Biblical teaching, provide a foundation for the delivery of the curriculum across all instructional areas. For the families that enroll, that’s a primary draw, as is the opportunity for the learner to enter a student population of true peers in terms of academic ability and worldview. The extracurricular offerings are broad, and supported by the size of the student body, which is 400 annually. An emphasis on athletics and active lifestyles is also a draw. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging yet supportive setting, and preparing for university studies.
View full reportClear Water Academy consistently ranks very highly nationally, distinguished particularly by the strength and quality of the academic program. The approach is also a distinguishing factor, and it’s the only school in Canada to base the curriculum in integral theory, one that relies on the full spectrum of knowledge formation, from empirical inquiry to personal and spiritual engagement. As a Catholic institution, the relationship that students grow with God and their understanding of themselves as spiritual beings is yet another significant draw, and rightly so. Class sizes are small, and the feel of the school is very much of a community, one that includes the parent population. That’s a reflection of how the school was formed; in 1995 a few families got together in order to create a better education for their children. They did, and indeed very many families have been the beneficiaries of their vision ever since. Clear Water Academy presents a robust academic environment, with programs delivered through an authentic Catholic lens.
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information not available
"North Toronto Christian School was founded in 1981 to offer a co-ed, advanced, university preparation program to all parents who desire a strong academic program for their child with a Christian emphasis based on Biblical principles. A family focus, strong teacher direction and a positive, disciplined environment are promoted. The school partners with parents to uphold Christian values and to encourage and assist students to prepare for a fulfilling and successful future in all areas of their lives."
"Clear Water Academy stands as the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous program from Jr. K to Grade 12. Our dedicated faculty educate the whole child in their intellectual, spiritual, human, and apostolic formation. We provide small class sizes, single-gender classrooms from Grades 4 to 9, and a top-ranked university-prep program, which includes Advanced Placement courses. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education. While we are a Catholic school, we welcome students of all faiths."
"Our Outdoor Education program occurs at a 75 acre facility, owned by NTCS, just outside the town of Apsley, ON. Students from Grades 3 to 12 are able to participate in land-based education, with strong curriculum tie-ins. Our Aquatics program begins in Grade 4 as part of the Physical Education curriculum and continues through Grade 12. Group and private lessons for children as young as 4 years old, three swim teams, and recreational swimming all make good use of our indoor 25m pool."
Information not available
"Families typically choose NTCS because of the Christian culture that we strive to create in all aspects of our school program. This is our defining quality. Families seek to have their children educated by active Christian believers who recognize and promote the Christian way of life. They want teachers to influence their child with a personal value system based on a conservative, evangelical Christian worldview and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."
"Families choose Clear Water Academy for its commitment to academic excellence in a safe, caring, and fun environment, emphasizing character and moral growth. The prestigious University Preparatory program secures children's university placements. The separated classrooms for girls and boys in Grades 4-9, tailoring teaching to unique interests, are cherished. They value the high-quality Catholic education and small class sizes that foster strong connections and community."
"Families tell us that they observe our teachers with a variety of talents and interests that they willingly share with the students. Each teacher understands that they have a role to play in the development of each student, even students they don't teach. They have a holistic view of what education should be, and they humbly serve the students to ensure that every aspect of student growth is supported"
Information not available
"The school's commitment to outdoor education and education concerning indigenous issues. While the school may be traditional in many ways, the trips to the school's outdoor education property provide a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to learn in new and memorable ways."
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"1. An interdenominational school, accepting students from a wide variety of Christian traditions.
2. A full year high school program, not semestered, giving our students continuing instruction.
3. A focus on outdoor education, utilizing our school owned property in the Kawarthas.
4. We develop well rounded students, helping them determine their giftings and passions.
5. Teaching phonics and cursive writing in the elementary grades with specialist teachers for Art, Music, PE, and French."
Information not available
I am glad that you are considering Christian education for your child. The decision to enroll your child in a Christian school will be one of the most important decisions that you make.
North Toronto Christian School (NTCS) was founded in 1981 to provide a quality academic education integrated with a Christian view of God and the world, and that continues to be our purpose today. Our goal is to educate students in the light of Biblical truth so that they are prepared to serve God and be active Christian believers in their future academic endeavours, their family lives and their careers.
NTCS currently has a student population of 340 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. NTCS provides an education that will prepare students for the demands of university studies. We take a traditional approach to education with a strong focus on developing a well-rounded student. We encourage students to pursue and use their gifts to contribute to a positive school culture and the broader community. Our students have a proven track record of success in their university studies, using skills they have developed at NTCS.
If your desire is to provide a quality Christ-centred education for your child, where the school and the family work closely together, then I invite you to consider North Toronto Christian School as your partner. It would be our privilege to serve you and to support you in the education and development of your child. Please call our school office to inquire further or to book a visit at any time of the year.
Blessings,
Mrs. Nicole Brouwer
Dear Parents of Prospective Students,
Thank you for your interest in Clear Water Academy, A Catholic School - Forming Christian Leaders. Our school is centrally located in Calgary, Alberta and offers programs from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12. We are proud that our school is consistently ranked a top school in Alberta by the Fraser Institute.
Clear Water Academy is a school where students receive a balanced spiritual and educational foundation. We ensure that every child receives a personalized education aimed at forming their character, intellect, faith, and desire to serve others. Today, Clear Water Academy is home to nearly 450 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, and over 75 staff members (role models). Clear Water Academy teaches, educates, and forms students so that they will become the leaders necessary to change society.
Semper Altius - Always Higher is Clear Water Academy's motto. Whether it is helping a classmate with difficult math homework, taking on a leadership role in a school club, or participating in the dozens of athletic teams or service projects that take us into local neighborhoods and around the world, Semper Altius is a way of life.
I invite you to learn more about our very special school. Please contact our Admissions Director, Val Blahut, to book your personal tour. We'd love to meet your family and introduce to Clear Water Academy!
God Bless,
Darren Forrester
Principal
Liberal Arts
Information not available
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.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
Not applicable
The mission of North Toronto Christian School is to prepare young minds for the demands of a university education within the framework of a Christian worldview. In our elementary program, there is a significant emphasis on mastering the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. In our high school program, courses are only offered at the academic or university preparation level. We offer a diverse liberal arts style program that gives students a wide variety of educational experiences so that they can more effectively choose a university program that will allow them to utilize the gifts that God has given them. In order to provide a comprehensive educational experience, students in grades 3-10 participate in a fall and winter, three-day outdoor education trip to our school camping facility located in the Kawarthas.
Our goal is to provide the highest quality education with an emphasis on developing authentic Christian leaders. Our university preparatory curriculum sets high, yet attainable, academic expectations. Solid intellectual formation provides students with the ability to think, speak and write clearly, coherently, and persuasively. Our students develop habits essential for ongoing academic success including study skills, critical thinking, perseverance, and a desire to produce high quality work. Our approach provides an excellent education amongst like-minded peers, with a wide range of enrichment activities in a challenging, positive, faith-filled environment. Our dedicated team of educators gives our students the personal attention they need to develop their unique potential and God-given talents. Through leadership and personal development opportunities, we focus on character and spiritual formation, instilling confidence, poise, and maturity. Our graduates are young men and women of integrity and character who have attained a solid foundation in their faith, the humanities and the sciences.
Equal Balance
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.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Balanced Literacy
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.
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Information not available
Home reading program commence in Junior Kindergarten.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Equal balance
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.
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.
Information not available
Information not available
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.
Information not available
Information not available
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
Not applicable
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.
Information not available
Information not available
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
Core Knowledge
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
Information not available
Information not available
Equal Balance
Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Information not available
Equal Balance
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.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Information not available
Spanish taught from JK to Grade 3. French taught Grade 4 to Grade 9. High school students encouraged to take either French or Spanish. Spanish and French clubs are offered.
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
Equal Balance
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.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Information not available
The fine arts are an integral part of our program from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. In addition to classroom time, our students can participate in our musical theatre productions at both the elementary and secondary levels.
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.
Information not available
Computers and technology are used in our classrooms to enhance the learning environment and allow our students to become competent in the use of technology. We have some options courses that are primarily focused on technology.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
Physical education is an integral part of our program. We provide our students with exposure to many sports and outdoor education opportunities. Our goal is to foster healthy attitudes and provide our students with life skills. Athletics and outdoor education provide character formation opportunities. Our youngest students focus on developing gross and fine motor skills with the help of a certified PE instructor. In addition to regular PE classes, our elementary students receive skating and swimming lessons and have a chance to join the Jr. Crusaders. In junior high and high school we have field competitive teams in basketball, volleyball, track and field, badminton, and soccer. Our teams regularly qualify for provincial competitions. Our outdoor education program in junior high allows students to experience many activities from skiing, to cycling, to hiking and camping.
Play-based
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.
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
At North Toronto Christian School, our desire is to begin educating students academically, spiritually, socially and physically, from the moment they walk through our doors. Our kindergarten program is a challenging academic program, focusing on the basics, which provide a solid foundation for continued study and academic success at NTCS.
We have taken what we believe to be "best practices" from the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, embedded within those are traditional academic practices coupled with authentic Catholic values. We also offer specialized Spanish, Music, and Phys. Ed programs. Numeracy and literacy skills are introduced and reinforced through play. Our Jr. Kindergarten students are well prepared for entry into Kindergarten and the academic expectations of our Elementary program.
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.
Information not available
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”.
We set high standards for academic performance and personal character development in a caring and supportive learning environment that focuses on the whole child. We recognize that strength lies in virtue as well as in academic performance. Loving, talented teachers give each student the tools needed to learn to the best of their ability. Our program provides structure, academic foundation, study of the Catholic faith, and leadership opportunities. Students are naturally led to intellectual curiosity, the love of learning, and positive character formation. Our students grow in self-control, generosity and respect of others.
"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."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Our mission is to provide the highest quality education and foster integrally formed Christian leaders. We focus on four dimensions: intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic. We strive to: teach the mind, in an environment of academic excellence; educate the heart, helping each student to love authentic values and to develop a sense of what is good, right, noble, beautiful; form the character, which serves as the foundation of all virtue and integrity. Our graduates become strong Christian leaders, convinced of the truth, prepared and committed to establish and foster a society where Christian values are put into practice.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
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 |
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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
1 - 12
0%
20%
$0
$5,000
75%
75%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades K - 12
No
Yes: grades 2 - 12
No
No
Students should be serious about academic achievement, interested in fully participating in the varied activities of school life, and comfortable with the Christian emphasis in all aspects of the school program. A wide range of opportunities are given to each student. Those who have success are active, disciplined, and intent on making a positive contribution to school life.
We are looking for families that will partner with us in the education of their children and that are open to having their children educated within the Catholic faith. Our students are well-rounded with many interests and are open to discovering who God created them to be. Our students are willing to face challenges and stretch themselves to become the best they can be.
Overall, admission is based on availability of space, a personal interview, an admissions test (if necessary), analysis of the previous report card, written indication of parental support for our program, and a verbal indication of interest by the student. When the application has been approved and the registration fee and capital deposit have been received, a letter of acceptance will be issued to reserve a place in class.
All Applicants:
Canadian Citizens:
Non-Canadian Citizens: