AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Northmount School vs. Alexander von Humboldt German International School

one-to-one comparison:

View Northmount School's full report
VS.
View Alexander von Humboldt German International School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    26 Mallard Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 1S3, Canada

    216, rue Victoria, Baie-D'Urfé, Montreal, Quebec, H9X 2H9, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1990

    1980

    Enrolment

    150

    300

    Grades

    JK to 8

    Preschool to 12

    Gender

    Boys

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French, German

    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."
    Spiritual
    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
    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."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Liberal Arts

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    Accelerated
    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).
    Standard-enriched
    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Academic culture

    Rigorous
    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
    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

    12 to 18

    10 to 12

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated class; in-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

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

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $19,000 to $36,000

    $9,950 to $12,350

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    5%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    JK to 8

    1 to 12

    Median FA package size

    $2,500

    $5,000

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    14

    19

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    95%

    80%

    Day entry years

    JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    Yes: grades K - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    English Language Eligibility Certificate Required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Northmount School’s mission is to inspire boys to explore and achieve their greatest potential while teaching from a Catholic perspective. Small class sizes and enriched programs that take place both in and out of the classroom provide excellent academic outcomes and set kids up for success. Northmount is one of Ontario’s top-ranked elementary schools and offers advanced math and science programs. Team sports begin in Grade 1, and a wide range of extracurriculars include boy scouts, musical theatre, robotics, math club, and opportunities for leadership and community service. Families of all faiths are welcome at Northmount, though the school partners in education with the Archdiocese of Toronto, and the school community is firmly rooted in the teaching of the Catholic Church.

     

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    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    The program at Alexander von Humboldt is unique in Canada, principally because it admits students for whom either English, French, or German is the language spoken at home. Students need to use those languages not just to interact with the coursework, but also to make themselves understood to their peers, something which creates a particularly rich academic environment. Students arrive speaking different languages, with different life experiences, yet all share the experience of difference, and are faced each day with the social and linguistic challenges of making themselves understood to others. While they learn languages, they also have a more authentic experience of language than students in the more typical immersion programs found in Canada. Likewise, the atmosphere is particularly conducive to the development of social competencies, including empathy and cooperation, as well as an authentic global perspective through which the core curriculum is taught. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging, diverse academic and social environment.

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  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    "Northmount School for Boys is proud to be Toronto’s only independent Catholic boys’ elementary school (JK-8). Our strategically small class sizes and enriched program of study are designed to optimize a boy's education. Experiential learning that engages all of a young man's senses is critical for the delivery of our curriculum. Our lessons provide opportunities for movement, experimentation, presentation, and the building of core skills in order to achieve extraordinary results. As a small school, the opportunity for participation in the arts, athletics, clubs, and community service is available to students at each grade level. We believe that close, personal, home-and-school communications reinforce our exceptional Catholic Character Education Program. Northmount works in partnership with parents to instill in our boys a strong sense of character, leadership, service and a life long love of learning. At Northmount, it is our mission to inspire boys to explore and achieve their greatest potential."

    • Advanced Mathematics and Science Programs
    • Catholic Character Education and Personal Advisory Program
    • Partner in Education with the Archdiocese of Toronto
    • One of the top ranked Elementary Schools in Ontario by the Fraser Institute
    • Pre AP College Board Approved School
    • Extensive Clubs and Co-Curriculars

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "From pre-K through Grade 12, AvH offers multilingual (German, French and English) private, internationally recognized German general education with special focus on languages, math and sciences. AvH is the only school in Canada to offer the German International Abitur which provides students with the opportunity to fast-track straight from high school to university where they are able to study at Canadian, German or international universities."

    • Trilingual Learning environment
    • Choice of completing German Abitur for fast-track to best universities
    • School is situated on vast green space on the banks of the St Lawrence River
    • After school activities such as soccer, karate, programming, 3D-printing, badminton, tennis
    • High-end Biology laboratory
    • Annual Stratford Trip under normal circumstances
    • Annual School Theater Play
    • School Soccer & Volleyball Teams
    • Makerspace room with 3D-printer
    • School Band

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "We offer Trilingual learning environment :
    We believe in opening doors for our students and pathing the way for future success – AvH-graduates leave our school trilingual (German, English & French)
    We offer excellence in the STEM-subjects :
    A major focus of AvH are STEM-subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). Adhering to the German Education curriculum we build applied learning spaces and project-oriented units into our curriculum."

    Array

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

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "In a safe and close-knit environment our highly qualified and dedicated teachers provide the very highest standard of education, from Preschool right up until Grade 12. Children benefit from small classes and feel nurtured in a modern and immersive learning setting."

    Array

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

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Why German?

    Germany has the biggest economy in the European Union and the fourth largest worldwide. It is home to numerous international corporations and at the forefront of technological innovation. German is the most widely spoken mother-tongue language in Europe. And just like at AvH, English, French and German are the three official working languages of the European Union."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Multilingualism breaks down communication barriers, broadens horizons and allows us to learn about other cultures and ways of life. Numerous studies have shown that speaking multiple languages provides many advantages that go far beyond the knowledge of the languages themselves. Multilingual speakers can concentrate better, resolve conflicts easier and empathize better with others. Overall, the multilingual brain is much more flexible, even into old age."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    The world’s next generation will need leadership from responsible individuals who are morally sound and whose values speak to the Truth. For boys who aspire to have character when men, the journey begins at Northmount.

    Our school community finds its foundations in the teaching of the Catholic Church. Families of all faiths, however, are welcome as we see our school as a microcosm of society. We teach from a Catholic perspective and this informs how we teach, understand right from wrong, and guide our boys to manhood.

    The family plays an important role in Northmount’s vision for education. As the primary educators in their children’s lives, parents are active in the academic, co-curricular and faith development of their boys and in helping them to develop character. The school seeks out opportunities to engage with the family to round out the experiences in a young boy’s life.

    Our academic program is one of which our school community is extremely proud, and our dedicated teachers ascribe to pedagogy that focuses on the needs of boys using contemporary tools. As a single-sex school and with significant research to back this focus, Northmount ensures that boys develop the necessary academic skills to find success in high school and beyond.

    Life at Northmount is further enriched by our dedicated faculty through a strong co-curriculum program. Boys learn as much outside of the classroom as they do while in it, and hence Northmount has strong offerings in the Arts, athletics and club environs after school.

    We at Northmount are committed to helping each boy find excellence in all facets of his life. Working with families, we aspire to develop the leaders of tomorrow who are faith-filled, know right from wrong and recognize the need to help one’s neighbour as well as himself.

    We would love to have the opportunity to host your family for a visit. Please feel free to drop in and understand the “Northmount Way” during your search to find the right school for your son.

    Sincerely,
    Dr. Terence M Sheridan

    AvH is a member of a network of over 140 German schools abroad. In 2018, we were once again awarded the official “Excellent School Abroad” seal of approval by the German government. We are recognized by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec. Therefore, we can offer two degrees: the internationally respected and globally recognized German International baccalauréat (Abitur), which allows a seamless transition to university studies, as well as the Quebec Secondary School Diploma, which leads to CEGEP. Our school’s academic success is clearly reflected in the fact that our graduates go on to the world’s leading universities.

    Since its founding in 1980, AvH has been educating students of German, Canadian and international origin. Our graduates acquire a wide range of skills and competencies and they master three languages: German, French and English. All this prepares them especially well for the challenges of our global world.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      Liberal Arts


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      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.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      Northmount School is an independent boys preparatory school (JK-8) grounded in the Catholic tradition. It helps students achieve their greatest academic potential in a supportive environment which emphasizes character development, values and service, leading to a meaningful, balanced and fulfilling life.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Our challenging program adheres to both German and Quebec curricular requirements. The curriculum of every German school abroad offering the "German International Abitur' (DIA) is that of the German state of Thuringia. The subjects "Geography of Quebec and Canada", "History of Quebec and Canada" and "Politics & Economics" reflect the syllabus of the Province of Quebec.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        Approach

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Traditional Math


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        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.

        ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        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.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Northmount School for Boys uses the Saxon Math program that works on building, reviewing and learning new challenging math skills in a modern context that is focused on boys learning.


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Saxon Math


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Scientific calculators are introduced to boys in grades seven and eight.

      • Social Studies


        Approach

        Approach

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Core Knowledge


        Our take: social studies approach type

        Our take: social studies approach type

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        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).


        What the school says about their social studies program

        What the school says about their social studies program

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        The basis of our program is a core knowledge but is organized with themes running through it that is co-ordinated with our literature program. Social justice is a key focus of the school and is not relegated to our social studies program.

      • Humanities and Social Sciences


        Approach

        Approach

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Perennialism


        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        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.


        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Northmount students enjoy learning about the history and geography of the world around them. In the Senior Division, students will learn about exciting and important world issues, politics, and economics. They will learn about the important events that shaped modern day Canada, from First contact with European settlers through to New France, British North America and then Confederation. This journey is filled with inquiry, discovery, and interactive learning experiences. With the study of important and relevant historical events, as well as of current economic and political issues, students begin to learn valuable lessons and skills of how to be positive contributors of Canadian society. Field trips also form an integral part of the course – boys get to explore the real world as they learn the theory in the classroom.

      • Computers and Technolgy


        Approach

        Approach

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Light integration


        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

        ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.


        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Technology is scene as a tool to enhance learning in the curriculum rather than a discipline rather than itself.


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

      • Physical Education


        What the school says about their physical education program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

        We believe strongly that the boys have daily physical education classes, with skill development, co-operative play and personal fitness as highlights.

        ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        At AvH, we promote physical health through regular physical education classes. Our exceptional athletic facilities include two gyms, a soccer field, a running track and an outdoor multi-purpose court. In average 3 hours/week of sports classes are given per grade.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Our Take

      Our Take

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      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.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      The main focus of the Kindergarten program is for boys to develop a love of learning. Furthermore, the boys are given an excellent academic, athletic, artistic, social, and spiritual foundation. Northmount has an energetic and talented group of teachers that strives to individualize its instruction and programs. Teachers enrich student learning as well as provide additional help and encouragement when needed. It is so well developed that by the end of senior kindergarten our boys read, write and do mathematics at a Grade 1 standard, which sets them well on the path towards academic success.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Each child goes through developmental stages at his or her own pace. We take our time, gently guiding each child through these stages while fostering individual skills.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      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).

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      Northmount's CASTLE Program is there to increase the stride in a students' learning pace. The CASTLE Program is an individualized instruction which allows each boy to achieve their greatest potential within our enriched and accelerated academic setting.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      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”.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL 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

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      At Northmount School for Boys, the key to mastery of fundamental skills stems from the ability to tailor the curriculum so that it is personally relevant and engaging. We recognize that each student comes to us from a different background and as such our individualized instruction allows each boy to achieve their greatest potential within our enriched and accelerated academic setting.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      The elementary school s small and comfortable. The school size provides ideal conditions for personal development and encouragement of the individual child. A strong sense of community imparts a sense of security and the children enjoy learning. The secondary level curriculum complies with the requirements stipulated by the German "Kultusministerkonferenz" (KMK, The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany). The individual talents and needs of students are taken into account whenever possible and where physical and staffing resources permit.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

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

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

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

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      Spiritual
      The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

      We offer an advanced curriculum rooted in the Catholic tradition. Our students will become men who are competent and confident leaders; strong in both mind and body. They develop into contributing citizens with a moral conscience.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Independent Free Thinker Multilingual Bilingual Global Citizens STEM and enriched science

  • 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

    NORTHMOUNT 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

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL 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

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    • Every boy, beginning at any age, who wishes to be on a school team may do so. Varsity sports begin at grade 1 and because we are a small school the boys have lots of opportunity to earn a spot on a team.
    • Club offerings follow the interest of the boys. We have a wide array and boys are free to include their own suggestions. Interest clubs are so important that we actually build school time in for them.
    • Service to our community encompasses all grades. It is diverse in its opportunities from providing Christmas hampers for families in need to painting a fence at a local women's shelter.

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    • Karate
    • After-school soccer
    • Supervised homework assistance
    • Maker Space 3D printing
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    JK - 8

    1 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    5%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $2,500

    $5,000

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    95%

    80%

    Day entry years

    JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    Yes: grades K - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    English Language Eligibility Certificate Required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    Boys of promise, strong in character, academics, and athletics. Students who are willing to learn and give of their time to others.

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    A multilingual education (especially a trilingual education) can be challenging for both students and parents, yet the benefits of that hard work are incalculable. We look for students and parents who are want to accept this challenge and will put in the required work and effort to achieve them.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    NORTHMOUNT SCHOOL

    STEPS TO ADMISSION

     

    1.Please complete and return the on line application together with a copy of the applicant’s two most recent report cards.

    2.Upon receipt of the completed application and the application fee of $200.00, a date will be scheduled for your son’s educational assessment and family interview with the Director of Admissions. 

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Families who are interested will be invited for a tour and an interview with the principal.

    Skype interviews can be arranged for all parents and students who do not live in the area.

    The purpose of the interview is to give a general idea about the school and provide an opportunity to ask questions. It is also important to get to know each other and prevent false expectations.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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