3127 Bowwood Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2E7, Canada
36 Baxter Street, Brantford, Ontario, N3R 2V8, Canada
Indirect Support:
3127 Bowwood Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2E7, Canada
36 Baxter Street, Brantford, Ontario, N3R 2V8, Canada
2003
1996
285
123
Preschool to 6
Preschool to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Traditional, Montessori
16 to 18
Varies
Learning, Developmental
Learning
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$8,470 to $15,040
$15,328
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
29
10
0%
0%
90%
0%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 6
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
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information not available
When discussing schools we often talk about curriculum, or resources, or instructional approaches, and while all of those things are important, so is the presence of a supportive, safe, familiar, and consistent learning environment. And, rightly, that’s where the program at River Valley School begins. The school describes itself as a community, and the description is apt. A safe environment, of course, is one in which a child feels a sense of belonging, and within which she is valued, able to play a role and have a voice. Instruction at River Valley is student-centred, informed by an overt intention to build upon students’ individual strengths and interests. There is a comfortable enrollment level, one that allows for a nice breath of programming while also maintaining that sense of place and belonging. Families look to River Valley to create a strong beginning to their children’s education as well as their social lives, and indeed that’s exactly what they find.
View full reportBraemar House was founded in 1996 by a group of parents looking for a school for their children centred around their shared values and beliefs. That’s great of course, as are the specific values that they had in mind: citizenship, stewardship, and community. When we think of education, we think of academics, though those initial families were aware that academics, while important, are only one part of the bigger picture. The school has grown and formalized since then, as with the creation of the Citizenship Program in 2005, as well as the creation of the Virtues Project, which contribute to the other character building initiatives within the delivery of the core curriculum. There is of course an abiding attention to delivering a strong academic program—there has been a significant attention to developing 21st century literacies—though it’s the attention to values that remains, rightly, an important draw. The ideal student is one operating at the top of his or her peer group, able to thrive in a vibrant educational atmosphere.
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"BHS was the best investment we could have made for our children."
Rebecca Rooney - Parent (Nov 06, 2018)
We have been lucky enough to have two children at BHS. Each value different aspects of the school. ...
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"...the academic level was much lower at his old school and at Braemar the educators are all on board and eager to help out our son achieve his best!"
Anna Nemeth - Parent (Nov 07, 2018)
Our son enrolled in Braemar House School in Sep 2018. We had considered Braemar for many years, but...
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"One of the things I love most about Braemar is how the students interact with one another and with other members of the school community."
Kate Rossiter - Parent (Feb 21, 2019)
Both my kids attend Braemar, and both started when they were three. In our first year, as the mothe...
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"We are an independent school offering an exceptional early childhood and elementary school experience from Age 3 - Gr. 6. The wonder children possess is celebrated through our inquiry-based program where learning is driven by big ideas and questions. We facilitate experiences that inspire academic excellence and student well-being. Beyond our core subjects, RVS provides a robust offering of specialist programs including Art, Drama, Music, French, Outdoor Ed., Phys. Ed., Tech and Library. Wonder Lives Here."
"Braemar House School is a not-for-profit, secular, independent elementary school offering children a supportive and enriched learning experience. Our strength is a strong academic program in a nurturing environment, complimented with a variety of extracurricular activities for all ages. Braemar offers highly committed teachers, a partnership between home and school, and small class sizes. We also provide a vibrant character education program and leadership opportunities."
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"Braemar House School offers an enriched education in a non-denominational community. This is realized through our delivery of the curriculum, educational resources (ex. Chromebooks, manipulatives, & other resources), citizenship programming and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. We are more than a house, it’s a home. Our classrooms & school have a feeling of community; there is a real sense of school spirit. We deliver excellent educational programming in a caring environment."
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"What we hear from parents: they are looking or small class sizes, strong academic programming, enrichment, citizenship and the feeling of a school community. They want their children to love school and have an overall positive and fulsome experience. This is what our student’s experience."
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"The school culture is something that is undervalued. At Braemar, we offer an enriched academic program in a nurturing environment. The culture is something that is unique, and it is important and something we work to cultivate. There is a community feeling at Braemar and it has a positive impact on learning. There is a sense of everyone pulling together and wanting the best for each other. This is really valuable for students for their learning and social-emotional development."
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"Once families join Braemar, and they have spent some time at the school, families experience how the school as a community is emphasized. Everyone takes care of everyone. They experience what small classes allow – a chance for students to have time with their teacher and their teacher to get to know them. Families also truly see the dedication of teachers and staff. Our staff work hard and offer wonderful programming, a well-rounded educational experience and a caring, nurturing environment."
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River Valley School is an innovative and inclusive independent school that harnesses the innate curiosity in children to ensure that every student, regardless of age or ability, will flourish academically and socially. Everything we do is grounded in our mission to embrace the unique talents of our students, while curating opportunities for learning and discovery. Our teachers and staff support different learning styles to ensure that every student is capable of achieving their personal best. With close to 15 years of history, River Valley School has created an environment where children feel loved and safe enough to explore to the full breadth of their individual ability. At the same time, RVS students feel encouraged to take on the rigours required to develop the foundational skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive in the 21st Century.
As a community, we learn and grow together respecting the values, opinions and beliefs of all. Students, teachers, and administrators work together to create a school where learners feel confident and free to appreciate each other, make good ethical decisions, and take age- and stage appropriate risks, leading to enhanced understanding and broadened inquiry.
RVS students know they are safe to try new things, make mistakes, discover new approaches, and explore innovative ways of seeing, contributing to and changing the world.
I am honoured to be the Head of School at River Valley School, and invite you to visit our campus to learn about our outstanding programs and meet our talented students, teachers and staff. I look forward to meeting you when you visit, and sharing more about what makes our school truly exceptional.
Carolyn Breland
Head of School
Braemar was founded by a small group of parents who wanted a different educational opportunity for their children. They wanted a good education with opportunities for their children to excel and to reach their full potential in an encouraging setting. In 2016 we celebrated our 20th anniversary, and we continue to work hard to meet the vision of the founding parents.
At Braemar we support our students in their academic journey and know that with personalized attention and individualized support, our students will thrive. We also nurture and develop their curiosity, love of learning and awareness of their role in the world.
At Braemar our children have a terrific learning environment. This is a result of our small class sizes, our comprehensive and innovative curriculum and the expertise of our qualified and dedicated teachers. We provide students with a strong academic foundation and enhanced programming in Music, Arts, French, Physical Education and Personal Well-being. Our school is enriched by the partnership we have created between home and school.
I invite you to visit our school, I would be pleased to take you on a personal tour. Come and explore and see why our students and families love the Braemar difference.
Sincerely,
Kristin Pass
Traditional
Montessori
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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.
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.
Understanding that no child learns the same way as another, River Valley School ensures that each child receives what they need to flourish. Through an inquiry-based program, we provide hands on, engaging activities that incorporate nature, fine arts, technology, physical education and passion projects. We believe it is imperative for kids to explore, create, play, and make, in order to learn about the world around them. Acknowledging that some students have learning challenges, we also provide additional support through Resource, Speech Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy as well Arrowsmith Cognitive programming to those who require it.
Braemar House School is a not-for-profit, secular, independent school offering children a supportive and enriched learning experience. Small class sizes offer the opportunity for individualized learning and enrichment. Our strength is a strong academic program in a nurturing environment complimented with a variety of extracurricular activities for all ages.
Traditional Math
Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.
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.
At River Valley School students are provided with a robust mathematics program that allows them to investigate and make meaning of mathematical concepts in an active learning environment. Students learn to construct understanding through reflective thought, develop and apply mathematical language and communication, and connect mathematics to the real world. Resources used but not limited to for our math programming are: Maximizing Math (Edmonton Public, Number Talks (Sherry Parrish) in Grades 1-6.
Braemar’s math curriculum is designed to give students opportunities to investigate ideas and concepts through problem solving and then be guided carefully into an understanding of the mathematical principles involved. The acquisition of operational skills remains an important focus of the curriculum. Braemar strives to offer a continuous, cohesive program through the grades. Five major areas of knowledge and skills have been identified and will be reported on: Number Sense and Numeration; Measurement; Geometry and Spatial Sense; Patterning and Algebra; Data Management and Probability. In addition, Braemar integrates the Ministry’s directive to present Financial Literacy across the five math strands and within other Subjects as appropriate. Teachers will, whenever possible, apply mathematics to real-life situations. Enrichment opportunities abound, like our Mathletics On-Line Program, for Prep One to Grade 8, and our Math Club, offered to interested students.
Information not available
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Balanced Literacy
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.
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.
In the Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grade One classrooms you will see children learning to read and write using the Animated-Literacy™ program created by Jim Stone. Stone’s program was created using “current reading research, making direct use of language research and brain research including studies in memory, motivation, and the role of emotion in guiding attention and learning.” (www.animatedliteracy.com). Students are highly motivated to learn to read through songs, stories, actions and meeting the stuffed animal characters that correspond to the Alphabet letters and sounds. A daily home reading program begins in Kindergarten when students are showing reading readiness.
Our primary students begin with the Jolly Phonics program that is supported by reading and writing activities as well as a handwriting program. This program runs throughout our entire primary division. In addition we have a strong home reading program that is supported by books as well as online resources. We track the progress of our students reading levels monitoring their decoding skills, oral fluency, comprehension and their ability to inference.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Students are assessed using the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA). Intermediate students are assessed on their oral fluency.
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.
From an early age students are engaged in the writing process at RVS. Students are given a variety of opportunities to explore, shape and clarify their thoughts, and to communicate them to others. In the early years students use symbols and letters to help convey meaning (Animated Literary - Jim Stone). As students move through the grades they learn to use effective writing strategies, discover and refine ideas and compose and revise with increasing confidence and skill within narrative writing and expository writing experiences. Animated Literacy (Jim Stone), Empowering Writers (Barbara Mariconda) and Moving Up (Scholastic), are among a few of the primary resources used in the writing program at RVS.
Our students are given a variety of writing experiences across all grade levels. In our early grades there is substantial creative writing as well as writing informational pieces. The students are taught how to edit, revise and rewrite their work. Self- evaluation of their work is also a large part of their programming. In our intermediate grades the students are taught to be critical writers with a specific goal in mind. They learn how to develop a thesis statement, research and write to support their statement, and then defend it.
Equal Balance
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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.
Students explore and nurture their sense of wonder within Science programming at River Valley School. Children are given time and space to explore and iterate with freedom while processes, such as design thinking, exploration, inquiry, and the scientific method structure the child’s investigation of their surroundings. They create, test, and develop skill and confidence while building a foundation of experience and understanding.
Braemar’s Science program involves exploration, experimentation, observation, measurement, and analysis - specific skills necessary to effective learning. The program is organized into four areas of knowledge and skills: Understanding Life Systems; Understanding Structures and Mechanisms; Understanding Matter and Energy and Understanding Earth and Space Systems. Our focus is on interaction, structure, function, sustainability, continuity, and change. The program is enriched through our School Food Garden and our Science Fair which is held every other year. Through both experiences, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and interests in practical, relevant, and concrete activities. Science enrichment experiences, like our First Lego League Robotics Team, are actively sought out and offered to interested students at both the intramural and varsity levels.
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
Meteorology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
At River Valley School, students are exposed to literature at an early age. We believe in the importance of students listening to stories, reading to others, participating in shared reading and reading independently on a daily basis. Formal reading assessments are done at the beginning and end of each year. Students read regularly with their classroom teachers who monitor progress in reading fluency and comprehension. River Valley School has a Home Reading program for Division 1 students, with an expectation for nightly reading of fluent material. In Division 2, students are exposed to more complex texts (fiction/non-fiction) and novels with content suitable to entertain the reader or with content that can be integrated into other subject areas to reinforce fluency and comprehension at a deeper level.
Novels selected for study are culturally diverse, communicate global issues and connect across various curricula.
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 Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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).
Social studies programming at River Valley School provides opportunities for students to develop attitudes, skills and knowledge to be informed, engaged, active, and responsible citizens. Students have access to a variety of resource materials, have the opportunity to debate and discuss ideas and information, and are encouraged to develop and work through projects to learn more about an area of interest. Classroom experiences are enriched when working with specialist teachers as social studies concepts are examined from different perspectives and contexts, deepening the child’s experiences with and understanding of the subject matter. Travelling to other places around our city, province and country provide rich learning experiences in this curricular area. For example, our Grade Five and Six students travel to Ottawa every other year to connect with Canadian history and government.
The focus of teaching and learning in the social studies, history and geography curriculums is to have students learn to evaluate different points of view and examine information critically. Social studies seek to examine and understand communities, from the local to the global, their various heritages, physical systems, and the nature of citizenship within them, and to acquire a knowledge of concepts like change, culture, environment, power, and the dynamics of the marketplace. The Grade 1 to 6 programs focus on Heritage, Citizenship, and Canada and its world connections.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
The Grade 7 and 8 history program focuses on Canadian history and students learn how lessons from the past can be used to make wise decisions for the present and the future. The study of history in Grades 7 and 8 builds on the skills, attitudes, and knowledge developed in Grades 1 to 6. The Geography program examines the earth's physical systems and the people in them, and investigates how people and environments affect each other.
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
All RVS students participate in biweekly lessons in French. Our French teachers use the AIM program founded by Wendy Maxwell. AIM uses storytelling, gestures, collaboration and repetition to teach proficiency in oral and written French. In addition to scheduled Progress Meetings, student progress is shared with parents via video recordings, student work samples, and year end performances. Project work is also embedded in classes to ensure an engaging learning experience.
All Braemar students, from Montessori to Grade 8, receive instruction in French, and each passing year gives them the opportunity to build and develop their skills. Students easily meet Ministry curriculum expectations and many work well beyond their grade level. Various enrichment activities complement work in class and every effort is made to connect the French program with other areas of the curriculum. Activities include puppet show presentations, a celebration of Le Carnival du Mardi-Gras, maple sugar season, an introduction to Cajun cuisine and culture, a glimpse of Francophone culture around the world, and a fashion show. In addition a school-wide Enhanced Learning Experience in French is planned each year that integrates grades, ages, and abilities through the student clans.
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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.
All RVS students are exposed to the arts within the classroom, as well as through expert specialists in Music, Drama and Art. Specialist instruction begins in Pre-Junior Kindergarten (Age 3) through to Grade Six. We believe fine arts in education bolsters independence, celebrates originality and demands personal discipline to hone skills. Cross-curricular connections are inevitable when the children are invited (and excited to!) engage, make and do. Curiosity is nurtured through the senses where hands-on learning is intensified in an environment of possibility and creativity.
The Arts programming at Braemar provides for one Arts focus each term. This allows for greater depth, more effective resource allocation, and a shared concentration on each of the three Art subjects; Visual Arts, Music and Drama. We actively encourage the presence of the Arts in all subjects at any time and the Arts are integrated into ALL learning experiences; science, math, language, social studies, and technology. Braemar students sing, draw, paint and perform throughout the year, even though they are not being formally assessed outside of the terms identified.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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.
A variety of digital tools are used to deepen, support, and extend learning opportunities for students at River Valley School. Students create with technology using such platforms as Smartboard technology, iPads, and laptops within a multitude of digital literacies from coding, micro-bits, app and website development, to green screens, movie-making, and augmented reality systems. This access offers students the ability to refine their skills, practice processes and create solutions to unique problems as they find, identify, evaluate, and use information across any curricular area. All students in Grades 4-6 have a 1:1 device provided by the school for their academic use.
expand
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physical education provides the opportunity to teach students about movement, strategies, teamwork, problem solving and health related fitness. The primary objectives are to foster in children a love of physical activity and play and to instill the need for physical fitness in each child. The program encourages positive interactions, good sporting behaviour in all activities, along with promoting the development of cooperation, teamwork, and leadership skills. At River Valley School our students take part in Physical Education in our two gymnasiums, outdoors in our playing fields, as well as many off site locations such as swimming lessons and skiing lessons. Outside of structured physical education classes, students participate in outdoor education pursuits and can participate in our competitive athletic team, The Rapids, in volleyball, basketball and soccer.
Physical Education starts with our youngest children and encourages active participation with skill development. As students mature they are introduced to both individual activities and team sports in class and through extracurricular involvement. New sports or activities are introduced in each grade, followed up in subsequent years with further skill development through drill work and game play. There is a strong focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and cooperation. Active recesses are encouraged with the provision of equipment for play, the use of wide open spaces, and mentoring by our older students.
Montessori
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.
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.
River Valley School is a leader in Early Childhood Education and offers programming for 3, 4 and 5 year-olds. Our inquiry-based program focusses on practical and sensorial skills in addition to the core curricular areas, fine arts, physical education, outdoor education, and character development. While our programming is best described as Academic, our full-day 5 day/week programming encourages play-based exploration, in addition to lessons guided by the teacher.
Our youngest Braemar students are enrolled in our Montessori programs for 3 and 4 year olds and our unique "Prep One" program for 5 year olds. Taking full advantage of the hands-on inspired learning, concept building and critical thinking skills that come with a Montessori introduction to school, the Montessori programs in followed by our unique and innovative Prep One program. Students in these pre-Grade 1 programs make an effective transition to the more traditional learning environments found in our Grade 1-8 elementary school programs.
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.
The adaptive model of educational delivery offered at our school supports different learning styles to ensure that every student is capable of achieving their personal best.
Information not available
Supportive
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
At River Valley School, we have high and appropriate expectations for every student. Year after year, our kids rank in the top tier of provincial testing, academic competitions, arts and athletics. We offer a warm, nurturing environment where our students feel genuinely cared about and supported. This builds confidence and establishes a strong foundation for kids to explore who they are – their passions, gifts, hopes and dreams.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Physical
The goal is to cultivate "strong, ?exible - bodied and active individuals, in tune with the joys of movement, sport and wellness."
We develop leadership skills, confidence in self, compassion for others and provide opportunities for our students to make a difference. We value the social and emotional development of each child as much as their academic development.
Information not available
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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| Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
| Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
| Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
| Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
| Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. | ||||
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support
Accommodations
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Information not available
River Valley School welcomes students with a variety of learning profiles. Data is gathered twice annually to determine any gaps in learning. River Valley School communicates with families regularly about their child's learning development and ensures that any areas to be addressed are done so quickly and with school support.
Information not available
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
0%
0%
$0
$0
90%
0%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 6
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Admission into River Valley School is based on several factors, the most important of which is knowing that you have found the right place for your child. At River Valley School academic testing is not required as part of the admissions process. As an inclusive school, we believe young children are capable and that they learn in many different ways. It’s our job to find out how they learn, what they enjoy and what steps need to be taken to fully master a level of learning before embarking on the next.
Given the school’s high academic expectations, children must be willing learners who are able to meet the demands of the school’s academic programming, with behaviours and attitudes that won’t disrupt the learning of others, and will influence the classroom and school community in a positive and virtuous manner.
Families are first encouraged to book-a-tour with our Director of Enrolment, walk through our facilities, discuss our program and fees, ask questions, but most importantly help us learn more about your child and their needs. Interested Parents/Guardians are then asked to fill out our online application form and submit all required application documentation. We do not test for entrance.
In addition to the online application form, the following is required prior to an admission decision:
*In some cases, students may be asked to join us for an informal observation or classroom trial to determine a good fit.
*Children entering our Early Learning programs must be toilet-trained
The Admission Policy of Braemar House School is based on a desire to successfully deliver an enriched academic experience for our students.
Admission Steps:
Note- for those students accepted during the summer months without a classroom observation, the letter of acceptance accompanying the contract shall clearly state the policy regarding a defined probationary period in September at Braemar House School.
