AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Royal Crown School vs. Calgary Waldorf School

one-to-one comparison:

View Royal Crown School's full report
VS.
View Calgary Waldorf School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    4620 Finch Ave East, Scarborough, Ontario, M1S 4G2, Canada

    515 Cougar Ridge Dr. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5G9, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2005

    1985

    Enrolment

    300

    240

    Grades

    7 to 12

    JK to 9

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Boarding, Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

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

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    Waldorf

    Curriculum pace

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

    Avg. Class Size

    10 to 15

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Waldorf
    Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $22,800

    $6,170 to $12,130

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    7 to 12

    Preschool to 9

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    50

    20

    Percent in boarding

    33%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 7 - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    “There’s an awareness that success can mean many different things to different people, but that for everyone, success is personal and about reaching personal goals, not institutional ones.” “In some senses it is within a second generation of international schools in Canada, at least as we typically think of them today. The concept was crafted in the 1970s in response to Canada’s growing desirability as an educational destination.” “There is so much diversity in the ranks—you’re as likely to meet a basketball prodigy as you are a competitive mathematician—it can be hard to know what the students share. One, though, is an overt orientation toward academic achievement.”
    Read The Our Kids Review of Royal Crown School

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Royal Crown is an international school, as reflected both in its programs as well as the student population. Students arriving from overseas can choose to stay within the Royal Crown residence, or homestay with a local family. Supports, such as ESL instruction and levelling are available to those who need it, as well as counselling around visa and travel requirements. There are also extracurricular programs developed with the overseas student very much in mind. Likewise, class sizes are kept small in order to provide opportunities to build instruction around the students’ specific strengths. The ideal student is one looking for a supportive, vibrant international educational experience.

    View full report

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    The program is established and proven, having been founded in 1985. Facilities are frankly excellent, having been purpose built for the CWS program in 2002, and created through consultation and cooperation with the entire school community. Spaces are ample, well appointed, and naturally lit. The aesthetic throughout is energizing. A wealth of outdoor space is a plus, to with more than four acres combining multi-use fields, play spaces, and sports fields. The proximity to the Canada Olympic Park isn’t perhaps meaningful in any substantive way, but is nice all the same. In the creation of the facility, to the day-to-day experience of the school, the school prides itself on the community that it both serves and represents, and well it should. There’s a village feel throughout, which only amplifies the academic work being done. Parents feel as much a part of the school as the students, which supports the work of the school in lots of overt and subtle ways. Staff are dedicated and experienced, and the daily routines—from drop off to aftercare—are friendly and sympathetic to the needs of parents and everything that can pop up in the course of a day.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    "The school gave me a feeling of acceptance and being included."
    Ziqi Liu - Student   (Jan 23, 2023)
    Royal Crown School is a beautiful place with high-quality constructions, teaching systems, and meals... View full review

    "The diversity of Royal Crown's students is absolutely incredible!"
    Godson Okokoh - Student   (Oct 18, 2023)
    I enjoy it for the most part. Your school experience at Royal Crown is absolutely fantastic! It's li... View full review

    "I love being here: the environment, the people, the basketball programs all make it worthwhile."
    Favour Nkemka - Student   (Oct 18, 2023)
    I greatly enjoy going to Royal Crown. I love being here, the environment, the people, the basketball... View full review

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    information not available

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    "Royal Crown School's purpose is to unleash the potential in each student and set them on a path for a successful life. On our modern campus, we provide rigorous, progressive academics with individual attention and small class sizes to ensure success for all our students. Our Nike sponsored basketball program sends graduates to NCAA schools and even the NBA. Our diverse school community, with students from over 20 countries, provides an energizing, caring environment, which opens minds and doors to the world."

    • Rigorous progressive academics
    • Small class sizes (10-15 students in each class)
    • Individual attention and care from teachers and guidance counselors to guarantee academic success
    • Best-in-class elite & developmental basketball programs led by renowned coaches
    • Diverse student body with international students from all over the world and elite student athletes
    • Co-Curricular programs and clubs
    • Boarding facilities for international students
    • Modern campus with swimming pool and full-service cafeteria
    • 100% post secondary education placement
    • Scholarships and Financial aid available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Central to Waldorf education is a deep respect for childhood. Our enriched curriculum is designed to meet children where they are in their development. Movement and time in nature is built into every student’s daily rhythm. The Waldorf learning experience is hands-on, with unwired and low-tech classrooms. The arts — music, story, drawing, painting, and drama — are interwoven through all subjects. Students also learn two world languages, French and German."

    • Beginning in grade one children learn two world languages, French and German.
    • Handwork and Woodwork are part of the curriculum
    • Middle School students take part in a series of elective classes including wrestling, robotics, etc.
    • Independent School athletics program begins in grade seven with after school sports.

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    "1. Individual Attention & Care to ensure Academic Success: Small class sizes, free tutoring. extra guidance staff. 2. Elite Basketball Program: Coaches with college, national & professional experience, fully integrated schedule allowing for daily training while prioritizing academics, development approach, graduates in NCAA, NBA and Canada National teams. 3. Diverse Student Body: Students come from many countries, learning about different cultures, caring community where everyone belongs."

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "This whole-child approach to education is rooted in the Waldorf concepts of "feeling, thinking, willing," and "heart, head, hands." These concepts are based on Dr. Rudolf Steiner's philosophies, and adapted for a changing world. We strive to honour, nurture, and protect the childhood of our students; to guide them into healthy adolescence; and to help them mature in ways that go beyond the simply material aspects of our nature and our world."

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    "Royal Crown School's mission is to unleash student potential through a series of uniqueness (small class sizes - 10/15 students per class, personalized individual attention with extra guidance support) and activities (Elite Basketball Program, After-class C.A.S.E. activities - Creativity, Activity, Service and Enrichment: visual arts, movie, newspaper, cooking, music...). The objective is to enable students to learn and demonstrate leadership skills that empower themselves for success."

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Our philosophy prioritizes the integration of arts, imagination, and movement into all academic disciplines. Our curriculum fosters intellectual flexibility and creative thinking, with an eye to ethics and morality. Knowledge is important, but understanding what to do with that knowledge is critical. We believe that becoming a successful human is a function of weaving together a rich tapestry of capacities and abilities."

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    "Families will experience diversity and inclusion as 50% of of our students are coming from Canada and 50% from international countries. This is a huge opportunity to learn new cultures, new habits between each other, and to make friends forever."

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "The use of electronic media, particularly television, by young children is discouraged in Waldorf schools. So too is the over-emphasis of commercialism and busy extra-curricular schedules. The importance of a balanced and strong family life is emphasized, encouraged and supported at our school."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    "Families will discover how Royal Crown School is integrated in various aspects: all facilities (classrooms, gym, cafeteria, swimming pool) under one roof, Academics and Athletics students attend the same classes, the Elite Basketball Program includes a strong academic component in the basketball program."

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    "Waldorf class teachers build strong relationships with their students. Our methodology is rooted in rhythm and routine, and supported by having a Class Teacher. The teacher stays with their class for several consecutive years, acting as mentor, role model, and guardian. A Class Teacher is better able to assess each individual's development needs, and fosters shared experience and a strong bond between the teacher and the students and their families."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Royal Crown School is a very special place. I love seeing our students every day and working to provide them with the best possible experience. Our teachers and staff all believe strongly that every young person has powerful potential and in the right environment, they will thrive. We are all dedicated to creating this energizing environment and unleashing the potential in each student to set them on a path to a successful life.

    Here at our school, we take extra care of our students and ensure each and every one is given individual attention and guidance to achieve academic success.  We welcome students from all over the world. Our diversity enriches our community and prepares our students to engage the world.

    We are a fairly new school, founded in 2005, and we pride ourselves on being agile and innovative. A few years back we started an elite developmental basketball program which has garnered national attention and already sent several graduates to NCAA division 1 schools in the United States, Canadian National teams and even to the NBA.

    We are delighted that you are interested in learning more about Royal Crown School. We invite you to drop by our campus, reach out to our admissions team and attend one of our open houses. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing more about what makes our school extra ordinary and maybe the right fit for your child.

    Sincerely,

    Michael Burke

    Head of School

    information not available

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Information not available

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      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.

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Waldorf schools are available from preschool to Grade 12, though they are most popular at the younger ages. Waldorf schools are unmistakably "progressive". Rudolf Steiner, their intellectual forefather, believed the educator's first task should be to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning. Sometimes incorrectly conflated with Montessori schools, Waldorf schools focus on developing the "whole child" - emphasizing collaborative, hands-on learning, along with the arts and music, which are integrated into other areas of study.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Royal Crown Academic School follows the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum. We are inspected by the Ministry of Education and are recognized as an Ontario credit-granting institution.

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Information not available

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ROYAL CROWN 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.

      CALGARY WALDORF 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

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Information not available

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Rigorous

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ROYAL CROWN 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”.

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

      Information not available

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

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

      CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    ROYAL CROWN 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

    CALGARY WALDORF 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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL

    • Our School is a member of the I.S.A.A. (Independent Schools’ Athletic Association), a league of independent schools in Calgary that coordinates the sporting season for its students.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    7 - 12

    Preschool - 9

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 7 - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) 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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    We are looking for a variety of students from different backgrounds to join our diverse and caring community. For our basketball program specifically, we are looking for student athletes with talent and a great passion for the sport. We want all our students to align with and be guided by our school values: 1.) We are a caring community 2.) We aim high 3.) We have grit 4.) We embrace our diversity 5.) We always do the right thing.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Step 1: 

    • Student submits application form along with $250 CAD application fee

    Step 2: 

    • Student submits transcripts from previously attended institutions

    Step 3: 

    • Student meets with a recruitment officer to review their documents

    Step 4

    • Interview with Admissions team member
  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Joshua Primo (2020)
    Joshua Primo is a professional basketball player. He currently plays in the NBA, as a shooting guard for the San Antonio Spurs.
    Latasha Lattimore (2021)
    Latasha Lattimore is a Div 1 NCAA college basketball player. She played her freshman year at University of Texas and has committed to the Hurricanes at the University of Miami for her sophomore year.
    Shayeann Day-Wilson (2021)
    Shayeann Day-Wilson is a Division 1 NCAA basketball player. She currently plays for Duke University and is also a member of the U19 Canada National team.
    Michael Evbagharu (2022)
    Michael Evbagharu is a current member of the U18 Canadian National team.
    information not available

Compare:

ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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