AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Royal Crown School vs. North Star Montessori Elementary School

one-to-one comparison:

View Royal Crown School's full report
VS.
View North Star Montessori Elementary School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

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

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2005

    1996

    Enrolment

    300

    110

    Grades

    7 to 12

    Preschool to 7

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

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    Montessori

    Curriculum pace

    Standard-enriched
    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
    Student-paced
    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    Academic culture

    Rigorous
    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Avg. Class Size

    10 to 15

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Montessori
    Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.

    If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $22,800

    $8,550 to $16,785

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    7 to 12

    K to 7

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    50

    10

    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

    Rolling

    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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

    View full report
  • 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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

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

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    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."

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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."

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

    Array

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

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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."

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    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."

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

    Information not available

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 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

  • 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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation


    What the school says

    What the school says

    ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    7 - 12

    K - 7

    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

    Rolling

    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.

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

    What the school says

    What the school says

    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

    NORTH STAR MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Please visit North Star's Website for more information.

  • 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

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ROYAL CROWN SCHOOL:
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