AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School vs. Brockton School

one-to-one comparison:

View Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School's full report
VS.
View Brockton School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    2246 Camilla Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5A 2J6, Canada

    3467 Duval Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7J 3E8, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2000

    2004

    Enrolment

    24

    345

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    JK to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    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.
    Spiritual
    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive, International Baccalaureate

    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

    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.
    Play-based
    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $7,070 to $11,960

    $27,200 to $30,600

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    SK to 12

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    6

    23

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Feb 01, 2024

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    When Edgerton Ryerson established a national, public education system, he highlighted the need for consistency: every school should be the same, offer the same things, from coast to coast. Sadly, that conception of what schools should be, and what they should provide, remains doggedly with us today. Thankfully, schools like Shepherd Montessori step away from that model, choosing rather to offer something as unique as the community they are formed to serve. Shepherd is a school using the Montessori method to deliver a program that is also based in the values of the Catholic church. In that, it’s happily one of a kind. Further, the student population is small, allowing a heightened level of individual attention, something that is also a primary draw. The community of the school is diverse, and while not all families are active within the Catholic church, all nevertheless appreciate the school’s attention to developing the students’ understanding of their spiritual selves. The approach in the classroom is child-centered, child-directed, and project oriented. The ideal student is one able to thrive with a close-knit learning environment.

    View full report

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Families rightly turn to Brockton for strong academics, and it certainly has that, undergirded by the IB program. But families turn to private school for other reasons as well, prime among them an environment in which students enter a community of peers of a like mind, and who are academically inclined, and Brockton offers that as well. Even more importantly though is an aspect of the school that perhaps parents don’t think to first, though they should, and that’s the opportunity to have authentic experience with a range of endeavor that they wouldn’t otherwise. The community of the Brockton School is close-knit, while the academic and extracurricular programs are broad. No, it’s not always easy to try new things, and the school is cognizant of the barriers to participation, anticipates them, and seeks to provide a sympathetic introduction. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a vibrant, active, supportive yet challenging academic environment.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    "The only Catholic based Montessori School in the GTA (curriculum encouraged and supported by the Archbishop of Toronto). We provide an intimate environment for students aged 2.5 - 5 yrs that stimulates independent thinking and enriches moral development. Faculty and parents work together to foster, within each child, the early habits, attitudes and skills necessary to establish a lifelong joy in learning. Our responsibility is to guide the whole child - spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually."

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    "Brockton is a co-educational IB Continuum World School located in North Vancouver with programs from JK to Grade 12. At Brockton students are offered an inclusive, holistic, and challenging learning environment where personal experience and development is paramount. The program supports students in becoming life-long learners, and offers a variety of co-curricular, leadership, and service opportunities. At Brockton every student and every family is known, welcomed, respected, and valued."

    • Focus on overall student development and well being within a rigorous academic framework
    • Multiple pathways to graduation and diverse programming that allow for a personalized approach
    • Purpose built early learning program meant to build strong foundations in a welcoming environment
    • Engaging primary and intermediate program and a specialized middle years program
    • Over 30 athletic teams starting as early as grade 3; over 30 extra/co curricular clubs/programs
    • Outstanding outdoor education program providing significant experiential learning across all grades
    • Impressive Arts program including the world renowned World Music Program
    • Innovative programming including multiple dimensions of IT, Entrepreneurship, and more
    • Meaningful student leadership and service engagement opportunities, locally and globally
    • 1:7 Faculty to Student ratio and over 80% of faculty with advanced degrees

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    "Within a challenging IB framework, Brockton School focuses on each child and on the whole child. It is a school where every student matters, every family matters, community matters, and learning for life matters. Students work to learn from successes and challenges to explore their sense of purpose and direction. Students are given the strong foundations that inspire them on a journey as outstanding humans."

    Array

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

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    "Families choose Brockton because of the authentic connections made between students, staff, and families that, when married to the program delivery, lead to thriving and confident learners. The environment is warm, welcoming, and supportive. The academic standard is high and students are inspired to learn how to learn. Inspiring and supporting students to pursue their dreams with a sense of purpose is a priority."

    Array

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

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    "Brockton has an impressive number and diversity of programs.
    Students find extraordinary success in multiple arenas.
    The student leadership program is innovative and engaging of all students in one capacity or another.
    The culture of the school and the associated supports attracts accomplished and outstanding staff."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    "Brockton walks the talk. It is not words on a website or other; Brockton lives its mission and guiding principles.

    Brockton is an incredibly innovative school and works with students and families to be successful today and in the future. Brockton is not afraid to be ahead of the curve."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Imagine a school where students are excited about getting to class; where students are encouraged to be risk-takers; where every opportunity is seen as one for learning. Imagine a school where parents, teachers and students collaborate to create their best possible educational adventure. Imagine Brockton!

    Brockton is a safe, caring environment where students are challenged academically through a broad and balanced curriculum which surpasses the expectations of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British Columbia Education Ministry requirements. The academic programme is complemented by a range of co-curricular activities, from athletics and leadership, to service and our World Music Program. Students are encouraged to engage with our local and global communities as they are guided to become life-long learners.

    As an IB World School we embrace the concepts of 21st century learning, providing challenging programs in a culture of inquiry, and fostering the importance of giving service to others. At Brockton we encourage all students to achieve their true potential by being active learners and global citizens.

    Students at Brockton don’t simply attend school, they embark on an educational adventure where they are encouraged to take risks and inquire about the world around them. I am really proud to be the Head of Brockton School. It is an honour to lead a truly dedicated and highly trained staff and to serve the families of the Brockton Community. I would like you to be able to experience everything that is brilliant about Brockton, and I welcome you all to come and see what makes our school so special.

  • 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

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC 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

    BROCKTON 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

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    • Duke of Edinburgh Award - Students have the opportunity to work towards the globally recognized Duke of Edinburgh Award. This program encourages students to be physically and mentally active, connect with and give back to their community, and develop skills for life.
    • World Music Program - Our World Music Program offers students at any skill level the opportunity to learn music theory, develop skill, and to participate in live performances.
    • Community Action Teams - An interest in service and bettering the community is strongly encouraged at Brockton. Through the Community Action Teams, students engage in service and foster leadership skills in areas they are interested in such as environmentalism, health and well-being or diversity and inclusion.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    SK - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Feb 01, 2024

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes

    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

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    Student selection is based on both academic and non-academic considerations. These include but are not limited to: The ‘fit’ of the child and family with the school. The availability of space and class composition at the particular grade level. Character traits such as curiosity, independence, responsibility, self-discipline, and creativity.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    BROCKTON SCHOOL

    STEP 1: DISCOVER BROCKTON

    Start by exploring our website for information about the school, our programming, fees, deadlines for admissions, and culture.
    Dive deeper into our unique programming by downloading our Admissions Information Package or registering for an Open House

    SUBMIT AN INQUIRY

    Once you know that Brockton is the right fit for your family, click the apply button. You will be prompted to create an account and fill out an online application.

    SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

    INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

    Please note that applications are not considered complete until we receive all supporting documentation, and the non-refundable $300 application fee has been paid.
    For more detailed information on the application process, download our application guide and required documentation checklist.

    APPLICATION GUIDE

    REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

    STEP 3: SCHEDULE ASSESSMENTS

    Student applicants are required to participate in an entrance assessment to determine ‘fit’ and evidence of the applicant’s potential for success within our program. Parents will also be invited to meet with a member of our admissions/leadership team for a personal interview.

    These can be booked in your admissions checklist.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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