2246 Camilla Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5A 2J6, Canada
201- 1085 Homer Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1J4, Canada
2000
2017
24
80
Nursery/Toddler to SK
K to 7
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
10 to 15
9 to 11
$7,070 to $11,960
$19,855
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
K to 8
$0
$9,000
6
10
0%
0%
100%
75%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades K - 6
No
No
information not available
information not available
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 reportClaren Academy is one of those places that, in every way, was clearly created with the the learner foremost in mind. The teaching environment is bright, clean, and inviting, with lots of colour and natural light. It’s just a very comfortable place for young people to spend their days. Instruction is student-centred, building on the skills, interests, and needs that the students bring with them into the room. The intention is to deliver the attributes and knowledge they will need in the future as they move on to secondary and post-secondary education, and life. Administration references future-focused skills, though it says something about the school that creativity, empathy and kindness make that list. The school leadership is accessible, and assessment and progress reporting is consistent and detailed. So, yes, the school looks charming, and indeed it is, in all kinds of ways. Founded in 2017, Claren Academy has quickly become an important and valued educational offering within the city.
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"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."
"Claren Academy is a future-focused independent school located in downtown Vancouver. Claren Academy has a brand new campus and a vibrant middle years program for students in grades 7, 8, and 9. With individualized learning plans, dedicated educators, strong fundamentals, and real, hands-on learning, Claren Academy gives students the tools to be creative, competent, and happy in their changing world."
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Progressive
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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.
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Our school builds on a foundation to help balance both the academic and spiritual growth needed during the early stages of learning! Our atrium program also is run using the same pholoophy as Montessori.
Claren Academy prepares students for the world of the future, with strong academic foundations and creative use of technology. We strive to develop critical thinkers who are caring, confident, lifelong learners in a diverse community. We foster creativity, joy, and passion for learning through our personal connections with each student and their family. We provide opportunities, encouragement, inspiration, and mentoring for each child. We use the B.C. curriculum to provide strong fundamentals using developmentally appropriate practices and materials, while also exposing students to forward-looking areas of study such as programming, virtual reality, robotics, and much more. Our technology-enhanced personalized learning takes place in a school environment that emphasizes creativity, independence, entrepreneurial skills, and academics. There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment. All students are immersed in a creative learning process through exploration, critical thinking, and reflection. Together the students think, work, and create in a way that demonstrates their new understanding.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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For the core foundational subjects of literacy and math we used a levelled program that fits students into their just-right group, regardless of grade. That allows students to have more support as needed, and to advance with mastery.
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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.
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For the core foundational subjects of literacy and math we used a levelled program that fits students into their just-right group, regardless of grade. That allows students to have more support as needed, and to advance with mastery.
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.
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For the core foundational subjects of literacy and math we used a levelled program that fits students into their just-right group, regardless of grade. That allows students to have more support as needed, and to advance with mastery.
Equal Balance
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.
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No matter how much the world changes, creativity and inventiveness are skills that will always be in demand. The Oxford study The Future of Employment states, “Specialist occupations involving the development of novel ideas and artifacts, are the least susceptible to computerisation.” This includes occupations in the fields of science and engineering, but it also includes work in the fields of entertainment, helping, and the arts. We foster creativity in our students by reducing emphasis on rote memorization, and by teaching them to find answers for themselves, critically assessing the information available.
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
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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
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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
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Not applicable
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
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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.
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Humans evolved to enjoy play because play helps us to learn about our environment and prepare for our adult lives. However, learning only feels like play when it is hands-on, self-directed, and self-motivated. Students are excited about learning when they can see how the subject at hand will be relevant to their lives. Most high school students are not excited about learning the quadratic formula because they don't see how it will ever be useful to them outside of school. At Claren Academy, we expose students to aspirational fields in a hands-on way to show that their studies will indeed help them to excel in the areas they most enjoy. Our students are introduced to: Computer programming Digital art & music Robotics & electronics Entrepreneurship Science experiments 3D printing Broadcasting & streaming Digital film making & animation Virtual reality Molecular gastronomy (cooking!) Game design and much more!
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Play-based
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 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.
Our school has a strong focus on the spiritual aspect although it is a catholic school we do accept all different religions creeds and beliefs.
We have developed a method of teaching to personalize learning for each child. Teachers prepare materials, centre play activities and projects with our students' interests and needs in mind. Our programs are inspired by the approaches used in Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Play-based programs. Humans evolved to enjoy play because play helps us to learn about our environment and prepare for our adult lives. However, learning feels like play most often when it is hands-on, self-directed, and self-motivated. Students are excited about learning when they can see how the subject at hand will be relevant to their lives.
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.
Our students have opportunities each day to learn across grades in a large group setting as well as smaller groups based on ability and/or on curriculum.
Supportive
This option allows you to "opt out" of selecting one of "rigorous" or "supportive". Doing so means you will not be shown on pages relating to academic culture, (your exposure will be diminished).
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.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
We foster creativity in our students by reducing emphasis on rote memorization, and by teaching them to find answers for themselves. Similarly, we encourage diversity over conformity, and instead of a "one size fits all" program, our students are at liberty to explore their own areas of interest, permitted that a strong grasp of core subjects has been demonstrated.
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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
K - 8
0%
0%
$0
$9,000
100%
75%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades K - 6
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Admission to grades K-8 at Claren Academy is based on: - The candidate's social, emotional, and developmental readiness - The family's interview - The candidate's actions during the play-based observation - The school's assessment of references and past academic records The following may also be considered: - Availability of space in the year to which the candidate is applying - Diversity and gender balance - Siblings of students already enrolled
Please visit our admissions page to learn about our requirements and process.
Claren Academy is accepting applications for kindergarten to grade 8, adding a grade each year up to grade 12. Children born from 2010 to 2018 are eligible to apply for 2023.
Application steps:
Interviews and play evaluations take place on a rolling basis. Placement decisions will be announced within two weeks of your interview and observation. Successful applicants will then be asked for a deposit to secure enrolment.
Please visit our admissions page to learn about our requirements and process.