AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School vs. St. John's-Ravenscourt School

one-to-one comparison:

View Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School's full report
VS.
View St. John's-Ravenscourt School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

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

    400 South Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 3K5, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2000

    1820

    Enrolment

    24

    890

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    K to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day, Boarding

    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

    Liberal Arts, Reggio Emilia

    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.
    Accelerated
    The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

    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

    18 to 22

    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.
    Reggio Emilia
    Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
    If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $7,070 to $11,960

    $26,670 to $27,370

    Boarding Tuition

    $50,700 to $72,000

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    10%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    6 to 12

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $15,000

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    6

    68

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    2%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    70%

    Day entry years

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

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

    Boarding entry years

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Jan 26, 2024

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT 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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    SJR was founded in 1820 principally to serve the children of the Selkirk settlers. By 1834 there were forty students, evenly split between boys and girls. The school has inevitably grown and changed over the years since, though it’s success throughout has been unimpeachable. SJR has graduated 18 Rhodes scholars, for example, and the Queen granted patronage and established a scholarship in her name in 1981. Today the programs are as strong as the school’s reputation. A strong academic program is paired with an equally strong attention to the values of stewardship, ethical leadership, and excellence in all areas of academic, social, and athletic life. A strategic plan to culminate in 2020, the school’s bi-centennial, is intended to further develop the school’s campus and programs; it's intended not as a revolution, says the head of school, Jim Keefe, but as the impetus for further evolution of what the school has been providing. The ideal student in one with sights set on post-secondary studies, and able to thrive in a challenging, expansive 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."

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    "Nestled within an oxbow of the Red River lies Western Canada’s oldest independent school, St. John’s-Ravenscourt (SJR). As a co-educational K-12 school, with boarding and day programs, SJR students are engaged in an inspiring environment. Our strong educational offerings provide a balance of values related to academic excellence, social responsibility, creative expression, and active healthy living. With exceptional debate, public speaking and leadership programs, SJR prepares students for their future success."

    • Founded in 1820
    • 18 Rhodes Scholars
    • World-class debating and public speaking - 16 World Champions
    • Variety of AP courses available
    • 100% of graduates offered university placement
    • 98% of graduates are accepted to their first choice university program
    • Nine hockey teams
    • Newly renovated and updated hockey arena on campus
    • Nationally renowned math program

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    "St. John's-Ravenscourt School offers a unique public speaking and debating program that is engrained in the school across all grade levels. We feel that teaching students how to speak well provides them with skills for the future while at the same time building their confidence."

    Array

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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    "When families consider SJR, they feel that the school provides a strong education for their child that pushes them to be their best. They see that academics are at the core of SJR while also providing a well-rounded breadth of opportunities including arts and athletics. Most importantly, families continue to tell us that they appreciate the open nature of the school, welcoming all people."

    Array

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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    "What often goes unrecognized initially is the athletic and arts offerings and the multitude of opportunities for students to get involved throughout the school. Athletically, our school offers students a wide array of sports and many facilities to use including an arena on campus, a state of the art fitness center, and a double sized gym. Additionally, the arts program offers music, art, and drama in many capacities including a Rock Show, drama productions, and art clubs and events."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    "What families might find surprising about SJR is that there is a real community built amongst all families, students, teachers, and staff. Parents often comment once their child is enrolled at SJR, how much they feel a part of the school and welcomed.
    Another aspect is the academic pursuit of all students. Families often comment they see a change in their child for the better, in their drive to succeed in school. The feeling of it's cool to be smart is definitely felt at SJR."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    St John’s-Ravenscourt (SJR) is an independent co-educational Kindergarten to Grade 12 university-preparatory day and boarding school that offers an outstanding all-round education for talented boys and girls. We are fiercely proud of our rich heritage and combine our long traditions with the best of 21st Century learning to enable our students to thrive in this quickly changing world, not only during their school days but at university and beyond.

    Our School community is built around the four pillars of academic excellence, creative expression, active healthy living and social responsibility. We have extremely high expectations of our students, in terms of their academic commitment and co-curricular attainment as well as their personal qualities of compassion, integrity and service. I am very proud to lead a School of such fundamental strength, clear mission and exhilarating possibilities.

    SJR has rightly earned an enviable reputation for ensuring that our students rise to the challenge and fulfil their academic potential. Our talented faculty has forged a strong tradition for educational innovation and for creating a vibrant learning environment that nurtures students and helps them grow into well-rounded adults. There is also, of course, our tremendous raft of co-curricular opportunities that develop leadership, self-belief and character.

    Situated on the banks of the Red River in Winnipeg, SJR boasts a wonderful campus and some of the very best facilities of any independent school in Canada and beyond.

    The best way to appreciate our warm and purposeful atmosphere and strong sense of community is to make a personal visit. Come and meet me and my colleagues and talk with our splendid students. In the meantime, this website provides a wealth of information about life at SJR, and I hope it captures your imagination.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

      Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

      Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      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.

      ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

      Junior School (K - Grade 5) follows the Reggio Emilia curriculum and the Middle and Senior Schools follow a balanced approach to learning.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      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.

      ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

      Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
      If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      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.

      ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

      The core values in this approach are: - The child is an active participant in learning and is a capable and resourceful learner. - The indoor and outdoor environments are utilized as the “third educator” along with the student and the teacher. - The teacher, parent, and child work together as collaborators in the process of learning. - Making learning visible and documenting students’ learning as it occurs helps to provide key insights into the children’s thought processes.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      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).

      ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT 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”.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available

      ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

      Information not available

      ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

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

  • 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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT 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

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    • Canada’s leading school in debating and public speaking winning 15 Individual World Champions in debating in the last 30 years!
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    6 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    10%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $15,000

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    70%

    Day entry years

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

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

    Boarding entry years

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Not available

    Jan 26, 2024

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes: grades K - 12

    Entrance essay required

    No

    Yes: grades 4 - 12

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    SJR is looking for students who have demonstrated a commitment to achieving their goals whether they are academic, athletic, or artistic, and wish to continue their studies at the university level; students who are looking for a challenge, and are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to reach their goals.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL

    The admissions process involves 4 steps:

    1) submit an online application and required documents including report cards from the past 2 years.

    2) request a teacher recommendation of a current teacher through our online application system.

    3) admissions assessment

    4) student interview with the principal (Gr. 6 - 12)

    5) parent interview with the Director of Admissions

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Jennifer Botterill (1997)
    Olympic gold medalist; former member of the Canadian national women's hockey team.
    David Asper (1976)
    Lawyer; businessman; Chairman of the National Post newspaper; Executive Vice President of CanWest Global Communications Corp.
    Tyler Arnason (1997)
    Former NHL player.
    Donovan Alexander (2003)
    CFL Football player.
    Steve Braun (1994)
    Television and movie actor.
    James Cohen (1984)
    President and CEO of Gendis Inc.; vocals, lead and rhythm guitar for the Prairie Roots Rockers.
    Susan Coyne (1976)
    Writer and actor; best known as one of the co-creators and co-stars of the award-winning Slings and Arrows program.
    Brian Engblom (1973)
    Former NHL player and announcer.
    Douglas Everett (1943)
    Retired Senator.
    Greg Fettes (1995)
    24-7 Intouch Communications: Owner, President & CEO
    View all

Compare:

ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL:
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