AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Sherwood Heights School vs. Alexander von Humboldt German International School

one-to-one comparison:

View Sherwood Heights School's full report
VS.
View Alexander von Humboldt German International School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    3650 Platinum Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 0Y7, Canada

    216, rue Victoria, Baie-D'Urfé, Montreal, Quebec, H9X 2H9, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1989

    1980

    Enrolment

    500

    300

    Grades

    JK to 12

    Preschool to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French, German

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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.
    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."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    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).
    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”.
    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

    14

    10 to 12

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated gifted school

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Academic
    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
    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

    $12,740 to $15,000

    $9,950 to $12,350

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    1 to 12

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $5,000

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    33

    19

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    80%

    Day entry years

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

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 12

    Yes: grades K - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    English Language Eligibility Certificate Required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Sherwood Heights intends to give students a strong foundation for further study, granted through a traditional, content-based academic program. Expectations are clear and explicit, including a demonstrable facility with the core curriculum and the development of watertight study habits. For many families that culture—one in which social currency is gained through academics—is a primary draw. Extra-curricular programs augment the core areas of instruction. The ideal student is one who is academically inclined, operating at the top of their peer group, and looking for an environment that prizes all of that.  

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    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    The program at Alexander von Humboldt is unique in Canada, principally because it admits students for whom either English, French, or German is the language spoken at home. Students need to use those languages not just to interact with the coursework, but also to make themselves understood to their peers, something which creates a particularly rich academic environment. Students arrive speaking different languages, with different life experiences, yet all share the experience of difference, and are faced each day with the social and linguistic challenges of making themselves understood to others. While they learn languages, they also have a more authentic experience of language than students in the more typical immersion programs found in Canada. Likewise, the atmosphere is particularly conducive to the development of social competencies, including empathy and cooperation, as well as an authentic global perspective through which the core curriculum is taught. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging, diverse academic and social environment.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    "Sherwood Heights Schools are independent schools recognized for their qualified, dedicated and caring teachers; enriched and well-rounded curriculum; and supportive and nurturing school environments dedicated to fostering confidence, knowledge and excellence. The curriculum is based on formal textbooks and workbooks covering various elements of every subject, including language arts, mathematics, science and technology, history, geography, French, computers and business studies, physical education, music and art. The advanced computer and technology program, unique to Sherwood Heights School, teaches students to use technology with proficiency and confidence. Our two campuses include separate music areas, computer labs, resource centres/libraries, indoor gymnasiums and outdoor playgrounds. The various daily school clubs and sports activities are popular and involve the students in various learning experiences, which broaden their horizons. Several major educational events take place over the course of the school year, including academic competitions, fairs, tournaments, etc."

    • Emphasis on core subjects
    • Small class sizes
    • Personal attention and care
    • Enriched academic programme
    • Computer, business & technology studies
    • French at all levels
    • Indoor gymnasiums & outdoor playgrounds
    • Extracurricular clubs
    • Before- and after-school care
    • Transportation available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "From pre-K through Grade 12, AvH offers multilingual (German, French and English) private, internationally recognized German general education with special focus on languages, math and sciences. AvH is the only school in Canada to offer the German International Abitur which provides students with the opportunity to fast-track straight from high school to university where they are able to study at Canadian, German or international universities."

    • Trilingual Learning environment
    • Choice of completing German Abitur for fast-track to best universities
    • School is situated on vast green space on the banks of the St Lawrence River
    • After school activities such as soccer, karate, programming, 3D-printing, badminton, tennis
    • High-end Biology laboratory
    • Annual Stratford Trip under normal circumstances
    • Annual School Theater Play
    • School Soccer & Volleyball Teams
    • Makerspace room with 3D-printer
    • School Band

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "We offer Trilingual learning environment :
    We believe in opening doors for our students and pathing the way for future success – AvH-graduates leave our school trilingual (German, English & French)
    We offer excellence in the STEM-subjects :
    A major focus of AvH are STEM-subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). Adhering to the German Education curriculum we build applied learning spaces and project-oriented units into our curriculum."

    Array

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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "In a safe and close-knit environment our highly qualified and dedicated teachers provide the very highest standard of education, from Preschool right up until Grade 12. Children benefit from small classes and feel nurtured in a modern and immersive learning setting."

    Array

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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Why German?

    Germany has the biggest economy in the European Union and the fourth largest worldwide. It is home to numerous international corporations and at the forefront of technological innovation. German is the most widely spoken mother-tongue language in Europe. And just like at AvH, English, French and German are the three official working languages of the European Union."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Multilingualism breaks down communication barriers, broadens horizons and allows us to learn about other cultures and ways of life. Numerous studies have shown that speaking multiple languages provides many advantages that go far beyond the knowledge of the languages themselves. Multilingual speakers can concentrate better, resolve conflicts easier and empathize better with others. Overall, the multilingual brain is much more flexible, even into old age."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    I am forever bursting with gratification over what our students and faculty are able to achieve. The multitude of accomplishments are varied and far-reaching, and make our school environment exciting, rewarding, engaging, and satisfying. We are relentlessly working towards one theme, and that is ‘Making It Happen’. Students ‘make it happen’ as they are fully engaged in a wonderful array of exhilarating events, clubs, competitions, tournaments, festivals, and fairs. Guided by their teachers, students are fully immersed in their pursuit to do their best and learn from their experiences. The children participate in a wide array of stimulating activities which include the Science Fairs, Math Competitions, Public Speaking Competitions, Music Festivals, Spelling Bees, Shows, Sports Tournaments, and much more. Also, the clubs are a big hit with the students and serve to broaden their horizons. From the Leadership Club to the Chess Champions Club, students stir in the hallways with anticipation and excitement. The activities are many and students from every section of the school participate in large numbers and with tremendous success. It is truly amazing. Thank you to our faculty who are an essential element in the ‘making it happen’ theme. Our teachers provide wise guidance as they nurture, support, and motivate our students. They have made a name for themselves as very special committed individuals with great qualities and stamina! As time races ahead, year after year, “Together, We Make It Happen!”

    AvH is a member of a network of over 140 German schools abroad. In 2018, we were once again awarded the official “Excellent School Abroad” seal of approval by the German government. We are recognized by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec. Therefore, we can offer two degrees: the internationally respected and globally recognized German International baccalauréat (Abitur), which allows a seamless transition to university studies, as well as the Quebec Secondary School Diploma, which leads to CEGEP. Our school’s academic success is clearly reflected in the fact that our graduates go on to the world’s leading universities.

    Since its founding in 1980, AvH has been educating students of German, Canadian and international origin. Our graduates acquire a wide range of skills and competencies and they master three languages: German, French and English. All this prepares them especially well for the challenges of our global world.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS 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.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

      Sherwood Heights follows an enriched and well-rounded curriculum for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the basic subjects of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, French, and computers; and addresses the importance of music, the arts, and physical fitness.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Our challenging program adheres to both German and Quebec curricular requirements. The curriculum of every German school abroad offering the "German International Abitur' (DIA) is that of the German state of Thuringia. The subjects "Geography of Quebec and Canada", "History of Quebec and Canada" and "Politics & Economics" reflect the syllabus of the Province of Quebec.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

      Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

      The kindergarten programme is academic based, well balanced, comprehensive and instills a love of learning. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of reading, writing, mathematics, social science and French. Students will also expand their language skills through conversation, word activities, stories, audio and visual material, and computer software. Gross and fine motor skills and co-ordination are developed through physical and educational activities and the use of paints, crayons, clay, sand and water. Creative expression is encouraged through arts & crafts, music, and drama.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Each child goes through developmental stages at his or her own pace. We take our time, gently guiding each child through these stages while fostering individual skills.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS 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”.

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      The elementary school s small and comfortable. The school size provides ideal conditions for personal development and encouragement of the individual child. A strong sense of community imparts a sense of security and the children enjoy learning. The secondary level curriculum complies with the requirements stipulated by the German "Kultusministerkonferenz" (KMK, The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany). The individual talents and needs of students are taken into account whenever possible and where physical and staffing resources permit.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

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

      ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL 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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS 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

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL 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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    • Public Speaking, Science Fair, Winter Concert, After School Clubs including Gym, Computers, Drama & Leadership, Arts Fair, etc.

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    • Karate
    • After-school soccer
    • Supervised homework assistance
    • Maker Space 3D printing
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    1 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $5,000

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    80%

    Day entry years

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

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 12

    Yes: grades K - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    English Language Eligibility Certificate Required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades JK - 12

    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

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    A student with a love for learning.

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    A multilingual education (especially a trilingual education) can be challenging for both students and parents, yet the benefits of that hard work are incalculable. We look for students and parents who are want to accept this challenge and will put in the required work and effort to achieve them.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL

    School Tour, Application Form, Admission Agreement, and Assessment of Student.

    ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Families who are interested will be invited for a tour and an interview with the principal.

    Skype interviews can be arranged for all parents and students who do not live in the area.

    The purpose of the interview is to give a general idea about the school and provide an opportunity to ask questions. It is also important to get to know each other and prevent false expectations.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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