7700 Brimley Road, Markham, Ontario, L3R 0E5, Canada
1939 Sooke Rd, Victoria, British Columbia, V9B 1W2, Canada
344.4 km
2,346.7 km
1990
2009
Varies
251
JK to 8
4 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Boarding, Day
English, French, Mandarin
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
13 to 18
12 to 18
In-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$14,300
$10,290 to $17,750
$40,640 to $62,000
Yes
Yes
5%
10%
1 to 8
7 to 12
$0
$5,000
0
28
0%
30%
95%
95%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades 4 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Somerset has established its reputation in offering a challenging, supportive academic program to prepare students for success in high school and beyond. The school is small, something that is a primary draw for families looking for a more personal approach to instruction. The core curriculum is augmented by an overt attention to fostering communication and interpersonal engagement. The offering of French and Mandarin language instruction is also a notable draw. The ideal student is one operating toward the top of his or her peer group, who will thrive in a very close-knit, community oriented educational environment, and is able to work effectively through an accelerated curriculum.
View full reportLearning is collaborative, project based, and rigorous. The campus reaches out the world, including virtual classrooms that link up with those at sister schools in Cambridge UK, Seoul Korea, and Silicon Valley California. The school’s vision is as broad as its reach, intending to produce leaders who will not only engage with the world, but seek a role in shaping it. Instruction is supportive and attentive, challenging and expansive.
View full reportinformation not available
"I consider the academics at Brookes to be among the best I have experienced as an educator."
Hannah Ashwood-Smith - Parent (Aug 05, 2022)
Our son loves his school experience at Brookes. He has enjoyed the culturally diverse community and ...
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"We found our community, we feel like we belong here and my kids are thriving."
Silvia Cardenas - Parent (Mar 13, 2023)
Both my kids have been thriving since they started in Brookes Westshore in the 2020-2021 school year...
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"We think our kid receives the support he needs."
José Tomás Martínez de Pablo - Parent (Mar 20, 2023)
He enjoys most of the sports facilities, the availability of a gym, an indoor court at school, and t...
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"Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school providing education to students from JK to Grade 8. Our school provides an enriched, accelerated curriculum; a variety of extra-curricular activities; enhances your child's self-esteem; and encourages team building skills. We offer classes in French and Mandarin, as well as the Reach Ahead program, which enables our Grade Eight students the opportunity to gain high school credits. Somerset is a certified STEM school."
"Brookes Westshore is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. We are just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria on the scenic West Coast of British Columbia. Our small class sizes, engaging teachers and caring community support students in a personalized learning environment that develops critical thinking skills and a passion for life-long learning. Students have the opportunity to graduate with both the IB Diploma and the BC Dogwood Diploma."
Information not available
"Brookes Westshore teaches all students the International Baccalaureate curriculum. We believe this is the most comprehensive curriculum available provides students with the knowledge and skills to be their best selves in an increasingly globalized world. Students graduate from Brookes Westshore with the IB Diploma as well as the BC High School Diploma (BC Dogwood). The global perspective of the IB is enhanced through our commitment to having 50/50 local and international students."
Information not available
"Families choose Brookes Westshore for our small class sizes, excellent teaching, and the International Baccalaureate curriculum. With a maximum of 300 places available we are able to maintain a strong sense of community, where students are noticed and recognized for their unique attributes, and are given individualized support in areas where they need it."
Information not available
"One of the things that we consistently hear from our families is surprise at the breadth of afterschool activities we offer, despite our small size. Students are able to take part in ASAs every day of the week and can choose new activities each term. We take advantage of the many facilities available in our community, as well as the stunning natural environment of Vancouver Island. Students can choose to go rock climbing, play tennis, take action on the environment, create music and much more."
Information not available
"Our international teaching staff. As an IB school we attract teaching staff who are highly qualified, motivated to support student excellence, and who have lived and worked around the world. Our diverse teaching staff bring a range of skills and perspectives to the classroom that directly benefit students, and build on the global mindedness at the heart of the IB curriculum. Our senior teachers mentor our younger staff, and our younger staff bring new ideas and energy into our community."
Information not available
"We are an intimate and close community of 300 students.
We have a global mix of students - our goal is 50% local and 50% international.
We have a 100% university acceptance rate for our graduates.
We have small class sizes with a 15:1 student to teacher ratio.
Our International Baccalaureate curriculum means you can graduate with an IB Diploma as well as the BC Dogwood Diploma."
"Success comes from working together"
When people ask what makes Somerset special, I always say that we are members of a "family" that help guide each other to be the best. Somerset education sets the foundation for a successful future. Our students atrive for excellence and our educators do a remarkable job in preparing them.
At Brookes, feel the positive energy that fills the corridors with a spirit of adventure, and sense the wonder of discovery in each classroom.
Our students thrive in the challenging, productive, and supportive learning environment we offer. Our goal is to nurture the joy of learning within our students and provide a safe place for them to explore their interests and discover their potential. We encourage students to take intellectual risks, to think creatively, and to work effectively with others.
Brookes Westshore is an authorized IB World School. Our mission is to prepare young men and women to become global citizens who have a passion for service and leadership, and who use compassion and communication to inspire peace in our world. Our small size allows us to tailor our classes to each student's need, allowing for a highly personalized learning experience.
I invite you to rise to the challenge of an IB education. Take a step beyond the average and begin to realize your boundless potential!
Progressive
International Baccalaureate
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.
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.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
At Somerset Academy, we promote intellectual curiosity. We encourage students from Grade 1 to 8 to interpret, evaluate and communicate ideas in a knowledgeable and confident manner within a framework of high academic, artistic and athletic standards. Working one year ahead of their chronological grade level, our students experience an enriched academic program with a balance of Visual Arts, Physical Education, Music, and Computer Study, as well as many diverse extra curricular activities. Somerset Academy in conjunction with Yips Collegiate, offer a number of credits towards your child’s high school Diploma. The Reach Ahead programme is designed to allow your child to participate in one (if not all) of the following high school courses: English – ENG1D, Mathematics – MPM1D, Chinese (Mandarin) – LKAAD. Somerset Academy also offers a Gifted Programme for students in the Grades Three to Seven. This programme will be designed to challenge the students who meet the criteria in the following areas: Language, Mathematics and Science and History.
We offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for grades 11 and 12, and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6 through 10. And the BC Curriculum for grades 4 and 5. Our school embraces the newly revised BC Ministry curriculum and is taught through the MYP and IB framework. Our approach is to engage students in big ideas, asking essential questions to make learning meaningful and relevant. We also offer a grade 4 and 5 class that provides the BC Curriculum and is building towards offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Information not available
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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.
Information not available
Process approach
The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
Information not available
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.
Information not 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
Physics
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
We teach literature as a progression of analysis skill building, and learning to express ideas through presentations and writing through the grades. Students are exposed to diverse cultural views through different types of texts and being able to understand the different means through which a writer can convey their ideas and purpose to an audience. Students are encouraged to think independently and collaborate with others in the learning process. In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students will study Language and Literature course in their mother language. Many of our international students in this programme love to be able to have this opportunity.
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
Thematic
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
Information not available
Perennialism
Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.
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Information not available
Communicative
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
Information not available
Most of our students study French until Grade 10 and many universities require an additional language for their programs. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme requires all IB students (Grade 11 and 12) to complete a second language.
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
Information not available
Creative
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
Visual Arts encourage students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. Students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. By exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and reflect upon a wide range of contemporary art practices and media. Courses are designed for students who wish to study the arts at a post High School level, as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment. We celebrate the visual arts in the way we create images and objects, and in the way we appreciate, enjoy, respect and respond to the practices of art-making by others from around the world. Theories and practices are dynamic and connect many areas of knowledge and human experience through individual and collaborative exploration, creative production and thoughtful interpretation.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
We believe in a creating a balance of the physical and academic by providing PE to all of our students. Daily physical activity is a requirement of all of our students.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
In Pursuit of excellence in Academic, Language and Performing Arts Education
Information not available
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.
Information not available
Rigorous
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.
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”.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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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.
Physical
The goal is to cultivate "strong, ?exible - bodied and active individuals, in tune with the joys of movement, sport and wellness."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
We offer challenging learning environments to develop the imagination and the motivation to excel, and to inspire a joy of learning that is infused with enthusiasm and empathy.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Basketball |
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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
1 - 8
7 - 12
5%
10%
$0
$5,000
95%
95%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades 4 - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 2 - 8
No
No
No
Yes
No
Students are welcome to apply for entry to any level from JK to Grade 8.
It is our goal to enrol a diverse student body united by every student's ability and interest in an international education, global citizenship and passion for service and leadership.
Acceptance into Somerset is determined by means of an academic screening, and the completion of the following preliminary steps:
• Parent and Student interview
• Submission of a deposit
• A completed and original application form
• Birth certificate/passport (photocopy)
• Health insurance card (photocopy)
• Immunization record (photocopy)
• Medic alert card, if applicable (photocopy)
• Custody agreements, if applicable (photocopy)
• 3 Copies of the June report card from the previous year and all report cards from the current year (if applicable)
• A completed and original transportation permission form
• A completed and original media release form
• A completed and original release of information form/OSR request (if applicable)
Completion of these steps does not necessarily guarantee acceptance into Somerset Academy.
For further information, please call the school at (905) 940-8990.
We require an online application with supporting documentation, including: