AN OUR KIDS REPORT:St. Anne's School vs. Head Start Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View St. Anne's School's full report
VS.
View Head Start Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    306 St. John's Sideroad, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 4B4, Canada

    105-2235 Sheppard Ave East , North York, Ontario, M2J 5B5, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2020

    2002

    Enrolment

    173

    84

    Grades

    5 to 10

    Nursery/Toddler to 3

    Gender

    Girls

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Emotional
    The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    Montessori

    Curriculum pace

    Student-paced
    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    Academic culture

    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

    18 to 22

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $41,440

    $14,500 to $18,500

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    5 to 10

    None

    Median FA package size

    $7,500

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    29

    11

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    7%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Launched in 2022, St. Anne’s is an all-girls school that resides on an expansive campus. The school is setting high standards from the outset. It offers a safe, nurturing, and caring environment where girls strive for academic excellence while developing their abilities through robust athletics, arts, drama, and music programs. A wide variety of extracurriculars helps girls find their passions, boost their confidence, and sets them up for a lifetime of self-discovery. St. Anne’s curriculum is designed to foster sisterhood, develop leadership skills, and embolden girls with an “I can do anything” mindset.

     

    View full report

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Unique to Head Start Montessori is the deep involvement of its founder and director, Naureen Shah, along with director Sara Alvi, who both maintain a hands-on approach and an open-door policy, further strengthening the school’s welcoming environment. Head Start Montessori offers one of Toronto’s only infant Montessori programs, extending up to Grade 3. The school adheres to the AMI Philosophy, is CCMA Accredited, and CCYEA Licensed, reflecting its commitment to high-quality Montessori education. The school’s non-competitive atmosphere and lack of traditional testing contribute to self-driven academic achievements among students. With a focus on individual needs and collaboration with families, Head Start Montessori nurtures well-rounded development, preparing students for lifelong success. Additionally, the school’s curriculum is individualized, encompassing infant, toddler, casa environments, and lower elementary grades, along with extracurriculars like music, yoga, and gymnastics. The school provides summer and March camps, catered hot lunches, and places a strong emphasis on creating a warm, personalized community.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    "Welcome to St. Anne’s School, an all-girls independent school in Aurora, Ontario, offering a warm and inspirational learning environment for girls to build character, own their voice, and strive for distinction. The curriculum is complemented by a wide range of co-curriculars and a robust athletic program along with a strong focus on arts, drama, and music. A St. Anne’s education sets the foundation for a lifetime of self-discovery, sparks a passion for knowledge, and prepares young women to build a better world."

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Head Start Montessori School was founded by Naureen Shah in 2002, because of her firm belief in Maria Montessori's vision, that the child, if provided with the right environment, will reach their full potential. Growing in the North York community, Naureen was joined by Sara Alvi in 2013, and they have now achieved their goal of nurturing children from the age of 9 months-9 years old. HSM is one of the only infant Montessori programs in Toronto, now going up to Grade 3. Both Naureen and Sara are Montessori trained teacher"

    • Follow the AMI Philosophy
    • CCMA Accredited
    • CCYEA Licenced
    • Infant/Nido Program Age 9-18 months
    • Young Children's Community (Toddler) Age 18 months -3 years old
    • 2 Casa Environments Age 2.5-6 years old
    • Lower Elementary Grade 1, 2 and 3
    • Extra Curricular Programs - Music, Yoga, Gymnastics
    • Summer and March Camps
    • Catered Hot Lunches

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Each child at Head Start Montessori has an individualized Montessori curriculum. With both owners, Naureen and Sara, being Montessori trained teachers, parents can be rest assured that their child(ren) are being provided with an authentic Montessori education. We believe that the parents and the school have to collaborate in the best interest of the child. Keeping this in mind, HSM holds many parent workshops throughout the year, as learning never stops!"

    Array

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

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "HSM provides a warm, loving, personalized community of like-minded parents, staff and owners who believe in the importance of the foundational years of a child's life. The collaboration of Families-School is very important to Head Start Montessori and we have an open-door policy where parents are always welcome. HSM prides itself on good communication and transparency. We also have a Parent Council, ensuring that we are all working in the best interest of the children."

    Array

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

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Starting with our youngest in the infant room, families don't realize the time, energy, effort and unconditional love each member of the school provides, in order to make Head Start Montessori a home away from home.
    Our bond with families doesn't end when they leave. Our students come back to volunteer and visit throughout the year. Through numerous siblings, our school stays connected to many families for more than a decade, forming strong relationships and becoming like family."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Both owners, Sara Alvi and Naureen Shah, are Montessori trained teachers, and are always present at the school. They are both passionate about their work, and love to talk about Montessori, life and the children. Their office is always open for quick chat and a cup of tea!"

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    information not available

    Dear Parents, 

    We welcome you to Head Start Montessori School.  For over 20 years we have been an important part of the community, promoting Montessori Education and overall well-being for our children.  Please call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment to come and visit the school.  We look forward to meeting.

  • 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

    ST. ANNE'S 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

    HEAD START MONTESSORI 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

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    • We offer the following Extra Curricular Activities Yoga Dance Music Gymnastics
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    5 - 10

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $7,500

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    7%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL

    STEP 1:

    Complete the online application and pay the non-refundable application fee of $175. (Application link above)

    STEP 2:

    Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email and have access to the Application Checklist. This includes access to upload the following required documents:
     

    • Recent photo of the candidate
    • Candidate Statement Form
    • Confidential School Recommendation Form (sent directly to a teacher)
    • Previous two years of final June report cards (June 2022 and 2023)
    • Current year report cards (Fall and Winter – as these become available)
    • A sampling of earned certificates and awards (if received)

    STEP 3:
     

    Students being considered for entry will be invited to a 30-minute formal candidate interview. Our main intake years include Grades 5, 7, 8 and 9, as these grades have the most available positions. Positions in all other grades are limited to attrition.

     

    STEP 4:
     

    Applications that are completed, along with the candidate interview, by December 1, 2023, will be considered in our first round of Admission offers.

     

    The following decisions will be made:
     

    • Accepted for September 2024
    • Waitlisted (additional documentation may be requested)
    • Declined (the candidate will not be successful in our program at this time)

    Admission decisions will be sent out Thursday, December 14, 2023. Admission offers after this date will be made on a rolling basis and will be dependent on the available spots that remain.


    English Requirements
     

    St. Anne’s School does not offer an ESL program. For students to be successful at St. Anne’s School, they must demonstrate fluency in English in both oral and written communication. Applicants applying to Grades 5 through 11 whose first language is not English may be required to complete an English proficiency test such as the TOEFLIELTS, or Duolingo assessment.

    HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    ADMISSION POLICY

    We ask that all interested families:

    • Meet the Principal and discuss your vision
    • Learn about Montessori and the school’s philosophy and vision
    • Tour the school and its facilities
    • Partake in a 20-minute classroom observation
    • Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss further questions, perceptions, and/or concerns and ensure a mutual understanding has been established

     

    ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    • Registration Form for enrollment. 
    • Up-to-date Public Health Immunization Form or Conscientious Objection Form
    • A “one-time” Registration Fee (Non-refundable)
    • Payment for one month’s tuition to confirm enrollment (Note: This check is to cover the June tuition and is non-refundable)
    • Nine (9) post-dated monthly tuition cheques dated  the first of each month

    (September 1st – May 1st); payable to “Head Start Montessori School”

     

    WITHDRAWAL POLICY

    • The school requests that written notice of permanent withdrawal be provided to the school two months in advance.  Parents will be invoiced for full program fees if notice is not received. 
    • A permanent space cannot be guaranteed if you wish to temporarily withdraw your child.    Therefore, your child will be placed on a waiting list and the enrollment process will begin again.
    • There is no deduction or refund in monthly fee due to absenteeism, personal vacations, school closure (snow days) and/or holidays. 
  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

ST. ANNE'S SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

HEAD START MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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