70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1H2, Canada
24 Progress Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario, M1P 2Y4, Canada
Indirect Support:
70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1H2, Canada
24 Progress Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario, M1P 2Y4, Canada
1955
2012
100
150
Preschool to 2
Nursery/Toddler to 6
Boys, Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Arts
Progressive
Montessori
1 to 8
10 to 24
Developmental
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
In-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$8,500 to $20,500
$11,158 to $17,500
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
17
14
0%
0%
85%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2
Preschool, JK, SK, K
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 2
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 6
No
No
information not available
information not available
St. Clement’s was founded in 1955, and has been doing great work with young children ever since. The approach is based in creating a caring community of learners, with small class sizes and a close-knit student body. It’s telling that the school tends to express its size in terms of families; they say that they are able to serve up to 200 families. Indeed, there is a real sense of partnership and involvement with families, as wholes, rather than simply a group of children. It’s that approach that informs the reputation of the school. The facilities nicely reflect St. Clement’s age and pedigree, while the interiors and appointments are at the cutting edge of early childhood instruction.
View full reportIn Maria Montessori’s day, the most obviously remarkable thing about her approach to education was how she chose to adapt the learning space. It was open, diverse, organized yet amorphous, with common areas that weren’t dedicated to any specific learning task. That was revolutionary both for what it was, as for the way it positioned the learner. Montessori wanted to build from a child’s curiosity and engagement with the world, and her learning spaces were organized with that in mind. In kind, those are the ideals that Enquiring Minds expresses so well. To have that kind of conceptual space you need physical space—space to move around in, to move through—and the openness and extent of the EM environment is one of its great assets. Likewise, there is an attention to ranging across the curriculum, rather than siloing each separate from the others; the arts program isn’t ancillary to the other curricular areas, for example, but instead is a foundational aspect of learning across them. The attention to values—respect for the space as well as those within it—is also a primary draw for the families who enroll. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a diverse, hands-on, and challenging yet supportive social and academic environment.
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"love the teachers and the students"
Jennifer Majer - Parent (Mar 12, 2018)
My children love the teachers and the students at SCELS. We have met a lot of great families while ...
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"I truly believe that Enquiring Minds Montessori has a wonderful curriculum and wonderful staff."
Christina Farina - Parent (Jul 26, 2023)
My son previously went to a traditional Catholic School in Toronto. We felt like there was not much ...
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"I couldn't ask for a better elementary school for my children."
Lisa Wayment - Parent (Jul 26, 2023)
Since the very first day that both my children began at Enquiring Minds, their educational journey h...
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"One aspect that stands out about the school leadership and administration is their strong commitment to creating a positive school environment."
Sherron Mohammed - Parent (Jul 26, 2023)
As a parent whose child attended a private school from preschool to grade 6, I would say that their ...
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"As the leading benchmark for Early Childhood Education since 1955, SCELS has stuck to its promise. Our promise is to provide an exceptional, individualized program that works best for your child. With an intimate staff of twenty, and small class sizes in one of Toronto’s historic landmark churches, we’ve developed a reputable program that encompasses a balanced academic and social/emotional curriculum from Nursery to Grade 2. Contact us at [email protected] to book a tour or visit www.scels.ca ."
"Maria Montessori believed that "Academics may be the heart of education; the Arts are surely its soul." At Enquiring Minds Montessori, we have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence that challenges young minds in a caring environment. Planting the seed and nurturing its potential is our motto. Our extensive program includes a Montessori curriculum enriched by Language, Visual Arts, Sculpture and the Performing Arts including Instrumental Music, Vocal, Dance and Drama."
"Through intimate class sizes, an Individualized Program, well-curated curriculum, and access to phenomenal resources, SCELS is able to understand each child’s specific learning style and guide them at the appropriate level. Ultimately, this helps shape confidence and build a strong sense of self."
"Our facility has developed an extensive program that includes a Montessori curriculum enriched by Language, Visual Arts, Sculpture, Performing Arts, Instrumental Music, Vocal, Dance, and Drama."
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"Because of our focus on Individualized Learning, SCELS is often chosen by parents looking to gain a more intimate learning environment with a high focus on academic, social, and emotional growth."
"We provide a caring and empowering environment for your child to grow and are compassionate to your child’s needs.
Our learning environment incorporates exploration in both academics and the arts as well as core activities that include: theatre, instrumental music, and visual arts. We also provide enriched activities that include: language, dance and vocal arts"
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"The importance of the SCELS community is something families take with them long after graduation. Being a more intimate sized school, the friendships formed here as well as fundraisers and community events can leave a lasting impression on families of the school."
"The arts and dance aspect of our school may not be recognized in regards to what we offer and be known what is available."
"Our Kindergarten classes are approximately between 14-17 students with two teachers (RECE/OCT certified). This is especially small compared to many other schools in Toronto. This allows teachers the appropriate time with each student to understand their learning styles and set goals that are attainable and suitable to their level."
"We are a diverse, cultured and arts based school that offers a variety of programs which caters to a child's expressive and creative side of their development."
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We value the confidence that the hundreds of families have placed in us over the years. With their assistance, our skilled and dedicated teachers have been able to lay a solid educational foundation beneath more than 2,000 children. Our students graduate to one of the many prestigious private schools, or into one of the fine public schools in the city. Their success is a source of great pride for us.
Each and every year, from early September until the following June, our primary goal is to understand each child’s individual learning style and then teach them at the appropriate level. Our mission is to have no one “falling between the cracks” at St. Clement’s Early Learning School.
Though our goals are large at St. Clement’s Early Learning School, our size is not. There is ample opportunity for us to get to know you and your family’s educational needs.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Marsha Hamilton,
Principal
Dear Parents,
As the Director of this unique comprehensive Montessori school, I am energized and deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of your children. Our remarkable staff, involved parents and committed students come together to make Enquiring Minds Montessori a wonderful place to be challenged intellectually, grow socially, and develop as independent thinkers and problem solvers. Setting high academic expectations for all children coupled with high standards for teaching and learning is what drives our work every single day, and for which supportive systems for both students and teachers are built.
An integral part of Enquiring Minds Montessori’s reputation has been built on the strength of our arts-enriched programs. Children enrolled in our programs are exposed to extensive enrichment in both academics and the arts. Our programs further develop the child through Language, Movement, Music, Art, Voice, and Drama. These programs, like the core activities, are not considered recreational activities but rather intensives.
Our core values reflect a commitment to provide students with personalized support in a variety of ways. Our responsibility is to address the needs of the whole child. A child’s sense of belonging is a key component of emotional and social wellness at school. This approach helps to instill within our student body a sense of personal pride and love of and for our school.
As we provide students with what is needed at school, we believe that education occurs in each home and in the community. The success of a Montessori School is very dependent on parent involvement. We encourage parents to become involved in their child’s program, supporting the educational and social experiences, and sharing in the joys and satisfaction that their child experiences in his or her own learning. With parents as our partners, our children can work to their fullest potential. Though we are proud of our past successes, we do not rest on them, and we continually raise expectations for ourselves as a learning community. Whether you are an existing or future Enquiring Minds family, I invite you to be a positive force in this work!
I look forward to working with you and your child(ren) as we work toward an academically successful school year.
Sincerely,
Kristen Hamilton
Director
Enquiring Minds Montessori
Montessori
Information not available
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.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
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The SCELS curriculum is carefully designed with the understanding that each child is unique. Therefore, every child at SCELS has an individual program plan created through ongoing assessment and observation by the classroom teacher(s). As a result, we provide our students with engaging learning experiences aimed at building and enhancing their skills in all developmental areas. Our goal is to create a total learning environment where all the children of St. Clement’s Early Learning School experience educational success.
Enquiring Minds Montessori mainstream curriculum is based off of Maria Montessori's philosophy, and we also incorporate an arts- based curriculum along with that where we offer our students a variety of specialty studies such as: French, Mandarin, Visual Arts, Dance, Musical Theatre, Violin, & Photography.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
The Learning Carpet, a floor grid consisting of 100 squares, promotes kinesthetic learning of many important concepts in mathematics, as well as mapping skills and language activitie. It is used in all five program levels at St. Clement’s Early Learning School. Mathematical learning at St. Clement’s Early Learning School includes games, activities and materials that provide a foundation for understanding mathematical concepts. Math is included in our daily routine, as well as into other school related activities. For example: Attendance Calendar Weather Chart Number Line Creative Activities All teaching staff have a background in teaching math concepts in several different ways. This is important because some children have various strengths and our teaching staff teaches to their strengths. We provide the children with ample opportunities to practice various math concepts throughout their day.
Mathematical Concepts are presented through extensive use of concrete materials. The child’s sensorial training enables him/her to identify and differentiate the idea of quantity that is built into the Montessori materials. The child gains the conception of numbers and their application on arithmetical operations.
Other tools used to teach math to the children are time, age, addresses, phone numbers, cooking and measurement. Learning addition, subtraction, counting and shape recognition doesn’t have to be boring at all!
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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.
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.
SCELS offers a multi-sensory approach to Language. This includes Jolly Phonics/Grammar, Handwriting Without Tears and various support programs. Our Language program is based on a Balanced Literary approach. Jolly Phonics/Jolly Grammar: Our Jolly Phonics program provides a structured learning tool which the children really enjoy. This phonics program introduces 42 main letter sounds, followed up with activity sheets and games for reading and spelling. Each letter is taught with a story and related actions for the children to perform. Jolly Grammar is an extension of the Jolly Phonics program. This program teaches a wide variety of language forms including the parts of speech, plurals, punctuation and the tenses past, present and future. It also teaches various spelling rules, including defining aspects such as short vowels.
Language Materials are presented individually. Children are taught the sound and formation of the letters kinesthetically through the use of sandpaper letters and similar materials. Word building activities of increasing difficulty are done over a long period of time. Reading follows naturally.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Handwriting Without Tears: This unique program’s purpose is to make handwriting an automatic and natural skill for children of all ability levels. Children who can write well, with ease and confidence, enjoy school more and feel more pride in their work. Handwriting Without Tears makes handwriting fun and easy to learn.
We teach cursive before printing. This approach stretches the child's abilities within limits, which allows the later to develop naturally. Sentence construction follows and grammar also follows naturally.
Equal Balance
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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.
Our science program at SCELS puts a strong emphasis of the scientific method. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore and engage with material, solve problems and reflect upon their results. Science and social studies lessons are supplemented with a variety of hands-on projects, experiments, field trips and workshops to maximize student involvement and understanding.
Themes like botany and biology are introduced through the use of concrete materials and student-centred projects.
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
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Thematic
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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.
Social Studies lessons are supplemented with a variety of hands-on projects, experiments, field trips and workshops to maximize student involvement and understanding.
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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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.
All of the children at SCELS take part in our French program. Children in half-day programs have French once a week and those in full-day programs have French twice per week. French is taught orally for our Nursery and Kindergarten students. The children are introduced to concepts like colours, numbers, animals, holidays and cultural understanding. In the Primary Program, a written component is included.
We teach Mandarin, and French. Students learn to communicate in conversational ways using the basics of the language. We also study the cultural background of the 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
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Music: Each Thursday, Michael Anderson, a veteran early childhood educator, spends the day providing an enriched musical experience for the children. Mr. Anderson draws on music from around the world and uses a wide variety of instruments such as the Conga, Talking Drum, Koto, Tabla and Tibetan Singing Bowls. Dramatic Arts: Drama is integrated into a variety of subject areas to enhance student learning, enhance presentation skills and spark creativity and self expression. Visual Arts: Students at SCELS are given the opportunity to explore and create with a variety of artistic mediums. Students develop their creativity, spatial awareness and fine motor skills through drawing, painting, collage, sculpting and mixed media. Our visual arts activities often correspond to curriculum areas to help students broaden their understanding of the material and appeal to visual and hands-on learners.
Maria Montessori believed that while Academics may be the heart of education, the Arts are surely its soul. At Enquiring Minds Montessori Casa we have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a caring and challenging environment. We rejoice in the basic tenet of Montessori: children want to learn naturally. We believe that even the youngest child delights in observing and mastering how the world works. Our teachers respect each child’s individual interests and abilities. Children acquire an ability to learn, which is virtually unlimited. Free to explore in prepared environments, they develop a sense of purpose, process, and success.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium 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.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Children are exposed to the use of computer technology within the classroom throughout the week.
We will consult the internet if a child shows an interest in a particular item or issue. We have added Beginner, and Advanced Photoshop into our Upper Elementary Photography Program. We also offer additional workshops such as Claymation, which allow the children to use iMovie & other technical programs.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
All of our programs include physical education in addition to outdoor and gross motor development. Children take part in gross motor activities daily. Gross motor development will include running, jumping, using objects in different ways, balancing, etc. Physical education takes place one or two times a week, depending on whether a child is registered in the half-day or full-day program. The children are taught specific skills such as ball handling and eye-hand coordination, with a focus team building and healthy living. Specialized coaches are brought in to teach skills and concepts associated with different sports in a fun, supportive and non-competitive environment. Yoga at SCELS is an excellent way to teach the children a universal method to self-regulate and ready their brains and bodies for learning. Yoga is first introduced in the Nursery program and is practiced up to Grade Two.
We allow in our schedule 2 hours of outdoor play a day and work in our gross motor skills space on a daily basis as well.
Montessori
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.
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.
The SCELS curriculum is carefully designed with the understanding that each child is unique. Therefore, every child at SCELS has an individual program plan created through ongoing assessment and observation by the classroom teacher(s). As a result, we provide our students with engaging learning experiences aimed at building and enhancing their skills in all developmental areas. Our goal is to create a total learning environment where all the children of St. Clement’s Early Learning School experience educational success.
The primary goals of the Montessori Method are to: Promote the growth of a positive self-image in each child and satisfaction about him/herself, which is the key to the development of a person’s full potential. Promote feelings of enthusiasm and responsibility about one’s world. Create an awareness of one’s own feelings and sensitivity to the feelings of others. Encourage the natural desire, ability, self-discipline, and independence inherent in learning. Ensure the mastery of the basic skills in order to pursue knowledge. Teach physical coordination and control. Develop the ability to concentrate and attend to details. Develop a sense of order.
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.
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.
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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”.
Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love for learning.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Our school aims to help shape our students into confident and secure young people who have the ability to grow and develop into intellectual, artistic, and expressive adults, who are capable of communicating in a intelligent, respectful, and strong-minded manor.
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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| Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
| Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
| Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
| Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
| Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. | ||||
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Extra support
Accommodations
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Information not available
Information not available
At SCELS we classify each child with a special need as unique. We conduct thorough observations and interviews to determine if the school can meet the child's needs. SCELS has an Early Intervention team that includes a Speech and Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist. Our Early Intervention team will follow the progress of the child and continue to make recommendations and give strategies to the child and family while at the school. The optimal goal at SCELS is to get the child ready for their next learning environment, promote Independence, problem solving and understand of how the child learns.
The Montessori Method is effective in pre-school, elementary school and high school. In addition, Montessori techniques can be used successfully with gifted children and children with learning disabilities and other special needs.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
0%
0%
$0
$0
85%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2
Preschool, JK, SK, K
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 2
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 6
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
We are looking for students, and families who possess a curious mind, and artistic interest, and an open spirit.
Your child’s journey at SCELS begins with a tour, observation and meeting with our Head of Admissions. Application packages will be offered accordingly, we also have an Open House in October which is open to the public. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to St. Clement’s Early Learning School.
If there are any further admission questions, please contact Admissions at [email protected].
1. Book a Tour!
2. Fill Out Forms
3. Pay Application Fee
4. Book an Observation
5. Wait for Approval
6. Acceptance Letter
