AN OUR KIDS REPORT:St. Clement's School vs. Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School

one-to-one comparison:

View St. Clement's School's full report
VS.
View Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    21 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1G8, Canada

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

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1901

    2000

    Enrolment

    470

    24

    Grades

    1 to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    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.
    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.
    Spiritual
    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Liberal Arts

    Curriculum pace

    Standard-enriched
    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
    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”.

    Avg. Class Size

    16

    10 to 15

    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

    $34,500

    $7,070 to $11,960

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    6%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    7 to 12

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    39

    6

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    50%

    100%

    Day entry years

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

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Dec 01, 2021

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Located in the heart of midtown Toronto, St. Clement's School offers a well-rounded, balanced, and supportive learning environment founded on academic excellence. Mentorship is prized, and the school is committed to delivering on a mission to develop exceptional women who are compassionate, curious thinkers and open to new experiences. Girls are guided on their own paths of discovery with the support of a strong school community. That approach is coupled with a progressive 21st century curriculum and lessons reinforced by lived experience. An inclusive, energetic dynamic is the product of a mixture of small classes sizes and interconnected grade levels.
    Read The Our Kids Review of St. Clement's School

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Located in the heart of midtown Toronto, St. Clement's School offers a well-rounded, balanced, and supportive learning environment founded on academic excellence. Mentorship is prized, and the school is committed to delivering on a mission to develop exceptional women who are compassionate, curious thinkers and open to new experiences. Girls are guided on their own paths of discovery with the support of a strong school community. That approach is coupled with a progressive 21st century curriculum and lessons reinforced by lived experience. An inclusive, energetic dynamic is the product of a mixture of small classes sizes and interconnected grade levels.

    View full report

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    When Edgerton Ryerson established a national, public education system, he highlighted the need for consistency: every school should be the same, offer the same things, from coast to coast. Sadly, that conception of what schools should be, and what they should provide, remains doggedly with us today. Thankfully, schools like Shepherd Montessori step away from that model, choosing rather to offer something as unique as the community they are formed to serve. Shepherd is a school using the Montessori method to deliver a program that is also based in the values of the Catholic church. In that, it’s happily one of a kind. Further, the student population is small, allowing a heightened level of individual attention, something that is also a primary draw. The community of the school is diverse, and while not all families are active within the Catholic church, all nevertheless appreciate the school’s attention to developing the students’ understanding of their spiritual selves. The approach in the classroom is child-centered, child-directed, and project oriented. The ideal student is one able to thrive with a close-knit learning environment.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    "It's different here at SCS. There's something special going on, a kind of energy filled with curiosity and courage. It's the way our students approach things, from learning to discovery to play. It's the way we teach - the ability to think deeply, critically, creatively, and become more self-aware. Come in. Talk to us. See it. Feel it for yourself. Visit scs.on.ca/open-house for our upcoming Open House dates."

    • Girls' school, founded in 1901
    • Enriched and balanced academics at all grade levels
    • Unrivaled Advanced Placement course offerings
    • 100% university acceptance
    • Extensive athletic, arts, and co-curricular programs
    • Global and experiential learning opportunities
    • Integrated leadership program
    • Scholarships and financial aid

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    "The only Catholic based Montessori School in the GTA (curriculum encouraged and supported by the Archbishop of Toronto). We provide an intimate environment for students aged 2.5 - 5 yrs that stimulates independent thinking and enriches moral development. Faculty and parents work together to foster, within each child, the early habits, attitudes and skills necessary to establish a lifelong joy in learning. Our responsibility is to guide the whole child - spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually."

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    "Our approach to learning sets us apart, featuring innovative programming and a more intentional approach to teaching, sets us apart. We are evolving and redefining what it means to really learn and thrive in a world where the only certainty is change. We don’t just want our students to thrive, we want them prepared to be bold – to see disruption as opportunity and possibility, to seize change with agility and imagination, to tackle the complex world of tomorrow with confidence and character."

    Array

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

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    "Our small school community enables us to stand behind our belief that each student is unique, and should be known and valued as such. Students become truly known and valued members of our close-knit community. Your child will be challenged while being encouraged to be herself. She will be supported and known, and will grow in ways you have yet to imagine. After working hard, cheering, laughing, participating, and feeling supported along the way, she'll be ready to tackle whatever happens next."

    Array

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

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    "The benefits of being a small school community, with all 460 students learning in one building, comes with many significant benefits. Grade 12s model confidence for Grade 1s, by virtue of being together every day in the same building. Grade 6 Reading Buddies partner with primary students to develop reading skills. Grades 7 to 12 students collaborate together on co-curricular clubs and teams. Middle and Senior School Prefects model leadership skills to Junior School students."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    "SCS may be a small school, but in no way does that limit our offering. The courses available align with our approach to learning and often feature collaborations between disciplines and areas of study. We offer a huge variety of co-curricular activities.
    There is also a new Experiential Education Framework in place; experiential learning at SCS immerses students in authentic and dynamic experiences, which encourage students to be curious, creative, and to use problem-solving skills."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome! I am thrilled that you are interested in learning more about St. Clement’s School. Beyond the strong tradition of academic excellence, there is a tangible sense of community spirit and pride at SCS that you can feel the moment you walk into our building.

    Our mission is to develop outstanding women who are intellectually curious, courageous, and compassionate, and we believe that this is done by equipping our students to be courageous and adaptable learners and empowering them to make impactful contributions in local, national, and global communities.

    Choosing a school for your child is a very important decision. It is my hope that as you read more about us, you will get a little sense of who we are as a school and will be inspired to come and see SCS for yourself. We welcome you to visit us to get a better sense of our spirited community – one that reflects relentless passion, courage, and curiosity in learning.

    We look forward to meeting you and sharing more about St. Clement’s School.

    Warmest regards,

    Martha Perry ’85

    Principal

  • 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. CLEMENT'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

    SHEPHERD MONTESSORI PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation


    What the school says

    What the school says

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    7 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    6%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    50%

    100%

    Day entry years

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

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Dec 01, 2021

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades 1 - 6

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL

    Applications are completed online. The following is required at the time of application:

    1. A recent photograph of the applicant.
    2. The applicant’s final reports from the previous three years and any reports available for the current year.
    3. A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate or passport.
    4. Educational assessment(s) and IEP(s), if applicable.
    5. The non-refundable application fee of $250, or early bird application fee of $200 until October 31, 2022

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Adrienne Arsenault (1986)
    Foreign correspondent for CBC
    Margaret MacMillan (1961)
    Historian, academic, and author
    Claudia Dey (1991)
    Novelist and playwright
    Julia Foster (1965)
    Member of the Order of Canada, Chair of the Board at York University (first woman), former Chair of the NAC, one of Canada's Top 100 Powerful Women (Women's Executive Network).
    information not available

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ST. CLEMENT'S SCHOOL:
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