AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Sudbury Christian Academy vs. La Villa Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View Sudbury Christian Academy's full report
VS.
View La Villa Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    1096 Dublin Street, Sudbury, Ontario, P3A1R6, Canada

    1943 Ironoak Way Unit 106, Oakville, Ontario, L6H0N1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1982

    2012

    Enrolment

    150

    90

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 8

    Nursery/Toddler to 6

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English, French

    English, French

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    Montessori

    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.
    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.
    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

    12 to 18

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

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

    $55 to $7,950

    $8,100 to $15,608

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    10%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    JK to 8

    None

    Median FA package size

    $2,000

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    12

    8

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    75%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - K

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Sudbury Christian Academy (SCA) provides a safe, healthy, and dynamic learning environment. The school takes kids from Nursery through to Grade 8. With small class sizes and highly dedicated and committed teachers, the academic standards at SCA are exceptional. Along with academics, athletic pursuits, spiritual growth, social development, and community service are seen as the pillars of a complete and fulfilling school experience. A Christian worldview provides the basis of the well-rounded student experience that SCA provides.

     

    View full report

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    La Villa rightly prides itself in offering a very authentic presentation of the Montessori method, and for many families that is a primary draw. As such, students are engaged in an active, hands-on, cooperative environment, where the core curriculum is delivered in consort with a growing understanding of their place in the community of the school and beyond. Close attention is given to the acquisition of skills as well as interpersonal, physical, and emotional development.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "My child appreciates the independence"
    hina marsonia - Parent   (Feb 13, 2018)
    My child appreciates the independence she has in choosing her activities and material that she works... View full review

    Teachers instill confidence and motivation
    Christine Johnson - Parent   (Feb 16, 2018)
    My child's experience has been better than I ever could have imagined. Even if we have had a bad mo... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "Founded in 1982, Sudbury Christian Academy (SCA) remains committed to the principle that gifted teachers, small classes, and a structured environment are the greatest factors in student success. Historically recognized as a high achieving academic school, the total SCA student experience is upheld by four pillars -- academic development, athletic development, spiritual development, and community development -- all supported by the solid foundation of a Christian worldview."

    • Qualified teachers
    • Small class sizes
    • Structured environment
    • Academic achievement
    • Athletic pursuit
    • Spiritual growth
    • Social development
    • Community service

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "La Villa Montessori School is a charming community school dedicated to fulfill the intrinsic needs of each child by following Dr. Montessori’s principles and guidelines of the Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.). Our mission is to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that satisfies a child’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. By addressing these needs, the children become active and productive members of society while fostering a life-long love of learning."

    • Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) recognized
    • Young Children's Community (15 months-30 months)
    • Primary (30 months-6 years)
    • Elementary (6-12 years)

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "Unparalleled class sizes of no more than 18 students per teacher, which is optimal for individualized attention and differentiation."

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "The top reasons cited by families for choosing SCA (in order of frequency) are: 1) small class sizes; 2) safe and healthy learning environment; 3) academic excellence; and 4) Christian education."

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "Families who don't have a basis of comparison might overlook the peaceful and orderly tone of the SCA learning environment, which is partly a product of small class sizes, and partly a product of qualified and gifted teachers."

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "Many families are surprised to find that elementary tuition is more affordable than early years childcare, and that SCA welcomes families from all faith backgrounds regardless of church attendance."

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome to Sudbury Christian Academy (SCA)! We hope that you will choose to make our school your new home for total personal growth in mind, body, and spirit.

    At SCA, we want to make the world a better place to live -- echoing Christ's prayer that God's will would be done "on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10 NIV). We believe that we can change our world by raising up a generation of intelligent, resilient, compassionate leaders. In partnership with you, we will accomplish this goal by delivering well-rounded educational programming with a distinctly Christian worldview.

    Discover the SCA difference for yourself! Call or message us today. I look forward to personally giving your family a private tour of our programs and facilities.

             La Villa Montessori School came to fruition after years of imagining what the ideal environment would be like for my own children. I had come to truly understand the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child" in order to provide the most positive and healthy environment for the children to thrive in every way. In Latin, the word Villa (Villam) refers to a farm or village and so it became La Villa Montessori School and the very essence of our community. After our first year of operating in 2015, I saw that having a strong cohesive community between the parents and staff at La Villa being a pillar of support and guidance for the children in our care.  We continue to provide the highest level of care and compassion for the children while fostering a trust and support with our parents. 

    As one of a handful of internationally recognized Montessori schools in Canada following AMI’s standards of quality and authenticity, we are very proud to have this distinction to support and grow the Montessori movement around the world. 

    I invite you to visit us and see what La Villa Montessori School is all about. Thank you.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      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.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Academic


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      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.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      La Villa Montessori School is dedicated to fulfill the intrinsic needs of each child by following Dr. Montessori’s principles and the guidelines of the Association Montessori Internationale ​(A.M.I.). Our mission is to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that satisfies a child’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. By addressing these needs, the children will have a wholesome growth while developing a life-long love of learning.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      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.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Supportive


      Our Take

      Our Take

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      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.

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

      Information not available

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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

      LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • 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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    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

    LA VILLA 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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    JK - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    10%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $2,000

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    75%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - K

    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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    The main application forms, along with copies of the birth certificate and immunization record, along with the registration fee are required at the time of registration.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

LA VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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