8597 156 Street, Surrey, British Columbia, V3S 3R8, Canada
1000 Brookfield East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 6J1, Canada
2,315.0 km
446.8 km
1991
1993
20
166
Preschool to K
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English, French
Academic
Montessori
Traditional
18 to 20
14 to 18
In-class adaptations
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
$3,500 to $3,900
$14,440 to $14,985
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
5
15
0%
0%
85%
90%
Preschool, JK, SK, K
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - K
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
"The compassionate, respectful, and inspiring atmosphere at AWA encourages children to push their boundaries while simultaneously respecting their needs."
Julia Albert - Parent (May 03, 2021)
We have nothing but incredible things to say about Westboro Academy. The richness of the curriculum,...
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"...the teachers do an excellent job of creating systems and structures that allow every learner to contribute in meaningful ways, and to demonstrate their unique strengths."
Michelle Schira Hagerman - Parent (May 27, 2021)
This has been our daughter's first year at Académie Westboro Academy, which means that her experien...
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"The school leadership and administration has been outstanding."
Danika G - Parent (May 27, 2021)
My child has attended Westboro Academy since junior kindergarten. He has developed close friendship...
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For the better part of three decades The Maria Montessori School has provided an important piece within the academic mosaic of Surrey: a fully accredited Montessori program that remains faithful to Maria Montessori’s ideal as developed more than a century ago. One of the hallmarks, in ample evidence here, is a trust in the innate creativity that children bring to the classroom, as well as their natural affinity for repetition, observation, and interaction. Likewise, there is a trust in the value of mentorship among the students, with the older ones sharing with the younger, something that is as charming as it is useful in developing social skills and interpersonal communication. The learning spaces are well organized, well-lit with natural light, and include interfaces with the world outside. Those things, rightly, are no doubt primary draws for the families that enroll here, as is a careful, considered pace within the delivery of the curriculum. Headmistress Rosa van Meel is a well-spoken advocate of the method, and she works to ensure that the program meets all the standards that parents expect of a sound, informed Montessori program. Her interest in imparting her enthusiasm and experience to new instructors gives further strength to the work of the school.
Westboro was established in 1993 by a group of parents who wanted a quality bilingual elementary education for their children. It began with a single Grade 1 class comprised of just 7 students. Needless to say, the school has grown, though—as at the beginning—growth has been an expression of need within the community. Further, the sense of community within the school is rightly encouraged and prized. The focus remains centred on providing an authentic, effective bilingual program within a setting that addresses academic and social development. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging, active educational environment. As such, at Westboro those who enroll will join a student body of true peers, one in which social currency is gained through achievement in all levels of student life. For many, that experience alone can be transformational.
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The beginning is crucial. The first education experience must enable a love of learning and a joy of exploration and discovery. In our quickly changing world the Montessori Method is ideal as it excels in developing a child's full potential. Since 1991 The Maria Montessori School has brought the joy of learning and the wonder of the world to children through the brilliantly modern, highly relevant and very effective method developed more than 100 years ago - by Dr. Maria Montessori. As effective now as it was then.
Westboro Academy is a proud leader in bilingual education for Kindergarten to grade 8. We offer an enriched and rigorous curriculum in both English and French with small class sizes, where every student matters in our tight-knit and nurturing community. We are adaptable and exceptional in our approach. Celebrating nearly 30 years in education, we have moved to a spacious and revitalized location near Alta Vista! Give your child a lifetime of excellence with Ottawa's most personalized, truly bilingual education.
Welcome to The Maria Montessori School. Since 1991 our school has introduced preschool and kindergarten children to the wonders of learning through the Montessori Method. It surprises many adults that even extremely young children have a very strong and innate desire to understand the world around them. They want to read, they want to emulate adults, they want to explore, and they want to know. Dr. Maria Montessori's greatest contribution to Early Childhood Education, and the foundation of her Method was the recognition that when given access to the right developmentally appropriate materials all children, even those as young as three can quickly acquire the foundation skills of reading, writing and basic mathematics. Guided by his or her own interests and talent, the progress of a young child can be quite astonishing. Hers was a monumental discovery and our school continues within the educational philosophy and tradition of Dr.Maria Montessori. And - finally - our students love to come to school.
Our mission at Westboro Academy is to provide a truly bilingual and exceptional education, in a community-focused and nurturing environment. What makes us special is our approach to educating and developing the whole child in a true partnership with their parents and guardians. At Westboro Academy, every teacher and staff member knows every student and every parent. When people enter our building, they instantly notice the warm and familial feel of our school. Everything we do is geared towards promoting and maintaining our founding core values of Excellence, Integrity and Respect. Our students love to come to school every day and it is evident in their smiling faces. What makes us unique is our focus on the purest form of bilingualism. Bilingualism is a skill that children in the National Capital Region should be allowed. Our approach towards this is to provide quality instruction half of every day in each of Canada’s official languages. Therefore, when students leave Westboro Academy, they are fully confident in both English and French. Our students have a reputation for having the highest level of bilingualism of any students in Ottawa when they graduate from our program.
In addition to these, we have small classes, with only one class per grade. With an average of 16 students per class, our students have more opportunities and are given more attention than students receive in a regular classroom. Our students love learning and are challenged academically. At Westboro Academy, it is “cool” to be smart.
Our teachers are incredibly dedicated and passionate and our positive school climate makes them want to stay. I am happy to say that our teaching staff has an average tenure of eleven years. This speaks volumes about the stability of our school program.
We simply have so much to show you. Therefore, I would like to encourage Ottawa families and families from the Outaouais region to come to see the school for yourselves and meet our staff and students. I am confident that you will instantly recognize the benefits of a Westboro Academy education for your children.
Traditional
Information not available
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.
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.
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Westboro Academy offers a rigorous academic program built on a truly bilingual model for learning. Achieving personal excellence with a strong work ethic, and reaching your best in a supportive environment are keys to success. Students are expected to be critical thinkers and problem solvers who can collaborate with others and work towards a common goal. We build a strong community that fosters a culture of learning and celebrates differences. By using the Ontario English curriculum, and the French first language curriculum from Québec, we ensure a truly bilingual learning environment. Junior and Senior Kindergarten are full-day programs taught in French only. The program from grades 1-8 places equal emphasis on French and English. Our students are privileged to learn from dedicated and trained specialist teachers in Music, Art, Science, and Health and Physical Education. Our class sizes are small, and there is only one class per grade. With an average of 15 students per class, our students have more opportunities and are given more attention. Our students love learning and are challenged academically.
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.
Montessori over the three year period from Preschool to K moves with the ability and interest of each child. The initial introductions use basic manipulative materials and the child then progresses towards an understanding of all four basic operations. As the child gains knowledge the materials transition to abstract. The decimal system and fractions are included throughout this process. Traditional Montessori at the Preschool and K levels are neither Traditional nor Discovery math. All children work individually or in small groups and progress at their own pace.
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Phonics-intensive
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Students are introduced to the phonetic sounds and move through a step-wise system progressing towards reading fluency. The Montessori Method has an extensive array of hands-on materials to facilitate this process. By the end of the three year program K students who have completed our program show very good reading outcomes. When tested many have achieved above Grade 2 level and some a full one or two Grade levels higher, but all exceed the Standard K reading levels. Our students learn to read cursive script and then move on to print. All children learn individually and are guided individually.
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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.
Writing goes hand in hand with reading in the Montessori Method. Children begin to write letters and words as soon as they begin forming words. This process helps reinforce the phonetics and accelerates the child\'s understanding. As they begin to become novice readers the children begin writing sentences of their own invention. Then as individual students progress sufficiently they can begin to work with function of words, grammar, sentence construction and punctuation.
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Inquiry
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.
At the Preschool and Kindergarten level the Montessori Method introduces science through concrete exploration of specifically designed materials. Children are introduced to scientific phenomena and vocabulary and experiences as a part of this program. Our sensorially rich outside environment supplements classroom materials and introduces the children to their natural environment. There are many native plants bird species and other forms of life that the students can learn to recognize and respect.
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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
Not applicable
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
Expanding Communities
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.
Montessori method at this age uses maps to teach the students about different places, continents and countries in the world. Children learn land-forms, terminology and facts about different climatic zones and the plants and animals that would be found there. Canada, Canadian cities, and Canadian Provinces are covered as well.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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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.
The children are free to explore and the Montessori Method does indeed include many materials and activities that can lead to further exploration in the Arts. Drawing, crafts and painting are some of the materials and activities commonly seen in our classroom.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
At this level the Montessori program does not use computers or any screen technology for any instruction at any time. The Montessori Method is designed to focus is on the foundational skills required for all future education.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Children have a period of time at the end of each class to go outside and explore, move and participate in active songs and games. Our Explore Garden is both a teaching area and an area for movement and guided games.
Through the Physical Education program, Westboro Academy aims to foster and develop a life-long love of sport and healthy and active living. We have a strong inclusionary approach to athletics where all students participate equally, regardless of skill or experience. We do not have try-outs for teams. Students are encouraged to participate to their full capacity and to develop skills. Westboro Academy experiences great success in inter-school althletics and remains highly competitive within the league, within the context of a non-competitively focussed approach.
Academic
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.
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.
We use the Montessori method, the Traditional Casa which emphasizes exploration and development of practical and academic skill. Academically, our school has very strong Science, Geography, Math and Language outcomes. The three year program moves each child at their own pace using manipulative materials and always leading towards the acquisition of abstract skills within the important areas of Language, Math and Science.
Our students are exposed to French, right from the beginning. We offer a full day Junior and Senior Kindergarten program although no prior experience with French is necessary. Children develop the base they need for a strong foundation in the bilingual program that starts in grade 1. At Westboro Academy, we encourage the intellectual, emotional and creative capacities of the children while instilling strong values, social skills and a sense of self. We make it a priority to provide an environment for our youngest students that is warm and nurturing, stimulating and engaging, and one where they can grow to meet their full potential.
Standard-enriched
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.
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.
The Montessori method blends children in early Preschool through K into a single classroom. Guide and Assistant work individually with each child using materials ranging from preliminary and on to advanced at the K level. Students completing year 3, test well above grade level and some achieve several levels above.
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”.
One brilliant aspect of the Montessori method is that every child is allowed to excel in their area of interest. Usually, reading, writing, math, exploration of the natural world, and exploration of their personal world around them, are the top interests of any child. However, some excel in specific areas and are free to move at that faster pace. At the end of the three year program our graduates are solidly grounded with the skills to move forward in language, math, science and the natural world guided by their own unique strengths and skills and personality.
The rigorous academic program is built on a truly bilingual model for learning. Achieving personal excellence with a strong work ethic, and reaching your best in a supportive environment are keys to success. Indeed, we believe that it is within a supportive environment that academic rigour can thrive and grow. Academic growth and achievement are key priorities for our school, and our reputation for academic excellence is strongly embedded.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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."
Balanced
"Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."
Intellectual: (As a Preschool) - TMMS strives for the creation of a solid foundation on which to build all other academic skills. While: Balanced - indicates that a child of 3 is vastly different from a child of 6. Throughout the entire three year program as the development of the child progresses, the skills they acquire will change: initially these are almost entirely physical and exploration based, by the end of the program they are beginning their understanding of sophisticated language and academic concepts while also taking their first firm steps forward in emotional connections and socialization with their peers.
Each student deserves to achieve their very best. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong study skills in preparation for high school and life-long learning.
The Maria Montessori School |
Académie Westboro Academy |
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RecreationalRec. |
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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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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%
90%
Preschool, JK, SK, K
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - K
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
All students are welcome, and students not yet fluent in English quickly gain skill and confidence. The Montessori Method with its daily two to three hour preschool classes and half day Kindergarten is best complemented by active structured programs, by unstructured play, or by individual exploration by the child with family. The Maria Montessori School does not use any screens and very much encourages parents and families to adhere to recommended screen time guidelines.
Westboro Academy seeks to admit students who are eager to learn and who can handle a challenging bilingual academic environment. Students who embody the school pillars of excellence, integrity and respect are a strong fit for the school.
Parents are always encouraged to view an active class for themselves. Places may be reserved in advance for new children before the start of the school year. Children between 2 1/2 and the age of 3 are allowed into the class, but there are conditions including a mandated limited number of placements. Contact us for further information. Usually students enroll in the summer months and begin in September, but if space is available, entry can be in January. Usually mid-year entry is by prior arrangement through interview, observation of a class, and placement on a waiting list.
Apply to Westboro Academy online.
Application Checklist:
We do not have entrance exams/tests, but assessment visits.
8597 156 Street, Surrey, British Columbia, V3S 3R8, Canada
1000 Brookfield East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 6J1, Canada
