AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Town Centre Private Schools vs. Haven International School

one-to-one comparison:

View Town Centre Private Schools's full report
VS.
View Haven International School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    155 Clayton Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3R 7P3, Canada

    360 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario, N3S 3N3, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1986

    2018

    Enrolment

    1000

    100

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    7 to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day, Boarding, eSchool

    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."
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Social
    The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional, International Baccalaureate

    Traditional

    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

    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

    15 to 24

    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

    $7,400 to $17,250

    $8,500 to $13,900

    Boarding Tuition

    $21,100 to $26,500

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    59

    17

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    50%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 9

    Yes: grades 7 - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Town Centre offers the best of many worlds, beginning with a pre-school Montessori program. TCPS is also an IB Continuum World School offering the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and DP. The programs run from pre-school through Grade 12, and the student body is on the large end of the private school spectrum, certainly much larger than a majority of the schools nearby. All of that provides a lot of room for the school to develop the curricular and extra-curricular programs. For the families that look to TCPS, those are the things that really catch their eye: dedicated teaching, a broad range of programming, and a clear demonstration of academic strength and innovation. For families enrolling in the earlier years, the fact that the school offers before- and after-care is certainly also a plus; for those of older children, equally welcome is the offering of various after-school programs, including after school courses, tutorials, clubs, and competitive sports. Throughout, TCPS provides a truly unique program—there’s no other school quite like it—one based in an attention to learner-based instruction and collaborative learning, and a vibrant student environment.

    View full report

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    The school makes good use of the location, including competitions and outreach with nearby universities, Waterloo and Laurier. Haven is very much a preparatory college, attracting students who intend to advance to post-secondary studies, particularly within North America. That said, there is a dedication to ensuring that they live well day-to-day, challenging themselves, yes, but also having time in their day to reflect and enjoy the experience. The diversity of the student body adds to the sense of internationalism, though with an annual enrollment of 100, students find themselves in a close-knit community of like-minded, academically inclined peers and mentors. All the services are represented and then some, including counsellors to advise and help students through the visa and student permit application process. A short-term student exchange program—they come for month-long sessions—is unique, and offered to student in Grades Grade 7 through Grade 11.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    "Founded in 1986, Town Centre Private Schools (TCPS) is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Continuum World School providing a foundation for academic excellence with a well-rounded program. TCPS offers a Pre-School Montessori program starting at 18 months. TCPS is enrolled in the CWELCC program. At the age of 4, students start a combined Montessori/IB program. The Pre-School provides half day or full day programs with 2 to 3 teachers per class. The Elementary program offers an IB (PYP and MYP) curriculum with 2 teachers per class providing enrichment in the core subjects. French, Music, Computer studies and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers. The High School offers an IB/University Prep and optional IB Diploma Programme in addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 100% of students who apply to university are accepted. School life is enhanced with extracurricular competitive sports, intramurals, clubs, community outreach, trips and visitors. TCPS offers before school 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and after school programs 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. which are included with tuition. Weekly Pre-School and Elementary Camps are available each summer as well as High School Ministry Credit Courses. Our programs fully prepare the students for the challenges ahead as they advance to the next grade at Town Centre or begin their studies in university."

    • Montessori Pre-School - Enrolled in the CWELCC Program
    • International Baccalaureate® Continuum World School (PYP, MYP and DP)
    • Included with Tuition Before School (7:00 - 9:00 am) and After School programs (3:30 - 6:30 pm)
    • Low Student to Teacher Ratio
    • Study Hall, Tutorials, After School Courses, Clubs and Competitive Sports
    • Summer Camps and Ministry Credit Courses

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Haven international School is a private school that empowers young minds to reach their fullest potential in education. We deliver Ontario’s Curriculum, but what sets us apart is our ability in delivering this curriculum through individualized learning. At Haven, students are guaranteed a unique educational experience where individual goals and aspirations are valued and met. Haven’s team of teachers are all fully committed and dedicated beyond expectation to offering a one of a kind independent education."

    • Academic Success - Our students have received individual scholarships of up to $72000
    • University and College tours to make an informed decision
    • Inter-School Competitions - EUCLID at Uni of Waterloo, Game Design at Laurier Uni
    • Comprehensive Meal Plan for All Students
    • Community Service - in accordance with Ministry of Education
    • Enjoying the Canadian Experience - Visiting attractions in Ontario
    • Summer Program - A variety of different summer programs designed for our students every summer.

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "At Haven, we do not only care for our students academic growth. We also make sure that they grow emotionally, spiritually and socially in other to be prepared for the outside world. We engage our students in a variety of extracurricular activities like sports, board games, etc. which builds their confidence. Furthermore, we make sure that there is no discrimination no matter who they are or where they come from. Study periods are created to allow students build their study habits."

    Array

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Haven shows a great deal of care for our students. We make sure that they attain their academic goals while building their talents and gifts in other areas. We also provide lunch for our students. Furthermore, when compared to other schools like ours, we are considerably less pricey and more dedicated to meeting individual students' goals."

    Array

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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Our small class sizes that allow for one-on-one communication between students and teachers. This allows the teachers to attend to each students individual needs. We provide personalized coaching that helps children to become successful and our self-improvement strategies will increase their confidence."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Our school really cares. When students attend Haven, they join the Haven family which comprises of the students, teachers and all staff of Haven. At our school, students do not miss home because we make them feel like they have a home away from home with us. Families are surprised to see the student's level of achievement in a very short time."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Information not available

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome to Town Centre Private Schools®. Founded in 1986, TCPS® is a unique school offering a Montessori Pre-School program and an Elementary and High School International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School. Students who take the IB Programme excel in university studies and beyond.

    It is so gratifying to find an ideology that can take our Montessori foundations and build upon them in both the Elementary and High School Divisions. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) prepare students for the demands of the High School IB Diploma Programme. In grades 11 and 12, TCPS students have the option of completing the regular Ontario Ministry curriculum, taking IB Certificate Courses, or doing the full IB Diploma Programme (DP). In today’s world with rapidly changing parameters, critical thinking along with self-challenging habits are a necessity and TCPS students will be able to rise to the challenges with ease.

    It is with great pride that each year we celebrate the graduating class, many of whom we have had the privilege of watching grow up as part of our TCPS family. With our Remote Learning program in the spring of 2020, our students are fully prepared for the start of school this September, both with Town Centre and those moving on to university. This year the graduating class of 2020 earned over $28,000 in university scholarships. We wish these graduates all the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

    With detailed safety protocols established, we ran a successful Pre-School Summer Camp and Elementary Summer Camp during July and August. High School students were also able to earn additional credits with online courses this past summer.

    Over the summer a comprehensive re-opening plan for the regular school year was put in place allowing students to return to Town Centre this fall and continue with their studies in a safe and controlled environment. Visit TCMPS.com for more information.

    Classed resumed on Tuesday, September 8th with students from Pre-School to High School attending class 5 days a week. For TCPS families who prefer to study from home, we are also offering a Remote Learning program for students in Preparatory (age 4) to grade 12.

    We have come a long way from our modest beginnings in 1986. One of the keys to our success has been the dedication of our teaching staff and administration. I would like to acknowledge their hard work and enthusiasm over the years. We have grown over the last 3 decades to become a reputable and respected educational institution and I look forward to our future together.

    Welcome to Haven International School, where our standard of excellence provides international and local students with the foundation for entrance into top-ranked Canadian and world universities. This is an exciting stage in your child’s life; they will become ready to enjoy new experiences and face new challenges. By the time they graduate from Haven International school, they will be equipped to leave with the confdence, knowledge, skills and responsibility essential to fourish in university and ultimately become an active and contributing member of society.

    Haven’s students and teachers work together in a caring, vibrant community that promotes personal and academic growth. Our high-quality student-centred learning environment supports each student’s unique needs and goals, while building on their strengths and weaknesses. Our blend of local Ontario and international students live, learn and grow in an environment that emphasizes excellence, responsibility and morality, both inside and outside the classroom. Students are constantly motivated, challenged and stimulated to always strive to be the very best they can be in everything they do at all times. Haven’s academic and English as Second Language programs are based on the curriculum expectations of the Ontario Ministry of Education and lead to the awarding of the prestigious Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This diploma is recognized and acknowledged worldwide as meeting the entrance requirement for university. Far from being a blank canvas, your child joins us with a rich palette of unique colours. We recognize the personal qualities of each student and celebrate individual talents. Haven students are re ective thinkers, creative problem-solvers, curious learners and energetic performers. Our exceptional co- curricular provision sets us apart: whatever your child’s enthusiasm, there will be an activity just right and lots of new things to try.

    An open door and a warm welcome await you.

  • 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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    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

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL 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

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    • DECA Club
    • MUN Club
    • STRIVE Club
    • Planting Club
    • HOSA Club
    • Film Festival Club
    • Drop-In Sports

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    • Table tennis competition, Basketball competition, Soccer competition, Badminton competition, Volleyball, Dodgeball
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 9

    Yes: grades 7 - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes

    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

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Good Academic with Great Marks University Scholarships Individual Talent

    What the school says

    What the school says

    TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

    Please refer to the links below for admissions details for each division level.

    Pre-School Division - 18 months to age 6

    Elementary Division - grades 1 to 8

    High School Division - grades 9 - 12

    HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    To Apply to school

    Canadian students need:

    •     Ontario Student Transcript from current school, or last report from current school
    •     Registration Fees 200 CAD, Non-Refundable.

    International Students need: (Admission Flow Chart)

    1. Complete the application form.

    - Copy of the original school transcript or at least 2 years of report cards.

    - Provide a $200 CAD Registration Fee (non-refundable). Bank money order or draft for registration fee.

    2.  Upon approval of application form and submitted documents, the school will issue an offer of Admission Letter to the applicant.

    3.  Make the tuition payment as directed in Offer of Admission Letter.

    4. Once the tuition fees are received by the school a letter of Acceptance, Receipt for payment and Custodian Document will be issued to the applicant.

    5.  International Applicant applies for travel documents and student visa through the local office of the Canadian High Commission or Embassy.

    6. Once Student Visa is received by the student; a copy of the visa should be sent via e-mail or fax to the school with confirmation or travel arrangement and arrival date.

    7. Upon arrival in Canada, student will need to present all the necessary documents, including valid passport and student visa immigrations to Canadian Immigration.

    8. Academic assessment test(s) at the school.

    9. Commence education at Haven International School

    Applications Deadlines

    For Canadian Students: Wednesday the 30th of September

    International Students can join Haven International School for Semester II on January 11.

    International Students can join Haven International School for Semester I, third week of September, when they submit their application, because the process will take some time.

     

    School Year Calendar

    SEMESTER ONE

    September 8     FIRST DAY OF CLASSES, SEMESTER ONE

    October 9     THANKSGIVING SCHOOL CELEBRATION

    October 13     THANKSGIVING DAY – NO CLASSES

    October 29     LAST DAY OF CLASSES, SEMESTER ONE, TERM ONE

    MID-SEMESTER STUDENT ASSESSMENT

    October 30     FIRST DAY OF CLASSES, SEMESTER ONE, TERM TWO

    MID-SEMESTER REPORTS AVAILABLE

    November 11     REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY

    December 15 – 18 FINAL EXAMINATIONS, SEMESTER ONE

    December 18     CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON & CAROL SERVICE

    LAST DAY SEMESTER ONE

    FINAL SEMESTER ONE REPORTS AVAILABLE

    December 22     HAVEN GRADUATION CEREMONY & PROM

    December 21 -     CHRISTMAS BREAK – NO CLASSES

    SEMESTER TWO

    January 11     FIRST DAY OF CLASSES SEMESTER TWO

    February 14     VALENTINE’S DAY ASSEMBLY

    February 15     FAMILY DAY – NO CLASSES

    March 15 – 19 MARCH BREAK – NO CLASSES

    March 30     INTERNATIONAL DAY

    April 2     GOOD FRIDAY – NO CLASSES

    April 5         EASTER MONDAY – NO CLASSES

    April 13     LAST DAY OF CLASSES – SEMESTER TWO TERM ONE

    MID-SEMESTER STUDENT ASSESSMENT

    April 14     FIRST DAY OF CLASSES, SEMESTER TWO, TERM TWO

    MID-SEMESTER REPORTS AVAILABLE

    April 21     WELCOME SPRING CELEBRATION

    May 19 – 25 FINAL EXAMINATIONS, SEMESTER TWO

    May 24     VICTORIA DAY – NO CLASSES OR EXAMINATIONS

    May 25     LAST DAY OF SEMESTER TWO

    May 31     HAVEN GRADUATION CEREMONY & PROM

    FINAL SEMESTER TWO REPORTS AVAILABLE

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Temitope and Tobi Shogbolu (2019)
    University: Laurentian University Scholarship: $72,000
    Glory Emanerame (2020)
    University: Laurentian University Scholarship: $40,000
    Albert Membere (2023)
    University: McMaster University Scholarship: $20,500
    Nathaniel Oke-Ighalo (2022)
    University: Brock University Scholarship: $4,000

Compare:

TOWN CENTRE PRIVATE SCHOOLS:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

HAVEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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