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Trusted by families since 1998.

AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Turnbull School vs. Pear Tree School

one-to-one comparison:

View Turnbull School's full report
VS.
View Pear Tree School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    1132 Fisher Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 6P7, Canada

    215-2678 West Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 2G3, Canada

    Distance

    Distance

    5,528.8 km

    7,663.2 km

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1992

    2016

    Enrolment

    425

    128

    Grades

    JK to 8

    K to 9

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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.
    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    Progressive

    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.
    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

    10 to 18

    16

    Special needs support

    Learning

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Play-based
    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $23,550 to $25,950

    $25,092 to $32,607

    Boarding Tuition

    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

    39

    13

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    80%

    50%

    Day entry years

    information not available

    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

    Boarding entry years

    information not available

    information not available

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades K - 9

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    information not available

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    Turnbull was founded by Mary Ann Turnbull in 1992, guided by a commitment to Caring and Excellence. Its history, in a sense, dates back to the Turnbull Learning Centre, established in 1981. The Centre offered academic services, and Turnbull’s success there led to the creation of the school. The setting is idyllic. Since 1996, it has occupied a 5.5-acre parcel in the Central Experimental Farm area of Ottawa, a National Historic Site that is easily accessible from all parts of the city. The location is within Ottawa, yet retains a rural community feel, which itself is a draw for many families. The school has grown over the years and is a good size today, allowing for a nice breadth of programming while retaining a personal, community feel. As initially intended, the school's values—cooperation, character, and reasoned reflection—inform all its activities, fostering a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment for students and their families. Parental involvement in the school's life is welcomed, as is consistent and informal communication between families and school administration.

    View full report

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    Pear Tree is young, and has all the attributes of youth: energetic, engaging, fun. The day program grew out of the Pear Tree education programs, and launched in 2016. So, it’s fresh, and indeed that’s an attraction. The feel is a great one, and that’s not to be underestimated—creating the right environment, the right feel, is important. With Pear Tree, it’s that vibrant feel that creates the first impression. The program is the definition of progressive, with small classes, hands-on instruction, and built around links across areas of the curriculum. Students are required to work collaboratively, solving problems together, and to engage creatively with each other and with technology. Activity is important, as is nutrition, which is just as it should be. The ideal learner is one who will thrive in an active, creative, small-group oriented environment.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    information not available

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "...our son is able to allow his curiosity to lead his learning whilst being encouraged, challenged and supported not only by his teachers but also by his peers."
    Katherine Corden - Parent   (May 03, 2021)
    We always go back to our son's feedback after his first few weeks at Pear Tree Elementary - 'This sc... View full review

    "I'm blown away by the amount of thought and preparation that goes into each of the learning activities."
    Elizabeth Dunn - Parent   (May 03, 2021)
    Our energetic 8 year-old son loves Pear Tree because of the active learning activities, centered aro... View full review

    "We’ve created our own parent social committee at Pear Tree, and I’ve seen the school support us at every step."
    Gabriela Passano - Parent   (May 26, 2025)
    We’ve found Pear Tree to be a great choice for our son. The level of personalization achieved with... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "Turnbull School is dedicated to academic excellence in a caring environment. Students benefit from highly qualified teachers, small class sizes, daily physical education, organization and study skills, enhanced French, award winning science, computer technology & robotics, dynamic music, visual arts and drama programs, intramural and extra-curricular sports, clubs and special events, in a modern facility. Our leadership and character development programs enhance the school culture of excellence and caring."

    • Excellent academic programming in an environment of caring
    • Warm and modern facility on over 5 acres of land for children to learn, play and grow
    • Small class sizes with highly specialized and multi-talented teachers
    • Enhanced French, with streamed classes at the Junior and Senior levels
    • Instrumental music program, including an extra-curricular, Gold level Concert Band (MusicFest)
    • Drama Program, including a large-scale production each year with over 75 students involved
    • New Technolgy Lab, with a 3D printer and VEX Robotics program
    • Double gymnasium for daily physical education, intramurals and team sports
    • Teachers who value regular open communication between school and home
    • A closely knit community where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Your child won't just study subjects at Pear Tree School — they'll learn through real-world themes that connect math, science, writing, and more into one hands-on experience. That's The Pear Tree Method: a proprietary K–9 curriculum, fully mapped to BC Ministry standards, running in Vancouver since 2016. Students leave with more than grades. They leave with curated portfolios, verified skills, and proof of what they can do. BC-certified. Independently inspected. Kitsilano, Vancouver."

    • Every Subject Connects: Math, Science & Writing Through One Real-World Theme
    • Every Teacher Holds a Master's Degree
    • Graduates Leave With Portfolios and Proof, Not Just Grades
    • 74 Curriculum Themes, All Mapped to BC Ministry Standards
    • 16 Students Per Class — Every Child Known by Name
    • Prepares for Life, Not Just University
    • Hot Lunch Program: Red Seal Chef, Fresh Daily
    • Daily P.E. (1hr/day): Team Sports & Solo Activities
    • Students Set Goals, Track Progress, and Own Their Learning
    • Digital Portfolios: Parents See Learning in Real Time

    What does school_name do differently or uniquely well?

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "At Turnbull School, we focus on a well-rounded approach where children are not just exposed to a rigorous academic program, but also a strong focus to character development, study skills, arts and music, and athletics. We truly get to know our families and have a strong sense of community and belonging."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Most schools organize learning by subject. At Pear Tree, subjects organize around themes.

    Math, science, writing, and social studies connect inside one real-world project. Students don't switch gears between periods — they go deeper into the same problem from different angles. That's The Pear Tree Method: a proprietary K–9 curriculum with 74 designed themes, every one mapped to BC Ministry standards.

    Every teacher holds a Master's degree. Classes cap at 16 students. And students don't just complete the curriculum — they build portfolios documenting what they've actually learned. By graduation they have verified skills and a record of real work, not just a report card."

    What tradeoffs has school_name made to serve families in this way?

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

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "With our focus on providing a strong academic foundation, we do not have the resources to support serious academic and behavioural concerns. As a result, we are unable to accept applications for students with these profiles."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Choosing Pear Tree School means choosing a fundamentally different model. Here's what that costs — and what it buys.

    We trade isolated subjects for integrated themes. Your child won't have a math period and a writing period. They'll have a theme — and math, writing, and science will serve it. Some parents find this unfamiliar at first. Students find it impossible to forget.

    We trade test scores for portfolio evidence. Assessment is built on what students produce and can defend, not timed performance.

    Report cards look different here. What graduates take with them looks different too.

    We trade survey coverage for genuine depth. Every theme goes deep. We don't race through content to tick boxes.

    If you want a school that feels familiar from the outside, Pear Tree may not be the right fit.
    If you want one your child will still be talking about at 25, book a tour."

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

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

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "In 1996, Turnbull School moved from office space to its original, newly constructed and permanent home. In 2003, in order to meet growing demand and improve programming, the senior school was constructed which included a full-size, double gymnasium, science lab, and visual arts room. In the fall of 2019, a modern and fully equipped music hall was added to the school, which also included the renovation and updating of designated drama and visual arts rooms. More recently, in 2025, a STEM lab was added to the senior building for our coding and robotics program."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "SCHOOL YEAR:
    2011/12 - Founding of Pear Tree Education (main organization)
    2016/17 - Founding of Pear Tree School (K-7)
    2020/21 - Expansion of Pear Tree School
    2025/26 - Launch of Middle School Annex (expansion to grades 8-9)"

    What type of student is a good fit for school_name?

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

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "Well-rounded children with an open mind and willingness to learn, with average to above average learning profiles do very well at Turnbull School."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Pear Tree School is the right fit for kids who want to know why — not just what. Students who thrive here are the ones who get absorbed in a problem, make connections across subjects, and want to show what they've built.

    It's not the right school for every family. If your priority is a conventional report card and a familiar school structure, we're probably not your best match. We'll tell you that upfront.

    The families who love Pear Tree tend to share one belief: that a child who can think across subjects, work with others, and defend their ideas is better prepared for adult life than one who memorised the right answers.

    They want proof their child is learning — not just grades that say so.

    If that sounds like you, the next step is a tour. Come see a theme in action."

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing school_name?

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

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "We would advise families who have children with serious learning needs and/or behavioural issues to explore other school options."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Pear Tree School isn't the right fit for every family — and we'd rather tell you that upfront than waste your time.

    If you want a school where success is measured by test scores and class rank, this isn't it. We don't run that race.

    If you want a familiar structure — separate subjects, traditional homework, conventional report cards — Pear Tree will feel different in ways that may not suit you.

    If your priority is brand-name prestige or a school that markets itself as an Ivy League pipeline, we're not that school either.

    What we are: a school where your child builds real things, connects ideas across subjects, and graduates with a portfolio of verified work.

    If that's not what you're looking for, we genuinely respect that — and we'll tell you so on your first call."

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

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

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "Over the years, parents have shared with us that they selected our school based on reputation, reliability, communication with families, and a warm, welcoming environment of caring and excellence."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Families who choose Pear Tree School usually say the same thing after their tour: "I've never seen kids talk about their work like that."

    That's The Pear Tree Method in action. Subjects don't exist in isolation here — they connect inside real-world themes. A child studying urban planning isn't just doing geography. They're doing math, writing, research, and design at the same time.

    Every teacher holds a Master's degree. Classes stay at 16 students. And every child graduates with a curated portfolio — documented proof of what they've learned, not just a grade that says so.

    Families also choose us because we're honest about fit. We don't take every applicant. That selectivity protects the culture that makes the method work."

    How would you characterize school_name's image amongst the public?

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

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "Turnbull School is a highly regarded and a sought-after elementary school. Children are excited to come each day, and they return home happy."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Pear Tree School is known in Vancouver as the school where subjects connect.

    Parents who've toured describe it as unlike anything they expected — kids who can explain their work, classrooms built around projects rather than periods, and teachers who know every student by name.

    In the broader education community, Pear Tree is recognised for The Pear Tree Method: a proprietary K–9 curriculum with 74 designed themes, fully mapped to BC Ministry standards. It's an approach built from the ground up — not borrowed from another model.

    The reputation that matters most: graduates who can think across subjects, defend their ideas, and show what they've built."

    What aspect of school_name is underappreciated?

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "Families come to Turnbull School for an excellent education; however, during their time with us, they are exposed to so much more beyond the curriculum. When a Turnbull student leaves us, that child enters the world having gained new experiences and opportunities that will last a lifetime."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Parents often notice the themes. What they underestimate is the architecture behind them.

    Every theme at Pear Tree is built from a proprietary curriculum document that maps each project to specific BC Ministry learning outcomes. This isn't creative teaching that hopes to cover the standards. It's a designed system where the creativity and the rigour are the same thing.

    74 of these themes run across K–9. Every one has been built, tested, and refined. That's not something a good teacher improvises. It's what makes The Pear Tree Method a method — not just a philosophy."

    What do families find surprising about school_name?

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "Families are always impressed with the true sense of community, as well as the amount of care and communication they receive from our faculty."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Most parents arrive expecting an alternative school. They leave surprised by just how rigorous Pear Tree is.

    The themes look creative from the outside. Inside, students are doing real math, writing research reports, building physical models, and presenting their work to adults who ask hard questions. The bar is high. Kids rise to meet it — because the work is worth doing.

    The other thing that surprises families: how much their child talks about school at home. Not about what happened socially — about what they're building, what they figured out, what comes next."

    What improvements or changes has school_name made recently?

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "At Turnbull School, we are consistently reviewing and updating our resources and programming. In particular, we are very excited about our new Tech Lab and technology program."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Grade 8–9 launch: Pear Tree expanded to secondary in 2025/26, with a dedicated suite at our Kitsilano campus. Grade 9 follows in September 2026.

    Standardised systems: We've built and implemented school-wide checklists, processes, and curriculum documentation to ensure The Pear Tree Method delivers consistently across every class and grade — not just in the hands of exceptional individual teachers.

    Teacher recruitment: Our hiring and pre-service training process has been significantly strengthened. Every teacher holds a Master's degree and is trained in the method before entering a classroom.

    Parent communication: Mid-term report cards and expanded parent workshops now give families more visibility into their child's progress throughout the year."

    How will school_name change in the next 5 years?

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    "While we do not foresee any significant changes to our current structure, we remain committed to providing current and relevant curriculum and experiences for our students. We are also committed to adhering to the values and guiding principles that have shaped our school over the years."

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    "Pear Tree School is mid-expansion — and the roadmap is concrete.

    Grade 9 launches September 2026, completing our middle school offering. Grades 10, 11, and 12 follow in consecutive years, making Pear Tree a full K–12 school by 2029. Every high school grade will run The Pear Tree Method to completion — culminating in curated portfolios, work placements, employer references, and recorded defense presentations.

    Beyond the high school build-out: additional K–7 campuses across Vancouver are in planning, and a dedicated secondary facility is part of the long-term vision.

    Families enrolling now are joining a school at an inflection point — established enough to be proven, growing fast enough that their child will help define what it becomes."

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    At Turnbull School, we are committed to fostering excellence in a caring and supportive environment. As an independent coeducational school for students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, we offer a comprehensive academic program, as well as an abundance of extra-curricular activities, that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

    We believe that a strong educational foundation built during the elementary years is one of the greatest gifts we can offer a child; one that will benefit them for a lifetime.

    To learn more about our school and what makes Turnbull a special place to learn and grow, we invite you to visit our website or contact us directly. We would be happy to answer your questions.

    Thank you for your interest in Turnbull School!

    A 'good school' isn't good enough.

    The traditional model places students in rows, switches subjects every 45 minutes, and measures success with a test score. Math is math. Science is science. They never meet. Students learn to perform knowledge, not apply it.

    That's not how learning actually works.

    At Pear Tree School, subjects connect inside real-world themes. A student studying urban planning is doing math, writing, science, and social studies — at the same time, in the same project. The work is real. The challenge is genuine. The result is a child who can think across disciplines and show what they've built.

    That's The Pear Tree Method. It's been running in Vancouver since 2016. It's Ministry-certified, Master's-taught, and designed from the ground up — not borrowed from another model.

    I invite you to come and see it in action. Not a staged demonstration. A real school day.

    Alexis Birner, Principal

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Traditional

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Information not available

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      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.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Not applicable

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Since 1992, Turnbull School’s small classes and exceptional teachers have provided a comprehensive and enriching academic program, where emphasis is placed on caring and excellence. Our well rounded curriculum ensures a balance between all subject areas, and students enjoy the application of the content to cross-curricular activities and projects, so what they learn has more relevance and application. We value our parents as collaborative participants in their child’s education. Regular communication is a given and the staff all recognize the importance of keeping parents well informed. Accountability and accessibility are key attributes of every member of the faculty and leadership team. From a young age, Turnbull students are taught the essential learning skills of study strategies, time management and organizational techniques. As a result, our students learn to take responsibility for their academic work and to exercise the perseverance that together lead to future success.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      At Pear Tree School, the curriculum is built around themes — not subjects. Math, science, writing, and social studies connect inside one real-world project. Students don't switch gears between periods; they go deeper into the same problem from different angles. This is The Pear Tree Method: a proprietary K–9 curriculum with 74 designed themes, every one mapped to BC Ministry learning standards. It's not creative teaching that hopes to cover the outcomes. The creativity and the rigour are the same thing. Every teacher holds a Master's degree. Classes cap at 16 students. Physical education runs one hour daily — including martial arts, swimming, yoga, and ice skating. A hot lunch program prepared by a Red Seal chef runs five days a week. Students graduate with curated portfolios documenting what they've actually built — not just a report card that says they were there.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Equal Balance

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Equal Balance


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Our mathematics program goes well beyond the Ontario Ministry of Education’s curriculum and provides students with an advanced program that covers greater breadth and depth of concepts and reasoning skills than is normally experienced or expected. With specialized teachers and small classes, every Turnbull student can be enriched, yet help is readily available if concepts need additional reinforcing. More frequent and meaningful teacher-student interactions result in immediate individual feedback. The approachable nature of our teachers and that personal connection with every student is a huge factor in student engagement in the learning process. Our “spiral curriculum” approach to mathematics ensures a continual review of previously taught concepts so students are revisiting and retaining the material while moving on to new areas. In this way, they develop strong mathematical competence and see the relevance of one topic to the next.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Math at Pear Tree School is a skills-based subject — but skills only stick when they mean something. So math lives inside themes. Students calculate real quantities, analyse real data, and apply financial literacy to real scenarios — not textbook problems invented to practise a method. We use an equal balance of traditional and discovery approaches. Students learn procedures and algorithms, and they understand why those procedures work — because they've already encountered the problem the procedure solves.


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        The Nelson My Math Path program, powered by the Singapore Math framework, is the main resource used. Jump Math is used as a supplement, as well as other problem solving and critical thinking resources.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        No textbooks. All math is taught in context, which means the numbers are real and the challenge is genuine.


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Calculators have a place in the upper grades when numeration is not the main objective of a topic being studied. When a child struggles with numeration skills, and a calculator can be used as a tool to help, students will not be left behind when working within another strand.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Calculators are used as tools, not shortcuts — students are expected to know whether the output makes sense before they accept it.

      • Early Reading


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Balanced Literacy

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Balanced Literacy


        Our take: early reading approach type

        Our take: early reading approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.


        What the school says about their early reading program

        What the school says about their early reading program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        At Turnbull School, we believe that for children to become proficient readers, they need to develop a wide range of knowledge and skills. These include a strong base of oral language, a strong general knowledge background, an understanding of print concepts and knowledge of letters and words. Children also need to learn comprehension strategies and higher order thinking skills, such as the ability to infer meaning from texts. We incorporate activities to develop all of these competencies on a daily basis in our overall literacy program. A balance of direct instruction, guided instruction, independent learning and practise are important elements of our early reading program. We also value frequent assessment and evaluation of reading levels and skills, and use the recently updated Nelson PM Benchmark, to track each child’s progress.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Reading at Pear Tree School is built into every theme. Students don't read to practise reading — they read because the theme demands it. Every theme draws on both fiction and non-fiction texts. Students encounter technical vocabulary specific to what they're studying, which pushes their reading range well beyond high-frequency word lists. Phonics instruction is explicit and systematic in the early grades. As students develop fluency, the focus shifts to comprehension, inference, and reading for meaning across subject areas.


        DIBELS testing

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
        We use the recently updated Nelson PM Benchmark to track each child's reading progress, along with other important related skills.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
        Formal reading assessments run at the start of every term to track progress and identify gaps early.

      • Writing


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Equal balance

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Equal balance


        Our take: writing approach type

        Our take: writing approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        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.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        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.


        What the school says about their writing program

        What the school says about their writing program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Primary students use the Six Traits Writing model, where they learn and practise using the six traits of effective writers. Students learn to write personal and expository texts, poetry and report writing. They also learn basic editing skills. Junior students continue to expand on their understanding and use of the Six Traits of Writing model. Students learn to write personal and expository texts, poetry and report writing. They complete more formal spelling and grammar lessons on a regular basis, develop editing skills and learn to use the writing process as a tool to fine tune their writing skills. Senior students focus on the importance of following the writing process: brainstorming, planning, organizing, revising and editing. We emphasize both creative and expository writing along with the ability to develop and express ideas in clear and effective prose. Students are also given a strong grounding in grammar.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Writing at Pear Tree School always has an audience and a purpose. Students write research reports, explanations, narratives, and proposals — because the theme requires it, not because writing was scheduled for Tuesday. Grammar and sentence construction are taught explicitly, then applied immediately inside real writing tasks. Students draft, receive feedback, and revise. The standard is what the work requires — not what's typical for the grade. Because writing is embedded in themes, students write across subject areas every week. A student studying urban planning writes a proposal. A student studying ecosystems writes a field report. By the time they reach middle school, writing is a tool they reach for — not a subject they endure.

      • Science


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Equal Balance


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        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.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Children best acquire scientific knowledge through experimenting, manipulation and exploration with science materials. We promote children’s natural curiosity for the scientific world through interactive, hands-on learning, offering many opportunities for experiments, labs and exploration. We go far beyond what is normally expected in the Ontario curriculum. Turnbull students graduate very motivated and with the advanced competence to pursue sciences.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Science at Pear Tree is something students do, not something they're told about. Every theme that touches science involves hands-on investigation — forming hypotheses, running experiments, and drawing conclusions from real results. Science topics are woven into themes rather than taught as a standalone subject. A theme on ecosystems means students are doing biology and ecology. A theme on structures means physics. Cooking and food science run throughout the school — and at the senior grades, this extends into molecular gastronomy. At least half of Pear Tree's 74 curriculum themes draw directly from science topics. By the time students reach middle school, they've worked across biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, meteorology, physics, physiology, and zoology — not as separate units, but as connected ideas inside real projects.


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Zoology

      • Literature


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Traditional

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Equal Balance


        Our take: literature approach type

        Our take: literature approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.


        What the school says about their literature program

        What the school says about their literature program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Our students experience a very enriching literature program of novels, poetry and short stories, but we also emphasize the importance of developing strong basic skills of grammar, decoding, spelling and technical writing. Our students are set up for success beyond their time at Turnbull School, as they learn to communicate well both orally and in writing, and develop strong critical reading, creative writing and research skills.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        At Pear Tree School, literature is chosen to serve the theme — not the other way around. Students read fiction and non-fiction, picture books and novels, poetry and primary sources. The selection is driven by what the theme demands and what will genuinely challenge the reader. Critical literacy is built into every text. Students don't just decode what a text says — they examine why it was written, who it serves, and what it assumes. This develops the kind of reading that transfers across subjects and into adult life. Literature spans Canadian, American, European, World, English, and Ancient texts across the grades — giving students a broad range of voices and contexts without sacrificing depth.


        Domains covered by the literature program

        Topics covered in literature curriculum

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

      • Social Studies


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Core Knowledge

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Expanding Communities


        Our take: social studies approach type

        Our take: social studies approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        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.


        What the school says about their social studies program

        What the school says about their social studies program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        The goal of our social studies program is to educate students about their local, national and international communities, and their place within these societies. Combining the disciplines of geography and history, we help students develop into informed citizens in a culturally diverse and interdependent world, while instilling an understanding and appreciation of our unique Canadian identity and experience. Through these studies, students acquire broad-based skills that are vital to future success. These skills include identifying and solving problems, critically evaluating different points of view, making informed decisions on a variety of issues, and engaging in articulate expression and debate. By exploring various points of view and evaluating a variety of evidence, students practise achieving a balanced perspective when making decisions on issues relevant to their world.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Social studies at Pear Tree School follows the BC curriculum's expanding communities structure — starting with the student's immediate world and broadening outward through the grades. But the themes make it concrete in ways a standard curriculum rarely does. A K–1 student studying community isn't reading about neighbourhoods in a textbook. They're building one — mapping it, researching it, presenting what they found. By middle school, students are examining global systems, historical events, and civic structures through the lens of themes that connect geography, history, and current events into one coherent project. Social studies at PT is never studied in isolation. It connects to math, writing, and science inside every theme — which means students understand the world as an interconnected system, not a series of separate subjects on a timetable.

      • Humanities and Social Sciences


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Equal Balance

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Pragmatism


        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.


        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Grade 7 history covers Canadian history from the earliest inhabitants to the War of 1812. As well as covering the factual material, the students have opportunities to research elements of our past. In geography, the Grade 7's learn about earth sciences and the physical geography of Canada. In the Grade 8 program, students learn about the history of Canada from the War of 1812, through the important events surrounding Confederation, and ending with World War I. Their geography course continues the citizenship strand, exploring the nature of world human geography.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        At Grades 7 and up, humanities and social sciences at Pear Tree School become the framework through which students understand how the world works — historically, economically, geographically, and politically. Themes at this level connect these disciplines into one coherent project rather than separate courses. Students don't write essays about history to demonstrate recall. They research, argue, and present — because the theme requires a position, not just a summary. Critical thinking and real-world application are the standard, not enrichment extras. The BC curriculum provides the outcomes. The Pear Tree Method provides the context that makes those outcomes stick.

      • Foreign Languages


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Communicative

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Communicative


        Our take: foreign language approach type

        Our take: foreign language approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.


        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Turnbull School strives to graduate students from Grade 8 with a strong level of conversational and every day, pragmatic French, while also achieving solid skills in French reading, writing and grammar. In addition, the students will have the desire and confidence to pursue further French studies beyond the basic requirements of high school. The achievement of this goal is dependent on the number of years the student is at Turnbull School, as well as the language aptitude and motivation of the student. There is a French only environment in French class, with an exception for students newer to French. Motivation and enjoyment of French always drive and enhance our program objectives.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        French instruction begins in Grade 2 and runs through the school. Language is taught as a cultural construct, not a grammatical one — students learn French in context, through authentic texts, conversation, and cultural study. The goal is functional communication and cultural fluency, not textbook conjugation. Students who understand why a language works the way it does retain it. Students who memorise verb tables don't.


        Language instruction offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese


        Learning a foreign language is required until

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Information not available

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Fine Arts


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Creative

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Creative


        Our take: fine arts approach type

        Our take: fine arts approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.


        What the school says about their fine arts program

        What the school says about their fine arts program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Music, drama and visual arts are all recognized as essential elements of a child’s development for all grades at Turnbull School. Weekly fine arts classes are taught to students in Grades 4 to 8 by teachers who have specialized training in these disciplines. The Turnbull School Concert Band has been in existence since 2005. As an extracurricular ensemble, students from Grades 5 to 8 have the opportunity to further explore their love of music beyond their regular music classes with woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The members enjoy the chance to gain performance experience through playing for special events at the school and in the community. Students in grades 6 to 8 may also decide to audition for a role in the annual school drama production. This extracurricular activity has included as many as 80 students, and rehearsals typically begin in October with the final performance in May.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Fine arts at Pear Tree School are woven into themes rather than scheduled as a separate subject. Students make art because the theme calls for it — a visual presentation, a performance, a designed object. This means art always has an audience and a purpose. Specialist instructors support classroom teachers across acting, dance, drama, graphic design, music, and visual arts. The goal is students who use creative skills as tools — not students who perform creativity on cue and forget it the moment the class ends.


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

      • Computers and Technolgy


        Approach

        Approach

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Medium integration

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Medium integration


        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.


        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Every student has regular computer technology classes and a curriculum which reinforces a variety of skills through cross-curricular assignments that deepen their learning. These include Robotics, Internet safety, research, web animation, graphic design, video editing, publishing, graphing, coding and keyboarding. Having access to enriching and engaging technologies, such as a new STEM lab with a 3D printer, several portable Chromebook stations, SmartBoards, scan-and-project devices, eInstruction’s Classroom Response System, and a wide range of educational software are only a few ways in which we deepen the learning activities for our students.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Technology at Pear Tree School is a tool, not a subject. Students use it when the theme demands it — for research, design, data analysis, presentation, and creation. The goal is purposeful digital literacy, not screen time for its own sake. In the early grades, technology plays a supporting role. As students move into middle school, it becomes a primary tool for documenting and presenting their work. Computer science, robotics, and web design are offered as the curriculum develops. Pear Tree's Principal holds an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) designation — a competitive, application-based credential recognising innovative use of technology in education. That expertise informs how technology is integrated across the school.


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

      • Physical Education


        What the school says about their physical education program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        TURNBULL SCHOOL

        All students at Turnbull School take part in daily physical education classes taught by physical education specialists. Our program focuses on participation, skill development, fair play and healthy living. These objectives are met by providing the students with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sports and activities. Turnbull School offers an Intramural sports program to all students from grades 1 to 8, where children can participate in more competitive game play, keeping fun and sportsmanship the priority. Children from the Junior and Senior divisions have the opportunity to try out for various sports teams, where they will play in games and tournaments with other schools within the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association (OISAA), as well as other schools in Ontario and Quebec.

        PEAR TREE SCHOOL

        Physical education at Pear Tree School runs one hour every day — not as a break from learning, but as part of it. Activities include martial arts, swimming, yoga, ice skating, team sports, and solo pursuits across the year. The programme develops physical literacy alongside self-discipline, goal-setting, and resilience. Students learn to push themselves, recover from setbacks, and work with others under pressure — skills that transfer directly into academic work. PE also connects to the curriculum. Physiology, nutrition, psychology, and strategy are studied through sport. A student who understands how their body works performs better in the classroom — and understands why. One hour daily is non-negotiable at Pear Tree. It is not reduced for academic pressure, special events, or scheduling convenience.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Play-based

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Academic


      Our Take

      Our Take

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Every child is deserving of a safe, nurturing environment to express and develop his/her unique interests, creativity and abilities. It is in Kindergarten where Turnbull students first learn to respect and care about each other, to feel unique and special, but to see others that way too. The junior and senior kindergarten curriculum reflects the importance of early literacy and numeracy activities, as well as self-initiated inquiry-based pursuits. Our broad program also includes daily physical education, French language classes, as well as science, creative arts and computer time.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Kindergarten at Pear Tree School is where The Pear Tree Method begins. From day one, children learn through hands-on themes that connect early literacy, numeracy, and discovery into one experience — not separate lessons on separate subjects. Classes cap at 16 students. Every teacher holds a Master's degree. The classroom is structured and purposeful, but the work feels like building, making, and figuring things out — because it is. Children leave K–1 able to read, count, collaborate, and explain their thinking. They also leave with their first portfolio entry — documented proof of what they learned, not just a note that they attended.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Student-paced


      Our Take

      Our Take

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      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.

      PEAR TREE 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

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Grades 4 to 8 French classes are streamed into two levels per grade. The students working within the advanced level of French are working beyond grade level and using Francophone resources. Highly motivated students who graduate from this level may enter French Immersion in high school.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Combined grade classes mean students learn alongside peers at different stages — which raises the floor and stretches the ceiling. A Grade 2 student working at Grade 3 depth isn't an exception here. It's the expected outcome of the method.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Supportive

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Rigorous


      Our Take

      Our Take

      TURNBULL 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.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      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”.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Turnbull students learn to take responsibility for their academic work and to exercise the perseverance that together lead to future success. The children make a personal commitment to do their very best to further their own growth. This includes taking responsibility for their work, being prepared, and caring about the growth of others through participation and respect.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Pear Tree School sets high standards — not through tests and rankings, but through the quality of work students are expected to produce. Every theme has a real outcome: something built, written, researched, or presented to an audience. The bar is what the work requires, not what the grade curve allows. Masters-qualified teachers know the difference between a student who is stuck and one who is coasting. Neither is acceptable. Students are challenged to their actual ceiling — not managed to a comfortable average.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

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

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      "We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Intellectual
      The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Intellectual
      The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."


      Secondary

      Secondary

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      TURNBULL SCHOOL

      Turnbull School emphasizes a competence based approach where each student can apply skills, acquire knowledge, develop creative problem solving skills, become an effective communicator, and acquire strong social and leadership skills. Time management and organizational skills are viewed as an integral part of their curriculum and essential to their future success. Turnbull School students also show care for others within and beyond the school. We aim to graduate students who are very well prepared for high school, academically, emotionally and socially.

      PEAR TREE SCHOOL

      Pear Tree School aims to graduate students who are intellectually capable, emotionally grounded, physically active, and socially aware — not because we treat these as separate programmes, but because The Pear Tree Method develops all of them through the same work. A student who builds a real project, presents it to an audience, defends their decisions, and iterates based on feedback is developing intellectually, emotionally, and socially at the same time. That's not a philosophy. That's what the method produces. The graduate we're building can think across subjects, work with others, handle challenge, and show what they've learned. That's the whole point.

  • SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT

    FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIES

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:
    Resource Assistance:
    Withdrawal Assistance:
    Partial Integration:
    Full-Time Class:
    Forms of Support Environments Forms of Support Environments
    ADHD (moderate to severe)
    This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life.
    Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.
    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
    Dyscalculia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.
    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
    Developmental
    Autism
    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).
    Asperger's Syndrome
    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.
    Down syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).
    Williams syndrome
    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
    Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
    Clinical Depression
    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.
    Clinical anxiety
    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.
    Suicidal thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
    Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
    Cerebral palsy
    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
    Muscular dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
    Blindness
    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."
    Deafness
    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Additional support

    Additional support

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    INFORMAL SUPPORT FOR MILD DIFFICULTIES

    Learning Strategy

    Extra Support

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD

    Accommodations

    Extra support

    Accommodations

    Modifications


    Additional support

    Additional support

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy


    What the school says about their special needs support

    What the school says about their special needs support

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    At Turnbull School, we occasionally have students who require some form of accommodation (i.e. ESL). These accommodations may arise from recommendations listed in a psycho-educational assessment. All forms of accommodation are discussed with parents ahead of implementation.

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    Pear Tree School welcomes a wide range of learners. The method — hands-on, project-based, theme-driven — suits students who think differently, get bored easily, or struggle to engage with traditional instruction. Many of our strongest students arrived from schools where they were underperforming. We provide accommodations and modifications for students with mild clinically diagnosed learning disabilities and ADHD. We do not have in-house specialists for occupational therapy, psychotherapy, or speech-language support — families requiring those services would need to arrange them externally. PT does not receive government special needs funding. Any intensive in-class support beyond standard accommodations would need to be arranged and funded by the family. If you have questions about whether Pear Tree is the right fit for your child's specific needs, contact us before applying. We would rather have an honest conversation early than the wrong outcome later.


    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    If a student were to exhibit learning difficulties while at Turnbull School, we would proactively work with the parents to develop the best possible outcome for their child.

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    Pear Tree School does not have specialist learning support staff and does not qualify for special needs funding. We are transparent about this upfront. What we do offer is a method that naturally accommodates a wide range of learners — small classes of 16, hands-on projects, multiple ways to demonstrate understanding, and teachers who know every student individually. Students who struggle in traditional settings often thrive here precisely because the work is meaningful and varied. That said, students with significant needs in literacy, executive functioning, or collaborative skills may find the method's demands challenging. If a family is considering PT for a child with a clinical diagnosis, we recommend an honest conversation before applying.

  • 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

    TURNBULL 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

    PEAR TREE 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

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    • Turnbull Concert Band earns silver and gold at Regional and National Musicfest
    • Turnbull student earns gold at the Canada Wide Science Fair
    • Turnbull School opened a new Tech Lab for Robotics in 2025
    • Turnbull School's Drama Troupe of 80 cast and crew wow audience with their performance of Beauty and the Beast on May 1, 2025

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    • What other schools call extracurricular, Pear Tree builds into the school day � arts, PE, cooking, science, and more run inside every theme. After-school clubs run each semester across a range of interests and age groups.
  • 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

    80%

    50%

    Day entry years

    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    No

    Yes: grades K - 9

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    Yes: grades K - 9

    Entrance essay required

    No

    Yes: grades 5 - 9

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    Turnbull School students show care for each other and the community at large. They are motivated to do their personal best in their academics and extra curricular activities.

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    Pear Tree School works best for students who want to know why — not just what. Kids who get absorbed in a problem. Kids who like making things, figuring things out, and showing what they've built. You don't need a "gifted" child. You need a child who can engage. The method demands curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to work with others. Students who arrive expecting to sit quietly and receive information find the adjustment real. The students who thrive here tend to share a few traits: they ask questions, they don't give up easily, and they care about doing good work — not just finished work. They're often the kids who were bored, frustrated, or underestimated elsewhere. Families matter too. PT works best when parents believe that how a child learns is as important as what they learn — and when they're genuinely curious about the method, not just looking for a smaller class size. Our admissions process is designed to surface fit, not just ability. Stage 1 takes three minutes. The assessment and interview that follow tell us what we actually need to know: whether your child and PT are right for each other. We'd rather tell you it's not a fit early than discover it after enrolment.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    TURNBULL SCHOOL

    Turnbull School has a multi-step admissions process. For children applying to Grades 1 to 8, we begin by gathering information from report cards, confidential letters of reference and formal assessments (if any). This is followed by a visit day in a classroom of the child's current grade. Occasionally, if more information is needed, an individual standardized assessment may be administered by an educational consultant.

    PEAR TREE SCHOOL

    Visit our Website for up-to-date information about our Admissions process [link]:

    1. Apply online — 3 questions, a short form, and a non-refundable application fee. No documents, no essays at this stage.
    2. Tell us what matters — a short questionnaire sent by email (5–8 minutes, on your own time).
    3. Assessment — your child joins a group session at school so we can see how they engage with the method.
    4. Offer & enrolment — documents and enrolment paperwork are collected here, not before.
  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

TURNBULL SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

PEAR TREE SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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