455 Cochrane Drive, Unit 30, Markham, Ontario, L3R 9R4, Canada
2246 Camilla Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5A 2J6, Canada
1978
2000
295
24
Nursery/Toddler to 8
Nursery/Toddler to SK
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
15 to 20
10 to 15
Dedicated gifted school
$17,500 to $17,700
$7,070 to $11,960
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
23
6
0%
0%
80%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Founded in 1978, Wishing Well is one of the older Montessori programs in the region, as well as the country, so has had a lot of time to develop its programs. Today it provides the foundational elements of the method, including a strong sense of place, as well as a wealth of opportunity to peer interaction. The Casa classrooms are of a size that the work well, allowing for mentorship relationships to develop naturally among the students. In addition, the administration has demonstrated a keen desire to develop the program with an eye to the kinds of things that students need when they advance to grade 9 and beyond, including a keen interest in developing 21st century literacies, including digital literacy and a robust science curricula. The extended care option, included in tuition, is understandably a very welcome feature for the families that enroll; it’s also a sign of the school’s attention to the needs of the parent community. The school has built a reputation on providing a strong, varied program based firmly in the ethos of the Montessori method, with an eye to educating students to be creative, confident, and social learners.
View full reportWhen Edgerton Ryerson established a national, public education system, he highlighted the need for consistency: every school should be the same, offer the same things, from coast to coast. Sadly, that conception of what schools should be, and what they should provide, remains doggedly with us today. Thankfully, schools like Shepherd Montessori step away from that model, choosing rather to offer something as unique as the community they are formed to serve. Shepherd is a school using the Montessori method to deliver a program that is also based in the values of the Catholic church. In that, it’s happily one of a kind. Further, the student population is small, allowing a heightened level of individual attention, something that is also a primary draw. The community of the school is diverse, and while not all families are active within the Catholic church, all nevertheless appreciate the school’s attention to developing the students’ understanding of their spiritual selves. The approach in the classroom is child-centered, child-directed, and project oriented. The ideal student is one able to thrive with a close-knit learning environment.
View full reportinformation not available
information not available
"Delivering accredited Toddler and Montessori programs endorsed by CCMA, coupled with an accelerated Elementary program spanning Grade 1 to 8, our focus is on nurturing qualities like independence, creativity, collaboration, intrinsic motivation, and leadership. At Wishing Well Schools, students not only flourish in a supportive setting but also cultivate a sincere passion for learning. Upon completing their education, they carry with them the self-assurance to excel in academically demanding settings."
"The only Catholic based Montessori School in the GTA (curriculum encouraged and supported by the Archbishop of Toronto). We provide an intimate environment for students aged 2.5 - 5 yrs that stimulates independent thinking and enriches moral development. Faculty and parents work together to foster, within each child, the early habits, attitudes and skills necessary to establish a lifelong joy in learning. Our responsibility is to guide the whole child - spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually."
"Wishing Well Schools distinguishes itself through a holistic learning environment, comprehensive Grade 1 to 8 programs, integration of 21st-century skills, and a focus on character and leadership development. With a 45-year legacy, we offer a trusted and time-tested education that prepares graduates not only academically but also with the resilience, adaptability, and leadership qualities for success in the evolving world."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Families opt for Wishing Well Schools due to its advanced academic programs spanning Grade 1 to 8, coupled with a 45-year legacy of excellence. The institution's commitment to character and leadership development, along with an emphasis on collaboration and project-based learning, resonates with parents seeking a comprehensive and forward-thinking educational environment. Wishing Well's dedication to academic advancement solidifies its position as the preferred choice for families."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Families at Wishing Well Schools often witness the vibrant and collaborative community, but one aspect that may not be accorded sufficient significance is the Quiet Waters Outdoor Education. The serene outdoor setting serves as a unique extension of the learning environment. Families may not fully grasp the transformative impact of outdoor education on their child's holistic development, including enhanced creativity, resilience, and a deeper connection with nature. Emphasizing the significance"
Information not available
"At Wishing Well Schools, families discover a strong community, individualized attention, innovative teaching methods, emphasis on emotional intelligence, a global perspective, opportunities for parental involvement, and a focus on lifelong learning. These unexpected aspects contribute to an enriching educational experience, surpassing initial expectations."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
At Wishing Well Schools, we take pride in fostering an exceptional learning environment for our students. Within this nurturing environment, students not only achieve academic excellence but also cultivate confidence and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Our objective extends beyond providing them with the academic accomplishments needed for entry into competitive programs post-elementary school; we also strive to instill in them the character and confidence necessary to emerge as successful leaders.
Our ongoing commitment to providing an enriched and forward-thinking educational experience for our students is continuously revised and enhanced. With so many emerging changes in the world, we aim to empower our students with a robust foundation, setting them on a trajectory towards academic excellence and success.
As we celebrate 45 years of educational excellence at Wishing Well Schools, we look forward to another 45 years marked by continued success, academic excellence, and the emergence of upstanding student graduates. Our enduring commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching environment sets the stage for an even brighter future, as we look forward to shaping the next generation of accomplished individuals. Here's to the ongoing journey of learning, growth, and success at Wishing Well Schools for the years to come.
information not available
Information not available
Information not available
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.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Wishing Well Schools delivers the Montessori curriculum from Toddler to age 6 and an enriched academic program following the Ontario Curriculum from Grades 1 to 8. We believe in teaching the skills of critical thinking, with a 21st century approach to teaching and learning.
Our school builds on a foundation to help balance both the academic and spiritual growth needed during the early stages of learning! Our atrium program also is run using the same pholoophy as Montessori.
Not applicable
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
Not applicable
We use a variety of tools to help solidify math concepts and ensure automaticity and understanding of deeper mathematical problems. From Grades 4 to 8 we have specialized math teachers for all students. Included in our Math curriculum are our STEAM lessons where students are presented with problems using the engineering design process to solve. Coding is taught from Grade 1 to 6, with more intensive Computer Science taught in Grade 7/8.
Information not available
Nelson Math, Jump Math, iPads and various resources created by teachers.
Information not available
Calculators are used at more advanced levels of mathematics after students have learned important fundamental skills.
Information not available
Not applicable
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Not applicable
Our students learn to read during their Montessori years (age 3 to 6) in preparation for the advanced academic program in Grade 1.
Information not available
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Writing is carefully planned and focuses on developing technical writing skills as well as creative expression. Varied lessons focus on essay writing, media literacy, film analysis, poetry and song writing, creative writing in a variety of narrative formats, and non-fiction writing (such as writing blogs, websites, speeches, biographies, etc.). We have specialist Language Arts teachers from Grades 4 to 8.
Information not available
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Science is taught using varied materials and approaches in an inquiry based setting (such as in our STEAM lessons) as well as a traditional setting. Project Based Learning is emphasized and students are expected to test their hypothesis using the scientific method. Specialist Science teachers teach students from Grades 4 to 8.
Information not available
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Not applicable
Not applicable
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Not applicable
We begin teaching literature from Grade 1 with careful selection of challenging classic novels and shorts stories, as well as modern, award winning literature. Shakespeare is taught from Grade 6 to 8. Our curriculum focuses on appreciation of literature, with the deconstruction and analysis of both contemporary and classic novels and poems.
Information not available
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Not applicable
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).
Not applicable
We teach Social Studies following the Ontario Curriculum and expand upon our curriculum by including an in-depth investigation of world events and their social/historical context. We have specialist Social Studies teachers from Grades 4 to 8.
Information not available
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Not applicable
Humanities and Social Sciences are taught following the Ontario Curriculum while also supplementing the curriculum with resources that investigate current events and globalization. Project Based learning and deeper investigation is used to further explore the issues that effect the world, lending students an understanding of their place within it.
Information not available
Not applicable
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Not applicable
French is taught from age 3 to Grade 8. Our French teachers are classically trained and speak European French, providing students with the diction and fluency required in advanced courses of language in Secondary School and University. Our students are confident, fluent speakers and enter Grade 9 far ahead of their peers.
Information not available
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Not applicable
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Not applicable
We believe that the arts are as important as Language and Math and lend students the ability to become truly well rounded individuals. The ability to perform with confidence, analyze artistic pieces fluently and create art and media with freedom of expression are all embedded within our curriculum.
Information not available
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Not applicable
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Not applicable
In our Elementary program, we have a 1to1 iPad program and we are fortunate to have many opportunities to integrate technology into our curriculum. This technology is used to enhance the pedagogy and is curriculum driven. We teach coding from Grade 1 and Computer Science in Grade 7/8.
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
We believe that Physical Education is the key to success. We have a mandatory 20 minute whole school DPA every morning and three to four gym classes per week. Our ski program is a six week program every winter and we are part of the SSAF.
Information not available
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.
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.
Our focus is to provide students with a stimulating and academically challenging education that is deeply committed to the Montessori principles, so that they may reach their full potential with integrity and trust.
Our school has a strong focus on the spiritual aspect although it is a catholic school we do accept all different religions creeds and beliefs.
Standard-enriched
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
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.
Information not available
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”.
This option allows you to "opt out" of selecting one of "rigorous" or "supportive". Doing so means you will not be shown on pages relating to academic culture, (your exposure will be diminished).
Our rigorous academic environment is further enhanced with a balanced, well planned curriculum, specialist teachers for Language, Math, Science and Social Studies and a firm foundation from the Montessori curriculum we offer. We expect our students to strive for excellence.
Information not available
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Information not available
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
We value citizenship and academic achievement. We aim to shape students into leaders of their communities, with character, grit and integrity.
Information not available
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
0%
0%
$0
$0
80%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
No
Students who strive for excellence and can cope with academic rigour, finding joy in learning, are ideal candidates for Wishing Well Schools.
Students in 3rd Year Casa (SK) to Grade 8 must spend a day to determine suitability for our program. Within the day visit, an entrance test will also be administered.
455 Cochrane Drive, Unit 30, Markham, Ontario, L3R 9R4, Canada
2246 Camilla Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5A 2J6, Canada
