How we see Astolot Educational Centre
How Astolot Educational Centre sees itself
"Astolot Educational Centre was founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to deliver curriculum with success. Astolot staff consider Dyslexia requirements, have small groups, ADHD strategies, as well as programming for gifted students. Our mix of students results in positive learning experiences as challenges are matched with strategies to ensure student success."
"Education programs are developed with the parent, child and teaching staff. Small class sizes and experienced, dedicated staff allow for proper implementation. Students and teachers have a role in directing learning. Students have input into how they learn as they become more aware of their own learning style. The method of teaching and learning varies; a student may learn paragraphs in a 'step by step' method, through computer editing, or holistically while researching a science topic."
"Cooperative learning is not a typical approach, this is precisely why families turn to Astolot. In addition to students reaching their potential, they are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, whilst also developing their personal awareness of how they learn best. While the school offers a range of student support strategies, the ideal student is one who is capable of thriving in a challenging atmosphere, and who operates at the top of his or her peer group."
"Grade 1 to 6 classes are formed with student learning style and academic needs as the priority. Therefore, the classes are multi-grade level allowing for students to learn at an appropriate level. Grade 7 and 8 are important years, preparing them for the academic demands of high school. Grade 9 to 12 follow the Ontario Curriculum, earning credits towards the OSSD, granted by the Ministry of Education."
"Astolot Educational Centre was founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to deliver curriculum with success. Astolot staff consider all student needs, including programming for gifted students. Our mix of students results in positive learning experiences as challenges are matched with strategies to ensure student success."
"Community Involvement - Astolot has built garden boxes, raised funds for the Ottawa Mission and Foodbank. Each year we focus on 3 worthy causes.
Post Secondary Scholarships are earned by graduating students."
The local park is a tremendous resource for play, science and even sign language.
Skating, healthy active fun.
Outdoors offers a great resource, steps from our school.
Art is meant to be shared and can be created in many spaces.
Art, building and math can be part of one project.
Plays are a fabulous opportunity to mix literature with the arts and with family.
Small classes in High School encourage conversations, debate and allow students to confidently ask for help, with judgement.
Outside space is well utilized.
We are located in old Ottawa South, near the canal and parks.
Primary classes are small with individual attention.
Multi-age classrooms encourage leadership, confidence and freindship.
Extra classrooms allow for individual attention, assessment and break out groups.
Lab work is completed in small groups, including dissections.
Robotics are a part of the program.
Astolot utilizes all of the wonderful resources in the city.
Online included time away from the screen.
Gift baskets where given to seniors during the pandemic. Community outreach, giving, is part of our school culture.
Google docs editing with the teacher and the use of zoom white board enhanced learning at home.
The canal is a great place for athletics.
Students are confident and relaxed in spaces they have a stake in maintaining and demonstrating respect.
Outside porch for chats or working quietly.
How people from the school’s community see Astolot Educational Centre
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Jennifer Cowan, Founder and Owner
Bachelor of Arts, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario1984 Bachelor of Education, Queen's University, Ontario1988 Master of Education, University of Ottawa, Ontario 1997
Welcome to Astolot!
We are a small, not-for-profit, Ministry Inspected private school serving grades 1 to 12. We believe that structured, individual learning, allows students to reach their full potential. Students who are considered gifted have the opportunity to excel and be challenged, while additionally students are accommodated or offered alternative programming to meet their learning needs. Our classroom ratio is small, on average 1 teacher to 10 students, and we emphasize life skills in all aspects in school.
Founder Jennifer Cowan
If you’re considering a small school for your extroverted child, make sure it offers plenty of social opportunities, including the ability to seek out and interact with different peer groups. Since smaller schools have smaller and less diverse student populations than big schools, it can sometimes be more challenging for your child to find a like-minded group of friends—friends with similar interests, values, etc.
“It’s important to look at the social makeup of the school,” says Ruth Rumack of Ruth Rumack's Learning Space. "Is there enough variety that your child will have a group that they feel connected with? Because you want to have friends that are like-minded and you want to be in a social situation where you feel honoured and respected. Variety can also be found in extracurriculars, leadership programs, and sports activities, which tend to have kids with a wide range of personalities.”
Also, make sure a school’s teaching and learning approach is suitable for your social child. “For instance, a school focusing on individual learning instead of group learning may not play into your child’s strengths,” say Ann and Karen Wolff, Toronto-based education consultants at Wolff Educational Services. “You want to make sure the social, emotional, and academic realities of the classroom are a match for your child’s personality.”
Smaller schools often have small classrooms and tight-knit communities, which can make it easier for your introverted child to come out of their shell, make friends, and feel like they belong. Since they’re less socially overwhelming, your child should find it easier to navigate their social environment. And since they’re conducive to group work, small classes often have plenty of interaction, which can help your child develop critical interpersonal skills.
Of course, small schools normally have a less diverse student population than big schools, which can sometimes make it more challenging to find a group of like-minded peers—peers with similar personalities, interests, values, etc. This makes it especially important to ask a school about its extracurricular programs, which can help your introverted child establish an intimate social circle.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Astolot Educational Centre
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Continue researching Astolot Educational Centre with OurKids.net, or visit school website.