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Dearcroft Montessori School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Dearcroft Montessori School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Dearcroft: Montessori
Dearcroft has a Montessori approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Montessori?]
What Dearcroft says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At Dearcroft Montessori, the comprehensive and methodical training of staff, excellent student to teacher ratios and long-term relationships allow us to focus on the individual child’s development in full alignment with Montessori best practices. All our classrooms feature: individualized, child-centred programs, enriched programming tailored to meet the needs of each student; multi-age environments; low student-teacher ratios; hands-on; experiential learning; individual and small group lessons and enriched music and French programming. As an academically rigorous program, students are challenged through authentic, purposeful work projects. Our curriculum is set using scientific research and time-tested Montessori curriculum, allowing students to access: Interdisciplinary units A focus on action skills (conflict resolution, project planning, research skills, public speaking, paper writing, project development and management) Mix of independent and collaborative work French Art Physical Education Music
Montessori offered:
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Montessori toddler | |
| Casa | |
| Elementary | |
| Middle School | |
| High School |
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Dearcroft: Equal Balance
Dearcroft has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Dearcroft says:
Understanding mathematical concepts using concrete materials and eventually moving onto abstract calculations is the objective. The Montessori materials become tools that the children use to creatively explore a new concept. Teachers act as consultants to students to help master the new concept given in individualized or small group lessons.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Montessori aparatus
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Dearcroft: Phonics-intensive
Dearcroft has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Dearcroft says:
By providing an environment rich in oral language, each child has the opportunity to increase his or her receptive and expressive language. Formal individualized language lessons are given daily. Informal language lessons are an integral part of our program throughout the day’s lessons and activities. Children learn pronunciation, inflection, grammar and vocabulary in this rich environment.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Dearcroft: Equal balance
Dearcroft has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Dearcroft: Equal Balance
Dearcroft has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Dearcroft: Equal Balance
Dearcroft has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Dearcroft: Core Knowledge
Dearcroft has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Dearcroft: Equal Balance
Dearcroft has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Dearcroft: Equal Balance
Dearcroft has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Dearcroft: Equal Balance
Dearcroft has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Dearcroft: Light integration
Dearcroft has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Dearcroft says:
The primary goal of the Dearcroft gym program is to encourage lifelong participation in physical activity and increase knowledge of each student\'s personal health to ensure a healthy future. These goals are achieved through active participation in a number of different sports and activities over the course of the school year.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Dearcroft: Not Ontario curriculum
Dearcroft has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Dearcroft has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Dearcroft says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Dearcroft: Montessori
Dearcroft has a Montessori approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Montessori?]
What Dearcroft says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
We are a traditional, best practices (orthodox) Montessori school. Our highly experienced staff take great pride in offering a warm and engaging environment for their students. We offer an intimate learning experience within our supportive and close-knit community. The comprehensive and methodical training of staff, excellent ratios and long-term relationships allow us to focus on all aspects of each child’s development. Within classically structured and fully equipped Montessori classrooms, immersed in a naturally inspired setting, our students experience an exciting, well-balanced curriculum.
Montessori Approach
Dearcroft Montessori School's Montessori approach. Learn about this school's class practices and policies as well as its curricular and teaching approach.
| Toddler | Primary | Lower Elementary | Upper Elementary | Middle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age groupings How children are grouped by age for each class.' |
18 to 2.5 | 3 to 6 | 6 to 8 | 9 to 11 | 12 to 14 |
| Uninterrupted work periods The longest uninterrupted work period for each class.' |
1.5 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Tests and assignments How often students are given tests or assignments in each class.' |
– | – | – | – | – |
| Graded work How often students have their work graded in each class.' |
– | – | – | – | – |
| Arts and crafts The percentage of a typical student's day that is spent on arts and crafts in each class.' |
– | – | – | – | – |
Overall approach
Orthodox
29% of schools
Schools that adhere strictly to the original Montessori program. They follow Montessori principles to the letter.
Classroom practices
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Modern-day technology
Orthodox
Modern-day technology is never used in the classroom. This can interfere with students' social and emotional development and can be a distraction.
Moderately orthodox
Modern-day technology is very rarely used in class, since it can be a distraction and interfere with development. Students at the upper levels, though, might be permitted to use a computer or a tablet to do research for a specific project.
Moderately non-orthodox
Modern-day technology is used in moderation since it can be a distraction. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, and multimedia projects.
Non-orthodox
Modern technology is used fairly regularly. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, multimedia projects, and to learn keyboarding skills. Teachers may sometimes also use digital media, such as interactive whiteboards, to teach lessons or introduce topics.
Teaching assistants
This school doesn't use teaching assistants.
Language
Learn about Dearcroft Montessori School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Dearcroft offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Dearcroft: Standard-enriched
Dearcroft has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Dearcroft says about their curriculum pace:
Our enriched Montessori curriculum moves at a steady, developmentally responsive pace. Students progress through hands-on, concept-deepening materials that typically place them slightly ahead of provincial expectations, especially in literacy, math, and critical-thinking skills, while ensuring every learner can confidently master foundational outcomes.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
What Dearcroft says about their flexible pacing:
Montessori Classrooms are multi-aged with three developmental years together. Toddler is 18 months to 3 year olds, Preschool is 3 to 6 year olds, Lower Elementary 6-9 year olds, Upper Elementary 9-12 year olds and Junior High for 12-14 year olds.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Dearcroft: Rigorous
Dearcroft has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Dearcroft says about their academic culture:
Dearcroft and West Wind curriculum goes well beyond Ministry of Education requirements and our high level of academics prepare our students for success. This level of preparedness helps to ensure our students obtain not only their first high school of choice but also success in their post-secondary education opportunities and career paths beyond. Across all grades, students are supported in setting personal goals, engaging in focused, uninterrupted work cycles, and demonstrating responsibility, independence, and pride in their progress. Families value this culture because it builds disciplined learners who are confident, capable, and motivated to achieve their personal best.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Dearcroft says about their developmental priorities:
A Montessori education consciously designs social communities and educational experiences that cultivate the child’s sense of self-awareness, tolerance and empathy. Montessori learning environments allow for the respect and celebration of the individual spirit within people of all ages. Peace and community building Executive functioning and self-regulation skills Grace & courtesy lessons Nature-based experiences Practical life skills Cultural studies and geography Students develop confidence, leadership, empathy, and resilience—skills they carry long after they leave our classrooms.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Dearcroft offers No support
Dearcroft offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (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.DyscalculiaThis 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.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis 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 DeficitA 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.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers 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 SyndromeOn 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 syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis 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 syndromeThis 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.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled 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 DepressionThis 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 anxietyThis 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 thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis 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.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis 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 palsyhis 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 dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis 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.BlindnessVisual 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."DeafnessHearing 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 FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Dearcroft says about their gifted learner support:
Gifted learners are not held back by a one-size-fits-all curriculum. They move through material at their own pace, often advancing quickly in areas of strength while continuing to receive support in areas that need development. Montessori materials help gifted students explore concepts far beyond memorization. They can move into advanced math, grammar, geometry, cultural studies, and scientific inquiry when they’re ready—without waiting for the rest of the class.
