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Montcrest School:
The Our Kids Report > Academics
Grades JK TO Gr. 8 — Toronto, ON (Map)
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Montcrest School:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
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Montcrest School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS


Curriculum Progressive

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at Montcrest School: Progressive

Montcrest School has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Progressive?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Montcrest School's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Progressive - 34%
  Traditional - 41%
  Liberal arts - 13%
  Montessori - 11%
  Reggio Emilia - 0%
  Waldorf - 1%

What Montcrest School says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Montcrest is committed to providing an exceptional elementary school experience for a wide range of students in a supportive environment. It is our belief that a child’s earliest school years are the most important; it is a time when the foundation of social and academic success is laid. Our aim is to nurture and challenge our students so that they might discover their individual passions, develop with confidence, and thrive in their high school experience and beyond. Montcrest’s philosophy is that success is best achieved in the friendly atmosphere of a small class with multiple opportunities beyond the classroom. In this dynamic setting, the child’s opportunity for learning is maximized and the student’s strengths are challenged and weaknesses addressed. Developing the whole child is an essential element of the Montcrest experience. Our Standing for Character values (respect, responsibility, integrity, compassion, and courage) are prominently displayed through the school and integrated into our community.


Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at Montcrest School: Equal Balance

    Montcrest School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Compare Montcrest School's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 69%
      Traditional math - 26%
      Discovery math - 5%

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Early Reading

    Balanced Literacy

    Early Reading approach at Montcrest School: Balanced Literacy

    Montcrest School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Montcrest School's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Balanced literacy - 54%
      Phonics-intensive - 45%
      Whole language - 1%

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

    DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Process approach

    Writing approach at Montcrest School: Process approach

    Montcrest School has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).

    [Show: About Process approach?]

    Our Kids definition: The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.

    Compare Montcrest School's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Process approach - 11%
      Systematic approach - 9%
      Equal balance - 80%

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at Montcrest School: Equal Balance

    Montcrest School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Montcrest School's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 69%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 26%

    Teaching approach:

    This information is not currently available.


    Treatment of evolution:

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

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at Montcrest School: Equal Balance

    Montcrest School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare Montcrest School's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 76%
      Traditional - 21%
      Social justice - 3%

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

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

  • Social Studies

    Thematic

    Social Studies approach at Montcrest School: Thematic

    Montcrest School has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    Our Kids definition: The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

    Compare Montcrest School's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Thematic - 32%
      Core knowledge - 38%
      Expanding communities - 30%

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Montcrest School: Equal Balance

    Montcrest School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Compare Montcrest School's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 82%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 10%

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Communicative

    Foreign Languages approach at Montcrest School: Communicative

    Montcrest School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Montcrest School's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Communicative - 33%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Equal balance - 65%

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Language instruction offered in:

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

  • Fine Arts

    Creative

    Fine Arts approach at Montcrest School: Creative

    Montcrest School has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Montcrest School's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Creative - 33%
      Receptive - 1%
      Equal balance - 66%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Montcrest School: Medium integration

    Montcrest School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

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

    Compare Montcrest School's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 54%
      Light integration - 18%
      Heavy integration - 28%

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Sex and health education

    Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Montcrest School: Ontario curriculum

    Montcrest School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Compare Montcrest School's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 58%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 42%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    Montcrest School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What Montcrest School says:

    This information is not currently available.

Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based

[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Montcrest School: Play-based

Montcrest School has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).

[Show: About Play-based?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Montcrest School's Preschool/K Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Play-based - 23%
  Montessori - 27%
  Waldorf - 2%
  Reggio emilia - 7%
  Academic - 41%

What Montcrest School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

We recognize that children have an innate ability to explore and imagine, and that their learning is best facilitated through engagement of their curiosity, imagination, and creativity. Our balanced, play-based programs provide a nurturing environment where children are provided with a uniquely positive school experience in which to thrive, where students feel safe, valued, and cared for. The JK and SK programs feature small class sizes with two teachers per class. Students develop a solid foundation for learning through our enriching curriculum, including Outdoor Education, French, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Physical Education and Technology & Innovation.

Language English

Learn about Montcrest School's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Montcrest School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at Montcrest School: Standard-enriched

Montcrest School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Standard-enriched?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Montcrest School's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Standard-enriched - 56%
  Accelerated - 18%
  Student-paced - 26%

What Montcrest School says about their curriculum pace:

This information is not currently available.


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 Montcrest School says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

Academic Culture Supportive

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at Montcrest School: Supportive

Montcrest School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

[Show: About Supportive?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Montcrest School's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Supportive - 51%
  Rigorous - 49%

What Montcrest School says about their academic culture:

This information is not currently available.

Developmental priorities Balanced

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

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

What Montcrest School says about their developmental priorities:

This information is not currently available.

Special needs support Withdrawal Assistance

[Show definition of Special needs support]

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

Montcrest School offers Withdrawal Assistance

Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.

What Montcrest School says about their special need support:

Montcrest uses a variety of strategies and structures to support the needs of our students. The following can be used as required: * Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher. * Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher. * Students are placed in a separate special education class, but are strategically integrated into a regular classroom for certain periods.

A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Indirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:

Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
  • 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.

Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


Academic support

TypeOffered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support In-class adaptations

[Show definition of Gifted learner support]

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment

The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.

Class structure

Program Offered
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

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 Montcrest School says about their gifted learner support:

This information is not currently available.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 1 to Gr. 8
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackJK to SK
Academic achievement reportingGr. 1 to Gr. 8
Habits and behaviour reportingGr. 1 to Gr. 8
Parent-teacher meetingsJK to Gr. 8

Extracurricular Activities

While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

Sports offered

Montcrest School offers 9 competitive sports and 12 recreational sports.

  Competitive offered          Recreational offered
all sports]
  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Ultimate
  • 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

Clubs offered

Montcrest School offers 25 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Clubs offered           Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
  Foreign Language Club
  Habitat for Humanity
  Jazz Ensemble
  Math Club
  Musical theatre/Opera
  Ballet and Classical Ballet
  Online Magazine
  Outdoor Club
  Outdoor Education
  Paintball
  Photography
  Poetry/Literature club
  Radio club
  Robotics club
  Round Square
  School newspaper
  Science Club
  Scouting
  Student Council
  Yearbook
  Yoga
  Animation
  Art Club
  Astronomy Club
  Audiovisual Club
  Band
  Chess Club
  Choir
  Community Service
  Computer Club
  Dance Club
  Debate Club
  Drama Club
  Environmental Club

What Montcrest School says about their extracurricular activities:

  • At Montcrest, our cocurricular program is designed to help students discover, develop, and thrive in athletics, the arts, leadership, and special interest areas. Our students explore their interests, embrace new challenges and risks, and learn resilience in equal measure. Our balanced approach to cocurriculars encourages students to get involved in school life. It also recognizes that academics come first, and that students also need time to practise and build relationships during social times like recess. Students are encouraged to participate in the cocurriculars of their choice during any or all of our three terms. Participation is voluntary and based on each student’s interests and comfort level. The Director of Performing Arts & Cocurriculars and the Director of Athletics work collaboratively with students, homeroom teachers, parents, and teachers offering cocurriculars to help each student identify new or existing areas of interest, and make a plan that best suits them.
 

What insiders say about the Academics

Individualized and adaptive learning approaches

Observations from parents and alumni reveal that Montcrest School effectively caters to diverse learning styles and evolves with students' needs, ensuring personalized support throughout their academic journey.

My daughters have very different learning styles. Abby is more of a focused, independent learner. She likes a very structured atmosphere where she can really understand what the measures of success are and what those goal posts are and really thrives in an environment like that, whereas Claire benefits from smaller, more collaborative group-type environments. One of the great things about Montcrest is that they're actually both getting those needs met in the same place, which is terrific.
—Carrie Weston, parent (see full interview)
A really good example of the individualized approach at Montcrest is the reading groups, and I believe they go from Grade 1 through Grade 5 where the children are paired or grouped across the grade with other students who are at a similar reading level. It creates this really positive, really supportive approach to learning where they'll read aloud and gain confidence. But it also has lots of flexibility which allows them to move as they progress as readers throughout. So that has been something I think that they've both really benefited from.
—Carrie Weston, parent (see full interview)
I think one area that I would like to see some growth in is some more robust programming in terms of a Stem platform. A couple of years ago, Montcrest introduced a maker space, which is like a physical classroom where kids are introduced to technology and robotics and how things are made. I would love to see that grow into more coding opportunities, even more robotics. I think it's just such an important skill for kids today to be learning that I really hope that they continue to build on that starting foundation.
—Carrie Weston, parent (see full interview)

Balanced and interactive classroom environments

Insights from parents and students suggest that Montcrest School's teaching methodology is immersive and hands-on, incorporating outdoor activities and fostering respect and collaboration.

The typical classroom size, I think, is somewhere between 16 to 20. It's varied a little bit from year to year. They also try to maintain a healthy balance between girls and boys. So it being a coed school, sometimes in a particular enrolment year there will be more applicants for boys, but they really do try when making those decisions to keep that balance. So it's not heavily weighted one side or the other. I would say that 16 to 20 is a bit of a sweet spot. It's large enough that there's lots of different voices and different opinions coming through in discussions, but it's small enough that both Abby and Claire are getting the individual attention when needed. So I think it's just right for us.
—Carrie Weston, parent (see full interview)
As a parent, I appreciate the holistic approach that the school takes. The way that they teach is a very hands on, involved way of teaching. It's not just the teacher standing up at the front and doing a lesson. The kids are involved in the learning, so they explore. The outside is brought in, which is actually really critical, too. So they're outside a lot during the day, rain or shine, which is good. And part of their work and part of their lessons include what they do outside. Then there's a lot of teaching about respect and the value of other people's opinions and difference.
—Ruth Goba, parent (see full interview)
Being in the small classes were so helpful to me not only for my education but also for my friendships. I was able to create such tight bonds. I found that also the staff helped facilitate friendships. And my best friend that I met at Montcrest is still my best friend to this day.
—Jade Grech, alum (see full interview)

A supportive and attentive environment

Alumni and current families highlight the small class sizes and attentive environment at Montcrest School, which facilitate both personalized attention from teachers and strong peer relationships.

Gosh, there are so many projects that I’m proud they were a part of. Just this past year, Claire was chosen as one of the finalists for Speak Out Montcrest. So starting in Grade 4, the children are learning how to write a speech and deliver a speech. So a really robust public speaking exercise. And she worked really hard on writing the speech and preparing it and rehearsing, and she delivered it to her class. And then she was chosen to go on to the next round. So she was so extremely proud and so happy to have been chosen and really threw herself into that activity.
—Carrie Weston, parent (see full interview)
I believe the school values at Montcrest are, first of all, the building of confidence in the students. Connected to that is the recognition of the different learning styles of different students, which is also one of the many values that the school has. My confidence has increased so much because of Montcrest. I learned about my own learning style, and about other people, their different learning styles, too. Now I'm in high school and I'm not afraid to ask questions. I want the teachers to know who I am. And now that it's perfectly normal and perfectly okay to do so.
—Jade Grech, alum (see full interview)
It's a place where you just have a lot of attention, you have a lot of eyes on you. And I think that was a big deal for my parents. I remember, distinctly, learning good work habits and having a sense of work ethic. And it served me well. I think Montcrest was a pivotal point for me. Things really did change for me over those two critical years  when you're 12 and 13 and starting to figure out how you approach life. My sister was at Montcrest her whole time from Kindergarten up. And my brother as well. 
—Kelly, parent (see full discussion)
 

THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Montcrest School

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