Montessori Academy of London ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Montessori Academy: Montessori
Montessori Academy has a Montessori approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Montessori Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Montessori Academy of London offers a continuum of authentic Montessori programs for Toddlers, Pre-school, Elementary and Junior High students, augmented with specialty programs including Art, Physical Education, French and Music. Extracurricular programs such as Athletics, Community Involvement and Montessori Model United Nations provide students with further opportunities for social, physical and intellectual development. Visit our website for more: http://montessori.on.ca/Programs
Montessori offered:
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Montessori toddler | |
| Casa | |
| Elementary | |
| Middle School | |
| High School |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Montessori Academy: Discovery Math
Montessori Academy has a Discovery Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Discovery Math?]What Montessori Academy 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.
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Early Reading
What Montessori Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Montessori Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
What Montessori Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
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
What Montessori Academy 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 Montessori Academy: Core Knowledge
Montessori Academy has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Montessori Academy says:
There term “culture” in Montessori historically includes Science, History and Geography. Montessori philosophy is firmly rooted in the interconnectedness of things, particularly in the cultural areas – understanding historically why or how a group of people migrated from one place to another without geography seems a challenge, as does understanding the geography of continents without science. This said, these subjects are completely combined as one subject area in the Toddler and Casa levels, and separated but integrated at the Elementary and Junior High levels.
Humanities and Social Sciences
What Montessori Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Montessori Academy: Communicative
Montessori Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Montessori Academy says:
From the time children enter MA they are exposed to the French language. Children are pre-disposed to languages from a young age, and it is our belief that exposing children to a broad array of cultural and language experience is very healthy to their development.
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 Montessori Academy: Creative
Montessori Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Montessori Academy says:
Music is a human activity that benefits the student in many respects. It is a study of who we are culturally, it is a mechanism for self-expression, it is a mathematical activity, it nurtures the development of many aspects of cognition, it supports collaboration and it is a form of communication. For all these reasons it is highly important to offer the child music throughout their experience at the Montessori Academy. Visual Art activities and lessons are integrated in the curriculum at all levels of the program. Integration supports the value of artistic expression relative to the rest of the child’s work both within and outside of school. Art materials are available in all classrooms, and students are encouraged to involve artistic expression in follow-ups to lessons. Further, in the Elementary and Junior High levels, students enter a dedicated Art program.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Montessori Academy: Light integration
Montessori Academy has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Montessori Academy says:
The use of tools that assist students with their studies are critical skills for their future success. Through all levels of the program, students are encouraged in many ways to make use of other potential sources of learning, and are given specific instruction in how to use these important sources.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Montessori Academy says:
Participating in team sport is recognized as contributing to a student’s developing sense of team work, healthy competition, and leadership. In all sporting activities, the focus is on developing commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship. For this reason there are no tryouts for any of the sport teams, all students are welcome to participate. There is an expectation of commitment to the team, including attendance at all practices and games, and also an expectation of a high degree of sportsmanship and leadership. Students are also given opportunities to participate and learn about many individual sports such as cross-country skiing, curling, rock-climbing, archery, canoeing, and kayaking. Students work hard, play well, develop strong relationships, and have a great deal of fun!
Sex and health education
What Montessori Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Montessori Academy: Montessori
Montessori Academy has a Montessori approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What Montessori Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Children in the Toddler program experience the world through their senses by developing the following skills: Sensory education for intellectual development; order, concentration and control of movement; oral communication skills; respect for oneself and others; intrinsic motivation and spontaneous activity. The Casa level is part of the same highly critical educational and emotional development period as the Toddler level, however within this period children transform themselves from the unconscious development of a toddler, to the conscious development of a preschooler. They continue to be firmly rooted in the concrete world, thriving on exploration of the world with their sense.
Montessori Approach
Montessori Academy of London's Montessori approach. Learn about this school's class practices and policies as well as its curricular and teaching approach.
This information is not currently available.
Overall approach
Classroom practices
- This information is not currently available.
Teaching assistants
Language
Learn about Montessori Academy of London's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Montessori Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Montessori Academy: Student-paced
Montessori Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Montessori Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Each Montessori class operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher relies on observation to determine which new activities and materials may be introduced.
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 Montessori Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Montessori Academy: Supportive
Montessori Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Montessori Academy says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Montessori Academy says about their developmental priorities:
The “Whole Child” Approach: The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach their full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation for future intellectual academic endeavors. The holistic curriculum, under the direction of a specifically prepared teacher, allows the child to experience the joy of learning, gives the child time to enjoy the process and ensures the development of self-esteem, and provides the experiences from which children create their knowledge.
Special needs support
Montessori Academy offers No support
Montessori Academy offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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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
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 Montessori Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 8 |