Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at RMS: Progressive
RMS has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What RMS says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Better described as "well-rounded". A progressive academic focus with an emphasis on character, values, and extra-curricular.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at RMS: Traditional Math
RMS has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What RMS says:
Our Mathematics teaching team focuses on developing skills in solving word problems, enhancing performance on test such as GAUSS, CNML (Canadian National Mathematics League), CTBS (Canadian Test of Basic Skills) and Mathematica.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at RMS: Phonics-intensive
RMS has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What RMS says:
Our program approach would be best described as phonics-intensive up to and including Grade 3. From Grade 3 onward, our approach is one more of balanced Literacy.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What RMS says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at RMS: Systematic approach
RMS has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Systematic approach?]What RMS says:
Letter formation and associated sounds taught through direct instruction, then application ans practice
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Science
Science approach at RMS: Equal Balance
RMS 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 RMS: Equal Balance
RMS has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What RMS 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 RMS: Core Knowledge
RMS has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What RMS says:
Themes explored include life in earlier times, family traditions, communities and mapping - enhanced by frequent outings and field trips.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at RMS: Equal Balance
RMS has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What RMS says:
Presentation and exploration of information, supported by topical presentations, speeches, debates, and field trips.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at RMS: Equal Balance
RMS has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What RMS 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 RMS: Equal Balance
RMS 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 RMS says:
Regularly scheduled classes for music and visual arts, supported by frequent and high profile performances in class, festivals and concerts.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at RMS: Heavy integration
RMS has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What RMS says:
Classrooms are equipped with state-of-art interactive white boards and Chromebooks (i.e. laptops) are available for all classrooms via mobile carts.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What RMS says:
Our approach to teaching physical education provides a specific blend of Activities/Sports, Healthy Living and Movement Competence for each age level.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at RMS: Not Ontario curriculum
RMS 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:
RMS has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What RMS says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at RMS: Academic
RMS has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What RMS says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Kindergarten Montessori programme takes a balanced approach to learning by creating an engaging and highly academic experience. Students learn in a safe and nurturing environment where they participate in a variety of hands-on activities that promote critical thinking. Taking a Montessori-inspired approach to learning, children bui;d a strong foundation in Mathematics, Reading, Writing, and Problem Solving. The programme is filled with opportunities to learn new skills, discover the world around them and experience positive social interactions.
Language
Learn about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS)'s languages of instruction and enrolment.
RMS offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at RMS: Standard-enriched
RMS has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What RMS says about their curriculum pace:
At RMS the Mathematics curriculum is accelerated, and there is a focus on ensuring that STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are taught in a multi-disciplinary, progressive, hands-on approach.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 RMS says about their flexible pacing:
With RMS's smaller class sizes and direct teacher involvement, students have the opportunity to grow and develop at their own rate of progress.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at RMS: Rigorous
RMS has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What RMS says about their academic culture:
Our academic culture encourages and nurtures all of our students to achieve at their highest potential, with enrichment or remediation as required.
Developmental priorities
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 RMS says about their developmental priorities:
Our aim is to shape students to be resilient, compassionate, inclusive and provide them with skillsets to make conscious decisions .
Special needs support
RMS offers No support
RMS 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 |
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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 |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
What RMS says:
Learning accommodations can be made to meet the individual needs of our students. The smaller class sizes and teacher-student ratios allow for more individualized attention to help students meet their greatest potential. Having an open communication with the parents allows us to guide our students.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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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 RMS says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, RMS students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
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RMS | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 59 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What RMS says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool 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
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) offers 11 competitive sports and 6 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Downhill skiing
- Martial Arts
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) offers 17 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What RMS says about their extracurricular activities:
- Rowntree Montessori private school in Brampton prides itself on offering various activities throughout the year that enhance your child’s learning experience. Below is a list of clubs and activities: Robotics Club - Students from our grades 5-8 participate in our Robotics club and can compete regionally, provincially and nationally. Guided by teachers, students are tasked with the design and physical construction of robots using Lego to solve real-world problems. This challenges students and encourages them to use their imaginations, critical thinking and team building skills. In this club students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), as we follow the principals of the FIRST LEGO League. Study Room - The Study Room offers an opportunity for private school students to work on their homework and seek additional help in English and Math as well as enrichment, and guidance with planning for events such as Speech Night. We also offer French Study Room. Math Competitions - Students from our grades 4-8 classes compete in Math Competitions annually. Rowntree Montessori School participates in the Canadian National Math League Competitions and the GAUSS competitions coordinated by the University of Windsor. Teachers prepare students for the competitions which are linked to the curriculum of their specific grade. These competitions test students’ knowledge as well as Math skills. Model United Nations Club - Our Model United Nations Club (MUN) was initiated in April 2007. Under the careful guidance of teacher advisors, students in Grades 7 & 8 who are interested in world issues are invited to join the Club. Model United Nations (Model UN) programs exist all over the world. Participants in Model U.N. programs learn how the United Nations works through an advanced form of role-playing. In most programs, students assume the roles of ambassadors from various countries that are member states of the United Nations and take part in a simulated General Assembly session. During the simulation, students try to formulate policies to resolve current international problems that the world faces. While doing so, they gain an understanding of international relations, negotiating, strategizing, and the art of diplomacy, as well as familiarity with the rules and procedures of the real U.N. Taking part in a Model UN program provides students with an enriching experience on many levels. The program provides a forum for students to strengthen their public speaking skills, and, most importantly, offers them the chance to meet students from other provinces and even other countries when participating in National and International Conferences. Rowntree Montessori School is very proud of the respect our students have received from the advisors and other participants of MUN. Entrepreneur Club - At RMS we believe that every child should understand and experience entrepreneurship. When children learn the tangible and intangible lessons of entrepreneurship early in life, they can see how the real world works. And by experiencing these universal lessons — such as perseverance, hard work, self-confidence, financial literacy, and problem solving – students are more prepared to succeed in whatever they choose to do. Our vision is to see that these lessons are instilled in as many students as possible. Athletics - Rowntree Montessori School promotes a healthy, active lifestyle by participation and enjoyment of physical activity. Students have an opportunity to compete in a number of intramural competitions and inter-school competitions against schools in athletic associations as well as local schools. These competitions provide our students an opportunity to demonstrate their school spirit and show sportsmanship in friendly competitions. Typical sports offered at RMS are Cross-Country Running, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Cricket, Track & Field and Mini-Olympics. Mini-Olympics - All students are given the opportunity to compete in this annual event. School Book Fairs - The proceeds from this popular event help to support our library. Christmas/Spring Concerts - Students display their talents and perform in front of a large audience of family and friends. STEM Fair - This annual event offers a podium for all students to display their knowledge of creative problem solving through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. International Kid’s Day - A day set aside to celebrate what it means to be a kid. Teacher for a Day - The students get a kick out of this event that gives them a taste of what it’s like to walk in a teacher’s shoes. Charitable Events - Rowntree Montessori School wishes to encourage compassion and a sense of pride in helping others. Participating in Jump Rope for Heart, the MS Read-A-Thon and our Charity Dress Down Days are also important ways for us to do that. Multicultural Potluck Lunch/Dinner - These delicious events promote understanding and help parents in our school to get acquainted. Extended Care Activities & Clubs Breakfast Club - This program is very popular. The students who are at the school for A.M. care will have the opportunity on Friday mornings to make breakfast. The teachers have a variety of items planned to make. Ex: pancakes, eggs, fruit salad etc. Accessorize It! - The students will have the opportunity to design and decorate some basic jewelry, bandanas, t-shirts, hats etc. Active Kids – The students will be stretching, dancing and all around fun active activities. Arts and Crafts - The students work on creating different creative art pieces during the sessions. Board Games – The students will play age-appropriate board games with their peers. Bollywood Dance – The students will learn the basics of Bollywood dance skills. Please have comfortable clothes to wear. Boxing Fitness - Boxfit is an intensive cardiovascular workout, based on the training used for boxing. This training includes: skipping, boxing drills, and abdominal workouts – all focusing on fitness, health and wellbeing, and toning your mind, body, and soul. Card Games – The students will play age-appropriate card games with their peers. Chess Club - The students will work on learning the basics of chess and the etiquette of the game. Computer Fun - The students will be guided in a variety of computer applications and age appropriate internet game sites. Cooking for Kids - The students will participate in cooking activities. They will also have the opportunity to taste their creations. Dash and Dot - Younger students have an opportunity to learn the basics of coding using our educational robots Dash and Dot. Dance Fitness – Students participate in a variety of exercise in the form of dance. Debate Club – Students collectively research issues and students practice with one another in a relaxed and low-key atmosphere where they can discuss and debate current issues. Debate club allows students the opportunity to showcase their individual efforts, take separate sides of an argument and defending their claim. Just Dance – The students have the opportunity to learn simple dance routines and get their bodies moving. Lego Works – Students will build and create imaginative structures with Lego blocks of all types. Library Club - Students participate in a reading/discussion group as well as assist in organizing the library. Lip Synch Battles – Students learn the art of lip synching and enter into friendly competition. Mad Science – Students participate in basic science experiments and use recyclable materials in environmentally friendly ways. Morning Walking Club - Students have the opportunity to get some fresh air and stretch their legs before school starts. Morning Yoga - Students participate in relaxing stretching and toning exercises. Movie Magic - Students wind down watching fun age-appropriate movies. Nature Walks - Students go for a walk on the trails behind the school and observe the changes and signs of the season! This is an outdoor activity and will run weather permitting. Playdough Creations - Students have fun to create their own Playdough masterpieces by using their imagination and a wide variety of tools. Puzzle Mania - Students work individually and in groups on a variety of age appropriate Jigsaw puzzles. Science is Fun – Students participate in science experiments and learn new science activities. Skip for Health – Students do skipping activities with their classmates, which is fun and exciting. Study and French Study Rooms - These are groups that many students may find beneficial. Students will be expected to work quietly at their desks and will forfeit their place in the group if they are not following the rules. Super Scrabble - Students play age appropriate games of Scrabble to help enhance their spelling skills. Writer’s Corner – Writer's Corner is a club for students wanting to strengthen their skills through writing activities. Club members will compose various pieces such as opinion paragraphs, poetry, and short stories. Yoga/Active Kids – Students do some basic yoga, stretching, dancing and all around fun active activities. Youth Financial Literacy - Financial literacy is the key to managing daily expenses and setting long-term goals. The Financial Literacy Club will provide students with real world skills and the knowledge necessary for them to be ready for today, and prepared for tomorrow. Specifically, this club is centred around two main themes: (1) Planning and saving for the future and (2) Managing money and debt wisely. For instance, students will gain an understanding of how career choices, education choices, skills, entrepreneurship, and economic conditions affect income. Parents are an integral part of school life. Their involvement in activities is welcome and appreciated by teachers and students alike.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS)
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