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Go to child profileThe Element is an innovative high school, which places youth in their ‘element’, in school and beyond. Located in the dynamic Lansdowne Park area, The Element hosts Grade 7 to 12 students who thrive on being challenged and engaged in the whole educational process. Although the curriculum is based on Montessori pedagogy, a previous Montessori education is not required; a passion for life, knowledge and global inquiry is!
The Element has easy access to the basketball courts/ice skating rink at Lansdowne Park, as well as the skateboard park, open green spaces and local ball diamonds.
Students take advantage of their surroundings and hold the majority of their gym classes on the Great Lawn in Lansdowne Park
The Art/Design Studio
The Element High School is located in Lansdowne Park where students are close to many businesses, community centres, and athletic facilities.
A typical open space used for large group lessons and teacher instruction.
One of many breakout rooms that allow students to either work independently or in small groups and are equipped with monitors that allow student to display their work via ChromeCast.
The music breakout room equipped with a keyboard, guitars, and drums.
The Science Lab is well equipped to conduct various experiments, and is flexible to adjust to student interest.
The Science Lab is well equipped to conduct various experiments, and is flexible to adjust to student interest.
The Element High School has a small commercial kitchen where students prepare meals for their classmates
Students have access to Google Chromebook and can project their screen to a large screen using Chromecast. This enables students to work efficiently for group projects.
This flex space is commonly used for group study, independent work, and group lessons.
The Element is equipped with a commercial kitchen where students prepare meals for their classmates 3 times a week. This includes recipe sourcing, meal planning, cooking, and clean up.
You will find a few lounge areas around The Element facility, where students are welcome to work individually or in a small group, take a break, or socialize before and after school.
The Element is that rare bird of secondary education: a Montessori high school. The Element grew out of a primary program at OMS Montessori, building into the intermediate grades and, ultimately, through the high school grades. In 2012, The Element became distinct unto its own, offering a consistent program from grades 7 to 12. Then, in 2015, it moved into its own space, becoming physically distinct as well. Nevertheless, the foundational principle remains across all grades, providing learning that is self-referential and student directed. The ideal student is one who thrives within a very hands-on environment, who is guided by their curiosity, and is able to make the most a greater range of academic independence.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Program | offered |
---|---|
Montessori toddler | |
Casa | |
Elementary | |
Middle School | |
High School |
Focus |
---|
Academic |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Evolution as consensus theory | |
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
Evolution is not taught |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Biology | |
Chemistry | |
Ecology | |
Geology | |
Meteorology | |
Physics | |
Physiology | |
Zoology |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Acting | |
Dance | |
Drama/Theatre | |
Graphic Design | |
Music | |
Visual Arts |
Expressive | |
Disciplined |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Computer science | |
Robotics | |
Web design |
Middle | High | |
---|---|---|
Age groupings How children are grouped by age for each class.' |
12 to 14 | 14 to 18 |
Uninterrupted work periods The longest uninterrupted work period for each class.' |
2 hours | 2 hours |
Tests and assignments How often students are given tests or assignments in each class.' |
Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) | Regularly (Non-Orthodox) |
Graded work How often students have their work graded in each class.' |
Regularly (Non-Orthodox) | Regularly (Non-Orthodox) |
Arts and crafts The percentage of a typical student's day that is spent on arts and crafts in each class.' |
10% | 10% |
Whole-class lectures should be given semi-regularly (e.g., at the beginning of a lesson or a week). While students often learn best through group and independent work, it's sometimes important for teachers to set the stage for and contextualize learning.
External special education support is only rarely necessary. For instance, a psychologist might be brought in to help out a student with a severe developmental disorder.
We have a fairly wide range of specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, and art). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach most subjects.
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.
Overall approach : Which option best describes your overall curricular approach?
Schools that adhere to the original Montessori program and principles. On occasion, though, they supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.
Schools that are faithful to the original Montessori program and principles, but sometimes supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.
Flexible pacing style | 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 |
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
Subject Type | offered |
---|---|
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Subject Type | offered |
---|---|
Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Program | offered |
---|---|
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
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.)
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) |
In grade Gr. 12, Element High School students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Element High School | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
Site Average | 53 mins | 57 mins | 69 mins | 81 mins | 97 mins | 106 mins |
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Competitive sports: 6
Recreational sports: 6
The Element High School offers 7 clubs and extracurricular programs.
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
Day | $17,448 |
Discounts
Discount Type | Enrolment Type | Amount |
---|---|---|
3rd child (sibling) | all students | 10% |
Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | |
Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 0% |
Average aid package size | $0 |
Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid | 0% |
Total aid available | $0 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
1. Families will go to the Apples Financial Services website at www.applefinancialservices.ca.
2. Families will create a parent account registration.
3. After the email address provided is verified, a response will be sent with the subject line “Account Set-up”
4. Families will then go into the online application.
5. At the end of the process, requests will appear for the uploading of tax information, i.e. T4s, current year’s pay statements, etc.
6. Once the information is uploaded the payment section will appear and the $100 application fee will be required. Please note, it is an additional $30 for a secondary application for the same student by the other parent. Payments can be made by credit card (Visa & MasterCard).
This information is not currently available.
Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrolment | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Group 1 | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 | Coed | Day | 100 |
Total enrolment | 100 |
Average class size | Varies |
% of international students (total enrolment) | N/A |
Number of different nationalities within student population | 13 |
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Day Enrollment | 9 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
Assessment | Required | Grades |
---|---|---|
Interview | 7 - 9 | |
SSAT | ||
SSAT (out of province) | ||
Entrance Exam(s) | ||
Entrance Essay |
Day students: Rolling
Offer mid-year entry:
N/A
Application fee: N/A
Registration fee: N/A
Deposit:
N/A
This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.
Student Entry Points
This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.
Student Type | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Average graduating class size | N/A |
Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation | N/A |
Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada | N/A |
Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK) | N/A |
The Element High School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:
This information is not currently available.Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Career planning | N/A |
Internships | N/A |
Mentorship Program | N/A |
University counseling | N/A |
Alumnus | Grad Year | Accomplishment |
---|---|---|
Morgana McKenzie | 2012 | Morgana is a Filmmaker & Visual Artist. Here latest film, GIFTS, has won 8 awards and screened at 21 festivals. |
On behalf of the The Element community, thank you for visiting our profile. As School Director, I have the privilege of working with a proficient team of parents, alumni, faculty and staff who are dedicated to offering their best to each of our students. We work tirelessly to realize our mission by delivering an educational experience designed to inspire and challenge students to discover the best of who they are, while year after year reaching to achieve their full potential.
As a parent, you recognize that choosing a school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you will make. We need specific criteria by which to choose the ideal educational approach for our children. It is clear that the school years help to form the core foundation of our approach to learning and problem-solving, as well as who we are as contributing, global citizens. We at The Element are here to support you.
At The Element, we provide our students with an educational foundation from which they can achieve personal and academic goals, while building independence, self-confidence and self-esteem. The unique Montessori methodology, with its student-centered approach, encourages the development of personal responsibility and thinking skills, as well as fostering a love of learning. Each student is guided in the exploration of his or her own learning style and the development of work habits most suited to individual interests and needs.
Please browse our website and discover how we work together with Element parents to empower students to become self-regulated, engaged and lifelong learners. As trained experts in education, we understand that observation is an essential component in the decision making process. As such, we would like to invite you to visit us for a tour of our spacious and peaceful learning environment. This is the most personal way to see what The Element has to offer your student and family.
The Element, an extension of OMS Montessori, is a not-for-profit school. For over 50 years, OMS Montessori has offered exceptional education to families in the city of Ottawa. We are thrilled to now offer our programming through high school. We welcome you to call and chat with our friendly staff (613-862-8578) or email ([email protected]) regarding your student’s education. Share with us how we can partner with you and your family to further explore Montessori education and philosophy.
It is with great anticipation that we embark on the next 50 years at The Element. Please join us on this journey of promise and excitement.
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