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Westmont Montessori School:
The Our Kids Report > Academics
Grades Preschool TO Gr. 12 — Victoria, BC (Map)
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Westmont Montessori School:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Westmont Montessori School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS


Curriculum Montessori

[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 Westmont: Montessori

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

[Show: About Montessori?]

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.

Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net:
  Montessori - 11%
  Traditional - 41%
  Liberal arts - 14%
  Progressive - 32%
  Reggio Emilia - 0%
  Waldorf - 2%

What Westmont says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Though Westmont consistently graduates students who excel at getting into and thriving at the post-secondary level, the ultimate aim of Westmont's Montessori education is much, much grander: to unleash the power of each person’s uniquely creative absorbent mind to become the moral change agent that our world desperately needs. Westmont's educational environment designed around: age-specific developmental needs, honouring of each person’s unique absorbent mind, and understanding that students must be active constructors in their own learning.


Montessori offered:

Programoffered
Montessori toddler
Casa
Elementary
Middle School
High School

Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Discovery Math

    Mathematics approach at Westmont: Discovery Math

    Westmont has a Discovery Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Discovery Math?]

    Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net:
      Discovery math - 6%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Equal balance - 67%

    What Westmont says:

    Montessori materials

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Early Reading

    Phonics-intensive

    Early Reading approach at Westmont: Phonics-intensive

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

    [Show: About Phonics-intensive?]

    Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

    Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net:
      Phonics-intensive - 41%
      Whole language - 2%
      Balanced literacy - 57%

    What Westmont says:

    This information is not currently available.

    DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What Westmont says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Process approach

    Writing approach at Westmont: Process approach

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

    [Show: About Process approach?]

    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.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net:
      Process approach - 12%
      Systematic approach - 10%
      Equal balance - 78%

    What Westmont says:

    Writing is multifaceted in a Montessori program, and it begins with journaling, story writing, and research-based reports at a young age. Writing is integrated into all subject areas. As students grow older, their writing assignments become more structured and more complex. Students are provided with many opportunities and choices for writing. This element of choice helps foster their passion for and interest in writing. Students carry out all steps of the writing process from planning to first draft, editing, and final draft. Grammar is also integral to the Montessori program and is utilized to help students understand the structure of language and to use this knowledge to enhance their writing.

  • Science

    Inquiry

    Science approach at Westmont: Inquiry

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

    [Show: About Inquiry?]

    Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net:
      Inquiry - 25%
      Expository - 5%
      Equal balance - 70%

    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

    Social Justice

    Literature approach at Westmont: Social Justice

    Westmont has a Social Justice approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Social Justice?]

    In social justice- inspired programs, literature is not viewed as something to be merely decoded and “appreciated”: rather, it is viewed as a catalyst to social action. Choice of texts tends to favour contemporary works. If a classical text is used, it’s often in the context of social deconstruction: students are asked to critically examine possible prejudices and historical narratives inherent in the work. Like in traditional literature programs, students are often asked to engage in class discussion and critical essay writing, but more time might also be devoted to cooperative group projects and personal reflections. The goal is to teach students to think critically about what they read, while becoming intellectually and physically engaged in the social issues pertaining to their wider community.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net:
      Social justice - 3%
      Traditional - 22%
      Equal balance - 75%

    What Westmont says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Social Studies

    Thematic

    Social Studies approach at Westmont: Thematic

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

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    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.

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net:
      Thematic - 32%
      Core knowledge - 40%
      Expanding communities - 28%

    What Westmont says:

    In the elementary grades, the Montessori Curriculum integrates social studies with science, language (and even math). Students are taught about history at a young age, beginning with the history of the universe, evolution, and also the history of specific countries and cultures. They also learn a great deal about geography (both physical and political), studying maps of continents at a very young age, and advancing to specific countries, states, and provinces. The Montessori materials help provide them with concrete representations of the concepts and places studied.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Westmont: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 82%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 10%

    What Westmont says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Communicative

    Foreign Languages approach at Westmont: Communicative

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

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    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.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net:
      Communicative - 34%
      Audio-lingual - 3%
      Equal balance - 63%

    What Westmont says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Fine Arts

    Creative

    Fine Arts approach at Westmont: Creative

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

    [Show: About Creative?]

    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.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net:
      Creative - 33%
      Receptive - 2%
      Equal balance - 65%

    Program offers:

    Subjectoffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Westmont says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Westmont: Medium integration

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

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

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

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 52%
      Light integration - 17%
      Heavy integration - 31%

    What Westmont says:

    Our view is that computers and technology have educational value insofar as they are integrated with Montessori philosophy. Computers are therefore used a practical life material in the Montessori classroom. In grades 1 to 3, they are used minimally, but are available in the classroom as a shared tool for research and/or word-processing. In grades four and up, computers and technology are increasingly used to help students develop the technologically relevant skills they will need to operate in the world such as making online presentations, researching, utilizing email, and word processing. Students are also exposed to age-appropriate coding programs throughout their time at the school.


    Program covers:

    Subjectoffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Westmont says:

    Outdoor programming from early years to Grade 12 required daily.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.

  • Sex and health education

    British Columbia curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Westmont: British Columbia curriculum

    Westmont has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]

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

    Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 60%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 40%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

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

    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 Westmont says:

    This information is not currently available.

Preschool/K Curriculum Montessori

[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 Westmont: Montessori

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

[Show: About Montessori?]

Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.

If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net:
  Montessori - 24%
  Play-based - 24%
  Waldorf - 2%
  Reggio emilia - 7%
  Academic - 43%

What Westmont says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

The Montessori philosophy at Westmont gives students the freedom to make their own choices within an environment which is thoughtfully and intentionally structured. Any barrier to learning is removed. The 3-year age groupings allow students to initially look up to others and be inspired and then provide the opportunity to share knowledge and be leaders. Pre-school and kindergarten programs are designed to prepare students for later lessons. The programs focus on developing the whole child who has a love of learning and can then develop academically.

Montessori Approach Non-orthodox

Westmont Montessori School's Montessori approach. Learn about this school's class practices and policies as well as its curricular and teaching approach.

  Primary Lower Elementary Upper Elementary Middle High
Age groupings
How children are grouped by age for each class.'
 3 to 6 6 to 9 9 to 12 12 to 14 14 to 18
Uninterrupted work periods
The longest uninterrupted work period for each class.'
 3 hours 3 hours 3 hours 3 hours 3 hours
Tests and assignments
How often students are given tests or assignments in each class.'
 Never (Orthodox) Never (Orthodox) Regularly (Non-Orthodox) Regularly (Non-Orthodox) Regularly (Non-Orthodox)
Graded work
How often students have their work graded in each class.'
 Never (Orthodox) Never (Orthodox) Occasionally (Moderate Orthodox) 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% 10% 10% 10%

Overall approach

Orthodox
37% of schools

Schools that adhere strictly to the original Montessori program. They follow Montessori principles to the letter.

Moderately Orthodox
41% of schools

Schools that adhere to the original Montessori program and principles. On occasion, though, they supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.

Moderately Non-Orthodox
15% of schools

Schools that are faithful to the original Montessori program and principles, but sometimes supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.

Non-orthodox
7% of schools

Schools that are faithful to the original Montessori program and principles, but often supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.

Classroom practices

  • Whole-class lectures Moderately orthodox

    Orthodox

    Whole-class lectures should never be given. Students learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.

    Moderately orthodox

    Whole-class lectures should only be given occasionally (e.g., at the beginning of a term or unit). Students usually learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.

    Moderately non-orthodox

    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.

    Non-orthodox

    Whole-class lectures should be given often (e.g., every day). While group and independent learning is important, teachers need to provide lectures on a regular basis to provide the foundation for learning.

  • Special education Moderately non-orthodox

    Orthodox

    External special education support isn't necessary. Core teachers can deal with all special education needs, by offering the relevant support for each student.

    Moderately orthodox

    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.

    Moderately non-orthodox

    External special education support is quite important. Outside specialists are needed for a fairly wide range of special needs, such as developmental and learning disabilities.

    Non-orthodox

    External special education support is very important. Outside specialists are regularly brought in to support students with many different types of special needs, including developmental and learning disabilities, language and speech issues, behavioural issues, and advanced learning abilities.

  • Specialist classes Moderately non-orthodox

    Orthodox

    We don't have any specialist teachers or classes. Core teachers are well-equipped to teach all subjects.

    Moderately orthodox

    We only use specialist teachers and classes in rare cases (for instance, to teach a second language). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach almost all subjects.

    Moderately non-orthodox

    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.

    Non-orthodox

    We have many specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, art, gym, science, and math). It's important that students receive specialized instruction in many subjects.

  • Modern-day technology Non-orthodox

    Orthodox

    Modern-day technology is never used in the classroom. This can interfere with students' social and emotional development and can be a distraction.

    Moderately orthodox

    Modern-day technology is very rarely used in class, since it can be a distraction and interfere with development. Students at the upper levels, though, might be permitted to use a computer or a tablet to do research for a specific project.

    Moderately non-orthodox

    Modern-day technology is used in moderation since it can be a distraction. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, and multimedia projects.

    Non-orthodox

    Modern technology is used fairly regularly. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, multimedia projects, and to learn keyboarding skills. Teachers may sometimes also use digital media, such as interactive whiteboards, to teach lessons or introduce topics.

Teaching assistants

This school uses teaching assistants.

What Westmont says about teaching assistants:

In our Elementary and Middle school programs, we deploy educational assistants (EAs) to provide direct support to students in need. Our highly trained EAs support adaptations and modifications to implement specialized programming fully and consistently as outlined by an Individual Education Plan. Working alongside teachers, they ensure students with special needs have a genuinely inclusive learning experience. EAs within Westmont’s High School program provide these educational services. They also work to support the classroom teacher as they deliver highly individualized and dynamic instruction.

Language trilingual

Learn about Westmont Montessori School's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Westmont is a trilingual school with English, French, Spanish as the primary language of instruction

English - 80% French - 10% Spanish - 10%

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Student-paced

[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 Westmont: Student-paced

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

[Show: About Student-paced?]

The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net:
  Student-paced - 23%
  Standard-enriched - 59%
  Accelerated - 18%

What Westmont says about their curriculum pace:

Student inspired curriculum.


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 Westmont 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 Westmont: Supportive

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

[Show: About Supportive?]

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.

Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net:
  Supportive - 50%
  Rigorous - 50%

What Westmont says about their academic culture:

Westmont has reimagined school based on the world its students will live in and has created an experiential, dispersed and partnered learning model of education. Using the BC Curriculum and Montessori philosophy as our foundation we use projects and problem-solving to allow us to continually evolve our curriculum by monitoring and adapting to new trends, world events, environments, and listening to the interests of our students. We use a partnership model that allows us to continually expand our environments and our access to expertise. We focus on the self-paced mastery of concepts prior to moving on to new areas of study.

Developmental priorities Intellectual

[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: Intellectual

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

Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

What Westmont 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.

Westmont 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.

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: Acceleration and enrichment

There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.


In-class adaptations

Program Offered
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

What Westmont says about their gifted learner support:

This information is not currently available.

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

Nightly homework

In grade Gr. 12, Westmont students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.

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What Westmont says about their flipped classroom policy:

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. 9 to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackPreschool to Gr. 12
Academic achievement reportingK to Gr. 12
Habits and behaviour reportingK to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsPreschool to Gr. 12

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

Westmont Montessori School offers 2 competitive sports and 11 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

Westmont Montessori School offers 11 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 Westmont says about their extracurricular activities:

  • Table tennis, Mandarin Club, Mime Club, English Second Language (for adults), STEM, Camp Thunder Bird, Drama Club, Bouldering, Chess
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Westmont Montessori School

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