I heard about St. Laurent Academy through a neighbour who had a grandson that attended the school for a few years, so I decided to book a visit. Its close enough to town that its not too far out of my way to drop my daughter off. Its in a larger school building and is situated right next to park which gives it the advantage of extra grounds for the kids without having to actually pay to maintain them. The neighbourhood is residential, just off of the main street, so pick up and drop offs should be rather safe for the little ones like mine. There is a nice gymnasium and they have a lot of space in the school for future expansion. Here are some of my observations.
They follow the Ontario curriculum and advertise that its an enriched curriculum, which basically means they cover more than the basics. All private schools will say that, so that isn't a distinguishing feature for me. Plus, I have discovered that for private schools in general, there is actually very little oversight when it comes to curriculum. The Ministry of Education simply asks that private schools indicate whether or not they intend to offer their services each year and apply for their licence, and apparently that's that. The Ministry of Education brushes their hands and they are done. Private schools are considered independent of the education system so it is up to the school's principal to maintain standards. (Someone please comment if you have any other details to shed light on this point. I have had a hard time finding much about how private schools are regulated, if they even are regulated and monitored in terms of quality of education.) So this is another reason you want to make sure that the school principal shares similar philosophies on education as you do, or else, what the heck are you paying for? It also means that if you don't see eye to eye with the principal, there is very little recourse as the Ministry of Education has very limited vested interest in private schools. Perhaps this is a flaw in our system that should be brought to light.
Separate French and English cohorts. I personally found this idea to be very hard to understand and I actually had to ask the principal to clarify a few times what this actually meant. If I understand correctly, there is one French cohort and one English cohort and they actually remain separate for pretty much everything. Both cohorts have classes in the other official language, however it is not considered an immersion program because it doesn't meet the time requirement to qualify to be called an immersion program. (time is pretty much the only qualifier for a program to be called "immersion") I'm not quite sure what the advantage is for the school to keep them separate to this extent, other than the possibility that they may not have sufficient specialized staff to offer a full enriched bilingual curriculum. In which case, this signals to me, that one of the cohorts may have fewer teachers that are responsible for multiple subjects because of the language barrier.
Community-oriented. One of the things that struck me most about St. Laurent Academy was that you could immediately sense that you had just stepped into a warm community. Everyone seemed to respect and genuinely care about the other. Parents seemed highly involved in the school as there are many volunteer groups. The teachers seemed like they were fully invested in the interest of the school and the interest of the children. I could sense the team spirit. I sensed it the second I met the principal. She seemed like someone who is in it because she cares. She seems like the type of person that genuinely wants to make a difference and will work hard at it. She didn't come across as a slick business woman, or a tough salesperson; but to me, that is a good thing. Who wants that in a principal? Not me. I don't want someone who is going to put business first and then the children are just an afterthought.
Learning through experience. When I visited the classrooms, I was amazed at how much hands-on learning these kids were doing, and the level of investment that the teachers were putting into their classes. They had done things from building prototypes of the inside of the space shuttle to a mini-science museum in the classroom. The history room had recreated scenes depicting historical events and recreated ancient artwork. It was so incredibly hands on. If you are a proponent of this type of hands-on learning, I think you should definitely visit the school to learn more.
Tuition is around the city-average. You're looking at roughly $14,000 per year.
Overall rating: "Looks like a great school, but not sure if its a good fit for us"
A mother's quest to find a good school. The ups and downs, pros and cons, public vs. private, and my personal dilemma in a world of choice.
The Quest
I am the mother of one school-aged child. Education has always been a priority to me, so much so that I am willing to scrimp and save to invest in my child's education. Whether that investment is in private schools, in RESPs or in time spent with my child; I invest my heart, soul and money in my daughter's education - formal or informal. I'm just not quite sure what mix is the best for us yet. And perhaps that mix will constantly change as my child changes.
I went to both private and public schools myself, and had some incredible experiences. I look back on my journey through the education system, and there were some clear highs and lows. If anything, my own journey has taught me the importance of a good school, with good solid foundations, and a clear philosophy on education. As a mother, I want to assure that my daughter has more highs than lows. I want her to thrive in the environment she is in, and I want her experiences to shape her into a strong, confident and capable woman. I realize that nothing is perfect, no matter how much you pay for it. The trick is finding the right fit for your child, and for your family.
In my searches, I found that there were very few reviews or comments on schools in Ottawa. So if you don't know anyone with children at the school, you were rather strapped for sources of information. Throw in the fact that the Ministry of Education does not oversee the operation of private (by private I am referring to all school structures that are not public) schools beyond issuing a license to operate, parents who choose to go down this path are pretty much on their own. This is why making a educated choice is even more important. You are effectively taking your child's education in your own hands, and throwing a whole whack of money into this decision too - so do it right!
I am, in all honesty, what you would call an uptight mother. I don't like making decisions without doing my due diligence. So I'm hoping that my quest to find a good school for my daughter will lead to more parents vocalizing their views on their childrens' schools so that all Ottawa parents can make better informed decisions. So Ottawa parents, please comment and share your views!
I plan on visiting many of the Ottawa area private schools, as well as some of the public schools which I qualify to register my daughter in. I will share my impressions of the school as well as any background knowledge I have managed to obtain through other parents.
I went to both private and public schools myself, and had some incredible experiences. I look back on my journey through the education system, and there were some clear highs and lows. If anything, my own journey has taught me the importance of a good school, with good solid foundations, and a clear philosophy on education. As a mother, I want to assure that my daughter has more highs than lows. I want her to thrive in the environment she is in, and I want her experiences to shape her into a strong, confident and capable woman. I realize that nothing is perfect, no matter how much you pay for it. The trick is finding the right fit for your child, and for your family.
In my searches, I found that there were very few reviews or comments on schools in Ottawa. So if you don't know anyone with children at the school, you were rather strapped for sources of information. Throw in the fact that the Ministry of Education does not oversee the operation of private (by private I am referring to all school structures that are not public) schools beyond issuing a license to operate, parents who choose to go down this path are pretty much on their own. This is why making a educated choice is even more important. You are effectively taking your child's education in your own hands, and throwing a whole whack of money into this decision too - so do it right!
I am, in all honesty, what you would call an uptight mother. I don't like making decisions without doing my due diligence. So I'm hoping that my quest to find a good school for my daughter will lead to more parents vocalizing their views on their childrens' schools so that all Ottawa parents can make better informed decisions. So Ottawa parents, please comment and share your views!
I plan on visiting many of the Ottawa area private schools, as well as some of the public schools which I qualify to register my daughter in. I will share my impressions of the school as well as any background knowledge I have managed to obtain through other parents.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
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Hi, my name is Julia and my son is currently in grade 3 at St. Laurent. He started in January 2012. I agree with you: the school projects a very nice family-like atmosphere. Most of the teachers are very engaged and enthusiastic. I wish they had more French (like Westboro) and a better after-school, that would make a 'no-brainer' for me, which school to choose. We are 'school shopping' for next year and I really appreciate your research. I have absolutely the same impression of Westboro and Counterpoint.
ReplyDeleteGood luck making a right decision.
Our son graduated grade 8 from St Laurent last June. He attended the school from grade 5-8. Our daughter finished grade 4 in June and attended from grade 1-4. Both our children were relatively happy at the school and my husband and I were quite pleased with the level of education provided by most of the teachers most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI think the hands on approach certainly helped my son learn as he is a tactile learner with a mild learning disability. We found that the small class size (and mostly split classes) did not work as well for our daughter.
The science program at the school is definitely enriched and loved by all the students (and their parents). It is far beyond what a child would experience at any other school. However, it does not follow the Ontario Elementary School curriculum very closely until the students enter grade 8.
Over the past four years the owner of the school has become more involved in the running of the school which has introduced an interesting dynamic as the school is definitely a "for profit" school. His background is not in education.
I would definitely recommend the school for students who are falling through the cracks at public school. I would hesitate to recommend it for students who are able to advocate for themselves and enjoy a more diverse and social atmosphere - I suspect the public school is a better choice for these children. Our daughter will be returning to the public school system in September.
Hello All
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice re St Laurent Academy.
I am looking also into school for my kids.
Could someone please explain to me what is meant by hands on education that you have been referring to previously?
My name is Michael Leveille and I am a parent and a science teacher at St. Laurent Academy. I believe that science should be taught with experiential learning techniques. To define this term, experiential learning is learning through reflection on doing. It is all about the learning process for the individual. We observe live salamanders in the community instead of looking in a book of amphibians. Structures are built and tested, not just read about. I hope this explains an aspect of hands-on learning.
ReplyDeleteGood day. My son currently attends ASLA. Mr. L, who commented above, is the wonder of the school. He is, hands-down, one of the best teachers I've ever seen. Also, as noted above, the school does have a great sense of community. It is a very very small school, so all of the students know eachother - regardless of the grade. Unfortunately, that is as far as my complements extend for the school. My son attended a public school in Ottawa the previous year, and I fail to see many differences besides the fact that ASLA goes on more field trips. My son came out of school this year essentially knowing what he knew going into the year (plus science of course). Even worse, there was a principal turn over this year, which was not a change for the better. In addition, there was a teacher turn over in my son's class. The new teacher had absolutely no experience teaching that grade. Even though the school year already ended, they can't even tell us yet who my son's teacher will be for next year or if the grade will be two grades together or just one grade in the class. In addition, if your child is bright, their ability to advance beyond the class is limited... and they may be stuck coloring the same picture for the second time that week. Their grade reports are completely "arbitrary," a term that came from the principal's mouth. They grade on if the child is approaching, meeting, or exceeding "expectations," but there is never a definition of what the "expectation" is. I asked at the beginning of the year, and I was told they "don't publish them." Wrong answer...
ReplyDeleteGood observation LuLu.Myself and several other parents had our children at this school,a few years ago,and left for the better.Yes. the science curriculum is excellent and the teachers are nice,but that is all.When you pay money ,you want results.So,our external academic results were poor,after this school and I was not alone.
ReplyDeleteDue diligence should be exercised by the parents looking at the school.They are independent,so they do not need to follow the Onatrio curriculum.So,what do they follow?What are their teachers credentials?What is the reputation of the school in the community?Also, on their website testimonials,why do they not state the parents name, who have made the comments?
Other parents who have been at the school should also make their reviews,to help those looking at Private school options.
I currently have a child at ASLA and I am very happy with the school. Truthfully, most private schools in Ottawa are quite good, and the choice depends on the mix of qualities you are seeking. ASLA's good features are: very strong teachers, programs individualized to each child, a really warm atmosphere, great science and sports programs, affordability (reasonable tuition and no pressure to make donations). Compared to other private schools we know, the parents are younger and generally more relaxed. Kids are challenged but not stressed; it's a nice environment, structured but not a pressure cooker. A few minor improvements would be a better drama program and a bit more refreshing of the facility. All in all, ASLA is a good solid school with happy students.
ReplyDeleteAs parents and members of society, it is important that we work towards ensuring that our public school system is the best for our children rather than going to private schools and claiming various deductions on our tax returns for fees paid to these private schools.
ReplyDeleteIn Finland, which has one of the best educational systems in the world, private educational institutions are prohibited.
We should also remember that private schools can only be afforded by those who can afford to pay thousands of dollars per year to such schools. Only the very rich can afford such schools. This leads to a two tier system of education and an elitist attitude among those who graduate from such schools. This is not good for our society and will certainly not result in an egalitarian and just society.
There are many other deleterious consequences of private educational institutions. Therefore, all members of society should think carefully before patronising private for-profit educational organizations.
Kabeer Ahmed Sayeed
There are no tax deductions in Ontario from tuition paid. And if you could reduce the union control and influence on our public education I might have some agreements with some of your opinions. I worked in a union for 32 years. Never went on strike and recieved 1/2 the increases Ontario teachers recieved during my union career. I was very satisfied as a union employee.
Delete