Not all children learn in the same way, and that’s been a guiding principle behind the Astolot Educational Centre since Jennifer Cowan founded it in 1998. Classes are small, and instruction is student-oriented, beginning with the talents, interests, and perspectives that the children bring with them into the classroom and starting from there. Learning is cooperative, with faculty and students working together to tailor delivery to best meet their individual learning styles. It’s not the typical approach, which is precisely why families turn to Astolot. In addition to reaching student potentials, the program encourages learner responsibility while growing the students’ awareness of how they learn best. While there are a range of student supports, the ideal student is one who is capable of thriving in a challenging atmosphere, and who operates at the top of his or her peer group.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Astolot Educational Centre is an inclusive day school founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to deliver curriculum with success. Astolot staff consider Dyslexia requirements, have small groups, ADHD strategies, as well as programming for gifted students. Our mix of students results in positive learning experiences as challenges are matched with strategies to ensure student success."
Small Class Sizes
Accommodations, simply put in place
Dyslexia Reading Program
Excellent on line learning results
An understanding that remote learning has been difficult and gaps need to be addressed.
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Education programs are developed with the parent, child and teaching staff. Small class sizes and experienced, dedicated staff allow for proper implementation. Students and...(more)
"Education programs are developed with the parent, child and teaching staff. Small class sizes and experienced, dedicated staff allow for proper implementation. Students and teachers have a role in directing learning. Students have input into how they learn as they become more aware of their own learning style. The method of teaching and learning varies; a student may learn paragraphs in a 'step by step' method, through computer editing, or holistically while researching a science topic."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Cooperative learning is not a typical approach, this is precisely why families turn to Astolot. In addition to students reaching their potential, they are encouraged to take...(more)
"Cooperative learning is not a typical approach, this is precisely why families turn to Astolot. In addition to students reaching their potential, they are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, whilst also developing their personal awareness of how they learn best. While the school offers a range of student support strategies, the ideal student is one who is capable of thriving in a challenging atmosphere, and who operates at the top of his or her peer group."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Astolot Educational Centre was founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to...(more)
"Astolot Educational Centre was founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to deliver curriculum with success. Astolot staff consider all student needs, including programming for gifted students. Our mix of students results in positive learning experiences as challenges are matched with strategies to ensure student success."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Grade 1 to 6 classes are formed with student learning style and academic needs as the priority. Therefore, the classes are multi-grade level allowing for students to learn at an...(more)
"Grade 1 to 6 classes are formed with student learning style and academic needs as the priority. Therefore, the classes are multi-grade level allowing for students to learn at an appropriate level. Grade 7 and 8 are important years, preparing them for the academic demands of high school. Grade 9 to 12 follow the Ontario Curriculum, earning credits towards the OSSD, granted by the Ministry of Education."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Our son had an excellent experience at Astolot. Previous to starting the school in Grade 6 he had attended public school, been homeschooled and also gone to an alternative school. In all those situations it was challenging to meet his academic and social needs. At Astolot he really enjoyed the big ‘family’ aspect of the school ( pre-COVID restrictions especially). The kids from different grades get to know each other and it created a very inclusive and healthy experience. He enjoyed helping the younger kids with events like pumpkin carving. He felt very safe as there is a big emphasis on respect, and behaving appropriately which makes for a safe and kind environment. Where Astolot really shone for him was in their ability to meet his need for enrichment in math in particular. They were flexible and creative in their suggestions and also super responsive to his needs which was such a welcome change. He flourished and had some excellent successes. The one challenge for him was that the classes are very small and with the COVID restrictions it meant that he didn’t have the same ability to mingle with other kids in the school, so he missed that social aspect.
Our son started at Astolot in grade 2 and is graduating this year. As a person with dual exceptionalities (gifted/ADHD), he was ill suited to the local public school's French immersion program. That all changed at Astolot. My child was given the freedom to accelerate his learning where he was capable of doing so, and given support in those areas (e.g. social skills) where he needed it. He learned to manage his emotions; to take responsibility for his actions; and, to direct his own learning. In his last year, the school also helped him in his transition to university. In fact, he got A+ in his first 2 university courses! Most importantly, however, the school nurtured his emotional and social growth. I will miss this school!
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