The big picture on Avalon Children's Montessori School
We summarized the school ourselves
Avalon began in 2000 with a single toddler room and one casa classroom and has happily grown ever since. The program today extends through Grade 8, offering a consistency for children through the primary and elementary grades. Likewise, the breadth allows for a greater interaction between generations than elsewhere, something that is rightly a cornerstone of the Montessori approach. The best Montessori schools are those that retain a fidelity to the core of the method while also meeting the needs of the community it serves, expressing their diversity and their values. Certainly, that’s a great strength of Avalon, and one of the reasons that families consistently turn to it. In the nearly two decades of the school’s life it has earned an impressive reputation for good work, professional development, and a strong delivery of the core curriculum. No doubt, it continues to provide all of that and then some.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Avalon strives to provide a dynamic & nurturing environment where learning takes place naturally. We encourage our students to continually challenge themselves. We are a small, independent, co-educational school that supports the Montessori philosophy. Our objective is to guide the children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning that will last a lifetime."
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"In nurturing the balance of the individual child a love is found. A love for kindness, wisdom, knowledge, repect and character. Our small multi age classrooms provide a rich...(more)
"In nurturing the balance of the individual child a love is found. A love for kindness, wisdom, knowledge, repect and character. Our small multi age classrooms provide a rich learning environment designed to help children develop focus, independance, exploration skills, responsiblity and a sense of order. Our program instills confidence, independent thought and a lifelong love of learning."
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?
"Founded in 1999, School Directors Sherry VanDerKooi, Angie Samis and Christine Kerry started a school where the needs of the children were the number one priority and integrity...(more)
"Founded in 1999, School Directors Sherry VanDerKooi, Angie Samis and Christine Kerry started a school where the needs of the children were the number one priority and integrity was a key element in the daily operation of the school. All three Directors are still actively involved in the teaching and day to day operations. We are an intentionally small montessori school with a mission to provide quality education that embraces the unique characteristics of each and every child."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"We value diversity, and are an inclusive school that encourages collaboration, cooperative learning and moral development. Our students are educated in a way that ensures...(more)
"We value diversity, and are an inclusive school that encourages collaboration, cooperative learning and moral development. Our students are educated in a way that ensures opportunities to achieve, be challenged, learn and find happiness in their work. It is the individual needs of each student and the integrity of the Montessori philosophy that are the guiding principles of our programme."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Over time we build partnerships with our families, by the time children graduate grade 8 students, staff and parents have all formed a deep and meaningful connection that doesn't...(more)
"Over time we build partnerships with our families, by the time children graduate grade 8 students, staff and parents have all formed a deep and meaningful connection that doesn't end at graduation. Students, parents and staff continue their relationships beyond the elementary years. We continue to mentor, support, cheer for and celebrate together."
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?
Preschool to Gr. 8 — I attended Avalon for many years, and during that time I experienced some of the best education I have received. Avalon really stands out from other schools, and that shines through in their excellent teachers and open-minded approach to learning. Avalon is truly one of the best options for children to attend from preschool all the way through grade 8. The close-knit community is open and supportive, which creates an environment that is an ideal place for a child to learn. The school prepares students for high school and university by instilling in them a positive attitude towards life and an enthusiastic and imaginative approach to the various challenges that they will face. A student enrolling at Avalon should expect an amazing community full of amazing people, as well as skilled teachers who are willing and able to pay attention to individuals.
Preschool to Gr. 8 — My overall experience at Avalon was being able to explore learning in a more flexible manner. The Montessori system allowed for a more organic way of learning and promotes a greater sense of responsibility within me. Every day, I remember that I had my list of schoolwork that I needed to do, and the teachers were always very helpful in making sure that I understood the lessons and the concepts. There was always some activity or event that the class participated in that really established a community between everyone. I've formed some friendships at Avalon which I have kept even now. When I went through my first year at high school, I found that I felt very well prepared by Avalon, both in an academic sense, and a personal sense.
JK (current),JK to Gr. 8 — Our children have both loved attending Avalon. They started in Casa, and our daughter graduated from Avalon in grade 8, and our son is currently in grade 7. They are very different people in terms of interests, temperament and academic needs, yet Avalon has been a perfect fit for both of them. I think it speaks to the level of individual care each child is given.
They have enjoyed their teachers and felt connected with their classmates. They have been encouraged to think independently, actively problem-solve, and voice their opinions.
My kids have loved the activities, the school trips and the overall atmosphere.
It has been a positive, nurturing place for our children to learn and grow.
We feel proud to be a part of Avalon.
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