The 50-page review of Banbury Crossroads School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"Banbury Crossroads School has a truly unique learning environment. We teach students to mastery in class sizes averaging 10:1, in tutorial-style, multi-aged classrooms. Our collaborative, self-directed learning approach meets students' needs where they are, both academically as well as developmentally. Through extensive one-on-one guidance and attention, our students develop their own autonomy, resilience, communication, and time-management skills. Our graduates have confidence forged from self-competence."
Exceptionally small class sizes averaging 10:1
Learning to mastery
Founded on mutual respect and communication
Individualized instruction based on interest and pace
Relaxed, safe, and collaborative atmosphere
Multi-aged, tutorial-style classrooms
Real-world experience through frequent field trips
Caring and patient teachers and staff
Central location
Graduates are resilient and confident, with excellent time-management skills
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Many private schools offer what might be called "traditional plus" models of lecture-based, teacher-paced education, with class sizes averaging 15:1 or more. Banbury Crossroads...(more)
"Many private schools offer what might be called "traditional plus" models of lecture-based, teacher-paced education, with class sizes averaging 15:1 or more. Banbury Crossroads School has a truly unique approach, where our classrooms are tutorial-based, multi-aged, student-paced, and feature class sizes averaging 10:1. Students go on regular field trips, and we offer support for work experience placement, internships, and community volunteering. Our graduates excel in post-secondary and life!"
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At Banbury Crossroads School, we prioritize personalized education and small class sizes over expansive campus facilities. By not having our own gym, we utilize Calgary's...(more)
"At Banbury Crossroads School, we prioritize personalized education and small class sizes over expansive campus facilities. By not having our own gym, we utilize Calgary's excellent local pools and gyms, integrating our students into the community and providing real-world learning opportunities. This strategic choice supports a focused allocation of resources towards nurturing each student's unique talents and interests in a supportive environment."
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?
"Students who…
- Are self-motivated and independent learners.
- Possess a natural curiosity and enjoy exploring new ideas and topics beyond the standard curriculum.
- Are...(more)
"Students who…
- Are self-motivated and independent learners.
- Possess a natural curiosity and enjoy exploring new ideas and topics beyond the standard curriculum.
- Are gifted and require a challenging and stimulating environment to reach their full potential.
- Excel with student-directed, tutorial-style teaching.
- Value personal connections with teachers and working at their own pace.
- Flourish with multi-age groups and interaction with peers.
- Enjoy hands-on, interactive learning and exploring the world beyond the classroom.
- Are seeking opportunities for community service and civic engagement"
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Banbury Crossroads School might not be the best fit for families who:
- Prefer Traditional Education: Desire structured, conventional schooling with a standard curriculum.
-...(more)
"Banbury Crossroads School might not be the best fit for families who:
- Prefer Traditional Education: Desire structured, conventional schooling with a standard curriculum.
- Seek Comprehensive Facilities: Want large, on-site facilities like big sports complexes.
- Prefer large class sizes: Prefer their students to be in large, single grade classrooms
- Need structure: Students who thrive under directive teaching rather than self-directed learning.
These points should help families assess whether our educational approach aligns with their expectations."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"As a school with one of the lowest student to teacher ratios available, averaging 10:1, our students get unparalleled access to teachers for guidance, support, and mentoring....(more)
"As a school with one of the lowest student to teacher ratios available, averaging 10:1, our students get unparalleled access to teachers for guidance, support, and mentoring. Students regularly schedule their own meetings with the School's Director to talk through challenges they're facing. With our self-directed curriculum delivery, students learn to thrive by making their own choices, leading to graduates with superlative self-management skills, and with confidence forged from competence."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Banbury Crossroads School in Calgary is recognized for its unique self-directed learning approach. Known as "Calgary's best-kept secret," the school stands out for its low...(more)
"Banbury Crossroads School in Calgary is recognized for its unique self-directed learning approach. Known as "Calgary's best-kept secret," the school stands out for its low student-to-teacher ratio and flexible curriculum tailored to individual interests and needs. It fosters a warm, inclusive atmosphere where students of various ages interact, enhancing learning and social development. The school also emphasizes real-world experiences and community engagement, preparing students for life beyond the classroom"
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"We often stress that our class sizes are small, averaging 10:1. This is true and is a big factor for a lot of families when choosing our school. One fact that may be overlooked is...(more)
"We often stress that our class sizes are small, averaging 10:1. This is true and is a big factor for a lot of families when choosing our school. One fact that may be overlooked is our multi-age groupings. This allows for peer instruction, leadership, and collaboration. This is also more reflective of real-world situations and helps prepare students for university or college, and, later, their adult lives."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"We do not give out letter or number grades until grade 9. Instead, we encourage and help students set goals, self-assess and learn until mastery - only moving on to the next grade...(more)
"We do not give out letter or number grades until grade 9. Instead, we encourage and help students set goals, self-assess and learn until mastery - only moving on to the next grade until both the student and their teacher feel as though the student fully understands the subject or topic they are learning."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Recent improvements at Banbury Crossroads School include:
- Acquisition of More Rooms: The school has acquired additional rooms in the existing building they rent, allowing for...(more)
"Recent improvements at Banbury Crossroads School include:
- Acquisition of More Rooms: The school has acquired additional rooms in the existing building they rent, allowing for the expansion of classroom space to accommodate more students.
- Maintaining Small Class Sizes: Despite the increase in enrollment, the school remains dedicated to small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention for each student.
- New Programs Starting Fall 2024: Banbury Crossroads is set to introduce new educational programs in the fall of 2024, aimed at enriching the student learning experience with more diverse offerings."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"- Continued Expansion: The school aims to further expand both its physical space and its student body, adapting to growing demand while maintaining its commitment to small class...(more)
"- Continued Expansion: The school aims to further expand both its physical space and its student body, adapting to growing demand while maintaining its commitment to small class sizes and personalized education.
- Introduction of New Programs:
- DSEP Program: A new initiative focused on developing specialized skills.
- Elite Performance Program: Aimed at students excelling in areas like arts, sports, and other fields, providing them with tailored support and opportunities.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): The school hopes to add the IB program, known for its rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum that encourages students to think critically and globally."
Watch our Banbury Crossroads School Q&A discussion with Pamela (Parent), Steve (Parent), Thomas (Alum) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
My daughter likes Banbury Crossroads School because of the very personal, family-oriented atmosphere she gets from her teachers and all the staff at the school. The student/teacher ratio is very good, and her education is tailor made. I like the fact that I can talk to her teachers openly about any concerns and they are always addressed promptly and thoughtfully. The report cards are very comprehensive and thorough, and the teachers work as a team to support her holistically. The no homework policy is an added benefit to my own relationship with my daughter, avoiding the inherent struggles that come from enforcement of work at home.
Best school in Calgary. All teachers are very nice, kind and helpful. Guidance at all points. They teach the concepts in a such a positive way and let the child learn at his/her own pace. Diane Siawtek, the Principal is a sweetheart, generous, energetic and specialist at dealing with conflicts between kids. Kids are always super happy at the school. My daughter started with the school in 2017, loves her school, teachers and all the apprentissage. Our daughter has made leaps and bounds academically, and socially. She is appreciated by her teacher and peers and feels safe in her school.
As one of the school’s first teachers, Principal Karen Harrison has a profound understanding of Banbury Crossroads School’s educational philosophy. Her dedication to the students and commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment make her an invaluable and inspiring leader.
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