The Christian programming and curriculum offered at Carmel New Church School educates kids holistically while protecting their innocence and promoting spiritual and academic growth. This small, peaceful school runs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 and prides itself on cultivating the development of unique talents, creativity, and high academic achievement. Extracurricular activities include musical theatre, choir, the school newspaper, photography, and a wide range of sports. Staff share the belief that a happy and productive life begins by developing an affirmative outlook toward God and through charitable conduct with one another. These values are reflected in the school’s programs and ensure that it provides a cohesive community in which kids learn, play, and form close and lasting friendships.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Established in 1892, Carmel New Church School offers a century of experience in a modern facility and rural campus. Our Christian school educates children holistically, protects their innocence, and promotes spiritual and academic growth. Customized programs inspire and support the development of unique talents, creativity, and high academic achievement. We believe that a happy and productive life begins by developing an affirmative outlook towards God and through charitable conduct with one another."
Ontario Curriculum enriched with Christian values
Low Teacher-to-Student ratios for more personalized teaching
Weekly Chapel services and daily worship in the classroom
Classes capped at 12
Ample greenspace for outdoor learning opportunities
Forest Playground with outdoor classrooms space, and nature inspired playspaces
Individual Laptops from 1-8
Part time Kindergarten program
Experienced, passionate, professional teachers
Supportive, connected community
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Our school seeks to provide a spiritual overlay to all the learning that takes place. Each day includes worship, and each subject is infused with Christian principles. Teachers...(more)
"Our school seeks to provide a spiritual overlay to all the learning that takes place. Each day includes worship, and each subject is infused with Christian principles. Teachers and staff, working together with parents, can explore the ways that God would have students conduct themselves. Education for usefulness is a core theme."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At Carmel New Church School, our commitment to core values drives intentional tradeoffs to serve families effectively. One significant tradeoff is prioritizing personalized...(more)
"At Carmel New Church School, our commitment to core values drives intentional tradeoffs to serve families effectively. One significant tradeoff is prioritizing personalized learning over uniformity. While uniformity streamlines some aspects, personalized learning meets unique needs, fostering deeper engagement. We prioritize creativity over strict discipline, nurturing well-rounded individuals adaptable to change. Emphasizing classical education may reduce technology integration, but it builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These tradeoffs prioritize individual growth, creativity, and timeless wisdom. We value transparency to empower families in educational choices."
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?
"Carmel New Church School is a faith-centered, nurturing environment where students grow spiritually, academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.
"Carmel New Church School is a faith-centered, nurturing environment where students grow spiritually, academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.
The Ideal Student:
Spiritually Curious: Eager to learn about the Lord's Word and live with love and respect.
Academically Engaged: Willing to learn and use knowledge to serve others.
Kind and Respectful: Values friendship, kindness, and a supportive community.
Active and Healthy: Appreciates physical activity and healthy living.
Emotionally Growing: Learning confidence, responsibility, and resilience.
The Ideal Family:
Values Holistic Education: Supports growth in all areas of life.
Community-Focused: Encourages friendship and kindness.
Aligned with School Values: Respects and supports New Church teachings.
Together, we create a loving, safe space where children can flourish."
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?
"Parents choose us because of the faith-based curriculum that teaches loving the Lord and the neighbour on a daily basis. They see their child benefit from the personalized...(more)
"Parents choose us because of the faith-based curriculum that teaches loving the Lord and the neighbour on a daily basis. They see their child benefit from the personalized attention that comes with small class sizes and they develop closer relationships with their peers."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Since we are a Christian school, we encourage students to follow the Lord’s Word, We teach students to love and respect our Creator and all His gifts to us, including nature and...(more)
"Since we are a Christian school, we encourage students to follow the Lord’s Word, We teach students to love and respect our Creator and all His gifts to us, including nature and one another. We believe in providing quality education and using that education to serve the Lord and our neighbours."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Since the school backs onto fields and forest, classes are often taken outside to learn and see their lessons in action. We are currently developing some of our outdoor space for...(more)
"Since the school backs onto fields and forest, classes are often taken outside to learn and see their lessons in action. We are currently developing some of our outdoor space for outdoor classrooms and nature-based playspaces, as well as a garden area."
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?
JK (current) — My son loves his school. When he wakes up Saturday morning he is so disappointed that school is not open on weekends. He loves the outdoor discovery time, and the engaging creative activities they get to do. The campus is beautiful and his class is surrounded by big windows where he can see the green lush forest surrounding the school. Learning is very hands-on here and the kids get to learn a lot using all their senses. He has become so observant of his surroundings now. He loves that it is a smaller class where he can learn so much about each of his classmates and create deep bonds. Each week they have activities to showcase their own personalities and culture which is so inclusive.
JK to Gr. 8 — My best school experiences were at Carmel New Church School. The maximum class size I was in was ten per classroom and there were 5 people (including myself) in my grade. I’m shy so it was very beneficial for me to be in smaller class sizes. I was very well prepared when I moved from elementary school to high school. Thanks to my education at Carmel New Church School I graduated with honours from high school and received several awards for my high grades throughout my time there. I graduated with honours from Cambrian College and Conestoga College as well. I started off my career working for the City of Kitchener and now I am a supervisor for the Region of Waterloo - Waterloo Region Housing department. I made lifelong friends during my time at Carmel; I met my best friend there as well as my spouse. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education and experiences I had at Carmel New Church and School. My favourite teacher throughout all my years of schooling was at Carmel; no other teacher had the same impact on me or my life.
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