The big picture on Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S.
We summarized the school ourselves
Durham was founded in 1984 in order to address learners who are at the top of their peer group and require an enriched program in order to reach their potentials. Families are drawn by the small class sizes—they average between 8 and 12 students—as well as the full grade continuum, from preschool through Grade 12. The nursery and primary levels are taught through a Montessori approach, and while it’s not carried through the upper grades, the values are nevertheless shared throughout the school. Students arrive to an academically inflected environment, and a peer group that shares a predilection to achievement. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a close-knit, challenging yet supportive instructional environment.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"G.B.M.S has Montessori programs for students age 18 months to age 5. D.E.P.S offers a challenging and diversified curricular program for students from Grade 1 to 8 following the Ontario Curriculum at an enriched level. Both schools have a huge well equipped gymnasium and outdoor sports field.
At Durham Academy Secondary School we offer full time and part time grades 9 to 12 credit courses approved by the Ministry of Education. "
Rigorous Academics: We follow the Ontario Curriculum at an enrichment level.
Small class sizes
Qualified teachers who mentor throughout the day if a student needs assitance with an assignment
Full time or part time learning for secondary school
Our guidance office assists and directs in course selection and College/ University registration
Monthly field trips to enhance the curriculum
For the past 7 years we have had 100% University acceptance
Huge gymnasium at both locations, fully equipped
Excellent customer service
Home stay
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Durham Elementary Private School and Durham Academy Secondary School boasts small class sizes averaging 10-14 students per class. Each grade receives a minimum of 3 field trips...(more)
"Durham Elementary Private School and Durham Academy Secondary School boasts small class sizes averaging 10-14 students per class. Each grade receives a minimum of 3 field trips per semester to enhance the curriculum. Our teachers communicate with families daily offering excellent quality , academic attention and customer service. Students are given the opportunity to be teacher mentored before and after school hours. Our academic program is focused on preparing students for success and acceptance into post secondary education. Our Guidance office meets with each family to tailor courses to the students long term goals. Our schools offer a safe, secure and inclusive environment."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Families receive 100% communication and customer service at our school. Parents questions are always answered in a timely manner. School life is enhanced with sports programs,...(more)
"Families receive 100% communication and customer service at our school. Parents questions are always answered in a timely manner. School life is enhanced with sports programs, clubs, yearly musical theatre production, band, community outreach, trips and visitors including post secondary schools. Our secondary School is open 8 am to 4 pm if a student needs assistance with an assignment or academic direction for course selection or post secondary goals"
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Great Beginnings Montessori School and Durham Elementary Private School was founded in 1984. Due to parent request Durham Academy Secondary School opened in 2016. Durham Academy...(more)
"Great Beginnings Montessori School and Durham Elementary Private School was founded in 1984. Due to parent request Durham Academy Secondary School opened in 2016. Durham Academy has always boasted 100% University acceptance. The Principal has been at the school for 25 years. Since COVID, registration has doubled for all 3 schools. Our students have won awards through speech writing, math concerts and scholarships. This year our school has resumed having a choir and band."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Our school offers 200% customer service to the student and family from teachers and administration. We always go above and beyond in all areas. We help each student meet their...(more)
"Our school offers 200% customer service to the student and family from teachers and administration. We always go above and beyond in all areas. We help each student meet their potential in all areas such as academics, sports and the arts. We tailor courses , field trips and workshops outside the classroom to offer hands on activities that enrich the curriculum. Our parents always have a voice in their child's education and goals. Our school works as a team with the family."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Safety, respect, good manners and social skills are important at our schools. We always review past report cards and OSR's to ensure we can meet each student's needs to ensure the...(more)
"Safety, respect, good manners and social skills are important at our schools. We always review past report cards and OSR's to ensure we can meet each student's needs to ensure the teacher can balance each students needs."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"All 3 of our schools promote a very welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment. We deliver a strong Montessori program for ages 18 months to age 5. Our elementary and...(more)
"All 3 of our schools promote a very welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment. We deliver a strong Montessori program for ages 18 months to age 5. Our elementary and secondary schools teach the Ontario Curriculum at an enrichment level. We provide excellent individual support through teacher/ student mentoring to ensure our students meet their potential. Our campuses are located in residential neighborhood with green spaces and athletic facilities to compliment our academics. At Durham Academy academics and post secondary education is the focus."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"We believe that each family and student is special. We offer excellent customer service and go above and beyond in all areas. Our students receive awards and scholarships from...(more)
"We believe that each family and student is special. We offer excellent customer service and go above and beyond in all areas. Our students receive awards and scholarships from other institutions. We boast 100% University acceptance. Our families love that they can enroll their child at age 3 and with our 3 schools can continue with us and enjoy the familiarity, support and results we offer until their child graduates in grade 12."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Our schools offer flexible programs should a student require flexibility for sports or need to learn virtually. Our students receive French starting at age 3 by a qualified French...(more)
"Our schools offer flexible programs should a student require flexibility for sports or need to learn virtually. Our students receive French starting at age 3 by a qualified French teacher 3 times a week. We boast a strong music and physed program taught by specialized teachers . Our special presentations throughout the year showcase our students, achievements, meets strands of the curriculum and teach our students at a young age how to prepare and present to an audience. We offer flexibility for students who are involved in the arts or sports."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Our school administration and faculty continuously communicate with families to keep them updated on their child's progress and daily events/ occurrences. Every child who attends...(more)
"Our school administration and faculty continuously communicate with families to keep them updated on their child's progress and daily events/ occurrences. Every child who attends our school is greeted at our doors each morning . If a child cannot physically come to school we offer the child to learn virtually and still be a part of the class. Our school boasts a warm, inclusive, welcoming school family environment."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"At Durham Elementary we do not have split classes. Each class is alone and we do not exceed 16 students per class. Last year we implemented a drop in sports program before and...(more)
"At Durham Elementary we do not have split classes. Each class is alone and we do not exceed 16 students per class. Last year we implemented a drop in sports program before and after school. Our amazing music teacher has started a choir and band. To add onto our indoor basketball court we now have an outdoor basket ball court students can access at recess."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Information not yet available.
Dig deeper into Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998
