497 Scott Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 3X3
School Busing:
Wheatley School offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only, occasional rider, door-to-door pickup.
Additional notes: School bus will pick up and drop off at child's home.
Wheatley was founded in 1986 by Eda Varalli, who remains as the principal of the school today. Her inspiration was, truly, the best there ever is—to create a school that just did things better than they were being done. She took the Montessori method as a starting point, particularly in its focus on the individual, the belief that instruction is best when it takes the curiosity and the spirit of the learner. The school has grown over the years, including notably in 2001 with the move into the school’s current facility. The community that the school describes includes parents and extended family, and annual events underscore that, such as a grandparent’s day every April; during Family Literacy Week, parents and grandparents are invited to come into the school to read with students. In all, there’s a nice little spark throughout the life of the school, evident in things like the parent open house titled, beautifully, “Come See What I Can Do Day,” or the standing invitation for parents to have coffee with the principal. Sometimes there is a lot of power in the details, as well as in consistent leadership, and Wheatley serves as a lovely example of that.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Wheatley has been preparing children for the future since 1986. Small classes, a supportive environment and individualized teaching methods allow every child to realize his or her full potential, while promoting academic excellence. Montessori program from two years of age to Grade 4 and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for Grades 5 to 8. Wheatley provides exciting extracurricular activities and enriched academic studies (Grade 9 Math credit offered)."
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Our curriculum is designed to develop the whole child and to prepare students to be exemplary citizens of our world. Our motto, “Preparing young minds for the future” captures...(more)
"Our curriculum is designed to develop the whole child and to prepare students to be exemplary citizens of our world. Our motto, “Preparing young minds for the future” captures the essence of the school. We provide our students with an education that reflects the needs of the 21st century – developing interdisciplinary skills, offering the tools and resources to explore their potential, and creating a solid foundation around core subjects that are critical to reasoning and comprehension."
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?
"It is through a balance of curriculum, activity and community that Wheatley develops the whole child. We emphasize the capacity for critical thinking and an understanding of what...(more)
"It is through a balance of curriculum, activity and community that Wheatley develops the whole child. We emphasize the capacity for critical thinking and an understanding of what learning is and how it is applied to real world situations. Our arts programming nurtures the creative spirit and builds confidence through participation in such school activities as art shows, the school band and theatre projects. Our physical education component underscores the importance of teamwork and ongoing skill"
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Wheatley is a diverse community – we welcome international students from around the world and can arrange a safe, secure environment for your child to be billeted in the Niagara...(more)
"Wheatley is a diverse community – we welcome international students from around the world and can arrange a safe, secure environment for your child to be billeted in the Niagara region. In addition, International students pay the same tuition rate as our Canadian students."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Our small classes and low student to teacher ratio allows us to get to know every child and guide him or her on the journey of life. Every child has a voice – at Wheatley, we...(more)
"Our small classes and low student to teacher ratio allows us to get to know every child and guide him or her on the journey of life. Every child has a voice – at Wheatley, we listen."
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?
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