Avalon Children's Montessori School

Welcome to Avalon Children’s Montessori School

Avalon seeks to provide a stimulating and loving atmosphere in which learning occurs naturally. The students are encouraged to set new goals for themselves on a regular basis. They are a co-educational, private, independent Montessori school.

Their goal is to lead the children in a respectful and compassionate manner, instilling in them a lifelong love of learning. They provide a unique Learning Support Program for children in grades 1 - 8 in addition to the rich and exciting program.

Principal:

Sherry VanDerKooi

Avalon started in 2000 with a sole toddler room and one master classroom and has been steadily expanding since then. The curriculum now runs until Grade 8, providing continuity for pupils in primary and elementary school. Similarly, the variety allows for more intergenerational connection than is possible elsewhere, which is a cornerstone of the Montessori method.

The finest Montessori schools are those that stick to the method's essential principles while also catering to the requirements of the community they serve, displaying its variety and beliefs. Avalon's strength in this area is undeniable, and it's one of the reasons why families continue to flock to it. Over the course of the school's almost two decades of existence, it has built a great reputation for hard work, professional growth, and efficient performance of the core curriculum. Without a question, it serves to deliver all of that and more.

Curriculum approach at Avalon: Montessori

The curriculum at Avalon is Montessori-based (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

Montessori schools are most common in the lower grades (preschool through elementary school), although they are also provided up to high school. They provide an alternative to the typical lesson style used in most classes. Montessori classrooms enable children to pick the "activities" or projects they want to do rather than listening to whole-class teachings.

These activities revolve around unique Montessori puzzles, which have the advantage of including the optimal solution and allowing for self-correction. As a result, a heavy focus is put on actual, experience-based teaching, as well as pupils' acquiring a feeling of self-sufficiency, independence, and inquiry.

What Avalon says:

At the early childhood and primary school levels, Avalon follows the Montessori ideals of education. With the help of Montessori-trained instructors, students study at their own speed. Students at Avalon are encouraged to develop intrinsic drive and to take an active role in their education.

At the middle school level, we use a progressive approach while adhering to the Ontario curriculum's standards. The passions and sense of wonder of our pupils are the driving forces behind education. Avalon instructors offer students the information, insights, techniques, and resources they need to research a subject or problem.

Students are then invited to investigate, reflect on their discoveries, and share their knowledge, as well as their solutions, ideas, and observations. At all stages, cooperation and group work are essential.

Choosing the Right School in Vancouver: A Comprehensive Guide Finding the perfect school is crucial for your child's success. Here are key factors to consider:

Evaluate School Performance and Offerings: Look beyond rankings and consider academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and specialized programs.

Visit Schools in Person: Experience the school's environment and culture firsthand.

Understand Catchment Areas (Public Schools): Utilize the Vancouver School Board's School Locator tool to identify schools within your residential area.

Focus on Fit: Determine how the school's strengths align with your child's interests and goals.