Friday, November 10, 2000 - North Shore News - 17

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__.____ PRIVATE ALTERNATIVES TO PUBLIC EDUCATION  —|

If you want the best for your child and you're looking for academic excellence, specialized university
preparation and/or a variety of extra-curricular activities, private schools have a lot to offer. Private schools
_, have smaller class sizes, committed teachers and provide a safe and supportive atmosphere. Not all private
schools are alike, however, and you will want to make your choice based on educational philosophy, areas of |

‘specialty and raison detre.

Private schools have the freedom to fucus on different
models of education, offering parents several
alternatives. For example, Mulgrave School
encourages its students to excel in the classroom and
‘to Strive to be compassionate, tolerant and
- community-minded citizens. North Star Montessori
*~ offers a widely respected and renowned approach to
' education that focuses on respect and independence.
‘Mest Point Grey Academy offers a top quality
“education that emphasizes value, tradition, and high
“expectations. -Another model offered by 2 relatively
“new school, Stratford Hall, has an educational

“program: that is’ positioning itself to meet the.

tandards of the International Baccalaureate (1B)
rogram. IB is an internationally recognized
standard for acader ic excellence.

vate schools ais focus on the needs of the child
jond the classroom. Several of our featured

communication: se aswell: a. :
Math and Science. ;

as Shawnigan Lake, students are immersed in an
energetic culture of fine arts, sports and community
activities. Students at Vancouver Island's Brentwood
College participate in a wide variety of artistic and
athletic pursuits, including sailing, rowing, and
other water sports. At Island Pacific School, students
participate in skiing and hiking trips, and take
excursions to the mainland every two weeks. These
outdoor pursuits are part of the school’s emphasis on
“building. character” which is included in the
curriculum. In addition, fine arts, athletics and
horseback riding are part of the long tradition at
Queen Margaret's School. Their unique equestrian
program offers training for both competitive and
recreational riders.

Wheiher it is for acadeniic excellence or extra-
curricular activities or both, parents who make the
financial and time investment in choosing a private
school for their children are often very committed to

“the. institution, resulting -in..a strong school
i community. May private Schools also have alumi a

-_K well-balanced education includes Fine Arts and
- Athletics“- and .at Queen Margaret's it also means
* Riding. In- addition to our university preparatory

“curriculum we offer a one-of-a-kind equestrian

program ‘including horse boarding and equestrian

‘:tvaining for both the competitive and recreational
~ Tider. A personalized ESL. program is also available.

Founded in 1921, QMS is located on 27 wooded acres

in Duncan on Vancouver Isiand. Its small class sizes

‘provide a safe and stimulating environment that aims |
to instill leadership, self-reliance’ and academic ©
growth. We are preparing tomorrow's leaders for
university and beyond.

We aré now accepting applications for September:

2001. Please. call (250) 746-4185. Academic
Scholarships, Equestrian Scholarships and Bursaries
available.

associations whose members continue to attend

events and contribute to the institution long after .

they have graduated. This gives students a sense of ,

belonging to an important tradition.

The decision to enroll your child in a private school
is an enormous one. Give yourself lots of time to
discuss the issues with your family and research your
options. While many people still think of private
schools as elitist institutions, that perception is
changing. Many schools offer scholarships and
bursary programs, and work hard to keep tuition fees
affordable. Find out about those options when you
contact the schoul.

Several websites offer information on private schools,
including Peterson's Guide at wwwpetersons.com
and the TABS guide 2t wwwschools.com. After
viewing these websites and sites of the individual
schools, you will have 2 good idea of the school or

schools you and your child wish to visit before... :

making your final ds decision.

Encourage
in Your Daughter

At Queen Margarets School, =

we, like you, believe that every girl
deserves the opportunity fo realize the
: full extent of her abilities. :

the. Leader

: We. provide:

‘ta challenging university prep

corriculom .

boarders and day students,
. country-like acres:

na full range of Fine Arts, Athletic ;

and extra-curricular activities |.

an optional Equestrian Program for

“competitive and recreational riders
wm Academic & Equestrian Scholarship
Financial Assistance Program. :

At Queen Margaret s School we are preparing.
tomorrow’ s leaders for university # and a beyond

Girls, ‘Day & Boarding from Gra 4 2
Co-Ed Day School from K to Grade 3°

660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, BC. VSL 1c2

“Tel: (250) 746-4185

aN Email: adr a

& Fax: ee) 746-4187