About Astolot
200 - 2211 Thurston Dr. Ottawa email: inquiry@astolot.com
Astolot Educational Centre strives to meet the individual learning needs of students. Our students have the potential to reach academic goals once they understand their learning style and have the resources to succeed. Astolot students are neighbourhood children, or travel from as far as a 90 minute drive. Students may be gifted, have dyslexia, dysgraphia, or have a social or emotional need for a small, respectful learning environment.
Both students and teachers have a role in directing learning. How much responsibility each student takes depends on their personality. Ideally, each student becomes more responsible each term they are at Astolot, through the development of learning skills. The students have input into the way they learn best as they become more aware of their own learning style, they can utilize this knowledge. The method of teaching and learning varies due to learning needs and student maturity.
Astolot is an independent Day School and High School. Our teachers are certified with the Ontario College of Teachers. We offer small, personalized classes to our students with dedicated staff.
Astolot was founded by Jennifer Cowan, opened in 2001.
After working with public schools for 12 years, Jennifer saw the need for small, personalized classes that fit individual needs. As the school has grown in size, the philosophy of Astolot has not changed.
Parents, students and staff made our new space fabulous.
Who We Are:
What services do you provide?
Astolot is an elementary and high school day school. We also offer tutoring for all ages, and summer skills for grades 1 to 6.
Do you follow the Ministry Curriculum?
Yes, the Ontario Ministry provides clear, explicit expectations for all subjects, which are followed. The parents are provided with 3 report cards annually reflecting Ministry standards. Additionally, field trips augment skills: the currency Museum for money, the Museum of Civilization for Vikings, etc.
How do you accommodate each child's learning style?
Each child has a program developed with the parent, child and Astolot's principal that includes specific accommodations. Small class sizes and experienced staff allow for proper implementation.
How much is tuition?
Elementary tuition is $17,000.00, and High School tuition is $18,000.00.
What resources does your school have?
The students use our computers, iPads, voice recorders or voice recognition software for word processing and math drills. The Ottawa Public Library, Rideau Canal, parks and tennis courts are utilized as well to enrich the student's learning experience.
Do you have a regular physical exercise program?
Students have a free play period outside daily. On rainy days yoga and cooperative games are played indoors, in our gross motor room. The students in grades 1 to 6 do brain gym for 30 minutes each morning. Cooperative games include soccer, tennis, basketball and skating, are some of the sports we break into steps children can easily learn in order be able to play with peers.
Are teachers or students responsible for directing classroom learning?
Both students and teachers have a role in directing learning. How much responsibility each student takes depends on their personality. Ideally, each student becomes more responsible each term they are at Astolot. The students have input into how they learn best as they become more aware of their own learning style. The method of teaching and learning varies. For example, a student may learn paragraphs in a structured 'step by step' method, through editing on the computer, or holistically while doing research on a science topic.
How is assistive technology utilized at the school?
Students may use their own laptops and tablets provided by parents, for class work, tests and homework. Software programs for speech recognition may be used or digital recorders. The technology used by a student is determined on an individual basis prior to being purchased by parents.