Villanova College
Description of Villanova College
- Year of foundation: 1999
- Location: King City, Ontario, Canada
- Age of students: 8+
- Number of students: 500+
- Language of instruction: English
- Type of education: private school.
Villanova College in King City, Ontario, is an independent Catholic school for boys and girls under the protectorate of an Augustinian convent in King City. It is the only educational institution in Canada to become a member of the Augustinian Association of Secondary Education and receive funding from the Augustinian Order.
Like other Catholic educational institutions, Villanova aims to provide all students with a strong spiritual and academic foundation, to teach them to make vital decisions with an emphasis on science and faith, preparing children for everyday life outside of school. For hundreds of years, Augustinian education has been valued for its focus on human dignity and respect for the contribution of each person to the improvement of the world, preparing students for leadership, embodying positive changes.
The history of the college is rooted in the rich history of religious education. The first schools of Augustinians on the continent appeared in the 40s of the XIX century. Villanova College began as a small group of independent teaching of children the Law of God and developed into one of the best and most promising educational institutions in Canada, offering academic programs for children and adolescents of different ages and levels of education.
In 1998, St Thomas Catholic School decided to open a branch in Villanova, and the following year the first set of schoolchildren sat at their desks, coinciding with the reform of secondary education in Ontario. At the same time, the college gained independence, and in 2000 moved to a new campus in Marileyke. Three years later, the school found a permanent home, but the development did not stop there - after the first new building for 14 classes, equipped with a dining room and a sports hall, several more facilities were opened, which significantly expanded the capabilities of the educational institution.
Educational process
Excellent conditions have been created for international students, focused on quick adaptation to the English-speaking learning environment:
- Opportunity to live with a host family,
- English Language Learning Support,
- Additional university, academic consultations,
- Cultural trips to get to know the area on weekends, holidays, spring breaks.
The ESL program, available to students in grades 9-12, allows students to earn an Ontario high school diploma while developing their English language skills. At the college, students receive support both inside and outside the classroom to provide a positive, engaging, and enriching educational experience. Students fully participate in the school's rigorous academic program, professional development courses, while improving their level of English.
Students are assessed and then enrolled in the ESL level that suits them, from beginner to excellent. The course develops language proficiency through regular reading, writing, listening and speaking practice, introducing students to a variety of social and cultural topics, which prepares them for a variety of academic and social experiences. The program is carefully designed to accelerate language acquisition, providing students with a foundation for learning in English.
Faculties and colleges
There are several departments (branches) of Villanova College:
- Villanova College in Brisbane, Australia,
- Villanova Preparatory School in California,
- Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
All these educational institutions are independent and are not connected with each other, except for the general Augustinian charter.
Things to know about
The House system is a long-standing British tradition, and schools in many countries have also adopted this practice, originally originated by boarding schools, where students ate, drank and slept in separate dormitories or buildings, which contributed to the establishment of closer horizontal ties.
Villanova College also has a system of Houses – it includes four houses, each of which is named after the saint revered by the Augustinians: St. Augustine, St. Monica, St. Nicholas and St. Rita. Houses participate in the annual competition for the school prize; the culmination of the competition is the annual Olympic Games between the faculties. At the head of each house is a dean, as well as headmen and prefects appointed from among high school students. Such a system helps to strengthen the sense of identity and belonging, gives opportunities for leadership and a sense of tradition.
The college was originally named after St. Thomas Thomas of Villanova, an Augustinian Spaniard born in Ciudada Real in 1488 and appointed Archbishop of Valencia in 1544. This outstanding figure successfully renewed his diocese and received the honorary nickname "Father of the Poor", since he transferred 2/3 of the income of his diocese to the needs of the poor. There are other Augustinian educational institutions named after this saint:
- Villanova College in Brisbane, Australia;
- Villanova Preparatory School in California;
- Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
All these educational institutions are completely independent and are not interconnected by anything other than the Augustan Charter.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Villanova College
Middle School
- Age – 8+;
- Duration – 5 years;
- The language of instruction is English.
The college is aware of the unique qualities and needs of younger adolescents, both in the intellectual and social spheres, and adapts the curriculum taking into account this knowledge. Children here are taught to learn, helping to improve learning skills and qualities, the habit of working, in order to lay the seeds of success that are destined to rise in high school.
High school students conduct classes on the top floor, use their own canteen, access to the covered courtyard and playground during recess.
Along with the academic component, the school attaches great importance to extracurricular activities in the field of music, technology and physical education. After school, teenagers can do homework, use workshops, a gym, a stadium and other facilities under the supervision of teachers and educators who are ready to help with advice and make every effort to develop and support the talents of children at this critical age.
Younger students in grades 4-6 study under the guidance of a class teacher who teaches a basic set of disciplines that include English, mathematics, natural science, the Law of God and social sciences. Children study French, music and physical education under the guidance of a subject teacher. Close links are established between students and classroom mentors, allowing teachers to set tasks for children and track progress, adjusting the course depending on the individual needs and talents of the student.
In grades 7-8, schoolchildren are preparing for the transition to high school: they have a shift schedule, and a team of professional subject students comes to replace a single teacher-mentor. At the same time, all secondary school teachers work closely together to provide their pets with support and an individual approach, encouraging curiosity, developing abstract thinking and the ability to solve the problems they face.
Upper School
- Age – 15+;
- Duration – 3 years;
- The language of instruction is English.
The college challenges students to identify and develop their strengths, aided by individual mentoring and support from educators who strive to ensure that students excel in their studies– both within and outside the school.
The scope and depth of the high school curriculum far exceeds the requirements set by the Ministry of Education, focusing on the development of practical skills and skills. Such an approach to training gives graduates of the school a well-known academic advantage, which is demonstrated by practical results: the guys constantly enter the universities chosen by them and succeed in the academic and professional sphere.
Individual talents are developed through special academic programs, including Advanced Placement and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), as well as a full suite of extracurricular programs.
A STEM classroom is a collaborative environment in which students:
- Use scientific, mathematical and technological concepts and principles, applying them in the process of engineering design;
- Face a practice-oriented curriculum based on industry-wide projects;
- Develop the ability to identify problems, conduct research to collect and systematize data, draw conclusions and apply them to new situations;
- Get acquainted with advanced mathematical and natural science knowledge, using software and modeling methods, control devices, robotic devices and a variety of sensors that allow you to carefully study these disciplines;
- Come to a theoretical and practical understanding of key scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical concepts.
Students will complete an advanced math and science program in grades 9 and 10, which will prepare for advanced placement (AP) in math, chemistry, and physics in grades 11 and 12.
Summer School
- Age – 16+;
- Duration – from 2 weeks;
- The language of instruction is English.
Villanova Summer School offers an exciting curriculum and highly qualified teachers who give students the important and useful practical skills needed to succeed in higher education.
Two courses are offered:
- credit courses for students who wish to obtain additional credits to their high school diploma or study subjects of interest that are not available during a normal academic year;
- A continuing education program in mathematics and English for high school students who are studying at college or intend to enroll here.
The college offers courses:
- Career/Public Law (CHV2O/GLC2O),
- Biology (SBI3U),
- Advanced Features (MHF4U).
Accommodation, meals, prices
International students are not provided with dormitory services, but students can use the help of a accommodation agency or find accommodation on their own. Upon request, the college also provides a list of accredited host families.
Activities Villanova College
Villanova proclaims as her goal the education of comprehensively developed children, and the traditions of St. Augustine are aimed at the formation of personality in a comprehensive way - in terms of intelligence, mental component, physical, social and spiritual. This is possible through a combination of academic and extracurricular activities, formal and informal methods that form a unique educational environment.
Therefore, the college has prepared a wide range of extracurricular activities for its pets. Among the most popular clubs, programs, associations and initiatives are:
- Arts Club,
- Badminton Club,
- Chess Club,
- Debate Society,
- Society for Environment and Nature,
- Esports League,
- Hockey matches on Fridays,
- Game model of the court hearing,
- Climbing wall
- Musical theatre production,
- Ski Club,
- Strategic Board Games Club,
- Venture Innovations
Great importance is attached to the aesthetic side of the formation of personality, in college for students interested in music, dozens of possibilities are open, lying both in the vocal and instrumental plane. The basic curriculum also allows you to earn credits for instrumental music.
Other facilities include groups and choirs, as well as a theatre arts club. The participation of schoolchildren in the productions allows a look at the world. Each student can participate in productions regardless of the field in which – stage, script, technical or organizational – his talents are manifested.
Another direction is visual art. Teachers and guest masters help students develop their skills in creating works of art and their presentation, introducing them to classical works and new ideas, the process of creative search and experimentation. Starting in Grade 9, students can also earn fine arts credits.
Advantages
- Academic rigor, which sets the vector of admission to the university for adolescents, the key to which is the outstanding experience of successful teachers, mentors, educators;
- Commitment to the ideals of the Catholic faith, encouraging one to improve in matters of religion both through lessons and outside the school;
- A combination of outstanding and dedicated educators, the values of the Order of St. Augustine, the love of learning, effective modern teaching and communication skills;
- A compact, safe and caring school community that builds friendships and collaborations between families, students and faculty on and off campus;
- Caring and attentive staff;
- Excellent classrooms, laboratories and other premises saturated with modern technological solutions.
- Strong programs of extracurricular activities, among which the most important are art and athletics.
Facilities and equipment at Villanova College
The college's campus is located on 53 acres of land in King City, Ontario. The buildings are equipped with modern equipment that allows students to succeed, and teachers - to use modern multimedia content in teaching.
The advantageous location next to Toronto allows you to enjoy the benefits of the neighborhood with a large modern metropolis and at the same time enjoy your studies in the silence of the rural pastoral, among the picturesque forests, meadows and streams of one of the most beautiful corners of Canada.
Along with a magnificent library, numerous laboratories and modern classrooms, the college can offer its pets other infrastructure - sports, recreational, entertainment. On campus is the Villanova Sports Centre, one of the best sports facilities of any ontario high school, both public and independent.
This complex includes:
- 4 NCAA-compliant basketball courts;
- 3 volleyball courts;
- Modern fitness center;
- Running track for 200 meters;
- 12 badminton courts
- 4 spacious changing rooms;
- A grandstand for 400 spectators.
The total area of the building is over 4000 square meters, and the ceiling height exceeds 13 meters, which makes the center an ideal platform for sports competitions of various levels. Also on campus are two grass fields for rugby and football and Frankie De Gasperis high-end natural grass fields that meet the requirements of international top-class competitions.
Admission dates and extra charges
For each student upon admission, a non-refundable payment of 3000 $CAD is made. This payment is considered a voluntary charitable contribution directed to the capital program for the development of the school. The payment is charged for the first and second child from the same family.
For the convenience of students, the college has organized six daily school bus routes connecting the campus with such localities as Aurora, Bolton, Caledon, King City, Kleinburg, Maple, Nobleton, Palgrave, Richmond Hill and Woodbridge. The cost of the transport program in both directions is 2850 $CAD per year.
Enrolment process
For admission, applicants must provide the following documents:
- Completed application form and non-refundable registration fee = $150;
- Final annual report cards for the last three school years;
- Report card for the current academic year (if any);
- Copy of birth certificate or passport;
- Current photo of the applicant;
- Results of the Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSAT);
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or school principals.
Grades 4, 5, and 6 applicants must also take internal exams in math, language, and writing. Grades 7, 8, 9 must pass the High School Entrance Exam (SSAT) at school, home, or any authorized testing center.
Enrolment statistics
About 40 students are admitted to the 9th grade annually, and no more than 10 free places in grades 10-11. Admission is carried out on a competitive basis.
Perspectives
To date, more than 1000 graduates have gone on to students at top universities in Canada and abroad. Annual statistics confirm the quality of programs, teaching, and learning conditions — 100% of high school students enter the universities of their choice.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Admission to the college is carried out on a competitive basis. The decision is made on the basis of an analysis of previous academic achievements, extracurricular activities, learning skills and attendance information, and the results of entrance exams.
Scholarships Villanova College
The College offers applicants a variety of forms of support for students, entrants and graduates:
- Introductory scholarships addressed to new students entering grades 7 and 9. They are appointed on the basis of the results of entrance examinations, academic achievements in the previous school, behavior and diligence. The scholarship is awarded one-time, its amount is 2500 $CAD.
- The Beth Will and Terry Fox Scholarship is addressed to second-year students. It is awarded to boys and girls who have demonstrated during their first year of study unparalleled leadership qualities, academic performance and commitment to learning, sports and corporate values of the college. Amount – 2000 $CAD;
- Bernadette Ewan Scholarship for needy students who have shown exemplary study, academic performance, demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of extracurricular activities, sports, art, discipline and strength of character.
In addition, a number of scholarships are offered for graduates:
- Villanova College Award for Theatre and Performing Arts,
- Villanova College Award for Fine Arts,
- Alumni Award for Merit and Scholarship,
- Catholic Student Award,
- Villanova Parents Association Award,
- Knights of Columbus Scholarship,
- Vito Giovannetti Memorial Scholarship,
- Carol Annibale Ovarian Cancer Foundation Award,
- Giuseppina Gurreri Memorial Prize,
- St. Joseph's Award for Academic Endurance,
- Sean MacDonald Memorial Prize and Fellowship,
- McDonald's Family Award,
- Livio Leonardelli Memorial Prize,
- Villanova College Academic Scholarships,
- President's Award for Academic Excellence,
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Villanova College
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
