Founded in 1982, Mentor College educates children from junior kindergarten through to the university entrance level. Children at Mentor College are grouped by age and experience in three levels of study: primary, intermediate, and high school. These groupings follow the curriculum set out by the Ontario Ministry of Education for all schools in the province. The teaching staff is made up of experienced educators who have been chosen for their knowledge, classroom experience, and innate teaching skills. Mentor College seeks those who have a teaching degree, subject speciality, and a warm and sensitive attitude towards children. This combination of caring and teaching ability helps students reach their full potential and find personal satisfaction in achievement..
The curriculum challenges, stimulates, and motivates children to achieve academic excellence from junior kindergarten to university entrance level. Classes are kept small to ensure that every student has ample opportunity to participate in class discussion and teachers are able to monitor each student’s progress every day. When students have demonstrated proficiency with the assigned work, they are presented with more stimulating advanced studies and are encouraged to express their ideas. When a child encounters difficulties, the teacher is quickly alerted and can take the necessary steps to rectify the situation. Smaller classes permit greater interaction between students and teachers and enhance the student’s desire to participate in all activities. The close, attentive relationship strengthens your child’s ability to listen carefully, think clearly, speak thoughtfully, be a discerning reader, and ask penetrating questions.
Regular assessments of the student’s progress will reassure both you and your child that a positive learning experience is taking place. Mentor College is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education and follows its guidelines for junior kindergarten through to university entrance. Starting in Grade 4, students write examinations and must achieve a minimum of 65%. If your child scores below this the problem will be identified and the necessary additional instruction and follow-up for retesting will be provided. High School students must attain a final passing grade of 60% in each subject before continuation in a subsequent credit course. Your child’s progress is very carefully monitored. Written Progress Reports are provided three times a year. In addition, the classroom teacher will discuss your child’s development with you through a series of parent-teacher conferences and monthly telephone calls.
When your son or daughter attends Mentor College, the teaching staff assumes responsibility for educating your child to his or her potential. Parents are not expected to teach, but can play a vital role in supporting a positive learning experience at home. Teachers assign homework beginning in Grade 1 to teach students how to research assignments and organize their time. Through the use of a homework book, you will have insight into your child’s progress. The assignments must be entered by the student, initialed by the teacher, and signed at home by the parent. The homework book has proven to be an excellent vehicle for daily communication. The student can also use it to note social events, while the teacher can make comments about the child’s work.
Monthly phone call: Homeroom teachers call you every month to discuss your child’s progress. However, your child’s teacher would like to hear from you any time you have concerns. Mentor College holds a Meet the Teacher night in early October – an occasion when parents can talk with all teachers and school administrators.
When parents come to the school for a first interview, many express a concern about their children’s lack of fundamental learning skills. Mentor’s entrance testing often reveals that the creative and academic potential of students has been hampered by inadequate knowledge of grammar, an inability to communicate effectively, and a poor grasp of mathematical principles. Large class size is often a main cause of their problem. The traditional approach to teaching emphasizes the mastery of basic skills. It is a proven method. It does not rely on mere repetition, but does demand that a student should take sufficient time to clearly understand the work at hand before proceeding to more complicated material. Assignments, both in class and at home, teach children good study habits and organizational skills. Teachers check work daily to be sure the students understand the material being taught. Creative projects are given to encourage students to use this newly-found knowledge. Each successfully completed assignment improves skills and builds self-esteem as grades improve. The school’s approach to education stresses a positive, caring environment, rich in personal attention. The close supportive working relationship among the teachers, your children and yourself encourages all to progress toward common goals. The children are encouraged to reason clearly and purposefully. The results are solid academic achievement and self-confidence, important attributes that will carry your child into a successful and rewarding adulthood.
