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LEONARDO DA VINCI ACADEMY OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Exceptional Schooling for the Formative Years - Founded 1983

Why Choose LDVA

LDVA was founded in 1983, on principles inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and Maria Montessori. In keeping with the concept of Plato’s Academy, the school embraces the Montessori methodology and a unique “Thinking Like Leonardo” approach to learning. A rich and well-rounded program of studies along with a nurturing philosophy of education help to nurture the growth of lifelong learners and independent thinkers. Grade 8 graduates are well-prepared for high school and the future. The school features CCMA accredited Casa and Lower Elementary Montessori programs, an authentic Italian immersion preschool and licensed preschools for 2.5 to 6 year olds.

Academic Programs

The importance Leonardo Da Vinci Academy places on Early Childhood Education is reflected in the quality of its two preschool programs: Casa Montessori and Scuola Materna. Both employ well-qualified staff and are based on the methodology of Dr. Maria Montessori. Montessori education calls forth that which is within each child to promote spiritual, intellectual, social and creative development. Children are naturally curious and are driven from within by an “absorbent mind” to absorb everything from their environment. If free to learn, they will joyfully select activities that develop their innate abilities. A true prepared Montessori environment fulfills this innate need to learn and grow by allowing children to learn through mastery and manipulation of the Montessori materials. Our Montessori trained teachers serve as the dynamic link between the children and the materials. Montessori is the perfect complement to LDVA’s formative “Thinking Like Leonardo” philosophy. Preschool graduates are very well prepared for the Academy’s Lower Elementary.


Our Elementary programs begin with Lower Elementary Montessori (Grades 1 to 3) which is a natural progression for graduates of our Casa or Scuola preschools. Lower Elementary is an accredited Montessori program for children aged 6 to 8. At this level the goal is to instil a love of learning, independence, and self-confidence while exploring a wide range of subjects. Our Upper Elementary program begins at grade 4 – a transition year from a full Montessori environment to a more traditional classroom setting. In preparation for high school, students will be provided with textbooks and introduced to homework and formal tests. In core subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Language Arts, students follow an enriched Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. In addition to a homeform teacher, students may also have specialist teachers for various subjects including Music, Art, French, Italian, Religion and Physical Education. At all levels and across the curriculum LDVA students are encouraged to develop a “Thinking Like Leonardo” approach to lifelong learning.

A letter from a parent

Dear Mr. Ritacca and Mr. Tassielli:

After Olivia’s graduation this week, we wanted to write a letter to both of you expressing our gratitude for everything that LDVA has done for Olivia and our family.

We have seen our daughter grow up to be everything that we hoped for 12 years ago when she first started at LDVA.  She is mature, responsible, hardworking and while she gets good marks in her subjects, it is the way that she learns that is notable.  She approaches school in a serious manner, but also enjoys learning about everything.  One of the great compliments that we heard at our last parent-teacher interview is that it is hard to discern what her favourite subject is because she puts full effort into all of her work.  

I think that this speaks to one of the greatest lessons that she learned at LDVA.  From the time she started until graduation, every report card identified not only what she accomplished but how she went about it.  The effort put into learning is assessed and is as important as the marks.  This has been consistent in every grade and is one of the reasons why she is so well prepared for high school and for life.

We can’t say enough about the faculty.  Olivia has enjoyed learning from all of her teachers.  They are obviously passionate about education and children;  they have not only been superb teachers, but wonderful people who are fantastic role models.  We have never had any complaints about any of the teachers and neither has Olivia.  The quality of the teachers is clearly a strength of the school.

Even with the challenges of the last two years, LDVA has taught valuable life lessons about being resilient and adaptive in the face of challenging and turbulent times.  We know from talking to other parents how difficult this has been in both the public and private school systems, but LDVA never seemed to miss a step in moving to remote learning.  Again, this speaks to the philosophy of the school and the dedication of the faculty.

We feel very fortunate to have found LDVA and are so happy that we decided to keep her in the school until Grade 8.  Thank you very much for acknowledging her time at LDVA with the “Thinking Like Leonardo” award; she was surprised and very happy about it.

We have always talked highly of LDVA and will continue to do so.  In fact, please do not hesitate to use us as references for prospective students in the coming years.

Also, we think your idea of an Alumni Association is a terrific idea and we hope that this is an opportunity for Olivia to maintain contact with the school, teachers and students.

With the move to the new campus, LDVA has a very bright future and we look forward to watching it flourish.  We wish you all the best and thank you for founding this wonderful school.

Please share our thanks and gratitude with all of your wonderful staff

 

Helen and Ian and Olivia

CONTACT FORM

We look forward to hearing from you. For general inquiries or to book a tour, please fill out the contact form below:

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