Active for 160 Years, Villa Maria Looks to the Future - Pedagogy 3.0 and co-education to meet the changing needs of students

MONTRÉAL, May 7, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The 21^st century is bringing about its share of changes and innovation in education; Villa Maria is subsequently embarking on an important evolution of its own in order to respond to the new needs of its students. The school is looking to the future by adopting three new strategic directions: implementing innovative educational technologies, introducing co-education and developing its study programs and concentrations.

After a thorough analysis, Villa decided to focus on the above-mentioned strategic directions, in order to ensure the School's success and continued existence. The implementation of these three new directions is part of a proactive approach, in order to ensure that Villa Maria remains financially sustainable within the evolving educational landscape.

Gradual arrival of boys to Villa Maria beginning in September 2016
Keeping in mind that all students are unique and deserve an education that implements 21^st century teaching methods, focuses on the students' strengths and helps them succeed, Villa Maria is pleased to announce that it will admit Secondary 1 boys as of September 2016 to the secondary 1 level only.

''The decision to go co-ed is the result of an economic study, motivated by a decreasing demographic situation.  Given this trend, it was incumbent on Villa Maria's management team to take the necessary steps while Villa Maria is in a financially solid position, in order to ensure a promising future for our students. Our students will remain at the heart of our mission", said Mrs. Marie Anna Bacchi, Director General of Villa Maria.

New educational technologies, study programs and concentrations
The world of education is undergoing major changes; as such, educational approaches must reflect this new reality. Current learning trends focus on developing creative thinking, fostering innovation and nurturing a global perspective. These skills will help today's students develop the competencies they require to enter the job market in the future.

For this reason, innovative educational and technological approaches will be implemented in a gradual manner. A class-of-the-future prototype will be built and will be available to both teachers and students to test out and use, as of September 2015. Additionally, beginning in 2018, our curriculum will be revamped, introducing new study programs that focus on specific concentrations.

"This new vision demonstrates the extent to which students are at the heart of our thinking. In order to continue evolving, Villa Maria is preparing to mark a historic milestone. Villa Maria will continue to build on its foundation and its long-standing tradition of academic excellence while undergoing an evolution that reflects the new realities of the 21^st century." said Ms. Bacchi.

About Villa Maria
Villa Maria is a private educational institution that provides secondary-level education, in English and in French, to close to 1,400 young girls. In nearly 160 years, the College has acquired a solid reputation, with the quality of its education being widely recognized. Today, the school is looking to the future by adopting three new directions, namely, implementing innovative educational technologies, introducing coeducation, and developing its study programs and concentrations.

The Villa Maria building was declared as a historic site in 1951. It is located in an enchanting setting and offers an environment that enables students to flourish and develop their full potential.

SOURCE Villa Maria High School

Source : Anna Cappello, Head, Communications | Marketing, Villa Maria, [email protected], Tel: [phone] (3251); Information: Amély Tremblay, Morin Public Relations, [email protected], Mobile : [phone]