2201 Shantz Station Road, Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario, N0B 1M0, Canada
245 Renfrew Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3R 6G3, Canada
2201 Shantz Station Road, Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario, N0B 1M0, Canada
245 Renfrew Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3R 6G3, Canada
1972
1971
520
784
JK to 12
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Traditional
16 to 20
20 to 26
$20,490 to $47,655
$13,060 to $16,200
$75,840
Yes
Yes
8%
0%
JK to 12
JK to 12
$8,000
$0
35
49
8%
0%
0%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
SJK presents as a very traditional school, an impression granted by the name, the uniforms, the size of the campus. In fact, the school is both younger and more progressive than it might initially seem. Founded in 1972, it has taken all of the more modern educational concepts to heart: small class sizes, student-directed instruction, before- and after-school care from JK to grade 6, and an extensive busing program. The dining hall menu is built around locally sourced, non-GMO food. Academically, the program is intended to challenge learners who need to be challenged, and is comprised of IB programme from JK through grade 12. The intention is to address the whole child, providing strong academic and social support. The school has grown over the years, and is also in the midst of a 5-year development plan, to complete in 2020. While the physical plan is still quite new, the current development is around community and instruction (rather than buildings and infrastructure) including an ongoing dedication to experiential learning, values-based instruction, and community connections. The ideal student is one operating at the top of his or her peer group, and who can benefit from a vibrant, diverse educational and social environment.
Read The Our Kids Review of St. John's-Kilmarnock School
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SJK presents as a very traditional school, an impression granted by the name, the uniforms, the size of the campus. In fact, the school is both younger and more progressive than it might initially seem. Founded in 1972, it has taken all of the more modern educational concepts to heart: small class sizes, student-directed instruction, before- and after-school care from JK to Grade 6, an extensive busing program. The cafeteria menu is even built around locally sourced, non-GMO food. Academically, the program is intended to challenge learners who need to be challenged, and includes IB programs from JK through Grade 12. The intention is to address the whole child, providing strong academic and social support. The school has grown over the years, and is also in the midst of a 5-year development plan, to complete in 2020. While the physical plan is still quite new—it was completed in 1990—the current development is around community and instruction (rather than buildings and infrastructure) including an ongoing dedication to experiential learning, values-based instruction, and 20th century literacies. The ideal student is one operating at the top of his or her peer group, and who can benefit from a vibrant, diverse educational and social environment.
View full reportThere is a great range of approach within Christian education, from those that have chapel in the morning and little more, to those that weave Christian teaching and principles throughout the curriculum and the life of the school. PCA is very much the latter, a place where Christianity informs the entire school experience, and the delivery and the content of the curriculum. This is the school for students for whom the veracity of their faith is tantamount to who they are and the way the wish to learn; faith and fidelity to scripture are at the fore within PCA. The strength of the academic program is evident through decades of academic success. The school is on the larger side of the mean in Canada, and the benefits of that size are seen in the breadth of curricular and extracurricular programs that are on offer. The ideal student is one who is able to thrive in a challenging environment, and who is preparing to advance to university.
View full report
"The large variety of extracurriculars adds many exciting experiences to student life at SJK."
Laura Armstrong - Parent (Aug 28, 2023)
Both of our children are in the Lower School and are having a happy and enriched experience at SJK. ...
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"Our children are not just learning but thriving."
LS Ho - Parent (Nov 02, 2021)
We came to PCA on the recommendation of good church friends. It has been the best schooling decision...
View full review
"SJK is the leading independent school in Waterloo region. The School is located on a beautiful 36-acre natural campus offering enriched educational programming for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 through its International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. SJK is proud to be the only accredited IB World Continuum School in Southwestern Ontario. At SJK, students discover their passions and unique gifts through meaningful, student-centered learning opportunities. SJK students build confidence through risk-taking, overcoming challenges, and stepping outside their comfort zones. Their specialist teachers provide personalized support, community building, and genuine care. Project-based learning, design-thinking, and collaboration equip SJK students with skills that will make them successful globally-minded citizens. SJK students graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals fully prepared for post-secondary education and life beyond SJK. Our graduates earn 100% university admission rates and many go on to elite post-secondary programs in a range of disciplines including STEM, business, and the arts. The journey begins here. Experience the difference, discover the possibilities and go beyond at SJK School."
"Nurture + Challenge. Leadership + Stewardship. Integrity + Creativity. Truth + Faith. PCA students in Grades 3 and 7 consistently score a grade or two above national norms on Canadian Achievement Tests (CAT). For the Ontario Grade 10 Literacy Tests, 100% were successful. Join us as we celebrate our 52nd anniversary with our dedicated and caring Christian faculty, building an education environment that inspires wisdom, clarity and purpose. Please contact us for a school tour and discover why our students excel!"
"Passionate, forward-thinking teachers guide learning through the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and DP continuum curriculum. In addition, our picturesque 36-acre campus connects students to a natural environment. SJK offers a rich co-curricular program with opportunities in the arts, athletics and leadership. With an average class size of 17 students, small classes are where big ideas live."
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"SJK is the only CAIS accredited school in the region, and it is one of the few IB Continuum Schools in Canada. SJK is a small community where strong relationships are fostered. Both curricular and co-curricular programming provides opportunities for students to collaborate, learn and play together. SJK provides an enriched academic experience with opportunities for experiential, project-based learning. 100% of graduates earn admission to best-fit post-secondary opportunities."
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"Visitors to SJK always remark on the beauty and tranquility of our 36-acre natural campus, with its pond, forest trails, varsity playing fields, and safe, rural setting. Families may not realize the opportunities for learning that exist in the natural landscape around us. Tending to a vegetable garden, studying the flora and fauna in our natural landscape, tapping the maple trees, canoeing or engaging in our invasive species removal project—learning in nature is an everyday experience at SJK."
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"Ours is a diverse, inclusive community of learners who enjoy school and make the most of the many opportunities available to them inside and outside of the classroom. SJK is a place where students will feel supported and safe, able to take risks and try new things. Students often tell us that they tried things at SJK that they never would have tried in a larger, less supportive environment. SJK is a place where you will discover your areas of passion and strength and feel supported."
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As a well-established and fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum School, we prepare your children for the future, providing the foundation to thrive in a rapidly changing world. From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, students engage with modern facilities and the School's beautiful 36-acre campus, which sets the stage for stimulating learning environments where knowledge, innovation, and internationalism are expressed and valued.
SJK is the only school in our region to be authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the continuum of three IB programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the university preparatory Diploma Programme. We are one of only five schools in Ontario to achieve this distinction.
Our qualified and talented faculty ensure that learning and teaching focuses on the development of well-rounded and confident individuals; IB represents an enriched framework for personal and social development as well as skills for life, but also a competitive academic and professional qualification alongside the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students engage in a balanced range of classroom and course offerings; co-curricular, leadership and service activities; as well as international perspectives and experiences.
The SJK community is grounded in a sense of respect for oneself, each other and our environment as local and global citizens. Students are challenged to GO BEYOND the given, to the possible.
The best way to get to know the School is to come for a visit, experience the energy, explore the facilities and campus, and see firsthand the warm and friendly environment our school has become known for.
Welcome to Peoples Christian Academy,
In the education marketplace we know that some schools possess features that set them apart. Here are a number of strengths which help make Peoples Christian Academy distinct: a faith-based curriculum; a proven track record in educational advancement; a strong French program, starting in JK; a global and local focus of demonstrating care for the disadvantaged; a pre-K program, an all-grade program; a school community that is growing in size and in diversity.
We'd love to have you visit us in person.
Traditional
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Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
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SJK has a long history of academic excellence, with an unwavering commitment to student engagement. We know that an integrated approach and a love of learning are the best ways to meet the needs and expectations of our students. Our International Baccalaureate Programmes provide a solid academic foundation for our students right from Junior Kindergarten through to the end of Grade 12. Student self-management, critical thinking, creative expression, organizational skills and ethical decision-making are integrated into challenging, yet supportive programming. Students are encouraged to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and real world experiences, as well as become critical and reflective thinkers. Students in Grades 11 and 12 are exposed to a broad-based education through the IB Diploma Programme. The wide range of courses allows each student to build a personalized program that is best suited to their interests, strengths and goals. With its academic breadth, depth and rigour, our students develop skills of research, time management, problem-solving, communication and collaboration, which prepare them for the world beyond SJK as independent, globally-minded learners.
Peoples Christian Academy, for considerations of scope and sequence, generally follows the curriculum guidelines of the Ministry of Education for Ontario. Performance targets for the various disciplines are met (and in some cases exceeded) at each grade level.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Phonics-intensive
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
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We believe that every child is a unique gift from God and that it is our responsibility and our privilege to offer every child that joins our program the highest level of care possible. It is through demonstrating God’s love for them in our daily activities that will give these children a safe and loving environment in which they will explore, learn and grow. Not only will we provide the necessities of being fed, clothed, sheltered, and loved, but also experiences in learning that will allow their minds to imagine, explore, discover and learn.
Systematic approach
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
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Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Physics
Traditional
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Core Knowledge
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
MYP individuals and societies encourages learners to respect and understand the world around them and equips them with the necessary skills to inquire into historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural factors that have an impact on individuals, societies and environments. It encourages learners, both students and teachers, to consider local and global contexts. In this subject group, students can engage with exciting, stimulating and personally relevant topics and issues. Many sensitive and personally challenging topics require careful consideration in the context of a safe and responsible learning environment characterized by respect and open-mindedness. The study of individuals and societies helps students to appreciate critically the diversity of human culture, attitudes and beliefs. Courses in this subject group are important for helping students to recognize that content and methodology can be debatable and controversial, and for practising the tolerance of uncertainty.
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Equal Balance
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Physical Education is taught throughout all grade levels. A fair amount of emphasis is given to healthy living and personal fitness as a means to be at ones best for one's personal well-being and for the glory of God.
Academic
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
We offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This program, alongside the Ontario curriculum, helps students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through a trans-disciplinary approach to learning while making holistic connections across traditional subjects. Students learn in a dynamic, inquiry-based learning environment, where they are actively engaged, and teachers understand and value individual learning styles and strengths. Academic instruction is balanced with a robust after school co-curricular program, which begins in Junior Kindergarten and results in the nurturing and development of the whole child.
Our approach is academic with a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills.
Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Each teacher is encouraged to make provision for differentiated learning.
Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
JK - 12
JK - 12
8%
0%
$8,000
$0
0%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
Yes: grades 5 - 12
No
No
No
SJK is committed to enrolling students who value community, are well-rounded, naturally curious and are committed to personal growth in all facets of school life. Our goal is to ensure your child can be happy and successful during their educational journey at SJK. We want our students to find both their place and themselves here. The best way to get to know more about our vibrant learning community is to come for a personalized family tour. We invite you and your family to come and experience SJK.
As a Christian school we would be looking for families/students who are in support of our Mission Statement, which is based on the basic tenets of Christianity. Students need to be diligent, respectful, and caring individuals. We understand that students are individuals and these attributes will develop over time.
SJK begins to accept applications on August 15 for the next academic year. We encourage families to apply early as we typically receive more applications than we have available places.
Please apply online.
Families are invited to contact the school for full information, as well as schedule an appointment for a personal tour. Applications are received throughout the year. The submission date will be noted and families will be contacted to begin the acceptance process on a first come, first served basis. The actual interview date will generally fall after the school's re-registration deadline (February). The application must be fully completed and be supported by the required documents such as report cards or transcripts. Upon the completion of the interview a student would be accepted based on meeting all the requirements of enrollment. The family would then need to fulfill financial obligations to secure a placement for their child.
