AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre - Burnaby vs. Sudbury Christian Academy

one-to-one comparison:

View Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre - Burnaby's full report
VS.
View Sudbury Christian Academy's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    3450 Boundary Road, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5M 4A5, Canada

    1096 Dublin Street, Sudbury, Ontario, P3A1R6, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1993

    1982

    Enrolment

    32

    150

    Grades

    8 to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, French

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    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.

    Academic culture

    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Avg. Class Size

    3 to 6

    12 to 18

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Academic
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $8,900 to $21,000

    $55 to $7,950

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    10%

    Eligible grades for FA

    8 to 12

    JK to 8

    Median FA package size

    $5,000

    $2,000

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    6

    12

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    75%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    information not available

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Whytecliff is different, something the youth and families who attend deeply appreciate. … For students with diverse learning needs, especially those who have struggled with anxiety or depression, Whytecliff is a refuge—an island of stability in a turbulent world. The hallmark of the Whytecliff program is that it’s community-based and anchored in real relationships.

    The school began operations in 1993, though is an expression of a larger program of activity that dates back to 1975 with the creation of the Focus Foundation, a non-profit intending to provide social and educational support for youth aged 13-19. Since the beginning, the force of the programs was in working with assets, rather than deficits: finding talents and passions, and using those as the means of developing skills and engagement. The school extends that mandate, providing a positive, understanding environment for students who, for a range of reasons, haven’t been able to thrive in prior academic settings. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding, and that’s demonstrated through high rates of attendance, course and degree completion, and academic success. Students arrive with a range of challenges, though also with a shared experience of finding themselves on the periphery of their various social circles. In that sense, while they may be different from each other, here they are different in the same way. The school, for many, is the first truly positive, inclusive community they’ve been a part of. That forms the basis of the work of the school, as does a faculty that brings a wealth of professional and therapeutic accreditation and experience.

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    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Sudbury Christian Academy (SCA) provides a safe, healthy, and dynamic learning environment. The school takes kids from Nursery through to Grade 8. With small class sizes and highly dedicated and committed teachers, the academic standards at SCA are exceptional. Along with academics, athletic pursuits, spiritual growth, social development, and community service are seen as the pillars of a complete and fulfilling school experience. A Christian worldview provides the basis of the well-rounded student experience that SCA provides.

     

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  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    "Whytecliff Centres in Langley & Burnaby offer a highly successful Gr. 8-12 curriculum tailored for youth with diverse learning/personal challenges. Our caring and competent staff gently weave the academics with a positive strengths-based therapeutic program, paving the way for whole-life success. Despite struggling in other schools, attendance here soars, and course completion increases 4 to 8 times. 95% of students entering grade 12 graduate, and later self-report as 9.3 out of 10 for being on a solid life path!"

    • Safe, empathetic, supportive community for students with a diverse range of learning needs
    • Low student-to-educator ratio of less than 5:1 lets us really get to know you
    • Each child gets a personalized program tailored to their unique gifts, strengths, and talents
    • Dual-accredited as both an independent school and a Positive Youth Development program
    • 90% of graduates successfully engaged in work, school, or trades programs (at 3-month follow-up)

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "Founded in 1982, Sudbury Christian Academy (SCA) remains committed to the principle that gifted teachers, small classes, and a structured environment are the greatest factors in student success. Historically recognized as a high achieving academic school, the total SCA student experience is upheld by four pillars -- academic development, athletic development, spiritual development, and community development -- all supported by the solid foundation of a Christian worldview."

    • Qualified teachers
    • Small class sizes
    • Structured environment
    • Academic achievement
    • Athletic pursuit
    • Spiritual growth
    • Social development
    • Community service

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    "We reach kids on an emotional level. We’re not bound by a lot of the same rules and structures that some schools are. Everything that we do here, in the end, comes down to relationships. And the program that we’ve created here is a family. What we do here is create a warm, caring environment. It’s like a home."

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "Unparalleled class sizes of no more than 18 students per teacher, which is optimal for individualized attention and differentiation."

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Information not available

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Information not available

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Information not available

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Information not available

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    "Most students are at Whytecliff because things didn't go well at other schools. Students chose us because they're looking for a fresh start, a new approach; a school that might have success where others hadn’t. And once here, both parents and students find it life altering."

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "The top reasons cited by families for choosing SCA (in order of frequency) are: 1) small class sizes; 2) safe and healthy learning environment; 3) academic excellence; and 4) Christian education."

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Information not available

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    "Since the beginning, the force of the programs was in working with student assets, rather than deficits: finding talents and passions, and using those as the means of developing skills and engagement. It’s unlike any school in the region or, for that matter, the country."

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "Families who don't have a basis of comparison might overlook the peaceful and orderly tone of the SCA learning environment, which is partly a product of small class sizes, and partly a product of qualified and gifted teachers."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    "Parents are always surprised with the changes they see in their child and how quickly thrive at Whytecliff. Despite struggling in other schools, student attendance at Whytecliff soars, and course completion increases 4 to 8 times. 95% of students entering grade 12 graduate, and later self-report as 9.3 out of 10 for being on a solid life path."

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    "Many families are surprised to find that elementary tuition is more affordable than early years childcare, and that SCA welcomes families from all faith backgrounds regardless of church attendance."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Information not available

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Information not available

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome to Sudbury Christian Academy (SCA)! We hope that you will choose to make our school your new home for total personal growth in mind, body, and spirit.

    At SCA, we want to make the world a better place to live -- echoing Christ's prayer that God's will would be done "on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10 NIV). We believe that we can change our world by raising up a generation of intelligent, resilient, compassionate leaders. In partnership with you, we will accomplish this goal by delivering well-rounded educational programming with a distinctly Christian worldview.

    Discover the SCA difference for yourself! Call or message us today. I look forward to personally giving your family a private tour of our programs and facilities.

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    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

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    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

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    8 - 12

    JK - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    10%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $5,000

    $2,000

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    75%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    Whytecliff considers applications of any child in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley, age 13-18, who is not being successful or engaged in school. The majority of children we accept have challenges with anxiety & depression and are seeking an environment where they can feel safe ⎯ a real school offering Dogwood and Evergreen graduation that doesn’t seem remedial or like an ‘alternative school’, and a place where they can begin to relax, feel normal, and develop their personal abilities and self-esteem. Many of the children who are successful and qualify for acceptance at Whytecliff have been labelled within a diagnosed category such as: –ADHD –FASD –Dyslexia –Dyscalculia –Dysgraphia –Language Processing Disorder –Nonverbal Learning Disorders –Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit –Chronic Health Impairment –Gifted –High Functioning Autism –Asperger’s Syndrome –Behavioral and Emotional Challenges –Troubled Behavior –Clinical Depression –Clinical Anxiety –Suicidal Thoughts –Drug and Alcohol Abuse –Oppositional Defiant Disorder If you don’t see your child’s challenge listed above, that doesn’t mean they won’t qualify; we have a policy of actively considering all applications to the program.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    WHYTECLIFF AGILE LEARNING CENTRE - BURNABY

    To apply for a place in one of our programs, contact us, ideally by email.

    Most of our intake occurs in August or early September, for the full school year, and in January and before February 10th for the Spring session.

    We’re also happy to call you and get further details if you would prefer to apply that way. As we’re seeking to build a real community, we like to make sure the program is a good fit for each student.

    We also have several Open Houses during the year. To find out our next open house date or arrange a private tour, please contact us.

    SUDBURY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

    The main application forms, along with copies of the birth certificate and immunization record, along with the registration fee are required at the time of registration.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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