At-risk students

Private schools can be a great option for at-risk students

The social stresses of peers, sports, and school can be hard enough for any child, but for students at risk of failing their classes, it can be downright overwhelming. Read more


List of schools for at-risk students

 
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Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres


Langley & Burnaby, British Columbia
Glover/Logan
 
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"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!

  1. Safe, empathetic, supportive community for students with a diverse range of learning needs
  2. Low student-to-educator ratio of less than 5:1 lets us really get to know you
  3. Each child gets a personalized program tailored to their unique gifts, strengths, and talents
  4. Dual-accredited as both an independent school and a Positive Youth Development program

—From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $8,900 to $19,500
 
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Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres 8900 HighSchools Day Day Coed

Athol Murray College of Notre Dame


Wilcox, Saskatchewan
Railway Ave/Rouleau St
 
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"No other high school in the world has developed more Elite, Junior, Collegiate, USPORT, NCAA, National, Olympic or Pro athletes with over 215 in the NHL alone. ND graduates attend top ranked universities worldwide.

  1. Private, independent, co-educational boarding high school, on 50 acres of land, founded in 1920
  2. Home to 300 students, grades 8 - 12, with 90% boarding from up to 20 different countries
  3. Exceptional academic standards, offering Honours & AP Stream or Advanced Courses
  4. 80% of all students are on Honour Roll with 100% graduation rate

—From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $3,400 to $53,550
 
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Athol Murray College of Notre Dame 3400 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

Bond Academy


Toronto, Ontario
Ellesmere Rd/Birchmount Rd
 
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"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for success in class & beyond; nurturing the growth of students' confidence & self-esteem, to take risks when learning, to reach their personal & academic potential.

  1. Character Education
  2. Free Before/After School Program
  3. Weekly Swimming Lessons
  4. Early start French Classes

—From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $7,000 to $16,000
 
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Bond Academy 7000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Yonge St/Sheppard Ave
 
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"Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 7-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $399 to $549 /course
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Ontario Virtual School 399 MiddleSchools HighSchools eSchool Coed

"We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 3-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments" —From the school

  • Gr. 3 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $30,750 to $89,180 /program
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Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning 30750 MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Boarding Coed

"Located in the heart of Toronto, McDonald International Academy offers programs for grades 9 to 12 . Our average class size is 10 to 20 students." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $17,600 to $33,000
  • Day, Boarding
  • 230 students
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McDonald International Academy 17600 HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
York Mills/Leslie
 
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"Hawthorn School is located in Toronto. We offer a co-ed toddler-SK program and an all girls program for grade 1- grade 12. Our unique mentoring program is tailored to help students reach their full potential." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Girls/Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $17,000 to $40,000
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Hawthorn School 17000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Day Girls Coed
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"We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $9,565 to $32,000
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Westmont Montessori School 9565 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Yonge/Eglinton
 
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"We go beyond curriculum expectations to provide opportunities for students to earn admission into their choice of university using our AP accreditation, staff expertise and individual goal setting in small classes." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $14,500 to $21,500
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Toronto STEM School 14500 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
Wellandport, Ontario
 
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"Robert Land Academy, established in 1978, is a private military-inspired boarding school (Gr 5-12) helping boys to experience validation, realize their potential and gain admission to post-secondary programs." —From the school

  • Gr. 5 to 12 (Boys)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $64,000 to $75,000
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Robert Land Academy 64000 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Boys
Scarborough, Ontario
Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue
 
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"Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 6 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $11,158 to $17,500
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Enquiring Minds Montessori 11158 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
Brampton, Ontario
 
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"Ontario eSecondary School (OES) offers fast, flexible and fully online courses supported by certified staff with free 24/7 tutoring. 8/10 of our students achieve over 85% in their course(s)." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $435 to $745 /course
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Ontario eSecondary School 435 HighSchools eSchool Coed
Breslau, Ontario
 
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"Students receive an excellent education which prepares them well for university, college and a wide variety of workplaces." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $19,789 to $20,580
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Woodland Christian High School 19789 HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Queen/Silver Birch
 
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"The Cole Academy welcomes students of all genders and orientations and their families. Using stories of under-represented communities, TCA prepares students socially, emotionally, and academically for future schooling." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $25,000
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The Cole Academy 25000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Oakville, Ontario
Burnhamthorpe Rd. W/Neyagawa Blvd.
 
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"King’s Christian Collegiate is an independent Christian high school providing superb instruction in a safe, stimulating academic environment. Caring staff set the tone for a positive, up-beat culture." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $18,600
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King's Christian Collegiate 18600 HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
North York, Ontario
Finch Ave. W./Bathurst St.
 
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"CAA has been serving the GTA for 70 years. Our students learn through a strong academic curriculum, community engagement and alumni mentorship – with a 98% acceptance rate to the University of their first choice." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $10,250 to $16,000
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Crawford Adventist Academy 10250 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West
 
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"NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!" —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 6 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum; Waldorf
  • $15,500 to $17,500
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Alive Montessori & Private School 15500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
Amaranth, Ontario
 
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"The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). Daily French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $10,093 to $11,980
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The Maples Academy 10093 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Etobicoke, Ontario
Bloor St./Jane St.
 
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"Blyth Academy Etobicoke, located in Toronto's west end, focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and experiential learning." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $19,495 to $25,395
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Blyth Academy Etobicoke 19495 HighSchools Day Coed
North York, Ontario
Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue
 
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"Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $18,875 to $24,075
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AVRO Academy 18875 HighSchools Day Coed
Bayfield, Ontario
 
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"After 22 years of teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in experience, credibility, and expertise. Our student-centred model provides a world-class educational experience for thousands of Ontario students each year." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $329 to $764 /course
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Virtual High School 329 HighSchools eSchool Coed
Rosthern, Saskatchewan
 
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"RJC is a Grades 10-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school

  • Gr. 10 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $4,500 to $20,000
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Rosthern Junior College High School 4500 Boarding Day Coed
London, Ontario
Richmond Street/King Street
 
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"A Canadian Private Secondary Boarding school, located in the heart of London, Ontario. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed/Girls)
  • Traditional curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $16,000 to $32,000
  • Boarding
  • 345 students
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London International Academy 16000 HighSchools Boarding Boarding Coed Girls
St. Catharines, Ontario
Ontario St./Welland Ave.
 
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"Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest" —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed/Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $57 to $10,000
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Agate Private School 57 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day eSchool Boarding Coed Girls
Gretna, Manitoba
 
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"Faith is at the center of all we do at MCI- from the court, to the stage, to the classroom. We work to provide a safe space for students to ask questions, dig deeper, grow into who God is calling them to be." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $6,800 to $30,500
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Mennonite Collegiate Institute 6800 HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Mississauga, Ontario
 
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"Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience" —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 8 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum; Montessori
  • $9,800 to $16,990
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Meadow Green Academy 9800 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Etobicoke, Ontario
Bloor/Shaver
 
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"Kingsley's small classes and personal approach help students reach their unique potential. Each child is seen, heard, and respected. French, music, and phys-ed round out a program which includes plenty of time outdoors." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 5 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum; Reggio Emilia
  • $7,500 to $13,000
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Kingsley Primary School 7500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
Woodbridge, Ontario
Kipling/Highway 7
 
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"Each student is unique. Why be just a number when you can be valued for who you are? We enfold, engage and empower every student in a safe, friendly, and supportive learning community. You belong here!" —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $19,340
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Toronto District Christian High School 19340 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
St. Catharines, Ontario
Ridley Road/Henrietta Street
 
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"Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational IB boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $29,455 to $82,975
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Ridley College 29455 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
North York, Ontario
Bathurst/Wilson
 
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"Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to students whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing personal best through a balanced approach to education." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $20,000 to $26,000
  • Day school
  • 30 students
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Magnificent Minds 20000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Laval, Quebec
 
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"NSAL is the only private English high school on Montreal's North Shore. We offer small classroom sizes and an enriched curriculum. We teach not only for school but for life! Certificate of eligibility not required." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $14,350 to $23,000
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North Star Academy 14350 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Aurora, Ontario
St. John Sideroad/Yonge St.
 
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"Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!" —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 8 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $14,200 to $23,300
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Aurora Montessori School 14200 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Vancouver, British Columbia
 
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"HongDe Elementary School provides Kindergarten-Grade 5 students a Chinese (Mandarin) / English bilingual education in a safe and supportive learning environment that recognizes the individual needs of each student." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 6 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $16,800 to $19,800
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HongDe Elementary School 16800 Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
Mississauga, Ontario
Dundas St. W/Erin Mills Pkwy
 
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"We offer a specialized program and teaching; focusing on the core subjects of language and math, incorporating cognitive activities and therapies for students with learning difficulties to help them learn and succeed." —From the school

  • Gr. SK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $20,000
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Vianney Academy 20000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
London, Ontario
Wellington Street/Central Avenue
 
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"Sycamore School offers grades 8-12 personalized education in an alternative programs that address the needs of secondary school students who may thrive in a small community of learners working toward graduation." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $20,200
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The Sycamore School 20200 HighSchools Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
University Ave./Dundas street
 
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"Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; Montessori
  • $15,800 to $26,000
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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School 15800 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Lower Spadina/Bathurst
 
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"At Free Spirit MDT, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming environment. Learning in a intimate setting, we are able to take into consideration and encourage the free spirit of each child." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to K (Coed)
  • Montessori approach
  • $11,600 to $15,700
  • Day school
  • 16 students
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Free Spirit Montessori Downtown 11600 Preschool Kindergarten Day Coed
North Vancouver, British Columbia
W 22nd/Phillip
 
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"As a Reggio Inspired School in North Vancouver, Sunflower engages daily in rigorous reflective practice - collaboratively designing curriculum and environment around the emerging interests and curiosities of the children" —From the school

  • Gr. PS (Coed)
  • Reggio Emilia approach
  • $2,400 to $5,500
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Sunflower Early Learning Society 2400 Preschool Day Coed
Ottawa, Ontario
Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave.
 
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"Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 8 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $6,183 to $22,970
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 6183 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Cambridge, Ontario
Franklin Blvd/Myers Road
 
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"OAK BRIDGE ACADEMY is an alternative, not-for-profit school. Our highest priority is to provide financially accessible, highly specialized education to every child with learning exceptionalities." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 10 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $28,000 to $32,000
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Oak Bridge Academy 28000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Markham, Ontario
Denison/Warden
 
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"Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!" —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 3 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $10,500 to $16,500
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Sunrise Montessori School 10500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
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"At Oxford Learning Academy, our teachers will use the proven scientific approach of Cognitive Development to teach our students new ways of thinking and understanding what they are learning and how they are learning." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $9,500 to $16,100
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Oxford Learning Academy (Private School) 9500 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Oakville, Ontario
QEW Highway/403 Highway
 
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"Walden International School is the only private school in Halton region that is authorized to deliver the IB PYP and MYP programmes. Walden is committed to Making Good People. And, from goodness arises greatness." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $20,000 to $23,000
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Walden International School 20000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Unionville, Ontario
Brimley Road/14th Ave
 
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"Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to SK (Coed)
  • Montessori approach
  • $9,480 to $15,840
  • Day school
  • 0 students
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Yip’s Music & Montessori School 9480 Preschool Kindergarten Day Coed

It’s common knowledge that no two students learn in exactly the same way. Yet school subject material can only be taught in one manner. This places some students at risk of falling behind their peers academically, resulting in a loss of self-confidence, a dislike for school, and increased stress and frustration. The accumulation of these feelings, poor grades at school, and the stresses children face in social situations at school then make it even harder to concentrate during daily lessons, leading to a potentially very damaging vicious cycle.

But just because a student is at risk of failing or is receiving poor marks in school, it does not make them in any way "dumb" or "stupid" as they may be called or feel personally. At-risk students are disproportionately male and of minority backgrounds, and tend not to participate in school activities or feel a personal connection to the school, but there are many, many reasons why a student at risk may have difficulty keeping up with their peers academically.

A few include:

Learning Styles:

There are many ways to absorb information, and students need to discover for themselves what method works best for them. Once this happens, they can take their learning processes into their own hands, and are usually at an age that will allow them to do so. However, younger children who have not yet discovered their personal process of learning are in the control of their teacher. And while they may try to incorporate all different kinds of teaching into their lesson plan, it is impossible to meet every child’s needs, leaving some to fall behind.

Learning Disabilities/Special Needs:

Sometimes a student at risk of failing a class has a physical reason for not being able to match their classmates in academics, like hearing or visual impairment, or a learning disability, like dyslexia or ADHD. Most schools offer special programs for children who exhibit diagnosed learning disabilities or require special attention, but these are usually lacking in resources and the first to be hit by any budget cuts. you can learn more about whether or not your child has a learning disability.

Troubled Teens:

At-risk students who have aligned themselves with the wrong crowd and exhibit impulsive behaviour at school may see significant drops in their grades, even if they were straight-A students in previous years. Students at risk of failing also may be distracted by problems at home, drug addiction, pregnancy, and other serious problems that leave little time or energy for schoolwork.

Public schools can provide some help for at-risk students struggling in school, but their resources can be limited. At one of Canada’s many quality private schools, at-risk students receive the benefits that private and independent schools provide. Countless of at-risk students have already seen vast improvements in their academic achievement through the close attention that comes from small class sizes, the enthusiasm and support of passionate instructors and councilors, individually-customized education based on each student’s learning needs, up-to-date technology, and unique programs designed specifically to help students at risk of failing grades, whether it be for the fault of a learning disability, a different learning style, special needs, or a troubled personal life.

Our Kids features an extensive list of private and independent schools across Canada devoted specifically to at-risk students, including schools to help children with ADHD,  schools that teach students with special needs, and boarding schools for special needs students and troubled teens. You can also find troubled teens schools in Toronto and Ontario.

With some material from: https://www.ericdigests.org/pre-928/risk.htm

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