305 Matheson Boulevard East, Mississauga, Ontario, L4Z 1X8, Canada
43 Chaplin Ave, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 2E4, Canada
1995
1983
150
261
Nursery/Toddler to 5
Nursery/Toddler to 12
Coed
Coed, Girls
Day
eSchool, Homestay, Day, Boarding
English
English
Academic
Nature-based
Traditional, Montessori
Progressive
Varies
Varies
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
$5,140 to $10,850
$350
$9,158
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
15
15
0%
0%
85%
0%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
No
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
There’s a lot to learn in the early years, one of them being a confidence to learn and to engage effectively with others. ABC, in keeping with the core tenets of the Montessori approach, was founded in 1995 to create a caring, supportive, family-centred environment, and that remains foremost in the school’s approach. An impressive roster of extracurricular activities is a draw, as is the attention to values. ABC’s reputation has been rightly gained through an individual attention to the needs of each student, and providing a solid foundation for their ongoing academic life.
View full reportAgate Private School was created to reflect the Sudbury Model of education, which gets its name from the Sudbury Valley School founded in 1968 in Framingham, Massachusetts. An experimental school at the time, there are now more than 60 schools around the world that identify as Sudbury schools, all reflecting a core belief in educational freedom within a democratic learning environment. It’s an example of the free school movement, established in Europe in the 1920s, and perhaps peaking in the US in the 1960s and 1970s. It was a response to regimented learning of the kind that we still think of as stereotypically "school": students in rows of desks, learning a set curriculum in consort with their peers, and following a set schedule. In a sense, some of the core concepts of free schooling—instruction that is personal, student-directed, unregimented—have filtered their way into even the most traditional school settings today. Classrooms furniture is varied, with areas for quiet reading, group collaboration, etc. But Agate is an example of all of that and then some. Students guide their learning, choose how to spend their time, and follow their personal instincts. And, just as the Sudbury Valley School, or the Summerhill School in the UK—and indeed Agate itself—the model has proven itself effective. Perhaps it’s not the school for every student, though, indeed, there’s no school that is. The families that turn to Agate find a place where students are challenged to grow and learn in new ways. And they do.
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"Agate Private School can help your child succeed in anything."
Yulanda Vanleer - Parent (Mar 09, 2023)
Ari was really able to thrive with the help of Gayle. She is so good at bringing out the best in her...
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"At Agate Private School, the teaching experience is unique as parents take on the role of educators for their children."
Celene Dobson - Parent (Feb 23, 2024)
At Agate Private School, my child's homeschooling experience has been nothing short of exceptional. ...
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"My son is learning at a faster rate with far more retention."
Kathy Parris - Student (Feb 28, 2024)
I love Agate Private School. My son is learning at a faster rate with far more retention. I am able...
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"Our goal is to provide every student with the most rewarding and fulfilling education experience. Recognized for academic excellence, ABC Montessori offers a developmental pre-CASA program, a modern Montessori program for students aged 2 to 5 years, and an enriched traditional elementary program from SK to grade 5. Our students excel academically through a rigorous study program and grow socially, emotionally, and physically through a variety of arts, athletic, and extracurricular activities."
"Agate Private School is an alternative private school specializing in designing, developing and engaging individualized programs for our autodidactic students. Borders, distance learners and day students collaborate to make a unique learning experience. Founded in 1983 by the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training, expressly for home educators, alternative needs and like-minded families. Agate private school strives to offer spontaneous diversity of choice with students stimulating an open-ended curriculum."
"We’re a small school with big aspirations. Our families enroll at our school for the intimate learning environment meant to prepare students for success in middle school and beyond. The curriculum we teach is enhanced. The good work habits we teach are ones that stay for a life time!"
"Our school allows children and parents to exercise agency, choice, and personalization in education. The students are permitted to choose, what, how, and when they will learn. We, as Staff and Parents, support them in their strengths-based approach to learning.
We also offer a Forest School Option- Monday to Friday located in various locations around the Niagara peninsula."
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"Being a smaller school with a strong curriculum, our students excel in our nurturing environment with good life long habits that serve students well into middle school and high school. They prepare very well academically with good manners and excellent work ethic."
"Families choose Agate Private School for their ability to choose their own educational method and agency in learning tools, curriculum and direction. Families and students are autodidactic and can self-graduate.
No other school allows you and your children to choose your own learning journey, create and curate your own curriculum and design your own education plan.
Never again feel lost, helpless and powerless in your child learning journey."
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"While progress can seem slow at first, the habits formed and the direction provided by teachers really begin to show mid way through the year. The students transform into well balanced students with an enviable love for learning."
"The removal of obstacles to learning ie: age segregation, grades, grade levels and standardized tests. Children are not standard; they are unique and individual. They have their own strengths and abilities, which we respect and foster. We identify and focus on strengths not deficiencies, allowing your children to build and accept their utmost potential."
"The intensity with which teachers engage with students to help them and guide them along the way is what makes our experience unique. The teachers are truly our most treasured part of our school and with dedicated students, the progress they make is remarkable."
"We support all styles and methodologies in learning. We also believe that everything counts and matters, that the child and their instincts and agency matter, regardless of where or what they do. We include everything as part of their learning.
Learning is like breathing, it happens all the time. Everything they do matters, they matter!"
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ABC Montessori is an academic school with an educational philosophy based on the development of the whole child. We believe in helping a child to develop academically, intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. In addition to teaching academic subject matter, students at ABC Montessori are taught practical life and social skills, good work habits, time management, and respect of others and the environment.
At ABC Montessori, we offer our toddler and CASA students a hybrid learning approach which includes the use of Montessori materials and traditional learning materials and methods. Our Elementary students undergo an advanced traditional curriculum based on the Ontario Ministry of Education’s base curriculum.
As a parent, you likely worry not only about your child’s academic success, but also about the social and physical environment of the school where he or she spends their day and about the teachers who are responsible for their learning and care. At ABC Montessori, our foremost priorities are to provide students with a friendly, nurturing and supportive school atmosphere and teachers who are caring, encouraging and dedicated to the overall success of every student.
ABC Montessori has a strict code of conduct that all students must follow. Students are taught to respect their teachers and classmates and how to behave in the classroom. Teaching a student respect, good manners, and how to conduct themselves is a cooperative effort between the school and parents and is a part of a student’s overall education. ABC Montessori does not tolerate physical or verbal abuse by anyone. Any student who abuses or causes harm to another student, or teacher, will not be permitted to continue at ABC Montessori.
Every student is an individual with a unique personality. We understand that each student learns at a different pace, and has his or her own strengths and weaknesses, interests, likes and dislikes and personal habits. Students receive a great deal of personal attention in the classroom; thus, the teachers have a good understanding of each student’s academic as well as social requirements. Teachers can assess the progress and understand a student’s strengths and weaknesses much more accurately by spending quality time with each individual student.
Every child deserves the support, encouragement and the opportunity to reach their full potential. At ABC Montessori, we promise to provide every student with the opportunity to succeed by giving him or her tools to build a strong foundation, in an environment that is stimulating, challenging, and very supportive. It is our goal to make every student’s experience at ABC Montessori as rewarding and fulfilling as possible.
At ABC Montessori, we believe that education is the foundation for life. The education that a child receives at an early age, along with his or her home life, are the most important factors in determining his or her future. The impact of early education is felt throughout a person’s life. A child’s school experience must be positive and fulfilling. We believe that the responsibility of ensuring that a child receives a good education is shared by the school and parents jointly. We believe that building self-confidence, independence and motivation will give a person the ability to attempt new things, be a leader and to always put forth their best effort.
In 1996, I became the owner and principal of Agate Private School. I was blessed with the opportunity to allow families and children to choose their own learning paths.
One of the most important skills for students to learn is how to think independently. This can be difficult in a world where we are constantly inundated with messages telling us what is right and wrong, what we should believe and how we should behave. In order to develop this skill, students need space to explore their own curiosity.
One way you can help your students develop this skill is by creating spaces where they have a choice about what they do, when, and how they do it. Allowing them to make choices will allow them to develop the ability to make good decisions for themselves and will give them practice at being responsible for those decisions.
Another way we can help your children develop independent thought is by allowing them plenty of time for play. Play allows children's imaginations to run wild and gives them opportunities to explore new ideas without any pressure from adults or peers telling them how things "should" be done.
I have been the headmistress of Agate private School since 1996
As a Public Speaker, Educational Agent for NASA and Guest lecturer at various Universities on the subject of Alternative Education, I've recently represented Canada at an international conference on Self-Directed learning.
I have 6++ kids, four grandchildren, two cats, and a passion for Egyptology.
I began University at age 14 and hope to never stop learning.
Progressive
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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.
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.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Not applicable
We offer a modern montessori program for children aged 2.5 yrs to 5 years. In their senior kindergarten year, the students reduce their reliance on montessori materials in favour of a more traiditional approach in time for their entry into Grade 1. From Grade 1 onward, our curriculum is academically intense and one that focuses on the basics of writing, reading, communication, and numeracy. Students learn traditional subjects such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies, French, Art, Music, and Physical Education.
The buffet-style curriculum is self-directed by the students and their interests. Staff and parents assist when asked and provide direction when asked.
Discovery Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.
Our Math curriculum is focused on perfecting the basics. A thorough combination of exercises and problem solving help the student to solidify the Math base which will aid them in understanding future concepts much better.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
We utilize the "Math Advantage" series of textbooks.
depends upon the student
Students are not allowed to use calculators. They are encouraged to be able to think on their feet and to work though mathematical calculations using their mathematical abilities only.
Information not available
Phonics-intensive
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.
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.
Teachers present the reading curriculum using the phonics approach. Children learn to "sound-out" words using the concept of blending consonants and vowels. By using this approach, students learn to read any word. As the years progress, students have ample opportunities to read daily and to improve their reading and comprehension skills
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
Process 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 process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
Students learn to write short sentences at the JK level and progress to writing short journals at the SK level. At the Grade 1 level, students begin to learn how to write book reports and answer reading comprehension questions. As students progress through the grades up to Grade 5, students are presented with ample opportunities to write many different types of writing including descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and expository.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
Inquiry
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
Our Science program is theme based and students explore the various themes at each grade level through the inquiry approach, often resorting to experiments to help them learn about the themes.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
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
Zoology
Equal Balance
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.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Students at the Grade 4 and 5 level dwell into novel studies, reading and studying in depth one novel per term. Each novel is dissected to help students explore the literature by exploring not only the facts, but also symbolism and imagery.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
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
Thematic
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).
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.
The Social Studies curriculum focuses on Canada and its people; however, as the students progress, activities help to tie in the rest of the world. Students learn not only about Canadian geography and history but also the history and geography of the countries from where Canada's immigration originated.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
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.
Our French program commences at the pre-school level and its main objective is to have the students become familiar with the language, both phonetically and grammatically. Through a mix of grammar lessons, oral lessons, reading, and writing, students become proficient in the French language so that they are able to converse, read, and write the language with reasonable fluency at the Grade 5 level.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
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
Information not available
Equal Balance
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Every class integrates the subject of arts to include visual arts, dance, drama, and music. Students explore various mediums of visual arts through out the year and tie these explorations with various themes during the year. Our drama, dance, and music program culminates into a fantastic Concert each year in which, every student participates and learns to appreciate the various cultures represented at our school.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
As a pre-school, kindergarten, and lower elementary school, technology use is still at its infancy. We believe that students must first perfect their ability to read and comprehend before they learn to use technology in the classroom. As students progress to our upper grades 4 and 5, the use of computers are encouraged to supplement research for project and to produce research reports. Starting in 2023, students will be introduced to coding
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
The objective of the physical education program is to help students improve their fine motor and gross motor skills, while improving their strength, flexibility, and fitness as they grow. Various routines are taught to address our objective and game play and skills development are introduced to further enhance the program.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
Play-based
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
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.
Our CASA program is much more academic focused than the traditional material-only based Montessori program. Students work with textbooks, workbooks and readers as well as the Montessori materials and related activities. Language and math are the core of the curriculum.
Information not available
Student-paced
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.
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
Information not available
Supportive
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 “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.
The academic culture at our school is strong. Our main focus on the whole schooling approach is highly academic with a focus on achieving fluency in literacy and mathematics, while supported by studies in French, Science, Social Studies, Music, and Physical Education.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
We are committed to academic excellence, personal growth and most importantly, fostering a love for learning.
Ungraded Student-led not compulsory - Optional
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. |
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Modifications
Modifications
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
We partner with Dr. Charles Solis from Brain Fit Kids to train families and Educators. We are Trauma-informed.
We are not a special needs school. However, we do acknowledge that special needs are on a spectrum and we have assisted many students in the past 30 years to deal with and overcome some learning difficulties.
We try to assist all families who have children with special needs as best we can.
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
2 - 12
0%
0%
$0
$300
85%
0%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 1 - 5
No
No
No
No
No
Our students have a natural curiosity for learning and are well adjusted individuals who exhibit good behaviour and a sense of respect for their teachers and classmates alike. We believe that a well adjusted and well mannered child will have the necessary traits to gain the most out of their classroom exposure.
A student who loves learning, or used to love learning and wants to again.
For students entering Grades 1 to 5, an entrance assessment covering reading, writing, and numeracy is administered. Following a successful assessment, an admission offer is presented and parents may subsequently prepare the application package based on an enrollment link provided by the school. All registrations are to be completed online using our enrollment and payment system TUIO.
Parents who are wanting to take responsibility for their children's education can fill out our application. Then there is an interview about the parent's values and student goals.