AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto vs. HongDe Elementary School

one-to-one comparison:

View Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto's full report
VS.
View HongDe Elementary School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    1767 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4L 3Z2, Canada

    100-688 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1P1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2022

    2021

    Enrolment

    12

    20

    Grades

    7 to 9

    K to 6

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English, Mandarin

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Social
    The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Montessori

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    Student-paced
    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.
    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

    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”.
    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

    10 to 12

    4 to 9

    Special needs support

    Learning, Developmental, Behavioral

    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

    $18,000

    $16,800 to $19,800

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    7 to 8

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    4

    3

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    75%

    Day entry years

    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 7 - 8

    Yes: grades K - 7

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Offering a highly individualized curriculum, Academy of Thought and Industry (ATI) Toronto students are supported in unique ways while still completing the rigorous, self-paced core academic curriculum they’ll need to thrive in higher education. With small class sizes and a tight-knit community, the school offers a hands-on learning style where students are supported in personal projects, custom internships, and electives suited to their interests. Every student is paired with a coach to support the process of social and emotional development so fundamental to adolescence. The school describes its curriculum as “designed for life,” offering a third choice beyond the rigours of more traditional private schools and some other less demanding schools. As part of a network of eight ATI schools across North America, students can access a wide range of extracurricular activities that run both locally and virtually. ATI strives to deeply understand each student, to help them thrive emotionally and socially, and to support their individual path to excellence. 

    View full report

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    HongDe is the very definition of a bilingual school—students live and learn in two languages. They also arrive proficient in either. This isn’t a school where Anglophones learn Mandarin, or Mandarin speakers learn English; rather, it’s both. Language learning is important, and bilingual fluency has its own benefits. But there are other benefits to learning languages that are less obvious, maybe, though eminently valuable. They include gaining a sense of the world, interacting meaningfully with other cultures, and gaining a unique sense of mastery. HongDe was formed very much with all of those things in mind. Given that it’s an elementary school, the introduction to a second language comes at the right time, that when kids are best able to take it on board. Facilities are crisp, clean, and the school is a hub to a vibrant, engaged parent and student community.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "ATI's curriculum is rooted in thought & industry, in thinking and doing. In addition to our core academic curriculum, students take the driver's seat by tackling personal projects, entrepreneurial ventures and electives suited to their interests. Every student at ATI is paired with a coach, to support the process of self-creation that is so fundamental to adolescence. We strive to deeply know each student, to help them thrive emotionally and socially, and to support their individual path to excellence."

    • Self-paced, rigorous academics
    • Individualized coaching
    • Supportive community
    • Connected to a network of 8 schools

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "HongDe Elementary School is a BC Ministry of Education certified Not-For-Profit Kindergarten – Grade 5 Independent School, offering a Mandarin / English bilingual program. The name HongDe can be translated as “Promoting virtue through learning traditional culture.”"

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "Too often, parents and students face a choice between traditional schools —lacking flexibility and individualization— or “progressive schools” that fall short in delivering deep knowledge and an intentional curriculum. At ATI, we combine deep study of core subjects with a focus on real-world exploration and application. This transforms the school experience from disengaged participation to thriving
    and passionate learners who have an ever-increasing capacity for independent exploration."

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "In a caring and supportive learning environment characterized by small class sizes and a rich multicultural setting, students embark on a transformative journey to acquire both English and Chinese languages. Our program is thoughtfully balanced, with 40% of instruction delivered in Mandarin and 60% in English."

    Array

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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "Rather than an emphasis on memorization or standardized testing, all knowledge at ATI is deeply practical. Coursework is motivated by real-world problems and challenges—from Socratic discussions in literature courses, to field research in science, to entrepreneurship, internships, and more. It is this fusion of deep knowledge (thought) applied to real-world problems (industry) that captures our approach."

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "Our educators embrace the revised BC curriculum with its focus on engagement, the core competencies, essential learning and literacy and numeracy foundations. We strive to educate students for the future; one in which the ability to collaborate and think critically and creatively will be invaluable."

    Array

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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "Every student at ATI is paired with a coach, a supportive guide who serves as thought partner and mentor. The coach’s role, over the course of the school years, is to make herself obsolete: as the student gains the social, emotional, and cognitive skills to enable her to serve as her own coach going forward. This is not a tutor or a guidance counselor; the coach is a powerful and unique partner to help each student unlock his or her full potential."

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "Mandarin is the most relevant and useful second language, spoken by more than 900 million people world-wide. Our students will receive Mandarin instruction in Chinese Language Arts, Arts Education, Physical Education and Health education. This will give them the opportunity to acquire the skills needed for speaking, reading, writing, listening, and communicating in both Mandarin and English."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "Every ATI school is a tight-knit community that is also connected to a network of other ATI locations. The network allows you to learn from industry experts, take part in unique electives, find mentors in your field and connect with peers across North America."

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    "HongDe Elementary School’s performing arts component in the Mandarin Program is a holistic creative journey that nurtures students in traditional Chinese music and dance."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome to the Academy of Thought and Industry: we’re so glad you’re here! ATI is education not as it has been, but as it can be: something designed specifically for adolescents, something designed for life. Adolescence is a period of intense physical and emotional growth. You are transitioning from childhood to adulthood—from depending on your parents, family, and teachers to a space where you decide your own path. What an exciting journey, occasionally overwhelming, potentially fraught, inevitably profound. No matter where you spend these years, you emerge on the other side having changed dramatically. In many ways, traditional schools are at odds with the needs of this period of change: you’re forced to conform to a system that has at its core not your needs as a growing, changing, striving, individual— but the needs of the system itself. Progressive schools often allow you free rein to choose your own pursuits, skipping from project to project, but without that deep attention to knowledge that would fully unlock your mind’s potential. The alternatives are: rigid structure where knowledge is abstracted from application, or free structure where applications are abstracted from knowledge.

    The Academy of Thought and Industry is the third option. Here, we pursue the union of thought and industry, of the mind and the hand. Our students don’t just memorize— they understand, by integrating and applying at every step.

    At ATI, there is no conflict between the intellectual and the practical. Our students take film-making classes to actually make movies. They take economics courses because they are starting their own businesses—or more abstract economics because they want to understand the theories that make up the society in which they participate. One of our middle school classes in New York is running a thriving compost business; a high school student in Texas has a professional photography studio with international clients.

    You might be asking: Who are these incredible teenagers? 

    In some ways, our students are extraordinary. In other ways, they are the most natural and healthy people of all: they are unusual only in that they are actualizing the potential that is perfectly, universally ordinary. At ATI, you get to explore this period of transition into adulthood with graduated agency: each step you take here will open up greater choices, greater possibilities, and greater independence. But you will always have behind you the support and care of your coach, your guides, and your ATI community. Here, you can fully explore your own rapidly expanding self.

    We can’t wait to meet you.

    As Principal, it is my pleasure to introduce you to HongDe Elementary School, a BC certified Mandarin/English bilingual school where students and teachers learn and collaborate together.

    At HongDe Elementary School, teachers and staff strive to ensure that all students are learning in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment. HongDe teachers focus on facilitating the development of critical thinking and inquiry in students by following the BC Curriculum (Core Competencies, Curricular Competencies, Content, First Peoples Principles of Learning), while also modeling and teaching virtues.

    HongDe Elementary School is a small and unique learning community that values the diversity and talents of all students and staff. By learning at HongDe Elementary School, your child will not only acquire language proficiency in both Mandarin and English, but will most importantly feel proud of their achievements as bilingual learners.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Montessori


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Information not available

      HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      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.

      HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      ATI's curriculum is a self-paced, mastery-based program that combines traditional academic rigour with student choice and agency. Courses are interdisciplinary and skills-based. They cover the core topics expected of middle and high school students, but in a way that is grounded in real-life questions and curiosity. Students are motivated to gain new skills in order to grapple with challenging real-world problems, and educational objectives are interwoven between core topics. As students advance, they have an ever-increasing set of optional courses to explore areas of personal interest: electives, entrepreneurship, internships and independent study.

      HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Traditional Math


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        The Mathematics program at ATI, as with the rest of its academic curriculum, uses a self-paced, mastery-based approach. Students are presented lessons in small groups, and complete their follow up work independently or with a group of peers. Concepts are often introduced as historical “mysteries” — showing the reasons why certain mathematical concepts arose, and how they solved a particular real-world problem. This emphasis on real-world applications keeps students motivated and engaged. For example, in the Grade 7 unit on Scale Drawings, students complete a summative project where they create their own scale drawing of their neighbourhood. Ratios are practiced via doubling or halving recipes in a cooking class. Unit rates and percentages are applied to concepts in personal finance to demonstrate their usefulness. When learned in this way, math becomes a useful tool, rather than a set of rules to be memorized and then forgotten.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        ATI uses its own proprietary curriculum, which meets or exceeds Ontario standards. Learning is tracked using our Altitude LMS, and is supplemented with IXL.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Information not available

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Science


        Approach


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        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.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        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.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Scientific thinking and its organizational systems are the way we can begin to make sense of the world around us: to find a signal in all of the noise of information production. At ATI, you’ll start to build your mental scientific toolbox. Your reasoning mind will be given a set of tools and approaches that are applicable across the scientific disciplines and will help you understand a bit about how the universe works, how we as humans got here today, and how you can help make the world a little better during your life, no matter what you do for a living. Scientific concepts will be reviewed and applied via hands-on labs and projects that keep students engaged and spark their interest in further exploration.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Zoology

      • Literature


        Approach


        Our take: literature approach type

        Our take: literature approach type

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        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.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.


        What the school says about their literature program

        What the school says about their literature program

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        What does literature tell us about how to live? The English curriculum at ATI will explore the importance of literature in our lives. We’ll look to our own favourite texts to examine how literature can meaningfully guide the way we live ourselves. We’ll also use art, writing, and discussion to explore selected poetry and short stories as we unlock key skills we’ll develop all year: how to use evidence in your reasoning and writing, how to discover literary themes, and how to participate in a Socratic seminar.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Domains covered by the literature program

        Topics covered in literature curriculum

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

      • Humanities and Social Sciences


        Approach


        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.


        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        As children, we discover that we are born into the middle chapters of an enormous and complex story. Thousands of generations have come before us, and just like us, they have tried their hands at the challenges of life. Great lessons born from their defeats, triumphs, follies, and discoveries are yours for the taking…but first you must learn how to find them. At ATI, you will learn the ways that historians uncover and analyze how human societies came to be the way they are. During middle school, we first cover a survey of world history, and then do a deeper dive into North American history up to 1910, in preparation for the Ontario Grade 10 History course, which focuses on World War 1 to the present.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Foreign Languages


        Approach


        Our take: foreign language approach type

        Our take: foreign language approach type

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.


        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Our acquired language curriculum introduces language as a gateway to understanding the local and global world. Through language study at ATI, students develop a sense of curiosity and interest in other cultures, and learn to communicate and empathize with others. Our language courses are based on ACTFL and Ontario proficiency benchmarks and performance indicators. They capture performance in speaking, writing, listening, reading and cultural knowledge. Communication is viewed through three lenses: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Instruction is provided network-wide via live, synchronous virtual courses, and supplemented with Rosetta Stone. Our middle school curriculum focuses on French, and students can opt to learn Spanish in high school as well.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Language instruction offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese


        Learning a foreign language is required until

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Information not available

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Fine Arts


        Approach


        Our take: fine arts approach type

        Our take: fine arts approach type

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        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.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.


        What the school says about their fine arts program

        What the school says about their fine arts program

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        ATI's arts program is part of our elective offerings, which change each quarter. Drawing Levels 1 and 2 are our most popular electives, (see a video summary here -- https://tohigherground.wistia.com/medias/zz9sl1ycun) but we also have offered sculpting, acting, and web design in the past. Offerings change from year to year based on student interest. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields, in a virtual synchronous format.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

      • Computers and Technolgy


        Approach

        Approach

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Heavy integration

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Medium integration


        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.


        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        ATI students use their laptops to access Altitude, our proprietary learning management system. Altitude is used to assign, assess, and record student work in an individually customized way.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

      • Physical Education


        What the school says about their physical education program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Our physical education program is provided by a local organization, Bob Acton Sports. They provide instruction in a wide variety of sports that can be learned in our local parks, such as road hockey, soccer, and football. The program helps students build an interest in and commitment to life-long healthy and active living.

        HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

        Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      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”.

      HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Information not available

      HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Information not available

      HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT

    FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIES

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:
    Resource Assistance:
    Withdrawal Assistance:
    Partial Integration:
    Full-Time Class:
    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.
    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.

    Additional support

    Additional support

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    INFORMAL SUPPORT FOR MILD DIFFICULTIES

    Learning Strategy

    Extra Support

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD

    Accommodations


    Additional support

    Additional support

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy


    What the school says about their special needs support

    What the school says about their special needs support

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available


    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • 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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    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

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    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


    What the school says

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    7 - 8

    K - 7

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $12,000

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    75%

    Day entry years

    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 7 - 8

    Yes: grades K - 7

    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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    The ideal ATI student is both intellectually curious and driven to apply their learning in the real world.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    ATI utilizes an online application. We admit students on a rolling basis. A tour and shadow day are required before submitting an application. 

    HONGDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

    Application for the 2023- 2024 school year is still open. And we are now accepting new application for the 2024-2025 school year.


    The application process is as follows:

    Step 1: Please fill out the online application form.

    Step 2: Include the following documents with your application and email to [email protected]

    • Passport or Birth Certificate 
    • Most Recent Report Card
    • Immunization Records

    Step 3: Student Interview (online or face-to-face)

    Step 4: Acceptance

    After acceptance, students will be contacted our school to discuss their learning plan. 

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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