245 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 1R3, Canada
140 Dawes Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4C 5C2, Canada
335.5 km
334.4 km
1980
175
77
1 to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, eSchool
Homestay, Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Traditional
10 to 22
12 to 15
Learning, Developmental
$30,000
$8,000 to $14,000
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
15
5
0%
0%
100%
0%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
The Arrowsmith School was founded in 1980 by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young to provide support for struggling learners. The school has been an object of interest ever since, due to the concept that Arrowsmith-Young built her program around. "If we look at a lot of special education programs, the majority assume the learner is fixed," she said. "What my program is saying is that we can change the learner so they can learn." While there are many things that set the school apart, that sense of what is possible is prime among them. The Arrowsmith School works closely with students to develop their strengths, address weaknesses, and build academic, social, and vocational competence. That the method works may be evidence of neuroplasticity, and science may yet underscore that. In the meantime, daring to dream —as well as creating a supportive, caring, understanding environment —can itself provide what many students need in order to succeed, and that's what the Arrowsmith school principally addresses.
View full reportRev. Kelly is clearly passionate about the work of the school, and has gathered a staff that reflects those passions. Classes are small, and the delivery of the curriculum personal, deliberate, creative and exciting. The name of the school couldn’t be more apt: the program is about growing and learning within a shared community that reflects the Christian values of compassion, hope, peace, generosity, faithful stewardship, and striving for excellence in every area of children’s growth, including academic preparedness for successful university studies.
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"Arrowsmith School transforms the lives of students with learning difficulties. By applying principles of neuroscience, Arrowsmith targets and improves cognitive ability, rather than relying on compensations or accommodations. Students engage in programs that strengthen capacities responsible for academics as well as problem-solving, understanding, memory, and communication. With emerging strengths, students create a new reality. Enrolment options include in-person full-time, part-time, summer, and online programs."
"We welcome children from Christian and non-Christian families. Our teachers are professional with truthful love and highly responsible. We nurture a life-long love of eternal truth in children. We follow the Ontario Academic Guidelines and tailor our curriculum to help each student thrive with joy in academics and every area of their growth. We offer great ESL programs and flexible academic programs to international students to help them best succeed. We are a big warm family to our students at home and abroad."
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Welcome to Arrowsmith School!
Our goal is for our students to become independent, confident, and self-directed learners who are equipped to achieve academic, career, and life success.
Students with learning difficulties and individuals wishing to strengthen their cognitive capacity join Arrowsmith School to engage in a life-changing journey that has the neuroplasticity of the brain and our students’ lifelong success at the forefront of our educational program. The neuroplastic brain, in response to our cognitive exercises, creates and strengthens neuropathways that allow our students to walk the pathway to their preferred future with greater independence and confidence.
At Arrowsmith School, whether attending our Toronto in-person classrooms or our worldly online classrooms, our students engage in a positive school climate that promotes academic success, social connectedness, and overall well-being. We provide an exemplary personalized cognitive program to students of all ages within a learning environment that includes families as a key part of the journey.
Dear friends/families,
In our school, we welcome children from all families, Christians or non-Christians. It is a loving place for all to belong to and flourish. We believe love is the greatest, and interest is the best teacher.
We engage our children in fun, critical thinking, creativities, and real life applications when they do every subject.
Academic wise, our teachers have professional expertise and high sense of responsibility. We make sure every child can process and master every academic concept that is required by the Ontario Curriculum. We carefully make up for the knowledge/skill they fall behind.
This is a closely knit community where your children can find source of quality love, trust, strong sense of belonging and security, as well as intimate relationships with principal, teachers and peers. Our children flourish in a loving, caring and warm environment filled with hunger and thirst for the truth.
We invest a lot of loving efforts on character formations of our children, so that they might reflect good moral characters in their academic, family, social disciplines, responsibilities and lives.
Meanwhile we actively engage our children in rich extra curriculum events in wider Christian schools’ community (ACSI) and our immediate social community context.
If you have interest to talk with us more about curriculum, school life or other questions, we are very happy to serve you.
All the best,
Principal Rev. Kelly Jia
Traditional
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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.
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.
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Arrowsmith School is a privately owned co-educational and non-denominational day school that is dedicated to helping students with specific learning difficulties. Students who come to Arrowsmith School have been struggling in school - some are just starting their schooling but their experience has already shown a pattern of learning problems. Others have been finding school a challenge for years. Each new student is assessed at Arrowsmith School so that we may identify his or her individual learning profile and then design a program of cognitive exercises for that student. Our program has been of benefit for students having difficulty with reading, writing and mathematics, comprehension, logical reasoning, problem solving, visual and auditory memory, non-verbal learning, attention, processing speed and dyslexia. Our goal is for our students to become effective, confident and self-directed learners for life and to enable them to achieve their goals of academic and career success.
We make sure every child can process and master every academic concept that is required by Ontario Curriculum. We carefully make up for the knowledge/skill they fall behind.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Blended learning amidst cognitive transformations, amplify the Math Education at Arrowsmith School. Cognitive strengthening combined with online mathematical connections and classroom correlations, deliver a hybrid educational experience. Within this model, students learn how to regulate their learning more easily and become amply aware of their daily performance with verbal and numerical feedback. The small classroom size provides occasions to collaborate with peers, while their virtual learning gives opportunities for autonomy. Students increase their motivational levels and take more ownership of their own learning, as the processes foster critical thinking skills, self-reflection and confidence.
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Calculators are vital in our technological enhanced society. Students are encouraged to formulate a numerical estimation proceeding the use of their calculator, to ensure reasonable and accurate results.
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Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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Most students at Arrowsmith School receive one period of English each day. There are typically between four to ten students in a class, and classes are either 35 or 40 minutes in length depending on the period when they occur. Students are grouped according to their abilities so that there are usually students from multiple grade levels in any one class.\n\nThe focus of each class will depend on the needs of the students in it. Typically, students reading well below their grade level are placed in a class where the focus tends to be on decoding. In other classes, students read and discuss novels, short stories and non-fiction articles. They also often engage in independent reading comprehension exercises. Additionally, students work on developing their writing skills, learning basic paragraph structure and how to apply it to the composition of short essays. Students also work on revision and editing skills.\n
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DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
A reading placement test is given in September and formal, standardized tests are administered at the end of the year.
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The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
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Most students at Arrowsmith School will receive one period of English each day. There are typically between four to ten students in a class, and classes are either 35 or 40 minutes in length depending on the period when they occur. Students are grouped according to their abilities so that there are usually students from multiple grade levels in any one class.\n
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
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In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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The focus of each class will depend on the needs of the students in it. Typically, students reading well below their grade level are placed in a class where the focus tends to be on decoding. In other classes, students read and discuss novels, short stories and non-fiction articles. They also often engage in independent reading comprehension exercises. Additionally, students work on developing their writing skills, learning basic paragraph structure and how to apply it to the composition of short essays. Students also work on revision and editing skills.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Each Division receives 50 minutes of Gym every Wednesday. When the weather is nice we utilize the Parks near the school and during periods of inclement weather, we book space across the road at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. Gym is an opportunity for students to have a period of sustained physical activity and to, most importantly, have a lot of fun.
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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.
We engage our children in fun, critical thinking, creativities, and real-life applications when they do every subject.
Standard-enriched
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.
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.
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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.
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”.
At Arrowsmith School, school-age students attend Math and English classes daily in addition to completing their cognitive exercises. Students are grouped based on ability rather than age-appropriate grade and receive the supports necessary in order to meet with success in an academic setting.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
The goal of Arrowsmith School is to help students capitalize on their improvements and eventually reintegrate into a full academic program at a public or private school at their appropriate grade level following completion of a two-to-four year program of Arrowsmith cognitive exercises. Our goal is for our students to become effective, confident and self-directed learners for life and to enable them to achieve their goals of academic and career success.
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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
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
At Arrowsmith School we offer a program of intensive and graduated cognitive exercises that are designed to strengthen the underlying weak cognitive capacities that are hypothesized to underlie a range of specific learning difficulties. Each student's program is based on a careful assessment to identify the specific learning difficulties. Our Framework for Results includes a detailed assessment and identification of 19 learning dysfunctions; innovative methods which include specialized exercises and computerized programs; clearly defined and individualized goals; a positive, supportive and structured learning environment; building self-esteem by developing competence; and low student to teacher ratio.
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Students in the Arrowsmith Program are typically of average or above intelligence but are experiencing problems in school which may include difficulties with reading, writing, mathematics, remembering, understanding, or attentional issues. Each student is unique in his or her combination of problem areas and our exercise program is individually designed for each student. At Arrowsmith School, we utilize the Arrowsmith Program that is based on the philosophy that it is possible to treat specific learning difficulties by identifying and strengthening cognitive capacities.
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RecreationalRec. |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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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
0%
0%
$0
$0
100%
0%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Students entering Arrowsmith School have ordinarily been experiencing a range of problems including: reading writing mathematics comprehension logical reasoning visual memory auditory memory dyslexia non-verbal learning auditory processing attention
The decision as to whether a student who is experiencing difficulty at school may be suitable for Arrowsmith School can usually be made based on discussion by telephone with parents and often with the students themselves.
Where necessary, we can also review school report cards and results of academic and psychological testing. Our experience has shown that most parents can identify with great accuracy the problems that their child is having at school.
Each student enrolling at Arrowsmith is assessed to determine the student’s learning profile and to plan the student’s program. Information about the assessment procedure is in the Assessment section of our web site.