201-2451 Dieppe Avenue SW, Building B1, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7K1, Canada
469 Merton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1B4, Canada
Indirect Support:
201-2451 Dieppe Avenue SW, Building B1, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7K1, Canada
469 Merton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1B4, Canada
1979
1952
150
140
JK to 12
JK to 6
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate Candidate
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
8 to 12
16 to 20
Behavioral
Learning
Dedicated gifted school
$16,800 to $18,800
$32,700
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
10
16
0%
0%
75%
90%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Rolling
Dec 15, 2023
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades JK - 6
No
No
“Despite its growth to over 100 students and the expansion of its teaching and leadership team, Banbury Crossroads has managed to maintain its comfortable atmosphere, which has always been a core feature of the school.”
“In line with a student-paced and tutorial style of instruction is the effort to remove any kind of academic competition between students: that’s why there are multi-age classrooms, no grades on report cards until Grade 9, and no external rewards for finishing an assignment, activity, or subject grade level.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Banbury Crossroads School
Sunnybrook School (SBS) is a small coed school for students from JK to Grade 6, located on a leafy residential street in midtown Toronto. It was the first primary school in Canada to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and continues to take a global approach to education. Since its founding in 1952 as one of North Toronto’s first preschools, SBS has been an innovator in education for young children. The current curriculum strives to keep pace with the latest advances in pedagogy, such as Singapore math and one-to-one iPads, while still maintaining a focus on the fundamentals, such as cursive writing. There’s a lively arts and music program (including an elaborate, school-wide musical production), traditional and unique offerings in physical education, daily French from JK and extensive community service opportunities. To compensate for its limited size and modest facilities, SBS ensures its students benefit from the many resources the city has to offer, from nearby athletic facilities to downtown galleries and museums. With a family-like atmosphere where everyone knows everyone and parents are always welcome, SBS offers a warm, academically enriched environment focused on preparing young students for success at middle school and beyond.
Read The Our Kids Review of Sunnybrook School
Diane Swiatek founded Banbury Crossroads in 1980, and she remains the head of the school today. She has said that “parenting and mentoring children is a matter of choosing philosophy and principles, and acting so as to live out those principles.” Indeed, since its inception, Banbury has been an expression of that ideal. The academics are demonstrably strong, though the attention to values, including responsibility and character development, is a particular draw for the families that enroll here. So too is an academic approach founded in the curiosity and the interests that students bring with them to the classroom. We learn best when we learn for ourselves, rather than for external reward, and the Banbury environment has been created with that in mind.
View full reportSunnybrook School was founded in 1952, becoming one of the very first preschools in Canada. It was exotic for the time, both for being a nursery school, as well as being founded by an Austrian educator, Irmingard Hoff. From opening day the school was at the leading edge of education at the time, and it has worked to remain there ever since. Sunnybrook was the first school in the country to adopt the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. It's since dedicated itself to development of 21st century literacies, an international curriculum, and the adoption of Singapore Math. Which sounds like a lot, and it is. The ideal student is one who is operating at the top of her peer group, and who is able to make the most of the range of programming on offer.
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"Our daughter has made leaps and bounds academically, and socially."
Hafeeza Atif - Parent (Dec 10, 2020)
Best school in Calgary. All teachers are very nice, kind and helpful. Guidance at all points. They t...
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"They teach the curriculum for her grade, but at her own pace and geared to her individual strengths and weaknesses."
Thalia Zelnik - Parent (Dec 10, 2020)
My daughter likes Banbury Crossroads School because of the very personal, family-oriented atmosphere...
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"Right away we could see our daughter amongst the students of Sunnybrook School"
Reza Asadikia - Parent (Feb 21, 2018)
The size of this school is in a way that is not intimidating for younger students, but at the same t...
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"He is motivated by his peers, and is learning to become more independent with respect to managing his homework, and balancing his schedule."
Olivia Kao - Parent (Nov 19, 2019)
My child recently switched from a Montessori environment to Sunnybrook School this year. Although i...
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"...very impressed by the scaffolding that takes place in the classroom - how lessons are built to work together and previous learning supports"
Laura Waters - Parent (Jun 02, 2020)
Our daughter started at Sunnybrook for SK. She immediately felt welcomed into the entire school comm...
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"Banbury Crossroads School has a truly unique learning environment. We teach students to mastery in class sizes averaging 10:1, in tutorial-style, multi-aged classrooms. Our collaborative, self-directed learning approach meets students' needs where they are, both academically as well as developmentally. Through extensive one-on-one guidance and attention, our students develop their own autonomy, resilience, communication, and time-management skills. Our graduates have confidence forged from self-competence."
"Sunnybrook is an IB co-ed school for students from JK to Grade 6. Positive, nurturing relationships at school give our students the confidence to challenge themselves; SBS teachers create a welcoming classroom experience in which all students can reach their potential. Academic learning at SBS is balanced, holistic and engaging; the PYP is enhanced with Singapore Math, Phys Ed, Music and Library, as well as French classes daily. Our strong arts program fosters creativity, confidence and self expression. SBS prides itself with promoting our students to be social responsible and critical thinkers. Through personal and group action, our students give back to the local and global community. SBS is a certified Ecoschool and is a carbon free school as we offset our carbon footprint and donate seedlings to a Smart Forest in New Brunswick."
"Many private schools offer what might be called "traditional plus" models of lecture-based, teacher-paced education, with class sizes averaging 15:1 or more. Banbury Crossroads School has a truly unique approach, where our classrooms are tutorial-based, multi-aged, student-paced, and feature class sizes averaging 10:1. Students go on regular field trips, and we offer support for work experience placement, internships, and community volunteering. Our graduates excel in post-secondary and life!"
"Sunnybrook is a small school with a strong community that provides a challenging, high quality International Baccalaureate PYP curriculum. Sunnybrook was the first PYP accredited school in English Canada, and our IB students have agency, are critical thinkers, and learn to take action in the world. Sunnybrook School is Coed, inclusive, and serves a diverse community. Our small size means we know each student well and can tailor our curriculum and school experience to their individual needs."
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"As a school with one of the lowest student to teacher ratios available, averaging 10:1, our students get unparalleled access to teachers for guidance, support, and mentoring. Students regularly schedule their own meetings with the School's Director to talk through challenges they're facing. With our self-directed curriculum delivery, students learn to thrive by making their own choices, leading to graduates with superlative self-management skills, and with confidence forged from competence."
"The number one reason parents choose Sunnybrook School is our caring, inclusive community. Our small size and devoted staff mean that students feel a strong sense of belonging. Students love that everyone knows them in the school, and everyone cares about them and their education. Through our IB program, we nurture a love of learning and curiosity about the world. The combination of strong community, high academic and personally differentiated learning makes Sunnybrook a truly special school."
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"We often stress that our class sizes are small, averaging 10:1. This is true and is a big factor for a lot of families when choosing our school. One fact that may be overlooked is our multi-age groupings. This allows for peer instruction, leadership, and collaboration. This is also more reflective of real-world situations and helps prepare students for university or college, and, later, their adult lives."
"The heart of Sunnybrook School and its outstanding success is our dedicated staff. Because of our low staff turnover, our teachers are known and loved by our students and parents, and often students look forward to each grade level knowing the teacher they will have in upcoming years. In the words of a parent, “You see the individual child and their unique strengths. You nurture that like a flame. I have seen both boys grow in confidence since being at SBS. It has been truly transformational.”"
"We do not give out letter or number grades until grade 9. Instead, we encourage and help students set goals, self-assess and learn until mastery - only moving on to the next grade until both the student and their teacher feel as though the student fully understands the subject or topic they are learning."
"Our approach to learning constantly engages our students. In their own words, “The learning is fun, challenging, you learn so much, not just lectures, there’s varied learning, it’s collaborative, and you learn from other students, not just teachers.” From junior kindergarten to their graduating year when their learning is showcased in the grade six PYP Exhibition, our students have had the advantage of a rich, engaging curriculum delivered by teachers who know and care about their progress."
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Congratulations to us all! Banbury Crossroads School passed its 40th Anniversary mark on November 1st, 2019. The historical inertia represented in its continued existence warms my heart, because it means that the Banbury Crossroads way of learning is still available for children in the Calgary region. It has been my passionate dream for the entirety of my adulthood for children to have the opportunity to be respected as individual people, and to be happy, visible, and nurtured while they learn in a holistic fashion. Over the years, the thinking and writing that was done from the very beginning is still valid and relevant. Our philosophy and practices of self-directed learning from those early years have become richer and validated through practice, flourishing into our present ways of being. The inspired devotion and multitudinous efforts of teachers, students, and parents have all contributed to create the actual way we are now. We are a very unique school, with our own particular identity. By this time, it is common for me to tell children and young adults, “At Banbury, we…” while explaining our ways of relating to others, engaging in learning activities and interest-based projects, developing emotional intelligence and self-regulation, connecting with the real world outside our walls, and creating the school culture inside them.
Over the years, Banbury Crossroads has honed its mission to foster learning through self-empowerment, intrinsic motivation, management of time and resources, and active goal setting. Mutual respect is the foundational principle. So, all of us expect to have both rights and responsibilities. Some of the hallmarks of our school are the development of moral and logical reasoning, and competence in the soft skills that are crucial for smooth social functioning, We have developed expertise in developing communication and negotiation skills, and providing guided conflict resolution among willing participants.
Academics matter, because students have an innate impetus for intellectual growth. They need to learn about, and master, their environment. To be respectful to our students, we allow them to work on material that suits their true level of accomplishment, rather than pushing them ahead or holding them back within same-age cohorts. This requires personalized and individualized instruction. So, students set their own schedules and deadlines, and pace their academics, individually working to levels of mastery in accordance with their abilities and motivation. The Alberta Programs of Study are the baseline; students often go beyond that.
As a result, Banbury Crossroads offers very unique schooling. The first difference is shown in how we treat children. Since we respect them as persons, we value their development in autonomy and self-sufficiency, while at the same time emphasizing their interdependence with other people. They are important individually, and so is everyone else. So, we put energy into helping them develop self-leadership, confidence, empathy, compassion, and social responsiveness. We emphasize the need to contribute to their communities.
In order to enable such individualized mentoring, the student-teacher ratio averages 8 to 1. This allows students to receive the visibility, attention, and nurturance necessary for optimal learning. Our choice of this small ratio allows the school atmosphere to be peaceful, comfortable, trusting, and optimistic. Joy happens here. Within these small classes, in order to allow students to work at their true levels of competence, we have chosen multi-aged groupings. This is not unique in the world at large—indeed, this describes the world at large—however, it is certainly unique in schools. This multi-aged approach fosters peer learning, and trust and comfort between people of various ages. As well, it does not socially penalize those students who are working either ahead or behind their peers.
Therefore, teachers need to use tutorial instruction, rather than lecture-based, teacher-paced instruction. This facilitates academic mentoring, with students being able to ask questions and receive assistance in answering them. In academic pursuits, students are encouraged to compete with themselves, to surpass their historical achievements, and work towards their current, personal goals. They may participate in designing their assignments and projects in line with their interests, and they use manipulative materials to carry them out. They participate in the community for real-world learning. In non-COVID years, we do this through field trips, volunteerism, internships, and international travel. Since it is a COVID year, because we have small class sizes, we are able to socially distance our students, and when we need to engage in remote learning, we contact our students daily. Banbury Crossroads is the school when students may experience learning activities that are impossible in large institutions. Banbury Crossroads is a fine example of unique, innovative schooling!
Sunnybrook invites you to become a part of a very special school. Flexible, dynamic, lively learning to challenge, provoke and engage young minds. At Sunnybrook School we succeed in channeling the energy, enthusiasm and joy of elementary boys and girls into disciplined, thoughtful learning. The small size of our school enables us to know our students and their families, giving greater meaning to the triangle of child, home and school. Our size also enables us to showcase all our students and their work.
With a long, proud history of innovation. We search the world for excellence in elementary education, bringing world class programs to our school. The IB Primary Years Program (IB PYP) enriches and complements our philosophy, giving us an outstanding framework for assessment and curriculum development. Our qualified teachers have extensive IB training; five members of our staff are on the faculty of IB. The IB Program enables us to give our students the world. In our quest for excellence, we have adopted the Singapore Math Program, an enlightened, engaging and effective approach to mathematics learning.
Sunnybrook has remained small because we believe that small schools are good for both students and teachers. Our graduates benefit from the small school environment by becoming confident, self-assured, inquiring young people, ready for the world of a larger middle school. Our faculty is both the heart and the backbone of our dynamic school. The core of a teacherʼs work is to nurture curiosity and inspire learning. Visit our website to learn more; we encourage you to visit our school to see for yourself what Sunnybrook will offer your child. We forward to meeting you.
Progressive
International Baccalaureate
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.
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.
IB Candidate School is an official term used to identify schools that have applied to IBO for permission to teach one or more of the IB Programmes.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
Banbury's unique Self-Directed philosophy offers an individualized learning environment for children ages 3 through 18. Banbury is founded on mutual respect; thus, it enables students to achieve the academic mastery appropriate to their own interests, abilities and motivation. The combination of a low-ratio class size averaging 8 students per teacher, our student-paced program exists within a multi-aged setting. Our program diffuses competition between peers, because students are all at their own pace and progression through their curricular material. Students are closely mentored to take responsibility for their own education through inquiry-based and kinesthetic projects, and community-focused learning. They devise their own schedules, develop intrinsic motivation, and learn skills in time management, goal setting and self assessment. Banbury Crossroads' well-balanced approach creates an enriching and inspiring school experience that promotes the development of autonomy and confidence. These two elements are necessary for students' engagement in the academic, emotional and social aspects of post-secondary education and adult life.
Sunnybrook School is an IB Primary Years Program (IBPYP) school; we offer a global curriculum in a local context. We are committed to offering an engaging learning experience, and we encourage our students to learn with enthusiasm and commitment. French, Music, and Physical Education classes complement the regular classroom. We have a strong literacy focus, including both skills and a love of reading. Our school library is a hub of inquiry, offering various traditional and electronic research opportunities.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Banbury has both "Traditional Math" and "Discovery Math" teaching methods.
The Singapore Math curriculum approaches numeracy concepts and skills in a balanced way. The emphasis on inquiry and conceptual understanding is complemented with rigour in applying skills and knowledge in mathematics. Singapore Math takes the learners from using hands on manipulatives to solve math problems to a step using pictorial representation of the problem before expecting students to find their answers using mental math. This unique pictorial step provides an additional tool for students who have a developing understanding of concepts, but are not yet ready to solve problems in their heads. Through Singapore Math, our students learn to love working with numbers, solving problems, and seeing the world through the lens of mathematics.
Math text books used are part of the Alberta Curriculum.
Singapore Math books and supporting materials
Calculators are used in our math programs, as a useful skill and resource.
Students use calculators when appropriate.
Balanced Literacy
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.
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.
Banbury has a balanced literacy program. We teach children to read when they are ready, which could be any time from age 3 through age 7. We offer individual reading lessons, and teach story writing through dictated stories, as well as their own journalling and writing to accompany relevant activities. Phonics is taught as a strategy to de-code words.
Learning to read is the primary task of elementary school. It is important when designing a reading program to remember that young children acquire reading skills at different paces. Therefore we have developed a literacy program that takes this into consideration, while having high expectations of all learners. We begin with reading readiness at the beginning of JK, including teaching concepts of print, exposure to the written word, opportunities to write at their level and a great deal of exposure to literature.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
We use DRA's to ensure accountability in our teaching, and to measure the success of our reading program over time.
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.
Banbury has a balanced approach to writing. Writing occurs in relevant and meaningful situations. Students are assisted individually, and encouraged to write independently as well. There is a huge focus on writing, all through the grades, as there is always a teacher available to assist students in their writing. Writing is only as good as a person's thinking. We assist students in clarifying their thoughts, organizing their points logically and reasonably, making linking statements and suitable introductions and conclusions. All students need to be shown how to "cut and paste" in the literal sense. This means that all students need instruction at some point of their lives in creating quality written work. We have had students write essays for diploma exams in which they receive 100%. Of course, individual talent is a huge contributor to this. However, we tend to increase students' skill in writing.
Writing and reading are integrated in teaching young learners. Our students are encouraged to write about their learning and their experiences as early as possible. Through the 6 + 1 Writing Traits program our students learn specific skills and develop an understanding of the elements of good written communication. Specific writing, spelling and grammar skills are taught more systematically as students move into the older grades.
Inquiry
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.
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.
Banbury has a balanced approach to the Sciences. We include field trips, experiments and hands-on project work as fundamental means of making science come alive for our students.
Science is taught in the IB Units of Inquiry. In these units students are encouraged to experiment, explore, ask questions, and seek answers to scientific questions. The units are carefully planned to include scientific content and ideas, encouraging students to become critical thinkers and inquirers.
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
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Banbury has a balanced approach to literature. We follow the Alberta Programs of Study, and give students much leeway in choice of novels, plays, poetry, and so on, for their chosen assignments. We utilize projects with an interdisciplinary focus.
Our Library program fosters a love of literature of all genres. Literature for the classroom is usually chosen to correspond to the IB Units of Inquiry. These units often have a social justice component, and selections are made to support the learning and allow students to make connections and develop understandings of their world through literature. Selections for younger students are made to maximize their skills acquisition and enjoyment of reading in the early years.
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.
Banbury teaches core knowledge of history and geography.
The social studies curriculum framework in the IB PYP emphasizes a conceptual approach to content. Units of Inquiry are organized in to explore specific content (i.e. government, transportation, migration) in both broad conceptual and more specific content related ways. Students learn to explore topics through guided inquiry and research.
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Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.
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Banbury has a more pragmatic approach to social sciences in Grade 7 and higher.
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Communicative
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.
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.
Banbury uses the communicative method for teaching foreign languages.
Language is the gateway to culture and comfort speaking in another language opens opportunities. In the early years French is taught daily in an engaging interactive way, with an emphasis on oral communication skills. Older students read and write in French as well. We make extensive use of technology and student iPads in our French program. We offer French daily from Jk to GR 6.
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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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Banbury has an expressive approach in our visual studio program.
The arts are integrated in our IB transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. Music is taught by a specialist, with a dance and drama component. In the arts students are given opportunities to express their knowledge and ideas in various ways; they learn Art, learn about Art and learn through Art. We produce a musical that involves every student in the school from grades 1-6. Every child acts, sings and dances in the musical held at the end of each year. Students use many instruments like recorder, boom whackers, Orff instruments, bells, melodicas and learn to read music and prepare for band in the middle years.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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.
Banbury includes the role of computers and technology in our curriculum.
Technology is pervasive in our students' lives. Our goal is to give teachers the tools to guide young people in using it in innovative, constructive and meaningful ways. Sunnybrook School has a 1:1 iPad program for all students from JK to Grade 6. Combined with traditional methods of learning technology is used for communication, connection, creativity and collaboration. Digital literacy and digital citizenship are integrated into our curriculum.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physcial Education at Banbury, has an extensive outdoor component, including horseback riding, skiing, archery, golf, hiking, and canoeing. Many of our indoor activities such as volleyball, basketball, badminton and wall-climbing are conducted off-site in recreation centres. Other indoor activities include swimming, bowling, and yoga. Many games are played on the fields and grounds near our school.
Regular Physical Education classes combine team and individual sports to teach the skills for a healthy lifestyle. We focus on sportsmanship, teamwork, fitness and health. Classes such as rock climbing, swimming, curling, kung fu, cross country running, field sports and net sports are held. Teams are offered as we are part of the SSAF and compete against other schools.
Academic
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.
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.
Banbury Crossroads has a Self-Directed Kindergarten and Pre-school program. The structure is based on the Modern British Infant System, from which came our modern ideas around "centers" and "integrated project work", as well as "constructivism" in the learning process. Our school follows this structure and philosophy from junior kindergarten through Grade Twelve. It involves multi-aged grouping, individualized instruction, mastery learning, kinesthetic projects, teacher mentorship, free play and contact with the community.
Sunnybrook School offers a balanced, stimulating and enriched kindergarten curriculum. The core of the JK and SK curriculum is based on the IB PYP, Singapore Math and our own unique literacy program. We enrich this with French, Music, Phys Ed and Library. Play time indoors and on our playground round out the kindergarten experience. The program is designed to stimulate children’s creativity, build early academic skills, and develop communication and social skills. At Sunnybrook School, kindergarten sets the foundation for a love of learning with trusted adults, great friends, a cheerful physical environment and stimulating, engaging learning.
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.
Information not available
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.
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.
Self-Directed Learning is the norm at Banbury Crossroads School. We have a very supportive environment for academics at the school. The students have an attitude towards accomplishment more like that at university. There is no teasing for being "a brain" here.
As an elementary school beginning at JK we are more supportive than rigorous. However, as our students approach the higher grades the emphasis on the skills and knowledge shifts with their greater maturity, and in preparation for middle school. Beginning in SK we have benchmarks for reading and math, allowing us to differentiate for different student needs.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
We know that learning happens in all realms at once: physical, emotional, intellectual, creative, social. Banbury\'s well balanced approach creates an enriching and inspiring school experience that promotes the development of autonomy and confidence. These two elements are necessary for students\' engagement in the academic, emotional and social aspects of post secondary education and adult life.
As an IB school, Sunnybrook has a focus on global citizenship. To that end we work with our students develop the skills, dispositions and knowledge to help them understand themselves and others, and the issues they will face in our ever-changing world. Learning in all domains develops a well rounded, balanced individual, ready to contribute to community and society.
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
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
We are not a special needs school. We can accommodate students with mild needs, as long as they can function within our self-directed learning classes.
Sunnybrook has an enriched curriculum and students must be able to handle the curriculum. SBS offers accommodations for students with mild learning disabilities. We want each child to be successful.
Banbury can offer accommodations for children with mild learning disabilities.
The Sunnybrook curriculum is accelerated and enriched, and some of our students find it challenging. Our teachers differentiate where possible to accommodate different learning levels. These students may receive extra support on a withdrawal basis, however, we do not specialize in teaching students with learning disabilities.
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
1 - 12
5%
0%
$4,000
$0
75%
90%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Rolling
Dec 15, 2023
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades JK - 6
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
We are looking for students who are able to work independently, as well as willing to work individually with a teacher. Students need to be willing to try new learning experiences, open to instruction, willing to attend, socially adept and responsive, mutually respectful, and pleasant and able to be responsible for their own behaviour. We are able to celebrate differences in abilities, interests and passions, motivation, and personalities. We simply want students who are motivated to learn, empathetic and caring, and able to not distract others. If they are self-directed to begin with, that is great. If not, they may learn how to be, here.
We encourage parents to visit our Open House and meet our senior students; this will give you an idea of the kind of student we are looking for. Children who are curious and knowledgeable for their age and who enjoy learning will thrive at SBS.
An interview and tour of the school is encouraged. School records and assessments are to be submitted. There is an admissions process that involves an extensive discussion with the parents, and a two-day tryout in the School. Students who are gifted tend to excel at our School. It is critical that the student, their family, and the School's philosophical beliefs are aligned. A match of philosophy is a must. This is because we are a philosophically-driven, self-directed learning school. Students work to mastery, so they keep progressing until they have completed units or projects or grades. Classes operate with students in multi-aged groups, with 8 students per teacher, so students receive a great deal of individualized attention. This allows for students to work independently, as they receive instruction individually or in small groups or seminars. We are not a Special Needs school, but we can accommodate certain students with mild-to-manageable learning challenges, though we generally only take students whose abilities are average through to gifted.
Choosing a school is a big decision for families, and our goal is to make this comfortable and transparent. A visit to the school begins the process. For application we require the application form, birth certificate, previous year's school reports (if applicable), any other relevant reports and the application fee. Overseas applications are welcome.
The application procedure includes an assessment of each student (we usually meet our applicants in small groups), and an interview with the parents.
The registration fee for JK students is $3000.
