1-300 Water Street, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9B6, Canada
2193 Orchard Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7L 7J8, Canada
1-300 Water Street, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9B6, Canada
2193 Orchard Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7L 7J8, Canada
2010
1984
127
240
1 to 12
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Waldorf
10 to 20
16 to 24
In-class adaptations
$22,000 to $23,500
$17,600
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
K to 12
$0
$0
11
15
0%
0%
98%
90%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
“Nurturing teacher-student relationships is a priority at Cambridge, something that’s made easier with such small class sizes.”
“Cambridge International Academy is a university preparatory school with ... a high university placement success rate, but its key differentiator is the “customized learning” program.”
“Every Cambridge teacher we spoke to agreed that character education underpins the whole curriculum.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Cambridge International Academy
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Cambridge International Academy offers a safe, nurturing, and cooperative learning environment designed to help kids thrive from Grade one. Following an enriched Ontario curriculum that’s supplemented with resources that help kids excel, the caring staff at Cambridge International Academy prepare students for success in a rapidly transforming, competitive, and global society. Small classes and a tight-knit community allow school staff to develop close relationships with every child, guiding their moral and emotional growth. A varied range of extracurriculars—robotics, math club, sports, debate, drama, poetry, and many more— are seen as essential to student success and character development. High schoolers participate in leadership opportunities such as the Model UN and DECA, as well as after-school clubs and volunteer opportunities within the local community. Cambridge International helps kids succeed in their chosen areas of interest through customized educational pathways, and its graduates are frequently offered admission to Canada’s top universities.
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Any school is more than the buildings or the setting, though perhaps especially with Waldorf programs, setting is an important piece. Halton’s program is established and proven, having been founded in 1984, and the facilities are notable as well, providing, in many ways, the ideal environment for the Waldorf approach. The buildings aren’t small, though they really confer a nice sense of place, some that is beautifully extended by the school’s proximity to green space. Waldorf intends to set students apart a bit from the bustle of daily live, and all the distractions that might be found there, and refocus students’ attention, and awaken a perception and appreciation of children’s talents and their place in the world. You’d be hard pressed to find a learning environment that better expresses and supports those goals. It’s idyllic, and matches the strength of the academic program and the experience of the staff.
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"They recognise a student's strengths and weaknesses and encourage them by adapting lessons to capitalize on these."
Vijaya Dass - Parent (May 27, 2021)
My children enjoy Cambridge International Academy. They feel safe and comfortable at school. The cl...
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"...they also actively took care of the students in life."
Coco Li - Student (Jul 21, 2021)
I miss my time at Cambridge International Academy very much. The teachers in the school were very pa...
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"All my teachers were passionate and knowledgeable in their respective subjects."
Julie Indrigo - Alumnus (Nov 24, 2021)
My experience at Cambridge International Academy was eye-opening because not only did I do school wo...
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"Cambridge International Academy is a ministry inspected co-ed private school in Ajax, which customizes and enriches the Ontario curriculum with AP program from grades 1 to 12. Using customized planning we help students achieve their potential. With strong parent partnerships, our Elementary Programs help students transition to high school with Reach Ahead credits. For high school, we design the curriculum to ensure students are able to achieve their post-secondary goals."
"Halton Waldorf School, nestled in northeast Burlington, is an independent school offering a holistic education from pre-K to Grade 12. We offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. The arts are integrated in all academic disciplines to enhance and enrich learning. Our curriculum respects the pace of child development and inspires life-long learning. Halton Waldorf School has been educating the head, heart and hands since 1984."
"Every student receives an Individual Student Plan so that their learning experience is personalized and customized to their individual needs, interests, talents, and skill level. The Student Plan is comprised of customized academic programs such as Blended Learning, Reach Ahead, & AP, volunteer initiatives, interesting co-curriculars, as well as academic and non-academic outside competitions. Lastly, we offer cross-curricular coding to increase the technology proficiency of students."
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"Families join Cambridge International Academy because of our personalized approach to education. Our customized programs (Blended Learning, Reach Ahead, & AP classes) challenge our students so that they thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our small class sizes provide students individual attention to successfully complete the curriculum and ready them for the next higher grade level. Our parents appreciate the frequent updates about their child's academic progress."
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"The kitchen & dining area are sometimes overlooked by prospective parents. Initially, parents don’t realize the significant academic & social learning that takes place in these gathering areas. Students not only learn about healthy eating habits, kitchen safety, and food preparation but they also gain a deeper understanding, respect, and appreciation for diversity while they prepare and taste each other’s cultural traditional foods. Transferable skills acquired through cooking are beneficial."
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"Families are surprised by the frequent communication and the variety of co-curriculars at school. Our teachers frequently communicate with parents to offer the 'next steps' to keep their children engaged and challenged in their learning. In addition, our teachers coach students to perform their best in a wide range of co-curricular activities. This year, students in our Math Club won University of Waterloo's 2022 Zone Champion Award for the Canadian Intermediate Mathematics & Computing Contest."
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It is with great pleasure that I welcome our twenty-first-century pupils to Cambridge International Academy located in Ajax, Ontario. We are a co-ed private school that customizes and enriches the Ontario Curriculum for students from grades 1 to 12. Our goal is to find each of our student's academic potential and personal interests so that they can thrive in their future endeavors.
Our professional and dedicated teachers ensure a respectful learning environment where students can reach their academic potential through our customized academic pathway and be inspired by each other. Our caring teachers understand the importance of encouraging students to apply their critical thinking and analysis skills in order to experience an ongoing and in-depth inquiry about their learning. They give high-achieving students more opportunities to be engaged and challenged with the curriculum. Our educators provide their students with opportunities to engage in different ways of learning, seek out information related to the interest of the students, and provide them with time and resources to explore these interests. With our enriched curriculum, we help students in their personal/character development, uncover their hidden talents, and inspire a love for learning. We promote our students to embrace collaboration, communication, innovation, and computer technologies to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of education.
We believe parents are vital partners in education and they have a positive impact on their child’s school experience. We invite our parents to get involved in various school initiatives and make them a part of our school community. We communicate frequently with parents to ensure their son/daughter remains on track in his/her academic success so that their child experiences individual success in education.
I invite you to visit Cambridge International Academy and experience a difference in education. This may be one of the best decisions you will make in your child’s life. Cambridge International Academy’s Information Package provides you with further details about our enriching way of education.
Best Regards,
Sandra Arff
My involvement with Waldorf education began almost 30 years ago when my daughter started Waldorf Kindergarten in Europe. Our family joined the Halton Waldorf School after arriving in Canada in 2004, and I joined the faculty as an assistant teacher in 2007. I immersed myself in Waldorf Education and became a certified Lead teacher in 2014. I was in the classroom for 15 years and was always interested and involved with the school's leadership. In 2022, I became the Pedagogical Director of the Halton Waldorf School. In each role, I have seen firsthand how the curriculum supports healthy and well-rounded childhood development that helps students flourish and find fulfillment in life.
Our faculty recognizes that true knowledge is best attained through experiences that engage children physically, intellectually, and emotionally. With a passionate commitment and a multi-disciplinary approach, we identify each child’s learning profile and support building their full potential.
As members of a global community of Waldorf schools, we educate children within the context of their evolving awareness of the world. We foster intellectual flexibility, moral discernment, integrity, and a love of learning that profoundly shapes their individual capacities.
Waldorf
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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.
Waldorf schools are available from preschool to Grade 12, though they are most popular at the younger ages. Waldorf schools are unmistakably "progressive". Rudolf Steiner, their intellectual forefather, believed the educator's first task should be to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning. Sometimes incorrectly conflated with Montessori schools, Waldorf schools focus on developing the "whole child" - emphasizing collaborative, hands-on learning, along with the arts and music, which are integrated into other areas of study.
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Our teachers acknowledge students learn at different times and in different ways therefore they use an interactive teaching strategy to best suit students' learning profiles. Our teachers are facilitators and mentors, encouraging critical thought and self-reflection, while also promoting cooperative and independent learning. We provide an enriched, balanced curriculum with a focus on core academics, as well as music, art, and drama. We offer continuous, varied and appropriate formative as well as summative assessments which provide evidence of every student's learning progress. This information helps teachers immediately flag areas of concern and help students in that subject. Triangulation assessments also help students, parents and teachers select attainable learning goals. For students in high school, we administer Aptitude Tests to help each student plan their further education. The high school programs offer a rigorous university preparatory curriculum and give special attention to soft skills needed for success such as organization, self-advocacy, note-taking, study skills, collaboration, and communication.
How will your child benefit from a Waldorf education? Our students are not rushed through childhood by academic expectations that exceed their developmental stages. Instead, our teachers cultivate a life-long love of learning with an academic curriculum that is developmentally-appropriate and includes engaging, hands-on activities. Our children learn by doing, figuring out problems and finding opportunities while building respectful relationships in an environment that highly values individuality. What does this look like in a classroom? Our students are engaged both physically and cognitively with projects that strengthen the logical and creative sides of the brain. They do not sit still for long stretches of time or use screen technology that limits creativity and learning capacity by doing the work for them. Our students also spend a lot of time outdoors for projects, recess breaks, and on field trips. Our property includes over five acres of forest and provides unique opportunities to engage children in hands-on learning.
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.
Our Grade 1 through 8 Mathematics program is built around the Ontario Curriculum and is delivered with a Singapore Math approach. Singapore math ensures a foundational mastery in underlying mathematical procedures using a three-stage learning process which moves from concrete, to pictorial, and then abstract. The Singapore Math approach ensures social-emotional well being for students as they develop confidence, and comfort with mathematical thinking. Additionally, both our elementary and Grade 9 programs follow the updated curriculum strands with the use of Scratch ™ coding as the mode of instructional delivery for programming. Our approach goes above and beyond the ministry requirements in that we incorporate coding practices and principles into all Mathematical strands. The high school mathematics program closely follows the Ontario Mathematics curriculum. The program emphasizes mastery of a wide range of mathematical skills and logic-based thinking, with regular opportunities for discovery through proofs, manipulatives, and technology.
As a core main lesson subject, the key concepts of mathematics are taught by the class teachers. To broaden children's knowledge, the main lesson concepts are repeated in different ways by subject teachers during their lessons in art, woodworking, handwork, French and German. In the early grades, students experience an inherent understanding of numbers, both qualitative and quantitative. The four mathematical operations are worked on with rigorous practice and through imaginative stories, drawing pictures, movement and song. This knowledge is deepened in the higher grades with increasing complexity, timetabled skills classes and regular assessment supporting ongoing skill development and preparedness for grade nine mathematics in public school.
Textbooks used are from the Ontario Trillium List.
Information not available
Calculators are used in the classroom for high school math courses which require the use of a scientific calculator.
Our classrooms do not use screen technology because we believe it compromises a child's potential to learn for themselves and develop problem-solving skills.
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.
We use an individualized reading approach whereby students learn to read at their own pace within the classroom. Students are given the opportunity to develop their phonemic awareness, phonetic decoding skills, reading comprehension and overall reading fluency in a safe and supportive learning environment where they read, are read-to, and are read-with. At the elementary level we use a formalized Reading Program in combination with high-interest leveled readers to ensure continual reading engagement and progression.
Our curriculum is based on a fundamental belief that childhood should not be rushed and therefore we do expect children to read before they are developmentally ready. Our early childhood programs emphasize learning through play and provide a nurturing environment rich with stories, plays, songs and poetry to foster a love of language and the power of stories. Hearing advanced and complex language from teachers helps young children have an understanding of phonetics, rhythm, plot, setting, and story structure. These are all key to story comprehension so that children deeply understand language and love to read rather than memorizing patterns of letters. Grade one students work on clear speech with daily recitations of poems, tongue twisters and songs. Every day includes written and oral reviews of the previous day’s lessons. Some children will learn to read in grade one but for others this may happen in grades two or three.
Equal balance
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.
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.
In the early years the writing focus is on structure and usage and students are given topics of personal interest and relevance, inspiring creativity and a love of writing. Students are provided with comprehensive instruction in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary which is spiraled throughout the grade levels as skills and concepts are re-introduced and reinforced by repeated exposure. The writing process is modelled and further developed through the use of graphic organizers and outlines. Students create descriptive and grammatically sound sentences which lead to cohesive paragraphs and, ultimately, short stories, reports, and essays. Students engage in self and peer editing and learn the importance of continual improvement in writing.
The Waldorf curriculum places a strong emphasis on hand-writing skills particularly on cursive writing which begins in grade three. Students fill their lesson books with handwriting and illustrations regarding their new knowledge about the focus subjects such as ancient cultures, botany, physiology or physics. This requires a deep understanding of each topic in order to summarize and illustrate what was learned. In grade one students are introduced to letters, and learn the vowels and consonants, often through story images. They also learn phonics and the writing of short sentences. In grade two, students compose abbreviated stories from folktales, begin learning grammar and punctuation, short and long vowel sounds, vowel and consonant blends, and word families.
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.
Science is fundamental to helping students understand how things work in our world. In the Elementary grades, Science is inquiry-based, and uses real materials to make connections between scientific theory, technology, and our everyday lives. Most lessons focus on acquiring skills and knowledge through hands-on experiences which reinforce scientific theories learned in class. The High School Science program delivers the Ontario Curriculum thoroughly with emphasis placed on inquiry-based learning and knowledge acquisition through a variety of instructional methods such as peer to peer teaching, current event discussions, and case study analyses. The curriculum is delivered through the use of up-to-date texts, hands-on experimentation and investigation, and online simulations. Experiments are thoughtfully designed to enrich the students’ learning and provide experience with instrumentation, procedures and lab reporting skills. Students work independently and in groups to create and present projects that demonstrate their understanding of the concepts learned.
Waldorf emphasizes sense-based science. Awareness of the world depends on our capacity to sense and pay attention to the phenomena surrounding us. It also depends on the student being able to organize the world into an understandable experience. In grades one to five students develop an awareness of their environment and their relationship to it through the study of zoology, botany, gardening and farming. This is facilitated through hands-on activities and experiences and these important sensory experiences develop capacities for later observations and the development of scientific concepts. In later grades, the development of concepts calls for flexibility as well as rigour of thought at a time when students are trying to consciously make sense of their world. Building the foundation for these capacities is the goal of the sciences taught in grades six, seven and eight including physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy and meterology.
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.
Literary analysis is key to the development of critical thinking. Our teachers choose both classic and contemporary literary texts that resonate with students and promote discussion, critique and debate. Students are encouraged to make connections to themselves, the text, and the world around them as they read and listen to literary text. Students engage in reading comprehension and vocabulary exercises, as well as written response journals, as they build their thinking skills. We have been successful in increasing students’ reading interest through reading clubs which foster offline discussions and help students understand the historical and social context of the text being read. This leads to a deeper understanding and a greater sense of achievement. Emphasis is on the use of the personal growth model which encourages students to draw their own opinions, express their feelings, and use personal experiences and the text to develop their writing skills.
Literature programs are rooted in the humanities and through experiential learning in multiple subject lessons. Our comprehensive approach discusses fundamental concepts, universal and cultural themes to encourage intellectual flexibility, creative thinking, independent judgement, and moral discernment. The cultural context of stories is further explored with practical work, field trips and theatrical productions. The chosen literature for each grade reflects the childrens' developmental stages and offers lessons to be learned that are directly related to their own evolving awareness of the world and their place within it.
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
Core Knowledge
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).
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 Social Studies program is an essential component of the development of cultural literacy. The curriculum focuses on developing an understanding of World cultures and history as well as a more focused knowledge on Canadian history and geography. Students engage in individual and group based projects that demonstrate their understanding of the content. Art, drama, and literature are used to enhance the social studies program in all elementary grades.
Our social studies are a balance of the Core Knowledge and the Expanding Communities approaches. In geography, we foster an understanding of the students' own surroundings and an awareness of different cultures and human conditions throughout the world. We give the picture of earth and civilization as being inseparable and sharing a need for sustainability. The school's diversity offers an opportunity for abundant first-hand knowledge of many cultures. The teaching of history lives strongly in story-telling, bringing vivid images and using biographies to illustrate specific eras and the role played by individuals in the context of geography, technological, economical and cultural developments. Students also experience historical eras through music, art, poetry and field trips.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Humanities and the Social Sciences promote active listening, critical thinking skills and help students make connections to history and the world in which they live in. Students learn to make decisions based on values, and discover the truth about the human condition and the human experience. Our teachers use a number of strategies such as direct instruction, visual media, and reciprocal teaching to increase dialogue between teacher and students. Thinking and inquiry is key to learning in the Social Sciences and Humanities where students develop their own questions, collect and organize data, draw inferences, and engage in problem solving. Field trips and role play are also incorporated as part of the teaching strategies to give students the opportunity to make real-life connections to their learning.
As students move into and adjust to early adolescence in grades seven and eight, teachers nurture their growing capacity for independent critical thought and encourage them to creatively express themselves. They are given biographies of striving individuals who made an impression on the world and took responsibility for their actions. The elements of reasoning and self-reflection are steadily emerging at this age and the curriculum supports this development. The history curriculum covers the Middle Ages, Renaissance, the Age of Discovery, and from the 17th century to modern times focusing on the profound social consequences of the revolutions of several eras. Studying world geography brings together physical, cultural, spiritual, and political conditions to create a vivid picture of the earth as a totality. Our membership in the global community of Waldorf schools supports this perspective.
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
The French curriculum follows ministry guidelines and is a comprehensive and seamless program that builds on the four key strands of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Students develop their overall French communication skills using a variety of texts and online French resources. Vocabulary building, reading and writing are connected to relevant events and real-life practical scenarios with the use of engaging multimedia resources and applications.
Students experience a different view of the world and humanity through learning other languages. Differences are expressed in tenses, tonal elements, sounds of vowels and consonants, rhythm, vocabulary and sentence structure. Learning another language contributes to a more complete experience of civilization and the world. It complements individual development by practicing perseverance and strengthening the capacity of observation, flexibility in thinking, and interest in other cultures. German is studied from grades one to five. French begins in grade one and because public school students take French in grade nine, there is a stronger emphasis on French in grades seven and eight. Foreign language teachers work with class teachers to address pedagogical questions and to coordinate with the main lesson work.
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Equal Balance
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
The Arts curriculum is designed to facilitate an appreciation of art through the study of art history and various artistic techniques and mediums. This involves exposure to art through gallery visits and online and in-person talks from guest artists from the local community and beyond. Students are encouraged to think about the importance of art in the world, and as a reflection and historical record of humanity. The Arts curriculum encourages self-expression through the creation of various two and three dimensional art projects using a variety of materials. Visual Arts includes the traditional fine arts of drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, architecture, photography, and crafts. The program focuses on creating and fostering a sense of curiosity, creativity and confidence in students.
The aim of the visual arts program is to support the students’ physical and emotional development and to enrich their academic work through painting, drawing and modelling. Grades 1 to 5 have art lessons once a week reflecting the subject of the main lesson. Artistic work permeates all facets of the main lesson and many subject lessons. As students progress through grades 6 to 8 all artistic work becomes more refined and detailed reflecting the development of the students and the curriculum. By the end of their grade 8 year students have the opportunity to work with a variety of artistic material and gain a comfort level in the artistic realm.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Our school recognizes the importance of information literacy, media literacy, and information and communication technology literacy as critical 21st century skills. Teachers use coding, robotics, electronics, and multimedia equipment to support learning across the curriculum. Some of the software used within the curriculum includes Java, Python, and Scratch. Additionally, we gladly identify and accommodate students who require the use of a computer to thrive academically.
For the age of our students, the transfer of knowledge and the development of capacities for learning are closely connected to the teacher, not technology. Working with an oral tradition, personal relationships and human interaction are enhanced and the subject becomes alive for the student through the interest, engagement and knowledge of the teacher. This approach allows for the emotional, intellectual and physical engagement of the student and the strengthening of their perseverance and will. For their ages, a computer is considered impersonal compared to the connection they feel to the material when it is experienced in music, poetry, science experiments, story-telling and creating their own main lesson books by hand. Students in the upper grades are given the opportunity to use the internet and other resources for research projects. Other media are occasionally used to provide a visual impression or illustration related to a main lesson.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Our approach to physical education emphasizes regular participation in a variety of enjoyable physical activities that promote lifelong healthy active living. Students learn movement skills and principles, ways to improve personal fitness and physical competence, as well as safety and injury prevention. We offer a wide variety of competitive and recreational sporting experiences for our students. Gym classes for High School students may include attending a fitness club. Our students are encouraged to find their passion through physical activity and athletic involvement in order to learn the value of hard work, commitment, and discipline and to live a well-balanced life.
Physical movement is closely tied to neurological development and forms a fundamental component of a Waldorf curriculum. In the early grades, stepping, rhythm, clapping and recitation are part of the daily routine during main and subject lessons. Movement classes include activities and games to strengthen individual balance, spatial awareness, gross motor muscles and fine motor movements. In the upper grades, students take part in skiing and snowboarding at a local ski hill and use a rented gym where team sports are taught. Grade 5 participates in the Greek Olympics in New York State and grade 8 students have swimming and springboard diving lessons. In grade 7 and 8 an annual basketball tournament is held in Toronto with neighbouring Waldorf Schools. Starting as early as preschool, our students spend abundant time outside in our natural playground which includes 5 acres of forest with trails.
Waldorf
Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Children and parents make an immediate connection to the nurturing environment of our early childhood classrooms. Teachers and assistants enhance the deep sense of wonder, joy and imagination of young children with enriching stories and activities. We support cognitive engagement through play, the true ‘work’ of the child, to create a love of learning, problem-solving skills and creativity. Social skills are developed through group activities, often outdoors in our natural playground and forest trails. Our preschool is licensed by the provincial government and catered lunches are provided to full day kindergarten and preschool students.
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.
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.
At CCIA, we offer on-line courses to students who are motivated to propel their academic studies to enter post-secondary education sooner. In addition, we offer School-Work Transition Career Pathways such as Early Childhood Education and a Business Focus. Co-op Classes are offered to gain work experience and OSSD.
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Supportive
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
Cambridge International Academy keeps the student-to-teacher ratio low so we can focus on the individual needs of the student and support each child on his or her individual path to success. At Cambridge International Academy, we recognize that students have different learning styles. Our learning environment is set up to meet the needs of students. We use a complete approach which reinforces verbal instruction with visual, audio and written support. This allows students to engage on many levels with the material being presented.
We do not see school culture as needing to be exclusively either rigorous or supportive. Our culture is rigorous but also balanced with respect and support for the three stages of childhood development. This means our academic expectations revolve around the specific needs of each stage and do not require students to be rushed through childhood. Our children are engaged with activities of interest that are relevant to their current development needs. At each stage, our teachers aim to provide balance for the child's gifts and challenges, cultivating an enthusiasm for learning and an age-appropriate interest in the world.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Cambridge International Academy pays equal attention to the emotional, social, and physical aspects of our students with emphasis on intellectual ability. We aim to inspire students to become critical thinkers.
The Waldorf curriculum and teaching methods are designed to nurture intellectual flexibility, creative thinking, independent judgement, moral discernment, refined written and oral communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Children will have the same teacher over several years, sometimes from grade one to grade eight, to allow a deeper support and understanding of each student's needs. It is the goal of a Waldorf teacher to cultivate a sense of wonder and to inspire children to embrace life with enthusiasm, initiative, and purpose.
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
K - 12
0%
0%
$0
$0
98%
90%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 1 - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes
Cambridge International Academy promotes a school environment where students are self-motivated, have a positive disposition toward learning and have aspirations to contribute to the school and the community in a meaningful way.
Future students will be required to attend a scheduled interview as well as provide their written responses to two questions. Cambridge International Academy will request a confidential school report from a current homeroom teacher or guidance counselor.
Refer to our website for application forms.
