1484 Cornwall Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 7W5, Canada
100-688 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1P1, Canada
Indirect Support:
1484 Cornwall Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 7W5, Canada
100-688 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1P1, Canada
1970
2021
120
20
7 to 12
K to 6
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English, Mandarin
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Traditional
8 to 10
4 to 9
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
$16,800 to $19,800
Yes
No
10%
0%
7 to 12
None
$5,000
$0
20
3
0%
0%
40%
75%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 7 - 12
Yes: grades K - 7
No
No
“[Chisholm Academy] provides an individualized, structured education in a highly supportive environment designed to rebuild students’ confidence and nurture their abilities.”
“The wide variety of inclusive extracurricular activities are part of the school’s broad efforts to cultivate emotional resilience and self-esteem in students—and to show kids who have previously had a negative school experiences that school can be joyful.”
“It was obvious to us that Chisholm parents can rely on the school to go the extra mile for them and their children.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Chisholm Academy
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Chisholm was created to address the needs of the kinds of learners who are prone to falling through the cracks of a traditional education. Special needs is the term we might use, though the definition used at Chisholm admits a broader understanding than we typically grant, including students from across the entire academic spectrum. What they share is a need for a more structured academic experience. The school is headed by Dr. Howard Bernstein and Dr. Shirley Bryntwick, both clinical psychologists. The ideal student is one who requires more than they are able to get from a traditional academic setting, and who benefits from a very structured, personal, planned approach to their education. A robust interface between parents and the school is encouraged, and close communication is ongoing throughout the academic year.
View full reportHongDe is the very definition of a bilingual school—students live and learn in two languages. They also arrive proficient in either. This isn’t a school where Anglophones learn Mandarin, or Mandarin speakers learn English; rather, it’s both. Language learning is important, and bilingual fluency has its own benefits. But there are other benefits to learning languages that are less obvious, maybe, though eminently valuable. They include gaining a sense of the world, interacting meaningfully with other cultures, and gaining a unique sense of mastery. HongDe was formed very much with all of those things in mind. Given that it’s an elementary school, the introduction to a second language comes at the right time, that when kids are best able to take it on board. Facilities are crisp, clean, and the school is a hub to a vibrant, engaged parent and student community.
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"Our students have learning disabilities, ADHD, and anxiety but they're also regular kids who have struggled in school and who deserve to learn in an environment where they feel understood, respected, and heard. Chisholm Academy assists students reach their potential and gain confidence through a structured and supportive teaching style. The multi-disciplinary staff includes special education trained Ontario certified teachers, teaching assistants, child and youth workers, and a consulting psychology practice."
"HongDe Elementary School is a BC Ministry of Education certified Not-For-Profit Kindergarten – Grade 5 Independent School, offering a Mandarin / English bilingual program. The name HongDe can be translated as “Promoting virtue through learning traditional culture.”"
"Chisholm Academy (1971) is the first specialized school in Ontario for students with learning or personal concerns. We created a "typical" school for those who require individual educational plans, taught in small groups. While we do not accept students with behavioural issues, we are plaesed to accept studenst with LD, ADHD, anxiety or depression. 100% of our students attend post secondary institutions. Our relationships with our students and parents is always supportive and long-lasting."
"In a caring and supportive learning environment characterized by small class sizes and a rich multicultural setting, students embark on a transformative journey to acquire both English and Chinese languages. Our program is thoughtfully balanced, with 40% of instruction delivered in Mandarin and 60% in English."
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"The Executive Director is a doctoral psychologist with expertise in clinical & educational psychology. Our principal & vice-principals hold specialist degrees & teaching staff are required to complete special education training. We employ counsellors, child & youth workers, recreation leadership staff and specialists in art & drama. There is very little staff turn over, which attests to the atmosphere. At Chisholm, comfort, personal growth & development, are as important as curriculum."
"Our educators embrace the revised BC curriculum with its focus on engagement, the core competencies, essential learning and literacy and numeracy foundations. We strive to educate students for the future; one in which the ability to collaborate and think critically and creatively will be invaluable."
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"No one is bullied at Chisholm. Some of our kids had difficulty in previous schools. We facilitate personal relationships & activities to ensure all students are accepted. Our staff is committed to extra-curricular activities & we required that every student participates in at least 2 acticities. As students make friends & become increasingly confident, learning becomes easier. Our guidance department ensures post-secondary choices are appropriate & we consult with each student's new school."
"Mandarin is the most relevant and useful second language, spoken by more than 900 million people world-wide. Our students will receive Mandarin instruction in Chinese Language Arts, Arts Education, Physical Education and Health education. This will give them the opportunity to acquire the skills needed for speaking, reading, writing, listening, and communicating in both Mandarin and English."
"The "normalized" environment we create, allows us to function as a traditional school yet employ all the aspects of individual educational plans. New students are immediately accepted and feel part of our family within days of starting at Chisholm. Our kids are are regular students who need that extra support in order to go on to college or university & lead successful independent lives. Moms & Dads quickly understand that their input is encouraged and appreciated."
"HongDe Elementary School’s performing arts component in the Mandarin Program is a holistic creative journey that nurtures students in traditional Chinese music and dance."
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It is incredibly satisfying to know that we created Chisholm Academy with the help of thousands of parents, students and staff. I believe that we are the premier private school, for students who need support based on their learning or emotional needs. Success has been demonstarted in the amount of time that our staff stays with our school, the acceptance rate into college and university and our students success in the work force and with their family. You can only imagine the joy we all feel when students visit Chisholm Acaedemy, to "show off" their success and their families with young children. Parents "lend us" the children with the hope and excectation that we will nurture them and teach them the lessons they require academically and to ensure they are the fine citizens that we want our chidren to become. It continues to ne an honour to lead Chisholm Academy with the help of so many supporters. Best wishes, Dr. B.
As Principal, it is my pleasure to introduce you to HongDe Elementary School, a BC certified Mandarin/English bilingual school where students and teachers learn and collaborate together.
At HongDe Elementary School, teachers and staff strive to ensure that all students are learning in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment. HongDe teachers focus on facilitating the development of critical thinking and inquiry in students by following the BC Curriculum (Core Competencies, Curricular Competencies, Content, First Peoples Principles of Learning), while also modeling and teaching virtues.
HongDe Elementary School is a small and unique learning community that values the diversity and talents of all students and staff. By learning at HongDe Elementary School, your child will not only acquire language proficiency in both Mandarin and English, but will most importantly feel proud of their achievements as bilingual learners.
Traditional
Information not available
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Not applicable
Chisholm Academy, as the IEP school, writes individual education plans for every student. Academy staff always follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum but are able to accommodate students as according to their individual plans. This approach allows all students to move towards reaching a level playing field with those students not experiencing learning difficulties. Extra support is always available in a kind and supportive manner. We attempt to provide many alternatives to mastering the Ontario curriculum. In addition, with help to minimize multiple test and assignments at the same time. Students are allowed to repeats assignmenst and tests for issues related to their IEP.
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Traditional Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
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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.
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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.
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Equal Balance
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.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Not applicable
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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).
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Academic
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
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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.
All students learn differently so it is our goal to taech differently. Our teachers thoroughly know the IEP of each student and pace them accordingly to their needs.
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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.
Without question, Chisholm Academy is one of the most supportive environments for students with learning weaknesses or emotional concerns. We expect all students to do their best but we minimize cempetition. Awards are given for academic performance but also for determination, working with others, sports, drama, art etc. When kids feel good, they learn better!
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
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.
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
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FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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| Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
| Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
| Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
| Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
| Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. | ||||
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support
Accommodations
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
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Chisholm Academy is known as, and is proud to call itself, the IEP School. Individual Education Plans are written for every single student who attends our school. The Academy is equipped with Smart Boards in all classrooms, assisstive technology, laptops for all students, and teachers with special education training.
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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
7 - 12
K - 7
10%
0%
$5,000
$12,000
40%
75%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 7 - 12
Yes: grades K - 7
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Application for the 2023- 2024 school year is still open. And we are now accepting new application for the 2024-2025 school year.
The application process is as follows:
Step 1: Please fill out the online application form.
Step 2: Include the following documents with your application and email to [email protected]
Step 3: Student Interview (online or face-to-face)
Step 4: Acceptance
After acceptance, students will be contacted our school to discuss their learning plan.
