3910 Quesnay Wood Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7M3, Canada
92 Glancaster Road, Hamilton, Ontario, L9G 3K9, Canada
Indirect Support:
3910 Quesnay Wood Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7M3, Canada
92 Glancaster Road, Hamilton, Ontario, L9G 3K9, Canada
1995
1956
468
510
JK to 12
9 to 12
Coed, Boys, Girls
Coed
Day
Day, Homestay
English
English
Academic
Academic
Liberal Arts
Progressive
15 to 20
18 to 22
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
In-class adaptations
$6,300 to $17,400
$19,350
Yes
Yes
20%
10%
1 to 12
9 to 12
$5,000
$5,000
31
128
0%
0%
75%
97%
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Clear Water Academy consistently ranks very highly nationally, distinguished particularly by the strength and quality of the academic program. The approach is also a distinguishing factor, and it’s the only school in Canada to base the curriculum in integral theory, one that relies on the full spectrum of knowledge formation, from empirical inquiry to personal and spiritual engagement. As a Catholic institution, the relationship that students grow with God and their understanding of themselves as spiritual beings is yet another significant draw, and rightly so. Class sizes are small, and the feel of the school is very much of a community, one that includes the parent population. That’s a reflection of how the school was formed; in 1995 a few families got together in order to create a better education for their children. They did, and indeed very many families have been the beneficiaries of their vision ever since. Clear Water Academy presents a robust academic environment, with programs delivered through an authentic Catholic lens.
View full reportFounded in 1956, HDCH has been doing great and impressively consistent work ever since. It has a good breadth of curricular and extracurricular offerings. Instruction is connected with projects, encouraging students to work together toward completing meaningful tasks, which builds and supports a facility with the core curriculum. Families are also drawn by the values which undergird the academic program. The school reaches out to resources and organizations within the local community, using those interactions to build an empathetic worldview and a genuine appreciation of diversity. Certainly, there’s a lot to love.
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"The academics at HD are strong and an important aspect of the school environment."
Trixie Zimmerman - Parent (May 26, 2021)
High School can be challenging for any student and my son had his senior years even further challeng...
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"The school leadership was very caring."
Hannah Moerman - Alumnus (May 26, 2021)
For the first 13 years of my life, attending Hamilton District Christian High was what I most looked...
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"Their communication levels with the students around expectations and objectives are clear."
Anne van der Walt - Parent (May 26, 2021)
My son started in grade 10 as a newcomer to Canada and found a welcoming and caring school community...
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"Clear Water Academy stands as the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous program from Jr. K to Grade 12. Our dedicated faculty educate the whole child in their intellectual, spiritual, human, and apostolic formation. We provide small class sizes, single-gender classrooms from Grades 4 to 9, and a top-ranked university-prep program, which includes Advanced Placement courses. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education. While we are a Catholic school, we welcome students of all faiths."
"At HDCH, our mission is to cultivate student character, through learning, for lives of service to God. Our vision is to see all HDCH graduates be a faithful presence in the communities that they serve."
"We consistently rank among the top schools in Alberta and proudly stand as the sole institution in Canada offering the innovative educational framework of Integral Formation. This unique approach centres on nurturing four fundamental dimensions of development: intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic, ensuring the education of the whole person."
"At HDCH, every staff members seeks to know every student. Our students tell us that what they love most about the school is the strong sense of community, as well as the warm, dedicated and care exhibited by every teacher. Our building is located on 20 peaceful acres, set back from the road, providing a peaceful setting for our students. We have baseball, disc golf, beach volleyball and soccer facilities. Indoors, we have relevant technology including robotics and 3-D printers."
"Clear Water Academy offers families a compelling proposition: a commitment to the highest quality education delivered through the Integral Formation® model. Aligned with the Regnum Christi Education Network, we dedicate ourselves to nurturing the complete development of each child, fostering their intellectual, spiritual, human, and apostolic capacities. Within our nurturing environment, students thrive, benefiting from personalized attention tailored to unlock their full potential, enabling them to emerge as confident Christian leaders ready to embrace and utilize their unique gifts. Our motto, Semper Altius, meaning "Always Higher," encapsulates our ethos, inspiring students, parents, and faculty alike to continually pursue excellence and personal growth through a dynamic journey of formation and advancement."
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"Our school, Clear Water Academy, is deeply rooted in the rich traditions and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. It's essential for families considering enrollment to prioritize the Catholic faith and embrace its beliefs to fully benefit from our educational model of Integral Formation. Our rigorous academic program, aligned with Alberta certification standards, emphasizes excellence in literature and mathematics, encouraging students to strive for their highest academic achievements.
At Clear Water Academy, our dedication to academic excellence goes hand in hand with our commitment to nurturing ethical and compassionate individuals grounded in their faith, preparing them to excel not only academically but also as Christian leaders in their communities."
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"Families choose Clear Water Academy for its commitment to academic excellence in a safe, caring, and fun environment, emphasizing character and moral growth. The prestigious University Preparatory program secures children's university placements. The separated classrooms for girls and boys in Grades 4-9, tailoring teaching to unique interests, are cherished. They value the high-quality Catholic education and small class sizes that foster strong connections and community."
"Families appreciate our relevant learning opportunities, the sense of community, the passion and caring from the teachers as well as our faith-based learning approach. They appreciate the breadth of extra-curricular opportunities, as well as the Project-Based Learning approach to classroom work. They also love the fact that our students are focused on service...taking curriculum and turning it into something that helps others."
"Clear Water Academy offers a faith-filled environment with small classes and a dedicated faculty, enhancing the education experience and cultivating future leaders prepared for post-secondary education. Our commitment to forming Christian leaders is evident in our approach, of engaging students not only with high academic standards but also with strong character formation. We empower students to be well-prepared and confident as they embark on their future journeys and choices, ready to make a positive impact on the world."
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"Although families might see our technology in photos and when they visit, the degree to which we engage students in science, technology, engineer and mathematics is not always clear until the student is here. We go to great lengths in all our subject areas, and the STEM area is one at which we excel."
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"Families are often surprised to experience the degree to which our teachers commit to our students. As they witness the many ways our staff provide wrap around supports, guidance, opportunities and possibilities, they frequently note that it is one thing to read about it, and another to experience it. In a parent's words: It was so completely and wonderfully surprising for us that HD, along with a Christian education, also offered project based learning - something that really stood out to us"."
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Dear Parents of Prospective Students,
Thank you for your interest in Clear Water Academy, A Catholic School - Forming Christian Leaders. Our school is centrally located in Calgary, Alberta and offers programs from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12. We are proud that our school is consistently ranked a top school in Alberta by the Fraser Institute.
Clear Water Academy is a school where students receive a balanced spiritual and educational foundation. We ensure that every child receives a personalized education aimed at forming their character, intellect, faith, and desire to serve others. Today, Clear Water Academy is home to nearly 450 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, and over 75 staff members (role models). Clear Water Academy teaches, educates, and forms students so that they will become the leaders necessary to change society.
Semper Altius - Always Higher is Clear Water Academy's motto. Whether it is helping a classmate with difficult math homework, taking on a leadership role in a school club, or participating in the dozens of athletic teams or service projects that take us into local neighborhoods and around the world, Semper Altius is a way of life.
I invite you to learn more about our very special school. Please contact our Admissions Director, Val Blahut, to book your personal tour. We'd love to meet your family and introduce to Clear Water Academy!
God Bless,
Darren Forrester
Principal
Exceptional learning is for every student. Each student has unique gifts, abilities, and learning styles. We work to differentiate learning so that each student can succeed. We provide support for academic planning and development, learning, and individualized programs where appropriate.
Our staff takes a vested interest in student learning, growth, and spiritual well-being. They develop a mentor relationship beginning in Grade 9 and foster these connections through to Grade 12, often going above and beyond to get to know each student as a unique person with diverse interests, strengths, and gifts.
We understand that ultimately God transforms the lives of our students at HDCH, and it is with this in mind that we trust in our mission to be clear and to be the directive of our school. We use the five habits of an HDCH graduate.They are:
Exceptional education at Hamilton District Christian High is imaginative, innovative and interwoven with our essential Biblical identity. An exceptional learning community looks to produce and engage with culture by turning our visions into actions, our ideas into products. One of the ways that we will accomplish this is through the essentials of Project-Based Learning (PBL). And it is our vision to have Project-Based Learning as an everyday learning experience for our students at Hamilton District Christian High.
At the core of Project-Based Learning is that real-world problems capture students’ interest and provoke serious thinking as the students acquire and apply new knowledge in a problem-solving context. This learning is contextual, creative, and shared. Students collaborate on meaningful projects creating opportunities for groups of students to gather information, think critically be creative and communicate in order for them to answer challenging questions or solve complex problems. By making learning relevant to them in this way, students see a purpose for mastering state-required skills and content concepts.
Hamilton District Christian High is registered as a private school with the Ontario Ministry of Education. It provides a curriculum that follows Ministry guidelines and standards and uses the credit system outlined in the Ontario Secondary School Document (1999). All the teachers have Ontario teacher’s certification. Graduating students will have completed the credits required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
We believe HDCH is a place to dream dreams and see visions, a place to learn and grow and be cultivated, a place to live as a healthy community, a place for exceptional learning. The learning that happens here is a launching pad for our graduates’ futures; this is exciting stuff.
We’re always happy to welcome our friends and supporters to school. If you are in the neighbourhood, we hope you’ll drop by and experience exceptional learning first-hand.
Sincerely,
Duncan
Progressive
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Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
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.
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Our goal is to provide the highest quality education with an emphasis on developing authentic Christian leaders. Our university preparatory curriculum sets high, yet attainable, academic expectations. Solid intellectual formation provides students with the ability to think, speak and write clearly, coherently, and persuasively. Our students develop habits essential for ongoing academic success including study skills, critical thinking, perseverance, and a desire to produce high quality work. Our approach provides an excellent education amongst like-minded peers, with a wide range of enrichment activities in a challenging, positive, faith-filled environment. Our dedicated team of educators gives our students the personal attention they need to develop their unique potential and God-given talents. Through leadership and personal development opportunities, we focus on character and spiritual formation, instilling confidence, poise, and maturity. Our graduates are young men and women of integrity and character who have attained a solid foundation in their faith, the humanities and the sciences.
Education at Hamilton District Christian High is imaginative, innovative and Christ-Centred. This is achieved through Project-Based Learning. At the core of Project-Based Learning is that real-world problems capture students’ interest and provoke serious thinking as the students acquire and apply new knowledge in a problem-solving context. Students collaborate on meaningful projects creating opportunities for groups of students to gather information, think critically, be creative and communicate in order for them to answer challenging questions or solve complex problems.
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.
We use Project Based Learning and Discovery Problem Solving that both focus on the application of math and using the problem-solving process to discover and make sense of new content. We use PBL to connect math to life outside of school to help our students gain a deeper insight into the role of math in careers, personal financial literacy, in our local communities. We also look at how math is discovered in the created order, such as in nature. Students have access and use technology as they study math. Our teachers are intentional to incorporate mathematical tools. Students will find a balance of these approaches mixed with traditional instruction.
Information not available
Students may be permitted to use a calculator based on teacher permission. Students will need a scientific calculator.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Home reading program commence in Junior Kindergarten.
Information not available
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Information not available
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.
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.
HDCH uses project based learning, laboratory experiments, sustained inquiry and other more traditional pedagogical practices in the science program. Students acquire the skills necessary to design and carry out scientific inquiries. Labs are equipped with modern technology and equipment. Students are encouraged to engage with the curriculum from a Christian worldview which results in a call to stewardship of all areas of creation.
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
Physiology
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.
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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
Not applicable
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).
Not applicable
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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.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
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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.
Spanish taught from JK to Grade 3. French taught Grade 4 to Grade 9. High school students encouraged to take either French or Spanish. Spanish and French clubs are offered.
Information not available
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
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
The fine arts are an integral part of our program from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. In addition to classroom time, our students can participate in our musical theatre productions at both the elementary and secondary levels.
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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.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Computers and technology are used in our classrooms to enhance the learning environment and allow our students to become competent in the use of technology. We have some options courses that are primarily focused on technology.
Students have free access to 250 computers and chromebooks throughout the school. We have 5 3-D printers, a laser cutter, and a suite of virtual reality and robotics options. Once students learn how to use these learning tools, they are encouraged to use them as they wish, for both school and other projects.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physical education is an integral part of our program. We provide our students with exposure to many sports and outdoor education opportunities. Our goal is to foster healthy attitudes and provide our students with life skills. Athletics and outdoor education provide character formation opportunities. Our youngest students focus on developing gross and fine motor skills with the help of a certified PE instructor. In addition to regular PE classes, our elementary students receive skating and swimming lessons and have a chance to join the Jr. Crusaders. In junior high and high school we have field competitive teams in basketball, volleyball, track and field, badminton, and soccer. Our teams regularly qualify for provincial competitions. Our outdoor education program in junior high allows students to experience many activities from skiing, to cycling, to hiking and camping.
In the Physical Education Department at Hamilton District Christian High, we focus on each student’s Total Health as a child of God. We recognize that each area of a person’s health affects the others, that taking care of Physical Health is a great way to help manage all other areas of health, and that our Spiritual Health is the foundation for the rest of our health. We teach the concepts of Physical Literacy to encourage students to be confident and competent in all types of movement. Our students experience a variety of activities in different settings, including traditional and non-traditional sports, low organization and creative games, and fitness activities. We encourage our students to make goals for the present and goals for the future. Through all this, we hope to meet the goal of our Physical Education program which is to help our students live healthy and active lifestyles.
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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.
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We have taken what we believe to be "best practices" from the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, embedded within those are traditional academic practices coupled with authentic Catholic values. We also offer specialized Spanish, Music, and Phys. Ed programs. Numeracy and literacy skills are introduced and reinforced through play. Our Jr. Kindergarten students are well prepared for entry into Kindergarten and the academic expectations of our Elementary program.
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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.
Information not available
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.
We set high standards for academic performance and personal character development in a caring and supportive learning environment that focuses on the whole child. We recognize that strength lies in virtue as well as in academic performance. Loving, talented teachers give each student the tools needed to learn to the best of their ability. Our program provides structure, academic foundation, study of the Catholic faith, and leadership opportunities. Students are naturally led to intellectual curiosity, the love of learning, and positive character formation. Our students grow in self-control, generosity and respect of others.
Information not available
"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."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
Our mission is to provide the highest quality education and foster integrally formed Christian leaders. We focus on four dimensions: intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic. We strive to: teach the mind, in an environment of academic excellence; educate the heart, helping each student to love authentic values and to develop a sense of what is good, right, noble, beautiful; form the character, which serves as the foundation of all virtue and integrity. Our graduates become strong Christian leaders, convinced of the truth, prepared and committed to establish and foster a society where Christian values are put into practice.
Our Mission - to cultivate character through learning for a life of service to God. Our Vision - to see all HDCH graduates become a faithful presence in the community that they serve.
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
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
We offer Occupational Therapy and Speech-language therapy for very mild cases in Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
HDCH welcomes learners of all kinds, with the caveat that we are a small school with some limitations of resources. For example, we offer a Lifeskills Pathway for student with severe cognitive ability, however we have a low capacity of 5 students for that class due to its high resource needs. Our older school building is undergoing on-going accessibility upgrades, but these may not always serve students with complex physical needs. We undergo a careful and kind process to determine what the students needs are, matching these with our resources, to ensure a wonderful fit.
Our desire is to meet all students' educational needs while at school. Please note, as a private school we do not have the resources, nor the support to provide the necessary programming and education for children with special learning needs, learning disabilities or Individual Program Plans (IPP’s).
We would not advise a family against de-enrolling their child at our school if they had a clinically diagnosed learning disability that became apparent while studying at HDCH, so long as we were able to accomodate their needs.
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 |
||||
Racquet Ball |
||||
Rowing |
||||
Rugby |
||||
Running |
||||
Sailing |
||||
Skateboarding |
||||
Snowboarding |
||||
Soccer |
||||
Softball |
||||
Squash |
||||
Swimming |
||||
Tennis |
||||
Track & Field |
||||
Volleyball |
||||
Weightlifting |
||||
Wrestling |
||||
Archery |
||||
Curling |
||||
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
9 - 12
20%
10%
$5,000
$5,000
75%
97%
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades K - 12
No
Yes: grades 2 - 12
No
No
No
We are looking for families that will partner with us in the education of their children and that are open to having their children educated within the Catholic faith. Our students are well-rounded with many interests and are open to discovering who God created them to be. Our students are willing to face challenges and stretch themselves to become the best they can be.
The best way to get the most out of your high school experience is to get involved. Student life is rich at Hamilton District Christian High. We offer much more than academics and have very active extracurricular programs. Whether you’re into sports, inclined towards the arts, or serving in your community (or all), there are plenty of activities to help you stay active and connected. Our campus thrives on the involvement of the entire school community. Exceptional learning is for every student. Each student has unique God given gifts, abilities, and learning styles. We work to differentiate learning so that each student can succeed. We provide support for faith development, academic planning and development, learning, and individualized programs where appropriate.
All Applicants:
Canadian Citizens:
Non-Canadian Citizens:
Application Form needs to be filled out entirely and is found here: https://hdch.org/prospective-students/admissions/
