318-4630 Dufferin Street, North York, Ontario, M3H 5S4, Canada
37 Southbourne Avenue, North York, Ontario, M3H 1A4, CanadaIndirect Support:
318-4630 Dufferin Street, North York, Ontario, M3H 5S4, Canada
37 Southbourne Avenue, North York, Ontario, M3H 1A4, Canada
5,694.6 km
5,692.0 km
2003
2011
25
40
Preschool to 12
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Traditional
4 to 6
6 to 10
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
$12,500 to $22,500
$20,000 to $26,000
Yes
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
2
4
0%
0%
90%
90%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
information not available
information not available
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 9 - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
Thankfully, not all children are created the same, and, just as thankfully, not all schools are either. Bright Start is dedicated to providing support for some learners who, for a range of reasons, aren’t rising to their potential within other learning environments. At Bright Start, they find a community of peers, something that in itself can be transformative. They also find a faculty that is empathetic, experienced, and dedicated to their success. Academics are important, though confidence is, too. For many kids, that awareness of personal ability, and a knowledge of what they can bring to their interactions with others, is what makes all the difference. And it’s at that point—an awareness of ability, rather than deficit—that Bright Start begins.
View full reportThe mantra of private education is “fit”—finding the right environment for your child’s specific learning needs. Magnificent Minds is a great example of that concept, to be sure. While there are psychoeducational services and support in place for students who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the school’s approach can benefit a range of learning needs; most often children arrive here coming from environments that, for whatever reason, were unable to provide the supports they needed. The school is small, and for the families that enroll here, that is one of its great benefits. Instruction is student-centred, adapting to the needs of each individual. There is an emphasis on play, and an awareness of the benefits of growing a positive sense of self within a close community of peers. The context of possibility, of celebrating and building upon a child’s unique talents and ability, for many students has been transformational.
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information not available
"Bright Start Academy is an educational institution focused on supporting elementary and secondary school-aged students facing learning challenges. The academy believes in embracing the unique differences of each child while providing a positive learning environment that empowers students with learning challenges to harness their abilities and develop into academically independent and successful learners."
"Magnificent Minds Inc. offers low-ratio classes for students from kindergarten to grade 8; using the science of learning, and a hands-on approach, we motivate our students to reach their best, and become resilient life long learners. With a strong emphasis on developing the whole child, and adjunct programs targeting executive functioning, mindfulness, community involvement, and social and behavioural skills, we offer programming that acknowledges the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to education."
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"Differentiated (and individualized) instruction occurs in all aspects of our programming as we work through academic and social-emotional curriculums specific to the needs of our students. In developing our yearly goals, we recognize that many of our students possess uneven learning profiles (advanced in one subject, behind in another) and work with our multi-disciplinary team to fill in gaps as we build on existing strengths."
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"Our emphasis is on core academics, specifically language and math, as actualized through academic intervention, groups and learning pods. The trade off is deprioritizing second language learning, we don't offer a French program. The second thing we prioritize is language comprehension across all subject strands in order to address core deficits in our population and strengthen comprehension of content. The trade off is deprioritizing rote learning as a standard approach to skill acquisition."
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"We first opened in 2011. By 2018 we had outgrown our space and mover into an expansive facility with a sensory motor gym and larger classrooms.
Began offering individual and group psychotherapy to students and parents in 2022.
The establishment of our core clinical classroom in 2023, offering a bridging program for those moving from 1:1 learning to group ratios."
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"At Magnificent Minds, we generally see students who have tried other learning environments and know a larger classroom isn't the right fit. Whether coming from a public school or another private school, our smaller classrooms and lower teacher-to-student ratios serve our population much better. Many of our students were traditionally the 'fall though the crack' kids. They may be shy, or get overstimulated easily, and end up struggling academically and/or socially in traditional learning environments. While they may survive the school day in a larger environment, they thrive in a smaller, more tailored environment like ours."
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"We would advise against joining our school if you are looking for inclusion at all costs. While we do like learning all together, we offer different learning environments tailored to each type of learner.
We are all about least restrictive AND most effective learning, not one or the other. If you are looking for a program that is only the least restrictive, even if it is not the most effective, we may not be a good fit. All kids in our program have needs we are meeting. We are a special education program, and rarely have peer models."
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"Our expertise in specialized (individualized) education and our commitment to celebrating, and respecting, neurodiversity comes through in everything we do, from goal setting to planning community events for our students to enjoy."
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"At Magnificent Minds, we pride ourselves on our reputation of being an ideal learning environment for kids who are struggling in larger classroom settings. When people think about our school, they think about how much happier their kids are, and how amazing and dedicated our staff are."
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"One underappreciated aspect of Magnificent Minds Inc. is our comprehensive range of therapeutic services, which work seamlessly alongside our educational programs to support students' holistic development. While our small class sizes and personalized attention often receive praise, the integral role of our behavioural, mental health, occupational, and speech therapies is sometimes less recognized. These services are crucial in addressing both academic and personal development, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive. Our trauma-informed approach, which fosters a safe and responsive classroom environment, complements these services and enhances the overall educational experience. Additionally, our commitment to continuous professional development for staff ensures that these therapeutic services remain at the cutting edge of practice. By integrating these supports into our educational model, we provide a well-rounded, affirming environment that empowers each stude"
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"Families might be surprised by the extent to which we integrate the natural world into our daily educational practices at Magnificent Minds Inc. In addition to our well-equipped indoor classrooms, we have constructed an outdoor classroom and incorporated structured outdoor education across all grade levels. This approach not only enhances traditional learning experiences but also fosters a deeper connection to the environment, promoting curiosity and discovery. Another surprising aspect might be our diverse range of adjunct programs, such as integrated arts, athletics, lunch clubs, and summer camps for children aged 4-18. These offerings provide additional opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills in a supportive environment. Our commitment to a holistic, whole-body, whole-mind educational approach might also be unexpectedly refreshing for families accustomed to more traditional educational models."
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"Recently we have made improvement to our classrooms, gross motor spaces, and outdoor playground. Classrooms are outfitted with additonal technology to assist with teaching and motivation. Gross motor spaces include updated equipment and sensory areas. Our outdoor playground was recently updated with new equipment, and an outdoor classroom."
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"At Magnificent Minds we plan to grow with our students. We hope to offer higher grade levels, more adjunct programming, and community outreach in the future."
Children have such an amazing ability to learn. Children with learning exceptionalilites are amazing individuals with the greatest hearts! They learn, they laugh and they have such some great talents! We learn when we are taught well and have fun! Our students make some of the greatest gains in skill development!
Remember, children are like birthdays. Some just open their presents later than others!
Thank you for considering Magnificent Minds as a potential community for your child(ren) and family. You may be seeking a first placement in which to begin your educational journey, responding to a current situation which is not meeting the mark, or acting proactively to pursue 'the right fit'. Wherever you're coming from, we welcome you.
When families arrive at Magnificent Minds we often hear statements like “finally!", "and “I wish I had found you sooner!” Your community is waiting for you! At Magnificent Minds, you will find like-minded parents and professionals who champion your child to success, irrelevant of past experiences; we recognize that every child can learn to love their school, and take pride in their accomplishments.
Our approach reflects a strong foundation in language-based programming, emotion regulation training, education for students with complex profiles and a psycho educational niche which addresses the development of multiple intelligences. We work within a multi-disciplinary context and are supported by a team of dynamic and engaging educators with a history of successfully motivating our students to reach personal greatness.
We look forward to discussing your particular needs, and wish you the best of luck as you pursue personal greatness for your child(ren).
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
At Bright Start Academy, our curriculum is built upon the evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and utilizes Discrete Trial Training (DTT). This structured, data-driven approach allows us to break down learning into clear, manageable steps, providing targeted instruction and positive reinforcement to help students master essential skills. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be effective in both personalized one-to-one settings and collaborative group environments. This flexibility ensures that we can address the specific learning needs of each elementary and secondary student while also fostering social interaction and group participation. By integrating ABA and DTT methodologies, we create a focused yet adaptable learning path aimed at fostering academic independence and success for students facing learning challenges.
We believe that in order to get our students to their final destination, it's essential to understand where they have come from. With a hands-on approach to student-directed inquiry and a data driven evaluation process, we provide a concrete account of student gains, areas of need and next steps for programming. Working from the Ministry of Education curriculum and additional curriculum documents chosen for each class based on the needs of its students (social curriculum, language-based curriculum, emotional awareness curriculum, life/leisure skills curriculum and so on) , our program targets student growth across over 20 domains of development. Our program pursues holistic development, which targets the whole body and whole mind. We work from a psycho-educational framework which enables our teachers to understand and motivate our students in a way they have often never experienced.
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.
At Bright Start Academy, our mathematics program aligns with the comprehensive standards of the Ontario Curriculum. To further support diverse learning needs and make abstract concepts tangible, we enhance our instruction with TouchMath. This multisensory program utilizes tactile and visual cues, providing an accessible, hands-on way for students to grasp mathematical ideas. We believe in a personalized approach to learning math. Students work through the curriculum at their own individual pace, focusing on practicing skills until they achieve mastery. This ensures a deep understanding and builds a strong, confident foundation in mathematics before progressing to more complex topics, allowing every student to succeed.
In the instruction of mathematics we strive to balance traditional and inquiry based methods. By teaching real life application of standard mathematical units we provide context and opportunities to practice skill development in a functional way.
Varies by grade. Please inquire.
No policy exists. In the event that calculators are needed, we will provide these to our students.
Phonics-intensive
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.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Our reading program uses a comprehensive, individualized approach to help all students become successful readers. We incorporate evidence-based strategies including the Edmark Reading Program for sight word recognition, Kaufman techniques to support language development, and principles from the Science of Reading to build strong phonemic awareness and decoding skills. By combining these methods, we address diverse learning needs and ensure students develop the foundational skills necessary for reading success. Our goal is to create confident, independent readers through consistent, structured, and engaging instruction.
We use a phonics-intensive approach to target the development of reading skills. In addition, we use systematic measures to address reading comprehension using leveled reading curriculum.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
We use a leveled reading curriculum to assess progress, and provide curriculum guidance.
Systematic approach
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
The teaching of foundational writing skills occurs with the use of a systematic procedures which addresses the core components of writing successfully. By learning the 'rules of writing' in a way that is concrete and quantifiable, our students develop the ability to plan, write, revise and publish various forms of written material.
Inquiry
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.
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.
Currently grade 1 to grade 10 is based on the Ontario Curriculum expectations
In science class, our students get busy 'doing'. We take curriculum strands and present information in a way that allows our students to generate hypotheses, make predictions and assess their findings.
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
Traditional
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
Our literature program begins by teaching foundational literary analysis skills, and develops into a more sophisticated application of these findings. Students are asked to make links between what they read and what they know; we provide our students with a framework for literary analysis which maximizes student success.
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Thematic
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
Social Studies for our students are taught at Grade Level with the necessary accommodations required.
Thematic social studies units allow our teachers to create engaging lessons at every grade level. By offering a balance between student-directed and teacher-directed learning, our students explore culture, communities, and more.
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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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
Creative
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.
Our arts-based programming reflects an appreciation for the creative process. Using arts-based modalities, our program targets the development of creativity, imagination, self confidence and an appreciate for the process of art-making (without any pressure to pursue perfection; it's all about the process). Students are encouraged to investigate a variety of forms of art, develop an appreciation for iconic artists and explore art-making in a way that is student-centered.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
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.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Our students enjoy learning how to use computers on a daily basis. Our students are taught how to navigate computers and use programs that include word and excel.
Technology is used in the classroom to help deliver content and solidify understanding. IPads, and desktop computers are available for learners for research and computer literacy.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
We teach our students the fundamentals of physical education with emphasis on group participation and skill development.
Our program upholds the ideal that an active body yields an active mind. We integrate daily physical activity into our classrooms through outdoor adventures, daily sports and recreation periods, bi-weekly yoga classes, and a focus on health and wellness training. In addition to physical activity, we put significant focus on nutrition and health and strive to teach stress management techniques throughout the day.
Play-based
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.
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.
Welcome to Kindergarten at Bright Start Academy! Our unique curriculum combines the evidence-based structure of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with the joy and exploration of play-based learning. This engaging approach allows us to teach essential foundational skills in a fun, motivating, and natural way. We focus on developing early literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills crucial for school readiness. Learning activities are designed to be effective for both individual instruction, addressing specific needs, and dynamic group settings, encouraging collaboration and interaction. Our goal is to foster a love for learning while building a strong foundation for future academic success.
Our program blends play-based and academic instruction; we spark curiosity through play, teacher-directed instruction and opportunities for hands-on investigation. Our students develop learner readiness skills, which position them to thrive in a variety of future learning environment. With a multi-disciplinary approach, we pursue communication, social skills, cognitive development, scientific discovery, gross and fine motor skills. imagination building and artistic inquiry.
Student-paced
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.
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.
We offer split level classes as a way to maximize the effectiveness of ability-groupings.
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.
Academic excellence is a major driving force of our program, however, developing a love of learning, a deeply rooted sense of curiosity and the confidence and willingness to investigate play an equal part.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
Our holistic frameworks caters all areas of develop and appreciate the importance of each domain.
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 | |
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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.
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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.
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
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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.
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Dysgraphia
This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Down syndrome
his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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| Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Suicidal thoughts
This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
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Drug and alcohol abuse
This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
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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.
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| Physical | ||||
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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.
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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.
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Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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).
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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.
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Multiple physical
Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
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Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
At our school, we are committed to treating all students with respect and equity, recognizing and valuing their unique strengths and challenges. We provide individualized support tailored to each student's needs—offering hands-on guidance when necessary and gradually reducing assistance to foster independence. This approach aligns with the principles of scaffolding, where support is adjusted based on the learner's progress, promoting confidence and self-reliance . Our goal is to empower every student to develop essential skills and achieve their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
We use a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating principles of emotion regulation, and anxiety/stress management. We provide ample behavioural supports within the classroom and offer a standard 1:4 student to teacher ratio, or the option of a 1:2 student to teacher ratio or a 1:1 student to teacher ratio as student need dictates. We offer 1:1 services to augment our school program.
We welcome enrolment for students with special needs and encourage parents of children who struggle in traditional school settings to explore our program. With individualized curriculum and programming, we tailor instruction to each child’s unique learning profile. Our supportive environment, experienced staff, and evidence-based strategies ensure that every student receives the tools and attention they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are positioned to support a variety of learner profiles, including those with complex profiles or learning histories. We are positioned to support children with additional needs in a variety of ways, as stipulated by our comprehensive individualized education plans.
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
0%
0%
$0
$0
90%
90%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 9 - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
We are looking for students who require additional support in their learning and benefit from a structured, individualized approach. Ideal candidates are those who need extra teaching time, hands-on guidance, and a team-based support system to develop academic, social, and functional skills. Our school is designed for students who may not thrive in traditional classroom settings and who would benefit from small group or one-on-one instruction. Success at our school comes from a willingness to engage in learning, respond to individualized instruction, and work toward greater independence with the support of dedicated staff.
Students who benefit from hands-on, systematic teaching in a low ratio environment where a balanced educational curriculum is presented.
School Transcript – copy of most recent transcript
Report Cards – copies of two most recent report cards
Psychological / Educational Assessments – copies of all assessments
IEP – copy of most recent Individual education plan
Birth date / Citizenship Verification – copy of either:
Birth certificate, Passport OR Record of Landing
Recent Photograph – copy for our files
It's important that our school is the right fit for each student placed with us. We require an informal interview, or meet and greet, with each prospective student prior to offering a placement. We work collaboratively with parents and other stake holders (previous schools, support team, caregivers, etc.) to assess learner history, next steps for goal development and long term outcome.
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