92 Glancaster Road, Hamilton, Ontario, L9G 3K9, Canada
2211 Thurston Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 6C9, Canada
Indirect Support:
92 Glancaster Road, Hamilton, Ontario, L9G 3K9, Canada
2211 Thurston Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 6C9, Canada
1956
1997
510
65
9 to 12
1 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Homestay
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Traditional
18 to 22
6 to 12
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
In-class adaptations
Dedicated gifted school
$19,350
$16,000 to $18,000
Yes
No
10%
0%
9 to 12
None
$5,000
$0
128
5
0%
0%
97%
90%
9, 10, 11, 12
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades 1 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Founded 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.
View full reportNot all children learn in the same way, and that’s been a guiding principle behind the Astolot Educational Centre since Jennifer Cowan founded it in 1998. Classes are small, and instruction is student-oriented, beginning with the talents, interests, and perspectives that the children bring with them into the classroom and starting from there. Learning is cooperative, with faculty and students working together to tailor delivery to best meet their individual learning styles. It’s not the typical approach, which is precisely why families turn to Astolot. In addition to reaching student potentials, the program encourages learner responsibility while growing the students’ awareness of how they learn best. While there are a range of student supports, the ideal student is one who is capable of thriving in a challenging atmosphere, and who operates at the top of his or her peer group.
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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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"My child was given the freedom to accelerate his learning where he was capable of doing so, and given support in those areas (e.g. social skills) where he needed it."
Anne Marie Laurin - Parent (May 24, 2019)
Our son started at Astolot in grade 2 and is graduating this year. As a person with dual exceptional...
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"Astolot excels in supporting each student to achieve the most positive outcome."
Raewyn Khosla - Parent (Mar 01, 2022)
Our son had an excellent experience at Astolot. Previous to starting the school in Grade 6 he had at...
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"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."
"Astolot Educational Centre was founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to deliver curriculum with success. Astolot staff consider Dyslexia requirements, have small groups, ADHD strategies, as well as programming for gifted students. Our mix of students results in positive learning experiences as challenges are matched with strategies to ensure student success."
"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."
"Education programs are developed with the parent, child and teaching staff. Small class sizes and experienced, dedicated staff allow for proper implementation. Students and teachers have a role in directing learning. Students have input into how they learn as they become more aware of their own learning style. The method of teaching and learning varies; a student may learn paragraphs in a 'step by step' method, through computer editing, or holistically while researching a science topic."
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"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."
"Cooperative learning is not a typical approach, this is precisely why families turn to Astolot. In addition to students reaching their potential, they are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, whilst also developing their personal awareness of how they learn best. While the school offers a range of student support strategies, the ideal student is one who is capable of thriving in a challenging atmosphere, and who operates at the top of his or her peer group."
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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."
"Astolot Educational Centre was founded to meet the needs of students by understanding the learner's experience first, combined with environmental accommodations in order to deliver curriculum with success. Astolot staff consider all student needs, including programming for gifted students. Our mix of students results in positive learning experiences as challenges are matched with strategies to ensure student success."
"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"."
"Grade 1 to 6 classes are formed with student learning style and academic needs as the priority. Therefore, the classes are multi-grade level allowing for students to learn at an appropriate level. Grade 7 and 8 are important years, preparing them for the academic demands of high school. Grade 9 to 12 follow the Ontario Curriculum, earning credits towards the OSSD, granted by the Ministry of Education."
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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
Welcome to Astolot!
We are a small, not-for-profit, Ministry Inspected private school serving grades 1 to 12. We believe that structured, individual learning, allows students to reach their full potential. Students who are considered gifted have the opportunity to excel and be challenged, while additionally students are accommodated or offered alternative programming to meet their learning needs. Our classroom ratio is small, on average 1 teacher to 10 students, and we emphasize life skills in all aspects in school.
Founder Jennifer Cowan
Traditional
Information not available
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.
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.
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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.
Ontario Curriculum requirements will be met by accommodating for visual, auditory and kinesthetic leaning. Students working on the same topic may approach the curriculum or completion on their product (essay/power-point/oral presentation) with their learning style in mind. Involvement of students and parents is essential to establishing curriculum delivery for students.
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.
Grades 1-8 math is structured with the Jump Math books. Each student gets two workbooks per grade, and once the booklets are complete they can advance into upper-level booklets. The teacher provides direct instruction to the class, then works individually with the students at the level they are at. Each class has approximately 10 students.
Jump Math Books are used for elementary grades. Nelson Secondary Mathematic books are used for high school math.
Students may be permitted to use a calculator based on teacher permission. Students will need a scientific calculator.
Calculators are allowed during certain math problems. Graphing calculators are used in high school grades.
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.
Information not available
Both Phonics and whole language instruction are focused on for Literacy. 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. Whole Language reading programs eschew sublexical (under the word-level) training, focusing instead on getting students to infer and guess at words based on their understanding of the larger meaning of the sentence (“context-clues”). Students are given ample opportunity to read actual literature (age-appropriate) along with strategies for using semantic-based clues to pronounce unrecognized words.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Wilson Reading Program is used to assess reading level.
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.
Information not available
There is an equal balance between systematic writing approach and process writing 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 process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
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.
We offer an equal balance between inquiry scientific approach and expository science approach. Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions. 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.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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There is an equal balance of traditional literature and social justice inspired literature. 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. 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. In social justice- inspired programs, literature is not viewed as something to be merely decoded and “appreciated”: rather, it is viewed as a catalyst to social action. Choice of texts tends to favour contemporary works.
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).
Information not available
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).
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
Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience.
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.
Information not available
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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.
Information not available
We believe in expressive art. Creativity is inherently subjective. Our goal is to create an open and non-judgemental environment for students to experiment, innovate, and find the artist within.
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.
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.
For high school classes, students are required to have a computer to type assignments. However, hand writing is an option for some students and for certain assignments. Students are allowed their assistive technology whenever it applies.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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.
Physical education takes place in the neighbourhood park and at outdoor education centres. Elementary students get an hour outside each day. High School students get an hour break with the option and encouragement to go outside. During spring and fall, all students are outside most days. Physical Education classes follow curriculum, and go beyond the curriculum to focus on team building and cooperation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
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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.
Gifted students have the opportunity to be placed in a higher grade level for subjects they excel in.
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.
Astolot has a “supportive” academic culture focusing on developing student learning strategies and self-advocacy. Academic performance is a welcomed benefit of our focus. Astolot students proceed to post secondary with the necessary skills to be successful. We have a supportive academic culture to turn students from frustrated to engaged learners. Astolot is focused on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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."
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.
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.
At Astolot, we believe that the basic needs (security, trust, health) need to be addressed before academic success can be obtained. Our goal is to increase student's intellectual level, through addressing their emotional and social needs. We want our students to be academically strong, creative, critical thinkers with the learning skills required for success beyond high school. We also want our students to be emotionally intelligent and confident, capable of learning both about themselves and others.
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
Accommodations
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
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.
Astolot provides space for specialists to work with students to receive support for dyslexia, occupational therapy, social skills development and speech-language therapy.
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.
Astolot has the ability to support students with mild disabilities, but not severe disabilities since we do not modify curriculum. Extra support is offered to students struggling to access the curriculum or demonstrate their learning. Our small classroom sizes allows teachers to provide specific attention to students with a learning challenge.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
||||
Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
||||
Fencing |
||||
Field Hockey |
||||
Figure Skating |
||||
Football |
||||
Golf |
||||
Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
||||
Ice Skating |
||||
Lacrosse |
||||
Martial Arts |
||||
Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
||||
Rowing |
||||
Rugby |
||||
Running |
||||
Sailing |
||||
Skateboarding |
||||
Snowboarding |
||||
Soccer |
||||
Softball |
||||
Squash |
||||
Swimming |
||||
Tennis |
||||
Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
||||
Weightlifting |
||||
Wrestling |
||||
Archery |
||||
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
9 - 12
10%
0%
$5,000
$0
97%
90%
9, 10, 11, 12
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades 1 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
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.
Astolot attracts students who find large classrooms frustrating due to sensory overload, lack of time with the teacher or require individualized programing.
Application Form needs to be filled out entirely and is found here: https://hdch.org/prospective-students/admissions/
Step 1 - Parent interview with Administration
Step 2 - Shadow Day
Step 3 - Review of relevant reports
Step 4 - Parent School Conversation
