AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence vs. Alcuin College

one-to-one comparison:

View Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence's full report
VS.
View Alcuin College's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    207 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 2G5, Canada

    200-1046 St Georges Avenue, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7L 3H6, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1989

    2012

    Enrolment

    150

    118

    Grades

    1 to 12

    K to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    Liberal Arts

    Curriculum pace

    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.
    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.

    Academic culture

    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.
    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.

    Avg. Class Size

    8 to 14

    8 to 12

    Special needs support

    Learning, Developmental

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated class; in-class adaptations

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Play-based
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $15,400 to $18,000

    $20,000

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    13

    9

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    75%

    0%

    Day entry years

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 12

    Yes: grades K - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Schools are founded for a range of reasons, though a few are founded out of a very acute need, and that’s the case with Heritage. Louise Brazeau-Ward’s son had dyslexia, and she had watched him struggle in traditional academic settings, something which inspired her to make a difference in his life and the lives of others like him. Today she’s a world renowned expert in dyslexia, and a proponent of the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach to instruction which she then adapted. All of that forms the foundation of Heritage Academy, the school that Brazeau-Ward created in 1989. Today the school is run by her daughter, and the program, though having grown over the years, remains consistent to its founding mission. The school provides support for students with dyslexia as well as other challenges. The environment—one that is created to address the needs of the students—can itself be transformative. For many students, that’s what Heritage principally offers.

    View full report

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Alcuin College was founded in 2012 in the understanding that learning begins with a relationship between student and teacher, and flourishes within a community of learners. The goal is to begin with all the things that students bring with them into the classroom—the curiosities, the concerns—and to use them as the basis for aspirations—to learn, to grow, and connect with others. As much as possible, instruction is tutorial, bringing students together in small groups around specific tasks or inquiries. Teachers are hired for both their experience in the classroom as well as in the community, which adds a nice dimension to the life of the school, in that learning is taken beyond the walls of the school itself. The curriculum is challenging, though the support is as well, ensuring that students remain on task and engaged.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    " ... were able to customize a plan to teach to his strengths."
    Kim Bridgeman - Parent   (May 02, 2018)
    Our son had many difficulties in the regular school system due to a number of learning disabilities ... View full review

    "...emerged from the school with a giant smile and said, "THIS school is where I belong"."
    Lisa Gomes - Parent   (May 02, 2018)
    My child appreciates the individual attention afforded by small class sizes as well as the flexibili... View full review

    "...thoroughly impressed with the teaching staffs' dedication and care."
    Susan Ward - Parent   (Jul 18, 2018)
    My daughter transferred mid-year. She likes the small classroom setting and the teaching staff. She ... View full review

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    "The staff was wonderful in helping my son reach his university dreams."
    Susan Federspiel - Parent   (Mar 27, 2023)
    My son loved the community and the personal connection with the teachers at Alcuin. The positive rel... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    "Heritage Academy specializes in supporting students with Dyslexia, as well as students with other language-based learning exceptionalities. Our multisensory environment and smaller class sizes are beneficial for students with a wide range of other exceptionalities. By promoting the values of honesty, perseverance and teamwork, Heritage Academy fosters acceptance and growth among our students and enables them to reach their full potential."

    • http://www.bulletinaylmer.com/finding-the-right-educational-fit
    • https://www.toronto.com/news-story/4115241-support-services-fill-in-gaps-for-dyslexic-students
    • https://www.ottawaparentingtimes.ca/crime-and-punishment-and-school/
    • https://diefenbunker.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/what-do-potatoes-and-the-diefenbunker-have-in-common/
    • https://www.dyslexiadaily.com/blog/specialised-schools-for-children-with-dyslexia/
    • https://www.pressreader.com/canada/ottawa-citizen/20130207/281981784976489
    • https://www.toronto.com/news-story/3971226-potato-project-a-lesson-in-urban-farming-heritage-academy
    • http://www.todaysparent.com/kids/kids-health/synesthesia/
    • https://www.ottawaparentingtimes.ca/getting-ahead-2/

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    "Alcuin College is a progressive, independent K-12 school rooted in curiosity-led learning. We specialize in providing an innovative, hands-on education based on the Liberal Arts. As an independent school on Vancouver’s North Shore, Alcuin attracts students who are coping in their current schools, but are not necessarily thriving, or who are uninspired. Our very small class sizes ensure personal attention, and our challenging curriculum is enriched by the resources and expertise available in our local community."

    • The unique relationship between student and teacher is central to successful learning at Alcuin
    • The diverse characteristics, strengths, and challenges of each child matter
    • Our intimate setting allows students to feel safe, accepted, and respected
    • We ensure smaller tutorial groups of students, under the expert guidance of a master teacher
    • We offer a rich, rigorous, and personalized education that fosters creativity and achievement
    • A hands-on approach allows students to investigate their world and take charge of their learning
    • Our inquiry approach allows student to explore topics that are of personal interest
    • Students develop analytic and creative skills, and are challenged to think critically and to reflect
    • Our K-2 program offers a full day of outdoor exploration each week
    • We are a community; students, teachers and parents are partners in learning

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    "Our environment, with smaller class sizes and less stimulus, are often advantageous to students with ADD/ADHD. In addition, our teachers bring in the use of frequent body breaks, use of manipulatives, use of multisensory fidgets and use of the desk bicycles.
    By promoting the values of honesty, perseverance and respect, Heritage fosters acceptance and growth among our students, and enables them to reach their full academic potential. We love to see students learn how to succeed and enjoy school."

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    "Personal attention is key. We seek out the interests of each child and adjust learning experiences to suit individual needs. For our senior scholars, we tailor elective courses to encourage passions and meet long-term goals. Your will find our students off-site frequently, interacting with the community and learning from the real world. We explore a variety of inspiring destinations to engage the children intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Alcuin is a safe place for students to learn a"

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    "Families have grown to know Heritage as a school that provides both academic and social support for students struggling in their current environment. Heritage believes in the potential of our students. Once they have been provided with the tools and strategies to help them learn based on their individual profile, our students can excel and reach their utmost potential."

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    "Families choose Alcuin for our small class sizes, personal attention and our caring community."

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    "By engaging students with multisensory teaching techniques and by using different modalities, students love to learn at Heritage.
    We help students foster new friendships and face new challenges with a positive and open approach. Children deserve an environment that is nurturing, and understanding each student's true potential is essential."

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    "Our teachers and tutors are dedicated to making a difference in their students' lives. Working tirelessly to ensure the curriculum is delivered engagingly and that students progress in the areas that may have been difficult for them, our staff ensures that each student enjoys school and is part of the learning adventure each grade experiences. We follow the "Tribes" program and want all students to feel included and part of the Heritage family."

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence, founded by Louise Brazeau-Ward, has come a long way since its inception. In the early 1980s, Louise (as she is known at the school) was a frustrated parent tired of watching her dyslexic son continually struggle in school. This compelled her to focus her time and energy towards dyslexia research in order to help her son and other children struggling with this learning exceptionality. Through her involvement in this issue, Louise became an internationally recognized expert in the field of dyslexia research and therapy. With the goal of providing an academic environment that met the unique needs of students with dyslexia and other learning exceptionalities,  Louise opened Heritage Academy in 1989.

    As Louise began to train new teachers, she recognized the necessity for a specialized system to support the development and strengthening of written language skills in dyslexic students. To meet this need, she developed the Simultaneous Multisensory Teaching method (SMT), a unique learning system available in both English and French. Since its introduction, teachers, students and parents alike have found this system to be a highly effective way of improving and enhancing reading, writing and spelling skills in dyslexic students. SMT is still taught at Heritage Academy, with the concepts being integrated into all aspects of the curriculum. SMT is also utilized in schools and homes throughout Canada and abroad.

    With Louise Ward’s retirement in 2006, Heritage Academy is now under the watchful eye of Cheryl Ward, Louise’s daughter. The school has grown larger, but remains true to its original purpose. We continue to specialize in supporting dyslexic students, and have expanded our expertise to provide additional comprehensive support to students with a variety of learning exceptionalities. By promoting the values of honesty, perseverance and respect, Heritage Academy fosters acceptance and growth amongst our students, and enables them to reach their full academic potential.

    Awareness of learning exceptionalities has been steadily increasing in recent years. Learning exceptionalities are being more readily diagnosed and progress is being made to lift the negative connotations traditionally associated with such exceptionalities.

    Recent research has concluded that dyslexia, ADHD and many other learning exceptionalities are not linked to levels of intelligence. Rather, this indicates that students who receive appropriate accommodations to support their learning challenges can still excel academically.  

    This is where Heritage Academy can help: We are an Ottawa-based school specializing in helping students with learning exceptionalities reach their highest academic potential. Unlike most schools, Heritage Academy offers small classes with no more than twelve students per teacher. We teach grades 1-12 and provide each student with a supportive learning environment and customized learning approach that best suits their individual learning needs.  Heritage Academy: Our methods work – come check us out! 

    information not available

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Traditional

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Liberal Arts


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Information not available

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      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.

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Not applicable

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      GRADES 1-8 Our program offers a rich curriculum stressing disciplined learning. Skill development is a major goal of a demanding academic program. All classes emphasize the need to write, speak and listen effectively. Some students entering these grades already have had a history of school failure because of reading, writing and math difficulties. GRADES 9-12 Our high school courses lead to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Courses offered by Heritage Academy have been developed according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. CLASS SIZE Our average class size is 12 students, with 1 main teacher, 1 resource teacher, 1 behavioural interventionist, and 2 educational assistants on staff.

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Alcuin College was founded upon the desire for a successful model of education that focuses on the long-term growth and development of the student. We want our children to become true life-long learners, striving to be the best that they can be, inspired by teachers, parents and experts who themselves are scholars. Through our inquiry approach, students are actively engaged in the learning process and develop an understanding of themselves as learners and as citizens of a community. Our approach encourages students to take charge of their learning and offers opportunities for them to expand their capacity to think, create and innovate, and construct meaning about the world. Smaller tutorial groups of students, under the personal and expert guidance of a master teacher, develop analytic and creative skills and are challenged to think critically, to reflect, to speak and to write with logic and concision. The unique and fundamental relationship between student and teacher is central to successful learning.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Early Reading


        Approach

        Approach

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        Balanced Literacy

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Balanced Literacy


        Our take: early reading approach type

        Our take: early reading approach type

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        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.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        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.


        What the school says about their early reading program

        What the school says about their early reading program

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        We are certified Ontario school and follow the Ontario Curriculum. We incorporate the big concepts, phonemic awareness and additional multi-sensory teaching approaches that are seen within the SMT program. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Information not available

      • Writing


        Approach

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Equal balance


        Our take: writing approach type

        Our take: writing approach type

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        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.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        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.


        What the school says about their writing program

        What the school says about their writing program

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We incorporate the big concepts, phonemic awareness and additional multi-sensory teaching approaches that are seen within the SMT program. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Information not available

      • Science


        Approach

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Equal Balance


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        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.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        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.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Information not available


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        Physiology

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Not applicable

      • Social Studies


        Approach

        Approach

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        Expanding Communities

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Not applicable


        Our take: social studies approach type

        Our take: social studies approach type

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Not applicable


        What the school says about their social studies program

        What the school says about their social studies program

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Information not available

      • Physical Education


        What the school says about their physical education program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

        We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.

        ALCUIN COLLEGE

        Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Play-based


      Our Take

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Information not available

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      We offer a rich, personalised programme that engages students through inquiry as they build their foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Our Kindergarten is a full-day, play-based programme, where students spend one day of the week actively exploring the outdoors, discovering new information about their world, and developing their language and thinking skills, their social and emotional skills, and their self-awareness. Our Grade 1-2 programme builds on foundational literacy and numeracy skills and offers students the opportunity to engage in explorations that encourage critical and creative thinking and allows them to explore their interests and discoveries as they develop their skills. Students in Grade 1-3 continue to spend one day of the week actively exploring the outdoors.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      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.

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Information not available

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Supportive


      Our Take

      Our Take

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      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.

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Information not available

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.


      Secondary

      Secondary

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Intellectual
      The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Intellectual
      The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."


      What the school says

      What the school says

      HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

      Information not available

      ALCUIN COLLEGE

      Information not available

  • SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT

    FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIES

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:
    Resource Assistance:
    Withdrawal Assistance:
    Partial Integration:
    Full-Time Class:
    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.
    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.

    Additional support

    Additional support

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    INFORMAL SUPPORT FOR MILD DIFFICULTIES

    Learning Strategy

    Extra Support

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD

    Accommodations

    Modifications

    Extra support


    Additional support

    Additional support

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy


    What the school says about their special needs support

    What the school says about their special needs support

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available


    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Information not available

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    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

    ALCUIN COLLEGE

    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


    What the school says

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    75%

    0%

    Day entry years

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 12

    Yes: grades K - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    What the school says

    What the school says

    HERITAGE ACADEMY OF LEARNING EXCELLENCE

    Late applicants may be accepted depending on available space. In this instance an individual pay schedule will be created on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at 613-722-0133 with any questions regarding our admissions process. We also encourage you to visit Heritage Academy and see for yourself how our unique program works.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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