AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Oxford Learning Academy (Private School) vs. Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto

one-to-one comparison:

View Oxford Learning Academy (Private School)'s full report
VS.
View Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    741 Main Street East, Milton, Ontario, L9T 3Z3, Canada

    1767 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4L 3Z2, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1984

    2022

    Enrolment

    65

    12

    Grades

    JK to 8

    7 to 9

    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

    Montessori

    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.
    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.

    Academic culture

    Rigorous
    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
    Rigorous
    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

    Avg. Class Size

    10 to 12

    10 to 12

    Special needs support

    Learning, Developmental, Behavioral

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Academic
    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $9,500 to $16,100

    $18,000

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    7 to 8

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    6

    4

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 8

    Yes: grades 7 - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Oxford Learning Academy was established in 1984 to provide supplemental tutoring, and while it still offers part-time learning, it has also developed a full-time program. Instruction is student-centred, student-paced, and requires more of individual learners than typical classroom instruction. Oxford, of course, has long lead the charge in this regard, and continues to provide an alternative that, for many learners, is transformational, allowing them to achieve their potentials in ways that other instructional approaches simply don’t.

    View full report

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Offering a highly individualized curriculum, Academy of Thought and Industry (ATI) Toronto students are supported in unique ways while still completing the rigorous, self-paced core academic curriculum they’ll need to thrive in higher education. With small class sizes and a tight-knit community, the school offers a hands-on learning style where students are supported in personal projects, custom internships, and electives suited to their interests. Every student is paired with a coach to support the process of social and emotional development so fundamental to adolescence. The school describes its curriculum as “designed for life,” offering a third choice beyond the rigours of more traditional private schools and some other less demanding schools. As part of a network of eight ATI schools across North America, students can access a wide range of extracurricular activities that run both locally and virtually. ATI strives to deeply understand each student, to help them thrive emotionally and socially, and to support their individual path to excellence. 

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    "The teachers at Oxford have been nothing short of amazing."
    Pamela Murdoch - Parent   (Mar 07, 2024)
    My child very much enjoys his new school. He loves learning music, the hands-on art and science expe... View full review

    "The teaching methods are very clear and well-defined."
    Sean Wright - Parent   (Mar 07, 2024)
    We enrolled our son because he required extra help and attention in the classroom that he was not ge... View full review

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "The ATI Toronto leadership team is entrepreneurial, passionate, and highly engaged."
    Jonathan McCarthy - Parent   (Nov 29, 2022)
    My son has thoroughly enjoyed his first year at ATI Toronto. He would say that his favorite parts... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    "Oxford Learning Academy is a learning community with one goal–student success. Oxford Learning is the only education provider that teaches students using the science of cognitive development and has both after-school supplemental education (all grade levels) and a full-day private school (K to grade 8). Students learn how to learn, which boosts their confidence, drive, and enjoyment of learning. Your child will be inspired, supported, and will reach their full potential at Oxford Learning Academy private school."

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "ATI's curriculum is rooted in thought & industry, in thinking and doing. In addition to our core academic curriculum, students take the driver's seat by tackling personal projects, entrepreneurial ventures and electives suited to their interests. Every student at ATI is paired with a coach, to support the process of self-creation that is so fundamental to adolescence. We strive to deeply know each student, to help them thrive emotionally and socially, and to support their individual path to excellence."

    • Self-paced, rigorous academics
    • Individualized coaching
    • Supportive community
    • Connected to a network of 8 schools

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    "At Oxford Learning Academy, our students will use the proven scientific approach of Cognitive Development to learn new ways of thinking and understand what they are learning and how they are learning. Our students build strong academic skills and develop new ways of thinking, concentrating, listening, and remembering: lifelong skills they can rely on. Our students attain their greatest potential because our skilled team educates them to think critically, confidently, and with intrinsic drive."

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "Too often, parents and students face a choice between traditional schools —lacking flexibility and individualization— or “progressive schools” that fall short in delivering deep knowledge and an intentional curriculum. At ATI, we combine deep study of core subjects with a focus on real-world exploration and application. This transforms the school experience from disengaged participation to thriving
    and passionate learners who have an ever-increasing capacity for independent exploration."

    Array

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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    Array

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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    Array

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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    Array

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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    Array

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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    "Our small class sizes allows teachers to ensure that students recieve the attention and support they need to be successful. We differentiate our learning so that we are focusing on the strengths of each learner to enhance their learning. Our arts programs are second to none, especially providing the opportunity for students to preform each year at a festival in a professional theatre.
    Each year students participate in projects such as Science Fair, Social Studies Projects and Speeches."

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "Rather than an emphasis on memorization or standardized testing, all knowledge at ATI is deeply practical. Coursework is motivated by real-world problems and challenges—from Socratic discussions in literature courses, to field research in science, to entrepreneurship, internships, and more. It is this fusion of deep knowledge (thought) applied to real-world problems (industry) that captures our approach."

    Array

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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    "At OLA we provide students with a rich arts program. All students at OLA have classes in visual arts, drama, and music. Families may not fully see the importance of these programs in supporting their students' success in school. Each year our art, drama, and music programs culminate with a Festival of the Arts, where the students showcase their skills. OLA has done musicals such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and the Lion King. Samples of their art is displayed for families to enjoy."

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "Every student at ATI is paired with a coach, a supportive guide who serves as thought partner and mentor. The coach’s role, over the course of the school years, is to make herself obsolete: as the student gains the social, emotional, and cognitive skills to enable her to serve as her own coach going forward. This is not a tutor or a guidance counselor; the coach is a powerful and unique partner to help each student unlock his or her full potential."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    "Parents are often surprised by the growth they see in their child's confidense in themselves. Our unique approach that teaches students to learn how to learn, helps the students gain this confidence. They are able to tackle new and previously difficult tasks with a new found sense of pride. Parents may also be surprised by the importance placed on student's mental wellbeing, ensuring that students feel safe and secure in their school helps to support their academic preformance."

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    "Every ATI school is a tight-knit community that is also connected to a network of other ATI locations. The network allows you to learn from industry experts, take part in unique electives, find mentors in your field and connect with peers across North America."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Here at OLA, we work hard every year to achieve excellence in academics and in student activities. The dedication of our teachers and students helps us to reach this goal. Our students and teachers are constantly trying to improve themselves and reach higher standards. It has been a privilege to be the principal of Oxford Learning Academy and to see our students grow and become successful.

    Over the years, I have seen students, teachers, parents, and school faculty give time and energy to make our school successful. The strength of our OLA community has contributed to our students’ academic and extra-curricular achievement. Any successful school has a strong community of parents and staff who are involved and supportive, and we therefore expect nothing but the best from our students, inside of the classroom and outside. High expectations and accountability continue to be top priorities for all of us at OLA. We must settle for nothing less than the BEST in our school! Success in anything has one fundamental aspect - EFFORT. The sky is the limit for students at OLA!

     

    Welcome to the Academy of Thought and Industry: we’re so glad you’re here! ATI is education not as it has been, but as it can be: something designed specifically for adolescents, something designed for life. Adolescence is a period of intense physical and emotional growth. You are transitioning from childhood to adulthood—from depending on your parents, family, and teachers to a space where you decide your own path. What an exciting journey, occasionally overwhelming, potentially fraught, inevitably profound. No matter where you spend these years, you emerge on the other side having changed dramatically. In many ways, traditional schools are at odds with the needs of this period of change: you’re forced to conform to a system that has at its core not your needs as a growing, changing, striving, individual— but the needs of the system itself. Progressive schools often allow you free rein to choose your own pursuits, skipping from project to project, but without that deep attention to knowledge that would fully unlock your mind’s potential. The alternatives are: rigid structure where knowledge is abstracted from application, or free structure where applications are abstracted from knowledge.

    The Academy of Thought and Industry is the third option. Here, we pursue the union of thought and industry, of the mind and the hand. Our students don’t just memorize— they understand, by integrating and applying at every step.

    At ATI, there is no conflict between the intellectual and the practical. Our students take film-making classes to actually make movies. They take economics courses because they are starting their own businesses—or more abstract economics because they want to understand the theories that make up the society in which they participate. One of our middle school classes in New York is running a thriving compost business; a high school student in Texas has a professional photography studio with international clients.

    You might be asking: Who are these incredible teenagers? 

    In some ways, our students are extraordinary. In other ways, they are the most natural and healthy people of all: they are unusual only in that they are actualizing the potential that is perfectly, universally ordinary. At ATI, you get to explore this period of transition into adulthood with graduated agency: each step you take here will open up greater choices, greater possibilities, and greater independence. But you will always have behind you the support and care of your coach, your guides, and your ATI community. Here, you can fully explore your own rapidly expanding self.

    We can’t wait to meet you.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      Information not available

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      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.

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      It is our goal at OLA to inspire, support, and nurture learning in a safe and engaging environment. Our teachers and administration staff will motivate and inspire their students by being passionate learners themselves. Our programs encourage questions and self discovery allowing each student to develop unique personal growth. Our teaching will be relevant to everyday life, issues, and topics. Students are taught baseline knowledge and theoretical knowledge first, and then challenged to apply this to real world problems. At OLA, French is taught from Kindergarten as a language as well as Social Studies in French.

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      ATI's curriculum is a self-paced, mastery-based program that combines traditional academic rigour with student choice and agency. Courses are interdisciplinary and skills-based. They cover the core topics expected of middle and high school students, but in a way that is grounded in real-life questions and curiosity. Students are motivated to gain new skills in order to grapple with challenging real-world problems, and educational objectives are interwoven between core topics. As students advance, they have an ever-increasing set of optional courses to explore areas of personal interest: electives, entrepreneurship, internships and independent study.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        The Mathematics program at ATI, as with the rest of its academic curriculum, uses a self-paced, mastery-based approach. Students are presented lessons in small groups, and complete their follow up work independently or with a group of peers. Concepts are often introduced as historical “mysteries” — showing the reasons why certain mathematical concepts arose, and how they solved a particular real-world problem. This emphasis on real-world applications keeps students motivated and engaged. For example, in the Grade 7 unit on Scale Drawings, students complete a summative project where they create their own scale drawing of their neighbourhood. Ratios are practiced via doubling or halving recipes in a cooking class. Unit rates and percentages are applied to concepts in personal finance to demonstrate their usefulness. When learned in this way, math becomes a useful tool, rather than a set of rules to be memorized and then forgotten.


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        ATI uses its own proprietary curriculum, which meets or exceeds Ontario standards. Learning is tracked using our Altitude LMS, and is supplemented with IXL.


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Information not available

      • Science


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        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.

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        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.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Scientific thinking and its organizational systems are the way we can begin to make sense of the world around us: to find a signal in all of the noise of information production. At ATI, you’ll start to build your mental scientific toolbox. Your reasoning mind will be given a set of tools and approaches that are applicable across the scientific disciplines and will help you understand a bit about how the universe works, how we as humans got here today, and how you can help make the world a little better during your life, no matter what you do for a living. Scientific concepts will be reviewed and applied via hands-on labs and projects that keep students engaged and spark their interest in further exploration.


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

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

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

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


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Physics

      • Literature


        Our take: literature approach type

        Our take: literature approach type

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        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.


        What the school says about their literature program

        What the school says about their literature program

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        What does literature tell us about how to live? The English curriculum at ATI will explore the importance of literature in our lives. We’ll look to our own favourite texts to examine how literature can meaningfully guide the way we live ourselves. We’ll also use art, writing, and discussion to explore selected poetry and short stories as we unlock key skills we’ll develop all year: how to use evidence in your reasoning and writing, how to discover literary themes, and how to participate in a Socratic seminar.


        Domains covered by the literature program

        Topics covered in literature curriculum

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

      • Humanities and Social Sciences


        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        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. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.


        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        As children, we discover that we are born into the middle chapters of an enormous and complex story. Thousands of generations have come before us, and just like us, they have tried their hands at the challenges of life. Great lessons born from their defeats, triumphs, follies, and discoveries are yours for the taking…but first you must learn how to find them. At ATI, you will learn the ways that historians uncover and analyze how human societies came to be the way they are. During middle school, we first cover a survey of world history, and then do a deeper dive into North American history up to 1910, in preparation for the Ontario Grade 10 History course, which focuses on World War 1 to the present.

      • Foreign Languages


        Our take: foreign language approach type

        Our take: foreign language approach type

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.


        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Our acquired language curriculum introduces language as a gateway to understanding the local and global world. Through language study at ATI, students develop a sense of curiosity and interest in other cultures, and learn to communicate and empathize with others. Our language courses are based on ACTFL and Ontario proficiency benchmarks and performance indicators. They capture performance in speaking, writing, listening, reading and cultural knowledge. Communication is viewed through three lenses: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Instruction is provided network-wide via live, synchronous virtual courses, and supplemented with Rosetta Stone. Our middle school curriculum focuses on French, and students can opt to learn Spanish in high school as well.


        Language instruction offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese


        Learning a foreign language is required until

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Information not available

      • Fine Arts


        Our take: fine arts approach type

        Our take: fine arts approach type

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        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.

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        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.


        What the school says about their fine arts program

        What the school says about their fine arts program

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        ATI's arts program is part of our elective offerings, which change each quarter. Drawing Levels 1 and 2 are our most popular electives, (see a video summary here -- https://tohigherground.wistia.com/medias/zz9sl1ycun) but we also have offered sculpting, acting, and web design in the past. Offerings change from year to year based on student interest. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields, in a virtual synchronous format.


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

      • Physical Education


        What the school says about their physical education program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

        Information not available

        ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

        Our physical education program is provided by a local organization, Bob Acton Sports. They provide instruction in a wide variety of sports that can be learned in our local parks, such as road hockey, soccer, and football. The program helps students build an interest in and commitment to life-long healthy and active living.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Our Take

      Our Take

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      Oxford Learning Academy believes in the power of education and that every child deserves an education that speaks to their individualized needs. At OLA, every student will receive a personalized education program that speaks to his/her individual needs and talents. Students will be provided the opportunity to work at a pace that best suits their learning capabilities. Oxford Learning Academy has a hands-on learning environment that provides individualized instruction to keep each child academically active and challenged. We offer a flexible learning environment that blends cutting-edge technology with face-to-face coaching.

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      Each student has an individual style of learning. Not all students in a classroom learn a subject in the same way or share the same level of ability. Differentiated instruction is a method of designing and delivering instruction to best reach each student. Oxford Learning Academy teachers spend many hours outside of school to develop lesson plans that are engaging, using differentiated instruction. As we support our students in their learning journey, OLA also demands high academic expectations from our students.

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

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

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

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

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

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

      ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

      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

      OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

      At Oxford Learning Academy, we put strong emphasis on preparing our students to become future leaders. We need every single one of our students to develop their talents, skills and intellect in order to help solve our most difficult problems in the future. We work hard to develop, leadership skills, intellectually strong, emotionally confident, socially aware and a physically healthy student.

  • 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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    INFORMAL SUPPORT FOR MILD DIFFICULTIES

    Learning Strategy

    Extra Support

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD

    Accommodations


    Additional support

    Additional support

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    Information not available

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    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

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    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

    What the school says

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    • Our Robotics clubs have competed annually in LEGO competitions.
    • We offer a Kinder Club for our youngest learners that rotates between LEGO, Craft and Music.
    • Or Stem club has competed in Canada's Wonderland's annual Roller Coaster design competition. We have won several awards over the years including First Place!
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    7 - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 8

    Yes: grades 7 - 8

    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

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    We look for families that are commited to a higher education for their children. Students should be ready and willing to learn. A thirst for knowledge, willingness to take risks, try new approaches and an overall desire to excell is something we see in many of our learners.

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    The ideal ATI student is both intellectually curious and driven to apply their learning in the real world.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    OXFORD LEARNING ACADEMY (PRIVATE SCHOOL)

    There are two seperate Registration Fee Streems at Oxford learning Academy:

    Little Reader Program (Kindergarten): $500 for full day or $400 for half day

    OLA (grades 1-8): $1000 

    Please note that registration fees are paid annually. 

    ACADEMY OF THOUGHT AND INDUSTRY TORONTO

    ATI utilizes an online application. We admit students on a rolling basis. A tour and shadow day are required before submitting an application. 

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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