AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Progressive Academy vs. Shawnigan Lake School

one-to-one comparison:

View Progressive Academy's full report
VS.
View Shawnigan Lake School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    13212 106 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1A3, Canada

    1975 Renfrew Road, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, V0R 2W1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1983

    1916

    Enrolment

    340

    540

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    8 to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Boarding, 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."
    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    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.
    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

    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

    17 to 22

    17

    Special needs support

    Learning

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated gifted school

    Dedicated gifted class

    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

    $8,700 to $19,500

    $35,500

    Boarding Tuition

    $64,500 to $90,000

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    30%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    8 to 12

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    20

    108

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    81%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    60%

    Day entry years

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

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Progressive Academy hits a lot of the sweet spots that parents are looking for when considering private education. The size of the student body is smaller than the mean for schools across Canada, and affords a more individual, personal approach to instruction. The students are known by faculty, staff, and peers, and therefore quickly gain a sense of place and belonging. That said, the school is large enough to provide a good range of curricular programs and extracurricular activities. Students have the opportunity to try activities that they perhaps wouldn't attempt in larger, more competitive settings. A strong academic program is delivered in consort with an attention to interpersonal skills and social and emotional development. The school is a particular draw for families looking for a balanced program, one that builds from the students’ interests and creativity, yet supports them to reach a bit beyond their immediate comfort zones. 

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    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Shawnigan was founded in 1916 with just six students and cast in the mold of the leading English grammar schools. Its direct model was Westminster School, whose history stretches back to 1179. As such, it provides, aesthetically at least, a contrast to Brentwood, which neighbours the school. Both, as well as Brookes to the south, have some of the most stunning campuses that you could hope to find. The setting of Vancouver Island simply adds to the luster. The founders of Shawnigan Lake felt that all of those things—buildings, vistas, space—were important aspects of learning, and that a school’s setting should be inspiriting. And, certainly, it is. What the campus might lose in terms of warm and cuddly, it gains in a sense of tradition, organization, and consistency. The centennial celebration included school founder C. W. Lonsdale’s 1932 Packard convertible, adding a touch of the Great Gatsby. Still, there is a nice mix of modernity as well, perhaps most obviously in Genius Hour, a program developed by Wendy Milne, assistant head of academics. It’s a cross-grade, cross-curricular program in which students are challenged with creating their own project and seeing it through to completion. The only provisos are that each project involve collaboration, have a clear guiding question, and involve research. All of that—cross-curricular, cross-grade, hands-on, collaborative—are hallmarks of the Shawnigan approach. And, in Genius Hour and beyond, the results are impressive. The student who will do best is one who is a self-starter, operating at the top of his or her peer group, and able to dive in, making the most of the breadth of opportunity provided.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    "Progressive Academy is a multicultural, coed, academic school for students from age 3 to grade 12. We connect learning with living, explore interests and pursue passions. Creating with purpose, energy and joy are the hallmarks of Progressive Academy students. Rigor in core subjects, at the best pace for each student, provides the foundation for pursuit of knowledge and skills. Choice in a wide range of subjects such as robotics, musical theatre, and sports is the fuel to inspire learning."

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    "Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Beginning in Grade 8, our unique Shawnigan Journey purposefully guides students through a distinct, unparalleled and bold educational experience. Through empowering involvement in unique experiential, service, academic, fine art and athletic programs, Shawnigan graduates have the capacity, compassion and courage required to create exceptional lives for themselves and others."

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    There are so many benefits to sending your child to a school that recognizes the incredible potential of each individual.

    Progressive Academy strives to develop well-rounded advanced learners, capable of becoming the entrepreneurs of the future. We develop confidence with intention. Our approaches to education stress understanding through discovery, yet ensure that the necessary base skills are well developed, opening the door for students to pursue subjects as far forward as they are want. 

    Students are exposed to many required classes including French and Mandarin as second languages, art history, music (including concert band in Junior High), robotics, as well as many options including public speaking, programming, photography, and sports like fencing and equestrian. Our students perform regularly during the school year to build their confidence and comfort with being in front of crowds.

    Our school is best characterized as academic. Students are encouraged to learn beyond their grade or age might dictate. We follow the passion for learning of the student, rather than hold them back based on age. Our highly individualized approach helps students learn at an early age that they are directly responsible for their own development.

     

    Welcome to Shawnigan! Our responsibility as staff here at Shawnigan is to support and inspire our students – with our values-based education at the heart of our teaching – so that they can achieve their potential and live fulfilling lives.

    Shawnigan Lake School’s mission and values are inseparable from the fact that we are first and foremost a co-educational boarding school; a welcoming community whose aim it is to prepare our young men and women equally for independent and inspiring futures through the means of a well-balanced, holistic education.

    Five hundred students, representing over thirty nations, come together each year to live and study in this unparalleled setting on the edge of Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island. We encourage all students to develop an understanding of and commitment to the people, the place and the heritage of Canada, British Columbia and Shawnigan. At the same time, we challenge ourselves each year to be relevant, purposeful and of service in a changing and increasingly global world.

    The conversations, connections, sense of community, and friendships forged through these shared experiences are, I believe, part of the magic of our School.

    I look forward to meeting you. 

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Information not available

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE 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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Not applicable

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Progressive Academy implements the Alberta Provincial curriculum as a starting point. Students are not bound by grades or constrained by time in their forward progress through the curriculum. High expectations for full understanding and ability to use what has been learned determine forward progress. Authentic learning opportunities provide meaning for curriculum expectation. Students are often in multi-grades classes and are encouraged to perform at their highest level while mentoring younger student in their work.

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Shawnigan Lake School provides a learning community that fosters personal excellence for each and every student. In a School dedicated to a rigorous academic program, we blend the best from traditional education with the contemporary skills of 21st century learning. With our Learning Centre specialists, Advisor program and low teacher-to-student ratio, we ensure that every student is challenged and supported. The Shawnigan classroom is a respectful place, where students develop confidence by engaging, by creating and by taking intellectual risks.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        Approach

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Equal Balance

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Traditional Math


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

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

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Early Reading


        Approach

        Approach

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Phonics-intensive

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        Our take: early reading approach type

        Our take: early reading approach type

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        What the school says about their early reading program

        What the school says about their early reading program

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Early literacy begins at age three, where our students start to read and write using phonics. Our expectations by grade school are that students are one or several years ahead of norms for reading levels.

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        DIBELS testing

      • Writing


        Approach

        Approach

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Equal balance

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        Our take: writing approach type

        Our take: writing approach type

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        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.

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        What the school says about their writing program

        What the school says about their writing program

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Science


        Approach

        Approach

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Equal Balance

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        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.

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

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

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

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


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Zoology

      • Literature


        Approach

        Approach

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Equal Balance


        Our take: literature approach type

        Our take: literature approach type

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

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


        What the school says about their literature program

        What the school says about their literature program

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        At each grade we attempt to use a theme to guide our text choice, giving teachers freedom to choose literature they are passionate about. We do not mandate specific texts to be taught at each grade level to allow for this freedom. We see the great value in modeling the study of at least one class novel in order that we can demonstrate the process for analysis of a text, yet we also see the value in letting students choose their own independent novels for study in order to help foster a love for reading. We strive to help students make connections between texts and their life experiences. We work with students to synthesize their learning, their understanding of a broader theme, their study of a wide range of texts and their life experiences. We invite students to look at how stories (influence ideas, events, change a collective identity.


        Domains covered by the literature program

        Topics covered in literature curriculum

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

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

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

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

      • Foreign Languages


        Approach

        Approach

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Communicative


        Our take: foreign language approach type

        Our take: foreign language approach type

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Not applicable

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.


        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        The skill to function in more than one's native tongue will broaden intellectual and cultural horizons. To this end, the Department of Modern Languages offers courses in four languages: French, Spanish, Mandarin and German. We also offer French Immersion classes, and students completing this program may qualify for the Français Langue 12 credit. Our students have the opportunity to begin their study and to progress through to Advanced Placement level in all four languages. In French, many of our students take the internationally recognized DELF exams from levels A1 to B2. The classes all emphasize the communicative approach in all four language skills and provide opportunities for differentiated learning and individualized attention. A Japanese language tutor, also a native speaker, is available on Saturday mornings. Above all, however, it is the interaction and connection between teacher and student that is the biggest key to success in this subject area.


        Language instruction offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

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

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        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)

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Information not available

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Fine Arts


        Approach

        Approach

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Equal Balance


        Our take: fine arts approach type

        Our take: fine arts approach type

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.


        What the school says about their fine arts program

        What the school says about their fine arts program

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Fine arts are integral to our program for a well balanced student. Art history, performing in French and Mandarin, drama and musical theatre are all part of developing our students' confidence.

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

      • Computers and Technolgy


        Approach

        Approach

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Heavy integration

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Heavy integration


        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.


        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Progressive integrates FIRST Robotics programs into our curriculum, so all students get exposed to technology in a fun, competitive environment. All students are required to have laptops starting in grade four, as our program includes teaching such skills as computer programming, CAD, computer graphics editing and publishing. Additional instruction is available for accelerated students in things like electronics, web design and advanced programming.

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Academic

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      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.

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      By creating engaging environments and providing authentic learning experiences our young learners actively engage in learning and reflection. Whether it is a tour of the city to examine 2D and 3D shapes in Edmonton's architecture, or a study of bugs in the yard - Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten students learn the basic of research - observation. Literacy, communication skills and numeracy are woven into your students daily activities. Our high interactive phonics programs find most of our students with beginning reading skills before they enter Kindergarten.

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Student-paced

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      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.

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      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

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Information not available

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      Rigorous


      Our Take

      Our Take

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      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”.

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE 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”.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      At Progressive Academy we have high expectations. We expect our students to understand what they are learning and demonstrate their ability to incorporate their learning into their lives. We expect our students to learn how to learn, to take responsibility for their learning, to reflect on their learning and to help others. We expect our students to help shape a better world in their daily lives as students.

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

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

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

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

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

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

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

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

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

      At Progressive Academy we believe that all of our students can shine in all domains. Each student is naturally more capable in some domains than others, but by providing tools and working together, everyone can succeed intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually.

      SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

      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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    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

    Accommodations


    Additional support

    Additional support

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    Our educational program requires a high degree of student self-regulation. Our classes are busy with active learning and collaboration. We work with families to assist children to develop the skills needed as they move up the grades in our school. While we have a number of supports in place we have a very specific program that may not be best for every child. In that event, we would assist the family to find a program that would be more able to meet the student\'s needs.

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    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

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    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

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE 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


    What the school says

    What the school says

    PROGRESSIVE ACADEMY

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    • Ice hockey: member of the CSSHL; ice arena on campus
    • Rowing crewhouse on our lakefront campus is one of Rowing Canada's training centres
    • Rugby pavilion sits amidst numerous fields
    • Water-based turf for field hockey
    • Fish hatchery gives students the chance to engage hands-on with the life cycle of salmon
    • Geodesic growing dome teaches students about sustainable agriculture year-round
    • Research-grade observatory brings the beauty and mysteries of the universe closer than ever
    • Beyond the Gates program takes all Grade 9s out of the classroom and into the beautiful and diverse wilderness of BC throughout the year
    • Recording studio with industry-standard software gives students production experience
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    8 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    30%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    60%

    Day entry years

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

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Rolling

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades 3 - 12

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    Entrance essay required

    Yes: grades 10 - 12

    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

    SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL

    -$260 application fee

    -Photo of applicant

    -Copy of valid passport

    - Academic reference form filled out by Math teacher

    - Academic reference form filled out by English teacher

    - Copy of mid-year report from current grade when available 

    - Copy of final report card from last school year

    - TOEFL or IELTS-test (submitted only by international applicants)

     

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Henry Pybus Bell-Irving (1931)
    23rd Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
    Peter Ladner (1967)
    Vancouver city counsellor. Journalist.
    Stephen Owen (1966)
    Federal Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State for Sport. Federal Liberal Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra.
    Barry F. Cooper (1961)
    Political Scientist and influential member of the "Calgary School" of political thought. Fellow at the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies.
    Steve Deering (1969)
    Declared 1994 "Geek of the Year" by Internet Talk Radio. Fellow at Cisco Systems. Worked at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Centre.
    Roger Stanier (1934)
    Influential in the development of modern microbiology. Made key contributions to the taxonomy of bacteria.
    Jon Kimura Parker (1977)
    Canadian concert pianist and Officer of the Order of Canada. Winner of multiple international awards and competitions.
    Tara Spencer-Nairn (1996)
    Canadian actress. Best known for her role in the TV series, "Corner Gas".
    Josh Jackson (1998)
    Canadian rugby union player, and member of the national rugby team
    Kristopher McDaniel (2000)
    Bronze-medal winning Canadian national rower. Two-time national champion at Harvard.
    View all

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SHAWNIGAN LAKE SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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