1132 Fisher Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 6P7, Canada
5100 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario, L7M 0P5, CanadaIndirect Support:
1132 Fisher Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 6P7, Canada
5100 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario, L7M 0P5, Canada
5,528.8 km
5,710.3 km
1992
2022
425
81
JK to 8
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Montessori, Reggio Emilia
10 to 18
Varies
Learning
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
In-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$23,550 to $25,950
$13,300
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
39
7
0%
0%
80%
95%
information not available
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
information not available
information not available
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
Turnbull was founded by Mary Ann Turnbull in 1992, guided by a commitment to Caring and Excellence. Its history, in a sense, dates back to the Turnbull Learning Centre, established in 1981. The Centre offered academic services, and Turnbull’s success there led to the creation of the school. The setting is idyllic. Since 1996, it has occupied a 5.5-acre parcel in the Central Experimental Farm area of Ottawa, a National Historic Site that is easily accessible from all parts of the city. The location is within Ottawa, yet retains a rural community feel, which itself is a draw for many families. The school has grown over the years and is a good size today, allowing for a nice breadth of programming while retaining a personal, community feel. As initially intended, the school's values—cooperation, character, and reasoned reflection—inform all its activities, fostering a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment for students and their families. Parental involvement in the school's life is welcomed, as is consistent and informal communication between families and school administration.
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"Turnbull School is dedicated to academic excellence in a caring environment. Students benefit from highly qualified teachers, small class sizes, daily physical education, organization and study skills, enhanced French, award winning science, computer technology & robotics, dynamic music, visual arts and drama programs, intramural and extra-curricular sports, clubs and special events, in a modern facility. Our leadership and character development programs enhance the school culture of excellence and caring."
"At Evergreen Academy, learning comes to life through hands-on, nature-based, and student-centered education. Serving JK–Grade 8, our small class sizes foster strong relationships, confidence, and critical thinking. Students explore academics through STEAM, outdoor education, entrepreneurship, life skills, arts, and movement. Located on a beautiful nature-rich property in Burlington, Evergreen nurtures curiosity, creativity, leadership, and a lifelong love of learning."
"At Turnbull School, we focus on a well-rounded approach where children are not just exposed to a rigorous academic program, but also a strong focus to character development, study skills, arts and music, and athletics. We truly get to know our families and have a strong sense of community and belonging."
"Evergreen Academy takes a whole-child approach to education, helping students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. Through hands-on, experiential learning, students explore academics through STEAM, outdoor education, leadership, entrepreneurship, arts integration, and life skills. Rather than passive learning, students actively build, create, question, collaborate, and problem-solve in meaningful real-world ways.
Small class sizes allow teachers to truly know each child’s strengths, challenges, and learning style, creating personalized support and strong relationships. Evergreen emphasizes confidence, resilience, critical thinking, communication, and character development alongside strong academics. The result is engaged, capable learners who develop a genuine love of learning and the confidence to thrive both inside and outside the classroom."
"With our focus on providing a strong academic foundation, we do not have the resources to support serious academic and behavioural concerns. As a result, we are unable to accept applications for students with these profiles."
"Evergreen Academy prioritizes personalized, whole-child learning over a one-size-fits-all model. This means we place less emphasis on excessive standardized testing, rigid desk-based instruction, and passive memorization, and more emphasis on hands-on learning, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world experiences.
We also intentionally prioritize strong relationships and small class sizes over large-scale growth. Teachers are able to deeply understand each student’s strengths, needs, and interests, allowing learning to be more meaningful and engaging. While this approach may look different from highly traditional academic environments, it helps students build confidence, independence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning.
Evergreen also balances technology with purposeful offline experiences. Students spend significant time outdoors, creating, building, discussing, and exploring rather than relying heavily on screens. We believe these tradeoffs help develop"
"In 1996, Turnbull School moved from office space to its original, newly constructed and permanent home. In 2003, in order to meet growing demand and improve programming, the senior school was constructed which included a full-size, double gymnasium, science lab, and visual arts room. In the fall of 2019, a modern and fully equipped music hall was added to the school, which also included the renovation and updating of designated drama and visual arts rooms. More recently, in 2025, a STEM lab was added to the senior building for our coding and robotics program."
"Evergreen Academy was founded from a desire to create a more meaningful and personalized educational experience where children are truly known, supported, and inspired. From the beginning, the school was built around whole-child education, combining strong academics with creativity, hands-on learning, and emotional well-being.
A major turning point was establishing the school on a nature-rich property, allowing outdoor education and experiential learning to become part of daily life. This helped shape Evergreen’s identity as a school where students learn through exploration, movement, and real-world experiences.
Another key milestone was developing Evergreen’s integrated approach to STEAM, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life skills, creating connected learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking."
"Well-rounded children with an open mind and willingness to learn, with average to above average learning profiles do very well at Turnbull School."
"Evergreen Academy is a strong fit for students who benefit from being truly known, supported, and engaged in their learning. Many of our students thrive in hands-on environments where they can move, explore, create, ask questions, and actively participate rather than sit and memorize. Evergreen is especially well-suited for children who are curious, creative, energetic, and independent thinkers, or who may not feel fully supported in a highly traditional classroom environment.
Families who value whole-child education, strong relationships, small class sizes, outdoor learning, creativity, life skills, and meaningful academic experiences tend to align closely with Evergreen’s philosophy. Parents seeking a balance of strong academics and emotional well-being, and who believe learning should inspire confidence, curiosity, resilience, and character, often find Evergreen to be the right fit for their child and family."
"We would advise families who have children with serious learning needs and/or behavioural issues to explore other school options."
"Evergreen Academy may not be the best fit for families seeking a highly traditional or intensely academic environment where test performance and academic acceleration are prioritized above whole-child development and experiential learning. While we value strong academics, we equally prioritize creativity, emotional well-being, life skills, leadership, movement, and relationships.
Families looking for a heavily technology-based program with significant daily screen use may also find a mismatch, as Evergreen intentionally emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor education, collaboration, and real-world experiences over screen time.
Evergreen may also not be the ideal setting for families seeking competitive school sports teams or students requiring intensive one-on-one support or specialized therapeutic services beyond what a small independent school can provide."
"Over the years, parents have shared with us that they selected our school based on reputation, reliability, communication with families, and a warm, welcoming environment of caring and excellence."
"Families choose Evergreen Academy because they are looking for more than a traditional educational experience. Many want a school where their child is truly known, supported, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. Parents are often drawn to Evergreen’s small class sizes, strong relationships, hands-on learning approach, and focus on the whole child. Families frequently share that their children become more confident, engaged, motivated, and excited about learning after joining Evergreen. They value the balance between strong academics and emotional well-being, along with the integration of outdoor education, creativity, leadership, life skills, STEAM, and experiential learning into daily school life.
Parents also appreciate Evergreen’s close-knit community and personalized approach to learning."
"Turnbull School is a highly regarded and a sought-after elementary school. Children are excited to come each day, and they return home happy."
"Evergreen Academy is often seen as a warm, innovative, and relationship-focused school that offers a more personalized and meaningful approach to education. The school is widely recognized for its hands-on learning, outdoor education, small class sizes, and strong sense of community.
Many families associate Evergreen with creativity, whole-child learning, and students who are genuinely excited to come to school. The school is also known for encouraging confidence, independence, leadership, and real-world learning experiences rather than relying solely on traditional desk-based instruction. Evergreen’s nature-rich environment and close-knit culture are often among the first things families notice and remember."
"Families come to Turnbull School for an excellent education; however, during their time with us, they are exposed to so much more beyond the curriculum. When a Turnbull student leaves us, that child enters the world having gained new experiences and opportunities that will last a lifetime."
"One aspect of Evergreen Academy that can be underappreciated is the depth of learning that occurs through hands-on, experiential education. Families often notice the outdoor learning, creative projects, and engaging environment, but may not initially realize how intentionally these experiences are connected to strong academics, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Another underappreciated aspect is the impact of small class sizes and strong relationships. Beyond individualized attention, students feel deeply known, supported, and emotionally safe, allowing them to build confidence, resilience, independence, and a genuine love of learning. Over time, this often transforms how students view school, themselves, and their ability to succeed both academically and personally."
"Families are always impressed with the true sense of community, as well as the amount of care and communication they receive from our faculty."
"Families are often surprised by how academically intentional Evergreen Academy is beneath its warm, creative, and hands-on environment. While the school feels nurturing and engaging, the learning is purposeful, structured, and connected to strong academic growth, critical thinking, and real-world application.
Many families are also surprised by how quickly students begin to feel confident, known, and excited to come to school. Children who may have struggled in traditional environments often become more engaged, independent, and willing to take academic and social risks. Students frequently describe Evergreen as feeling like a second home, and parents often jokingly share that their children do not want to leave at the end of the day because they genuinely love being there.
Another unexpected aspect is the strong character development that naturally occurs through daily experiences."
"At Turnbull School, we are consistently reviewing and updating our resources and programming. In particular, we are very excited about our new Tech Lab and technology program."
"Recently, Evergreen Academy has continued expanding its hands-on, whole-child approach through enhanced outdoor education, interdisciplinary learning, and integrated STEAM experiences. The school has further connected academics with leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity, life skills, and experiential learning to make education more meaningful and engaging for students.
Evergreen has also strengthened its personalized approach by maintaining small class sizes and deepening relationships between staff, students, and families. Additional workshops, clubs, and specialty programs have created more opportunities for students to explore interests, build confidence, and develop real-world skills beyond traditional academics.
The school has also focused on strengthening its close-knit community through family events, student leadership opportunities, and outdoor learning experiences that help students feel connected, capable, and excited to learn."
"While we do not foresee any significant changes to our current structure, we remain committed to providing current and relevant curriculum and experiences for our students. We are also committed to adhering to the values and guiding principles that have shaped our school over the years."
"Over the next five years, Evergreen Academy plans to continue deepening its whole-child, hands-on approach to education while thoughtfully growing its programs, learning opportunities, and community impact. The school aims to further expand experiential learning through enhanced outdoor education, STEAM programming, leadership opportunities, entrepreneurship, life skills, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Evergreen also envisions continuing to strengthen personalized learning by maintaining small class sizes and fostering strong relationships between students, staff, and families. Future growth will remain intentional to preserve the school’s close-knit culture and individualized approach.
The school plans to continue creating innovative learning environments that prepare students not only academically, but socially, emotionally, and creatively for the future. As Evergreen evolves, its mission will remain rooted in helping students become confident, capable, resilient, and"
At Turnbull School, we are committed to fostering excellence in a caring and supportive environment. As an independent coeducational school for students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, we offer a comprehensive academic program, as well as an abundance of extra-curricular activities, that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
We believe that a strong educational foundation built during the elementary years is one of the greatest gifts we can offer a child; one that will benefit them for a lifetime.
To learn more about our school and what makes Turnbull a special place to learn and grow, we invite you to visit our website or contact us directly. We would be happy to answer your questions.
Thank you for your interest in Turnbull School!
Welcome to Evergreen Academy. As both a principal and a parent, I believe children thrive when they feel seen, valued, supported, and inspired. Our school was created to provide a meaningful, whole-child approach to education where strong academics are balanced with creativity, emotional well-being, outdoor exploration, leadership, and hands-on learning experiences.
At Evergreen, we strive to nurture confident, kind, curious, and capable young people who develop not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, and personally. We believe every child learns differently, and our small class sizes and relationship-based environment allow us to truly know our students and support their individual growth.
Our goal is to create a warm, connected community where children develop a lifelong love of learning, meaningful relationships, and the confidence to become thoughtful contributors to the world around them.
— Ms. Tanya Nicoloff
Principal & Director
Montessori
Reggio Emilia
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.
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.
Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
Since 1992, Turnbull School’s small classes and exceptional teachers have provided a comprehensive and enriching academic program, where emphasis is placed on caring and excellence. Our well rounded curriculum ensures a balance between all subject areas, and students enjoy the application of the content to cross-curricular activities and projects, so what they learn has more relevance and application. We value our parents as collaborative participants in their child’s education. Regular communication is a given and the staff all recognize the importance of keeping parents well informed. Accountability and accessibility are key attributes of every member of the faculty and leadership team. From a young age, Turnbull students are taught the essential learning skills of study strategies, time management and organizational techniques. As a result, our students learn to take responsibility for their academic work and to exercise the perseverance that together lead to future success.
Evergreen Academy blends Ontario curriculum with Montessori, Reggio, Charlotte Mason, and Waldorf-inspired whole-child learning.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Our mathematics program goes well beyond the Ontario Ministry of Education’s curriculum and provides students with an advanced program that covers greater breadth and depth of concepts and reasoning skills than is normally experienced or expected. With specialized teachers and small classes, every Turnbull student can be enriched, yet help is readily available if concepts need additional reinforcing. More frequent and meaningful teacher-student interactions result in immediate individual feedback. The approachable nature of our teachers and that personal connection with every student is a huge factor in student engagement in the learning process. Our “spiral curriculum” approach to mathematics ensures a continual review of previously taught concepts so students are revisiting and retaining the material while moving on to new areas. In this way, they develop strong mathematical competence and see the relevance of one topic to the next.
At Evergreen Academy, our mathematics program balances traditional skill development with hands-on discovery learning. Students build strong foundational fluency through explicit instruction, mental math, practice, repetition, and problem-solving strategies, while also engaging in real-world, experiential learning that deepens conceptual understanding. We use manipulatives, games, projects, outdoor exploration, financial literacy activities, measurement, data collection, and collaborative investigations to help students see math as meaningful and connected to everyday life. Multi-age classrooms and differentiated instruction allow students to work at their own level, receive additional support where needed, and be challenged when ready to advance. Our goal is to develop confident, capable learners who not only understand mathematical concepts, but can apply critical thinking, creativity, and perseverance to solve problems independently.
The Nelson My Math Path program, powered by the Singapore Math framework, is the main resource used. Jump Math is used as a supplement, as well as other problem solving and critical thinking resources.
At Evergreen Academy, we primarily use Saxon Math alongside hands-on manipulatives, math games, real-world problem-solving activities, financial literacy projects, measurement tools, data collection activities, and teacher-created resources aligned with the Ontario Curriculum and differentiated student learning needs.
Calculators have a place in the upper grades when numeration is not the main objective of a topic being studied. When a child struggles with numeration skills, and a calculator can be used as a tool to help, students will not be left behind when working within another strand.
At Evergreen Academy, calculators are not used in the younger years. Students first develop strong mental math, number sense, and computational fluency through hands-on learning and direct instruction. Calculators may later be introduced selectively in older grades to support problem-solving, higher-level concepts, and real-world applications.
Phonics-intensive
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
At Turnbull School, we believe that for children to become proficient readers, they need to develop a wide range of knowledge and skills. These include a strong base of oral language, a strong general knowledge background, an understanding of print concepts and knowledge of letters and words. Children also need to learn comprehension strategies and higher order thinking skills, such as the ability to infer meaning from texts. We incorporate activities to develop all of these competencies on a daily basis in our overall literacy program. A balance of direct instruction, guided instruction, independent learning and practise are important elements of our early reading program. We also value frequent assessment and evaluation of reading levels and skills, and use the recently updated Nelson PM Benchmark, to track each child’s progress.
Evergreen Academy uses a structured, phonics-intensive approach to early literacy instruction through programs such as Fundations, combined with rich literature, read-alouds, creative writing, and comprehension activities. Students build strong decoding, spelling, fluency, and reading comprehension skills through explicit instruction, repetition, and hands-on, multi-sensory learning experiences.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
We use the recently updated Nelson PM Benchmark to track each child's reading progress, along with other important related skills.
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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.
Primary students use the Six Traits Writing model, where they learn and practise using the six traits of effective writers. Students learn to write personal and expository texts, poetry and report writing. They also learn basic editing skills. Junior students continue to expand on their understanding and use of the Six Traits of Writing model. Students learn to write personal and expository texts, poetry and report writing. They complete more formal spelling and grammar lessons on a regular basis, develop editing skills and learn to use the writing process as a tool to fine tune their writing skills. Senior students focus on the importance of following the writing process: brainstorming, planning, organizing, revising and editing. We emphasize both creative and expository writing along with the ability to develop and express ideas in clear and effective prose. Students are also given a strong grounding in grammar.
Evergreen Academy balances structured writing instruction with meaningful, authentic writing experiences. Students develop grammar, sentence structure, spelling, editing, and organizational skills through direct instruction, while also engaging in journaling, storytelling, project-based writing, creative expression, and real-world communication opportunities that foster confidence and a love of writing.
Inquiry
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.
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.
Children best acquire scientific knowledge through experimenting, manipulation and exploration with science materials. We promote children’s natural curiosity for the scientific world through interactive, hands-on learning, offering many opportunities for experiments, labs and exploration. We go far beyond what is normally expected in the Ontario curriculum. Turnbull students graduate very motivated and with the advanced competence to pursue sciences.
Evergreen Academy emphasizes inquiry-based science through hands-on experiments, outdoor education, STEAM projects, environmental exploration, engineering challenges, and student-led investigations. Students develop scientific-thinking skills by observing, questioning, hypothesizing, testing ideas, and applying scientific concepts through meaningful, real-world learning experiences alongside foundational scientific instruction.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Physiology
Traditional
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.
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
Our students experience a very enriching literature program of novels, poetry and short stories, but we also emphasize the importance of developing strong basic skills of grammar, decoding, spelling and technical writing. Our students are set up for success beyond their time at Turnbull School, as they learn to communicate well both orally and in writing, and develop strong critical reading, creative writing and research skills.
Evergreen Academy’s literature program emphasizes strong literacy foundations, critical thinking, comprehension, discussion, and meaningful connections to both classic and contemporary literature. Students explore themes, character development, storytelling, communication, and human experience through read-alouds, novel studies, creative responses, reflective discussion, and written analysis in developmentally appropriate ways.
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Thematic
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
The goal of our social studies program is to educate students about their local, national and international communities, and their place within these societies. Combining the disciplines of geography and history, we help students develop into informed citizens in a culturally diverse and interdependent world, while instilling an understanding and appreciation of our unique Canadian identity and experience. Through these studies, students acquire broad-based skills that are vital to future success. These skills include identifying and solving problems, critically evaluating different points of view, making informed decisions on a variety of issues, and engaging in articulate expression and debate. By exploring various points of view and evaluating a variety of evidence, students practise achieving a balanced perspective when making decisions on issues relevant to their world.
Evergreen Academy’s elementary social studies program uses a thematic, interdisciplinary approach that integrates history, geography, culture, community, environmental stewardship, and real-world learning. Students explore meaningful themes through hands-on projects, outdoor education, discussion, literature, inquiry, creative expression, and collaborative learning experiences connected to everyday life and the wider world.
Pragmatism
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.
Grade 7 history covers Canadian history from the earliest inhabitants to the War of 1812. As well as covering the factual material, the students have opportunities to research elements of our past. In geography, the Grade 7's learn about earth sciences and the physical geography of Canada. In the Grade 8 program, students learn about the history of Canada from the War of 1812, through the important events surrounding Confederation, and ending with World War I. Their geography course continues the citizenship strand, exploring the nature of world human geography.
Evergreen Academy approaches humanities and social sciences through meaningful, real-world learning experiences that connect students to community, culture, leadership, environmental stewardship, and life skills. Through discussion, projects, inquiry, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and hands-on exploration, students develop critical thinking, communication, empathy, and practical problem-solving skills relevant to everyday life.
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.
Turnbull School strives to graduate students from Grade 8 with a strong level of conversational and every day, pragmatic French, while also achieving solid skills in French reading, writing and grammar. In addition, the students will have the desire and confidence to pursue further French studies beyond the basic requirements of high school. The achievement of this goal is dependent on the number of years the student is at Turnbull School, as well as the language aptitude and motivation of the student. There is a French only environment in French class, with an exception for students newer to French. Motivation and enjoyment of French always drive and enhance our program objectives.
Information not available
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Equal Balance
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.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Music, drama and visual arts are all recognized as essential elements of a child’s development for all grades at Turnbull School. Weekly fine arts classes are taught to students in Grades 4 to 8 by teachers who have specialized training in these disciplines. The Turnbull School Concert Band has been in existence since 2005. As an extracurricular ensemble, students from Grades 5 to 8 have the opportunity to further explore their love of music beyond their regular music classes with woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The members enjoy the chance to gain performance experience through playing for special events at the school and in the community. Students in grades 6 to 8 may also decide to audition for a role in the annual school drama production. This extracurricular activity has included as many as 80 students, and rehearsals typically begin in October with the final performance in May.
Evergreen Academy’s arts program balances creative expression with artistic appreciation and exploration. Students engage in visual arts, music, dance, drama, and integrated creative projects while also learning about artistic techniques, styles, cultural influences, and notable works that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the arts.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Every student has regular computer technology classes and a curriculum which reinforces a variety of skills through cross-curricular assignments that deepen their learning. These include Robotics, Internet safety, research, web animation, graphic design, video editing, publishing, graphing, coding and keyboarding. Having access to enriching and engaging technologies, such as a new STEM lab with a 3D printer, several portable Chromebook stations, SmartBoards, scan-and-project devices, eInstruction’s Classroom Response System, and a wide range of educational software are only a few ways in which we deepen the learning activities for our students.
Evergreen Academy integrates technology meaningfully throughout the curriculum while maintaining a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, outdoor education, creativity, collaboration, and foundational skills. Students develop digital literacy through research, presentations, coding, creative projects, and educational technology tools in balanced, purposeful, and age-appropriate ways.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
All students at Turnbull School take part in daily physical education classes taught by physical education specialists. Our program focuses on participation, skill development, fair play and healthy living. These objectives are met by providing the students with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sports and activities. Turnbull School offers an Intramural sports program to all students from grades 1 to 8, where children can participate in more competitive game play, keeping fun and sportsmanship the priority. Children from the Junior and Senior divisions have the opportunity to try out for various sports teams, where they will play in games and tournaments with other schools within the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association (OISAA), as well as other schools in Ontario and Quebec.
At Evergreen Academy, physical education emphasizes whole-child wellness, movement, teamwork, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits. Students participate in a variety of activities including team sports, fitness training, outdoor play, movement-based games, dance, cooperative challenges, and nature-based physical activity across our outdoor property. Our approach focuses on skill development, physical literacy, perseverance, sportsmanship, and personal growth rather than competition alone. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, build resilience, and develop healthy relationships with movement and exercise. Outdoor exploration and active play are integrated regularly throughout the school day, supporting both physical and emotional well-being. Programs are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and adaptable to varying abilities and interests, helping students build confidence, coordination, leadership, and a positive connection to active living.
Montessori
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Every child is deserving of a safe, nurturing environment to express and develop his/her unique interests, creativity and abilities. It is in Kindergarten where Turnbull students first learn to respect and care about each other, to feel unique and special, but to see others that way too. The junior and senior kindergarten curriculum reflects the importance of early literacy and numeracy activities, as well as self-initiated inquiry-based pursuits. Our broad program also includes daily physical education, French language classes, as well as science, creative arts and computer time.
Evergreen Academy Kindergarten blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches focused on independence, creativity, and exploration.
Student-paced
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.
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.
Grades 4 to 8 French classes are streamed into two levels per grade. The students working within the advanced level of French are working beyond grade level and using Francophone resources. Highly motivated students who graduate from this level may enter French Immersion in high school.
At Evergreen Academy, students learn within multi-age classrooms using differentiated instruction, flexible grouping, and hands-on learning experiences. Teachers regularly adjust pacing, expectations, and support based on student readiness, while guided independent work and project-based learning encourage both confidence and individualized academic growth.
Supportive
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
Turnbull students learn to take responsibility for their academic work and to exercise the perseverance that together lead to future success. The children make a personal commitment to do their very best to further their own growth. This includes taking responsibility for their work, being prepared, and caring about the growth of others through participation and respect.
Evergreen Academy fosters a supportive academic culture that values curiosity, creativity, personal growth, and a love of learning alongside strong academic foundations. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves in a nurturing, relationship-based environment where individualized support, confidence-building, emotional well-being, and whole-child development are prioritized alongside meaningful academic achievement.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Turnbull School emphasizes a competence based approach where each student can apply skills, acquire knowledge, develop creative problem solving skills, become an effective communicator, and acquire strong social and leadership skills. Time management and organizational skills are viewed as an integral part of their curriculum and essential to their future success. Turnbull School students also show care for others within and beyond the school. We aim to graduate students who are very well prepared for high school, academically, emotionally and socially.
At Evergreen Academy, we strive to nurture well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, and confident individuals who are academically capable, socially aware, physically active, and creatively inspired. We believe meaningful education extends beyond academics alone and should support the whole child. Through strong relationships, hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, outdoor education, creativity, and individualized support, students develop resilience, empathy, curiosity, independence, and self-awareness. Emotional well-being and confidence are prioritized alongside academic growth, helping students build healthy relationships with themselves, others, and the world around them. Our goal is to help shape thoughtful, capable young people who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities while continuing to grow as lifelong learners.
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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| Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
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ADHD (moderate to severe)
This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life.
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| Learning disabilities | ||||
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Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
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Dyscalculia
This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.
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Dysgraphia
This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
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Language Processing Disorder
This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.
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Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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| Developmental | ||||
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Autism
Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).
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Asperger's Syndrome
On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.
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Down syndrome
his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
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Intellectual disability
This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).
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Williams syndrome
This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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| Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
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Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
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Clinical Depression
This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.
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Clinical anxiety
This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.
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Suicidal thoughts
This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
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Drug and alcohol abuse
This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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| Physical | ||||
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Multiple sclerosis
This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
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Cerebral palsy
his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
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Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
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Spina Bifida
This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
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Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
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Blindness
Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."
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Deafness
Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).
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Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
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Multiple physical
Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
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Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Extra support
Accommodations
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
At Turnbull School, we occasionally have students who require some form of accommodation (i.e. ESL). These accommodations may arise from recommendations listed in a psycho-educational assessment. All forms of accommodation are discussed with parents ahead of implementation.
Information not available
If a student were to exhibit learning difficulties while at Turnbull School, we would proactively work with the parents to develop the best possible outcome for their child.
At Evergreen Academy, we recognize that every child learns differently and work closely with families to support students who develop learning difficulties while attending our school. Through small class sizes, differentiated instruction, individualized support, flexible pacing, and strong teacher-student relationships, we strive to help students build confidence and experience success. We maintain open communication with families and may recommend outside assessments or professional supports when beneficial. While we are able to support a range of learning needs within our classroom environment, we also believe in being honest and collaborative about whether our setting can appropriately meet a child’s specific needs long-term. Our goal is always to support the best interests and overall well-being of each student.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
0%
0%
$0
$0
80%
95%
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Turnbull School students show care for each other and the community at large. They are motivated to do their personal best in their academics and extra curricular activities.
At Evergreen Academy, we seek students and families who value curiosity, kindness, creativity, respect, collaboration, and a willingness to learn and grow. Students tend to thrive in our environment when they are open to hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, community involvement, and relationship-based education. We welcome a range of learning styles and personalities, recognizing that every child develops differently. Success at Evergreen is not defined solely by academic performance, but also by a student’s willingness to participate, communicate, persevere, contribute positively to the community, and engage meaningfully in the learning process. We value families who appreciate whole-child education and are supportive partners in their child’s academic, emotional, social, and personal development.
Turnbull School has a multi-step admissions process. For children applying to Grades 1 to 8, we begin by gathering information from report cards, confidential letters of reference and formal assessments (if any). This is followed by a visit day in a classroom of the child's current grade. Occasionally, if more information is needed, an individual standardized assessment may be administered by an educational consultant.
At Evergreen Academy, the application process includes a family inquiry and tour, completion of registration forms, a student trial visit, payment of a registration fee, and submission of first and last month’s tuition deposit upon acceptance to secure enrollment.
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