Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at P.A.C.E.: Traditional
P.A.C.E. has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What P.A.C.E. says about their overall curriculum and approach:
P.A.C.E. is a magnet school for students who have been identified as intellectually gifted by means of a psycho-educational assessment. The curriculum is differentiated through various methodologies and strategies i.e. compacting, identifying learning styles, creative problem solving, acceleration, inquiry-based learning, addressing the critical thinking skills, sophisticated field studies, greater depth and breadth of instruction, etc. in order to meet the special needs and characteristics of gifted kids. Our courses reflect high powered learning experiences for our gifted learners, including pre-AP courses offered in grade 8. To address the needs of the whole child, wonderful Fine Arts, Athletic, and Co-Instructional Programs complement our strong academic program. There is something truly special about being surrounded by people passionate about everything they do.
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
---|---|
Academic | Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance
P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What P.A.C.E. says:
P.A.C.E. is a blend of old and new, allowing for the mastery of basic skills while creating exciting new initiatives in how to learn mathematics. It's not all about numerical operations but the understanding of mathematical concepts and the application of mathematics to real world experiences.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
A number of different textbooks are used at the high school level. But, most importantly, we create Resources Booklets for our students which allows us to draw from many different sources.
Calculator policy:
To foster the development of mental math students in grades 1-6 do not use calculators. Starting in grade 7 calculators are used for basic computational skills. Graphing calculators are taught and used in grades 8- 12, but only scientific calculators (without graphing capabilities) are used for evaluations.
-
Early Reading
Early Reading approach at P.A.C.E.: Phonics-intensive
P.A.C.E. has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What P.A.C.E. says:
Children entering in to grade 1 are reading at various levels; from one or two sentences with pictures, to chapter books. Therefore, often there are 2 or 3 reading groups each with different reading assignments. Typically, by January, all of the children have reached a comparable level in their reading fluency but not necessarily in their reading comprehension. By the end of grade one all of the children are reading the same novels.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What P.A.C.E. says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Writing
Writing approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal balance
P.A.C.E. has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What P.A.C.E. says:
Our children love to write, and we begin to introduce analytical writing as well as creative writing in grade one; the sophistication of which increases as writing assignments are introduced into writing categories: poetry, short stories, essays, and dialogues/monologues.
-
Science
Science approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance
P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
A variety of methodologies work best with our students. It is very important for our students to be exposed to the expert, to work effectively with their peers, and to creatively design their own scientific experiments.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance
P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What P.A.C.E. says:
Literature comes alive through multiple interpretations and rich performance tasks that include choral speaking, debates, trials, videos, music and drama.
Social Studies
Social Studies approach at P.A.C.E.: Thematic
P.A.C.E. has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What P.A.C.E. says:
Through our broad-based issues and themes, students learn in a very holistic manner as opposed to learning content and facts in isolation. The exploration of the dynamic activities enhance the critical thinking skills and students learn how to apply, analyze and evaluate information. It is through these theme based assignments that our younger students learn to hone their research skills - both through written report and oral presentation.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance
P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What P.A.C.E. says:
Through our life skills course, civics, history, law, philosophy and classical civilization students develop their critical thinking skills through discussion, debate and analytical essay writing. Students enjoy discussing BIG IDEAS while respecting the opinions of their peers in a safe and open learning environment. Application to real life experiences remains an important aspect of any social science or humanities course.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance
P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What P.A.C.E. says:
The acquisition of French as a second language includes the concrete sequential mode of learning as well as interactive group work. Our French Language program addresses the four components: Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Written and Oral Expression. Students study French cultural and language heritage as well as the constructs of formal grammar.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance
P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What P.A.C.E. says:
Students engage in making art come alive using a collaborative approach to learning. Taking risks, emoting and developing the aesthetic sensibilities create the ultimate performance in both drama and music.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at P.A.C.E.: Medium integration
P.A.C.E. has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What P.A.C.E. says:
All students use personally owned devices to enhance learning experiences and opportunities in various disciplines throughout the regular school day. Robotics plays a very large role in our technology program and the instruction of coding begins in grade four.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What P.A.C.E. says:
The development of a healthy mind and body is critical to success.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at P.A.C.E.: Ontario curriculum
P.A.C.E. has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
P.A.C.E. has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What P.A.C.E. says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.'s languages of instruction and enrolment.
P.A.C.E. offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at P.A.C.E.: Accelerated
P.A.C.E. has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
What P.A.C.E. says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
---|---|
Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
Differentiated assessment |
What P.A.C.E. says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at P.A.C.E.: Rigorous
P.A.C.E. has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What P.A.C.E. says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What P.A.C.E. says about their developmental priorities:
Addressing the needs of gifted children through a well balanced education that attends to the cognitive as well as social emotional needs of the children allows for us to groom good people who will be productive citizens in society.
Special needs support
P.A.C.E. offers No support
P.A.C.E. offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
-
Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (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.DyscalculiaThis 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.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis 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 DeficitA 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.
-
DevelopmentalAutismRefers 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 SyndromeOn 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 syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis 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 syndromeThis 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 EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled 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 DepressionThis 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 anxietyThis 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 thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis 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.
-
PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis 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 palsyhis 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 dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis 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.BlindnessVisual 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."DeafnessHearing 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 FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
Type | Offered |
---|---|
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
Type | Offered |
---|---|
Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
What P.A.C.E. says:
P.A.C.E. is able to provide limited accommodations for students with learning disabilities i.e. extra time on tests and exams.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
---|---|
Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
In-class adaptations
Program | Offered |
---|---|
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What P.A.C.E. says about their gifted learner support:
Through our broad-based issues and themes, students learn in a very holistic manner as opposed to learning content and facts in isolation. The exploration of the dynamic activities enhance the critical thinking skills and students learn how to apply, analyze and evaluate information. Addressing the social and emotional needs of the child is integrated in the day to day lives of the students through both teaching and learning practices.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, P.A.C.E. students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P.A.C.E. | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins |
Site Average | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 29 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 58 mins |
What P.A.C.E. says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
---|---|
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. offers 13 competitive sports and 0 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross-country skiing
- Downhill skiing
- Golf
- Martial Arts
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. offers 21 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What P.A.C.E. says about their extracurricular activities:
- Our students participate in many extracurricular competitions, most notably in drama and improv, robotics, reach for the top, model UN, chess and athletics.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.
Next steps to continue your research: