Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Montessori
    • Mathematics: Equal Balance
    • Science: Inquiry
    • Literature: Traditional
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Perennialism
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Creative
    • Computers and Technology: Heavy integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Sex and health education: Ontario curriculum
  • Montessori Approach: Non-orthodox
  • Curriculum Pace: Student-paced
  • Academic Culture: Supportive
  • Developmental priorities: Balanced
  • Special needs support: No support
  • Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Montessori
    [Show definition of Curriculum]

    Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

    ---

    Curriculum approach at ATI Toronto: Montessori

    ATI Toronto has a Montessori approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Montessori?]

    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.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Montessori - 17%
      Traditional - 15%
      Liberal arts - 17%
      Progressive - 17%
      Reggio Emilia - 17%
      Waldorf - 17%
    

    What ATI Toronto says: ATI's curriculum is a self-paced, mastery-based program that combines traditional academic rigour with student choice and agency. Students complete a foundation curriculum in each subject during the first quarter of the year. This period is used to deeply engage with each student, determining their strengths and areas for growth, both academically and socio-emotionally. After the foundations quarter, students move on to year-long courses. These courses are interdisciplinary and skills-based. They cover the core topics expected of middle and high school students, but in a way that is grounded in real-life questions and curiosity. Students are motivated to gain new skills in order to grapple with challenging real-world problems, and educational objectives are interwoven between core topics. As students advance, they have an ever-increasing set of optional courses to explore areas of personal interest: electives, entrepreneurship, internships and independent study.

    Montessori offered:

    Program	offered
    Montessori toddler
    Casa
    Elementary
    Middle School
    High School

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Equal Balance
      Mathematics approach at ATI Toronto: Equal Balance

      ATI Toronto has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Traditional math - 34%
        Discovery math - 33%
      

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

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

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Science Inquiry
      Science approach at ATI Toronto: Inquiry

      ATI Toronto has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Inquiry?]

      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.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Inquiry - 33%
        Expository - 34%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

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

      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 Traditional
      Literature approach at ATI Toronto: Traditional

      ATI Toronto has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About 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.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional - 34%
        Social justice - 33%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

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

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Perennialism
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at ATI Toronto: Perennialism

      ATI Toronto has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Perennialism?]

      Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Perennialism - 34%
        Pragmatism - 33%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

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

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at ATI Toronto: Equal Balance

      ATI Toronto has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

      Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Audio-lingual - 34%
        Communicative - 33%
      

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

    • Fine Arts Creative
      Fine Arts approach at ATI Toronto: Creative

      ATI Toronto has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Creative?]

      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.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Creative - 33%
        Receptive - 34%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

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

    • Computers and Technology Heavy integration
      Computers and Technology approach at ATI Toronto: Heavy integration

      ATI Toronto has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Medium integration approach).

      [Show: About Heavy integration?]

      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.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Heavy integration - 33%
        Light integration - 34%
        Medium integration - 33%
      

      What ATI Toronto says: ATI students use their laptops to access Altitude, our proprietary learning management system. Altitude is used to assign, assess, and record student work in an individually customized way.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

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

    • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at ATI Toronto: Ontario curriculum

      ATI Toronto has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

      [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

      The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Follows provincial curriculum - 50%
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 50%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      ATI Toronto has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

      What ATI Toronto says: ATI's approach to sex and health education is to teach students age-appropriate facts about their bodies and their health, so that they can make good decisions about their own behaviour as they mature.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Sex and health education
  • Montessori Approach Non-orthodox
    School Policies

    	Middle
    Age groupings How children are grouped by age for each class.'	12 to 14
    Uninterrupted work periods The longest uninterrupted work period for each class.'	3 hours
    Tests and assignments How often students are given tests or assignments in each class.'	Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox)
    Graded work How often students have their work graded in each class.'	Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox)
    Arts and crafts The percentage of a typical student's day that is spent on arts and crafts in each class.'	5%

    Classroom Practices:

    • Whole-class lectures Moderately non-orthodox
      Orthodox

      Whole-class lectures should never be given. Students learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.

      Moderately orthodox

      Whole-class lectures should only be given occasionally (e.g., at the beginning of a term or unit). Students usually learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.

      Moderately non-orthodox

      Whole-class lectures should be given semi-regularly (e.g., at the beginning of a lesson or a week). While students often learn best through group and independent work, it's sometimes important for teachers to set the stage for and contextualize learning.

      Non-orthodox

      Whole-class lectures should be given often (e.g., every day). While group and independent learning is important, teachers need to provide lectures on a regular basis to provide the foundation for learning.

    • Special education Moderately non-orthodox
      Orthodox

      External special education support isn't necessary. Core teachers can deal with all special education needs, by offering the relevant support for each student.

      Moderately orthodox

      External special education support is only rarely necessary. For instance, a psychologist might be brought in to help out a student with a severe developmental disorder.

      Moderately non-orthodox

      External special education support is quite important. Outside specialists are needed for a fairly wide range of special needs, such as developmental and learning disabilities.

      Non-orthodox

      External special education support is very important. Outside specialists are regularly brought in to support students with many different types of special needs, including developmental and learning disabilities, language and speech issues, behavioural issues, and advanced learning abilities.

    • Specialist classes Moderately non-orthodox
      Orthodox

      We don't have any specialist teachers or classes. Core teachers are well-equipped to teach all subjects.

      Moderately orthodox

      We only use specialist teachers and classes in rare cases (for instance, to teach a second language). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach almost all subjects.

      Moderately non-orthodox

      We have a fairly wide range of specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, and art). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach most subjects.

      Non-orthodox

      We have many specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, art, gym, science, and math). It's important that students receive specialized instruction in many subjects.

    • Modern-day technology Non-orthodox
      Orthodox

      Modern-day technology is never used in the classroom. This can interfere with students' social and emotional development and can be a distraction.

      Moderately orthodox

      Modern-day technology is very rarely used in class, since it can be a distraction and interfere with development. Students at the upper levels, though, might be permitted to use a computer or a tablet to do research for a specific project.

      Moderately non-orthodox

      Modern-day technology is used in moderation since it can be a distraction. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, and multimedia projects.

      Non-orthodox

      Modern technology is used fairly regularly. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, multimedia projects, and to learn keyboarding skills. Teachers may sometimes also use digital media, such as interactive whiteboards, to teach lessons or introduce topics.

    
    

    Overall approach : Which option best describes your overall curricular approach?

    Orthodox

    33% of schools

    Schools that adhere strictly to the original Montessori program. They follow Montessori principles to the letter.

    Moderately Orthodox

    42% of schools

    Schools that adhere to the original Montessori program and principles. On occasion, though, they supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.

    Moderately Non-Orthodox

    19% of schools

    Schools that are faithful to the original Montessori program and principles, but sometimes supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.

    Non-orthodox

    6% of schools

    Schools that are faithful to the original Montessori program and principles, but often supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.

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    Teaching Assistants:
  • Curriculum Pace Student-paced
    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

    ---

    Curriculum Pace approach at ATI Toronto: Student-paced

    ATI Toronto has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).

    [Show: About 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.

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Student-paced - 33%
      Standard-enriched - 34%
      Accelerated - 33%
    

    What ATI Toronto says: ATI is a mixed-age environment. Students are grouped according to ability rather than age, and groupings will vary by subject. Instruction at ATI is supported by our Altitude LMS, which allows for individually customized work plans for each student.

    Flexible pacing style

    Flexible pacing style	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 ATI Toronto says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture Supportive
    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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    Academic Culture approach at ATI Toronto: Supportive

    ATI Toronto has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

    [Show: About 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.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Supportive - 50%
      Rigorous - 50%
    

    What ATI Toronto says: This information is not currently available.

  • Developmental priorities Balanced
    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

    ---

    Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

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

    What ATI Toronto says: This information is not currently available.

  • Special needs support No support
    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

    ---

    ATI Toronto offers No support

    ATI Toronto offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

    Academic Support:

    Subject Type	offered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

    ---

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:

    Modification:

    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:

    Resource Assistance:

    Withdrawal Assistance:

    Partial Integration:

    Full-Time Class:

    
    

    Special NeedNeed

    Forms of SupportA

    EnvironmentsB

    ADHD

    • 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.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

  • Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

    ---

    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 ATI Toronto says: ATI's structure is well positioned to meet the needs of gifted learners. Each student's academic program is tailored to their own particular needs and areas of interest. We also offer the middle school reach-ahead program to students ready to work one grade level ahead in one or two chosen subjects.

  • Language English
    ATI Toronto offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English
  • Homework Policy
    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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    In grade Gr. 8, ATI Toronto students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	7	8
    ATI Toronto	30 mins	30 mins
    Site Average	51 mins	56 mins

    What ATI Toronto says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

  • Report Card Policy
    [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

    While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 7 to Gr. 8
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 7 to Gr. 8
    Academic achievement reporting	Gr. 7 to Gr. 8
    Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 7 to Gr. 8
    Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 7 to Gr. 8

• Extracurriculars

  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  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.

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  What ATI Toronto says:

  • Clubs at ATI are student-driven and change from year to year to reflect student interest. They may be run locally or virtually across the network.

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: N/A
  Recreational sports: 7

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • 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

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  Clubs offered

  This information is not currently available.

• Tuition & Financial Aid

  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

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  Day

   

  	7	8
  Day	$17,000

  
  

  What ATI Toronto says about their tuition: Tuition is billed in 10 equal monthly payments from September to June.

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  Discounts

  Discount Type	Enrolment Type	Amount
  2nd child (sibling)	Day	10%

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  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	7 to 8
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	0%
  Average aid package size	$0
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	0%
  Total aid available	$0

  Application Deadline:

  Rolling deadline

  Application Details:

  Confidential online application via third party provider ISM FAST.

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  Merit based Scholarships

  Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto does not offer merit-based financial awards.

• Enrollment

  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

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  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Gr. 7 to Gr. 8	Coed	Day	12

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	12
  Average class size	10 to 12
  % of international students (total enrolment)	0%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	1

  Student Distribution:

  	7	8
  Day Enrollment	6	6
  Class Size	12	12

• Admission

  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

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  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		7 - 8
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay

  Day students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  Fees:

  Application fee: $0
  Registration fee: $0
  Deposit: $2,000

  What ATI Toronto says:

  ATI utilizes an online application. We admit students on a rolling basis. A tour or shadow day are required before submitting an application. There is no application fee. 

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  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: N/A

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Type of student ATI Toronto is looking for:
  The ideal ATI student is both intellectually curious and driven to apply their learning in the real world.

• Principal's Message

  Laura Mazer, Dr.

  MD MHPE

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

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

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

  You might be asking: Who are these incredible teenagers? 

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

  We can’t wait to meet you.

  

• In the News

  

  June 9, 2022
  Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto's First Open House

  Thank you to everyone who attended ATI Toronto's very first open house!
  Read full article

  
  

  Read more school news

• Associations

  

• Social Feeds

   

   

• Frequently Asked Questions

  When is the application deadline for Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto?
  The application deadline for day students is typically open year-round based on availability. More application details are available here.

  What is the curriculum pace at Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto?
  Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto has a Student-paced approach to curriculum pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched or Accelerated). Learn more about curriculum pace here.

  How many students attend Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto?
  There are 12 students enrolled at Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto from Gr. 7 to Gr. 8. More details about enrollment are available here.

  Do students at Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto wear uniforms?
  No