Agora Prep

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Progressive, Waldorf
    • Mathematics: Discovery Math
    • Early Reading: Phonics-intensive
    • Writing: Process approach
    • Science: Inquiry
    • Literature: Social Justice
    • Social Studies : Expanding Communities
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Pragmatism
    • Foreign Languages: Communicative
    • Fine Arts: Creative
    • Computers and Technology: Heavy integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Sex and health education: Not Ontario curriculum
  • Curriculum Pace: Student-paced
  • Academic Culture: Supportive
  • Developmental priorities: Balanced
  • Special needs support: Special needs school
  • Gifted learner support: Dedicated gifted school
  • Language: trilingual
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Progressive, Waldorf
    [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.

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    Curriculum approach at Agora Prep: Progressive, Waldorf

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

    [Show: About Progressive, Waldorf?]

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

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

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

    Agora Prep has a Waldorf approach to secondary curriculum.

    Waldorf schools are available from preschool to Grade 12, though they are most popular at the younger ages. Waldorf schools are unmistakably "progressive". Rudolf Steiner, their intellectual forefather, believed the educator's first task should be to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning. Sometimes incorrectly conflated with Montessori schools, Waldorf schools focus on developing the "whole child" - emphasizing collaborative, hands-on learning, along with the arts and music, which are integrated into other areas of study.

    What Agora Prep says: D Developing student’s metacognition (thinking about their thinking and how they learn) Y Yearning for Learning (Interest based and self-motivated) N Necessary, relevant, and engaged learners (no rigid schedules, rote memorization, or monologues) A Absorbing knowledge through experiences and questions (developing research methods through technology) M Mindful associations and mastering concepts (Leveraging talents and strength- dance, music, movement to learn) I Initiating the learning and seeking solutions (Students decide the curriculum and explore answers to their inquiries) C Calculating, self-driven, and innately desired Learning (developing life-long skills that actually matter)

    Approach:

    Focus	Special needs
    Academic	Gifted, Special needs

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Discovery Math
      Mathematics approach at Agora Prep: Discovery Math

      Agora Prep has a Discovery Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Discovery Math?]

      Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Discovery math - 5%
        Traditional math - 30%
        Equal balance - 65%
      

      What Agora Prep says: Math is taught through physical experience to emphasize comprehension and ensure retention of principles. Using our bodies and physical environment is critical in learning mathematical concepts in a pragmatic and effective manner.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: We do not use textbooks.

      Calculator policy: We utilize tools in order to comprehend and solve advanced mathematical equations.

    • Early Reading Phonics-intensive
      Early Reading approach at Agora Prep: Phonics-intensive

      Agora Prep has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language , Balanced Literacy approach).

      [Show: About Phonics-intensive?]

      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.

      Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

        Phonics-intensive - 43%
        Whole language - 2%
        Balanced literacy - 55%
      

      What Agora Prep says: We provide the tools necessary to sound out words and learn the actual structure of language including semantics, syntax, pronounciation, and literary comprehension.

      DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

      What Agora Prep says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Process approach
      Writing approach at Agora Prep: Process approach

      Agora Prep has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Equal balance approach).

      [Show: About Process approach?]

      The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.

      Writing at schools on OurKids.net

        Process approach - 10%
        Systematic approach - 10%
        Equal balance - 80%
      

      What Agora Prep says: All of our writing is relevant and in real time. We also teach cursive, printing, typing and short-hand notetaking. Writing is an expression of ideas and thoughts. It is a creative method of communication and can be used in different forms. Writing a variety of texts is imperative to globally develop critical thinking and creative synthesis.

    • Science Inquiry
      Science approach at Agora Prep: Inquiry

      Agora Prep 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 - 23%
        Expository - 6%
        Equal balance - 71%
      

      Teaching approach: Science will be included in almost all activities. The element of science is incorporated in everything that surrounds us. We can examine scientific areas of interest as they arise with the students.

      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 Social Justice
      Literature approach at Agora Prep: Social Justice

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

      [Show: About Social Justice?]

      In social justice- inspired programs, literature is not viewed as something to be merely decoded and “appreciated”: rather, it is viewed as a catalyst to social action. Choice of texts tends to favour contemporary works. If a classical text is used, it’s often in the context of social deconstruction: students are asked to critically examine possible prejudices and historical narratives inherent in the work. Like in traditional literature programs, students are often asked to engage in class discussion and critical essay writing, but more time might also be devoted to cooperative group projects and personal reflections. The goal is to teach students to think critically about what they read, while becoming intellectually and physically engaged in the social issues pertaining to their wider community.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Social justice - 3%
        Traditional - 20%
        Equal balance - 77%
      

      What Agora Prep says: Literature surrounds us. In order to perform as a higher critical thinker and innovator, students need to incorporate and apprciate liteterature as a major vehicle of demonstrative knowledge. Students will be encouraged to read, debate, understand, present, write and modify common and uncommon literary works.

    • Social Studies Expanding Communities
      Social Studies approach at Agora Prep: Expanding Communities

      Agora Prep has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Thematic approach).

      [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

      The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Expanding communities - 26%
        Core knowledge - 44%
        Thematic - 30%
      

      What Agora Prep says: Social Studies will be integrated in our curriculum as a medium to advance global thinking and worldly experience. Students will be able to virtually meet students from other countries and discuss ideas, solutions, inventions and learning.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Pragmatism
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Agora Prep: Pragmatism

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

      [Show: About Pragmatism?]

      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.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Pragmatism - 10%
        Perennialism - 8%
        Equal balance - 82%
      

      What Agora Prep says: It is important to emphasize the critical value of current events when studying humanities. It is equally relevant to study our reaction to a global pandemic in the 21st century but it would not be complete without examining our reaction to the same issue in the past. It is the delta, the difference and the developments that contribute to a more complete analysis.

    • Foreign Languages Communicative
      Foreign Languages approach at Agora Prep: Communicative

      Agora Prep has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Communicative?]

      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.

      Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

        Communicative - 32%
        Audio-lingual - 2%
        Equal balance - 66%
      

      What Agora Prep says: Introducing new languages is simple if they are incorporated in everyday use. Teaching languages through songs, immersive experiences and movies or plays are all effective and simple ways of learning new languages. This is how Agora Prep Academy teaches a variety of languages including French, Spanish, Arabic and any other language that our students will be speaking. Peer to peer learning is also an incredible way of learning from one another.

    • Fine Arts Creative
      Fine Arts approach at Agora Prep: Creative

      Agora Prep 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 - 37%
        Receptive - 2%
        Equal balance - 61%
      

      Program offers:

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

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What Agora Prep says: Fine arts ensure that our world is balancing the logical aspects of our brain with the imaginative components of our minds and thoughts. A focus on learning fine arts is an extremely impactful way of engaging learners and maintaining a fluid and colourful environment for learners. Agora Prep Academy will also explore music animation, movie animation, stop-motion animation, sountrack recording, graffiti art, disk-jockeying and other pratical demonstrations of current and historical forms of fine arts.

    • Computers and Technology Heavy integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Agora Prep: Heavy integration

      Agora Prep 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 - 20%
        Medium integration - 47%
      

      What Agora Prep says: All students will have their own tablets at school and there will be no traditional books to take home with heavy backpacks. All the IP will be exactly where it needs to be, on a student's live drive and their own user accounts. This is far more practical than traditional bagpacks with heavy books and materials that can all be performed successfully online.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Agora Prep says: Agora Prep Academy will focus on learning through sports and physical activities. We recognize the vital importance of spatial intelligence and physical awareness in everything we do. We will enforce and encourage students to explore all sports and create new ones using variations of existing sports.

    • Sex and health education Not Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at Agora Prep: Not Ontario curriculum

      Agora Prep has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

      [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

      The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      Agora Prep 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 Agora Prep says: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Sex and health education
  • 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.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at Agora Prep: Student-paced

    Agora Prep 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 - 24%
      Standard-enriched - 58%
      Accelerated - 18%
    

    What Agora Prep says: Agora Prep Academy is the first of its kind in the world to promote and encourage natural learning through inquiry. All students will engage with their own subjects of choice through their interests only.

    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 Agora Prep 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 Agora Prep: Supportive

    Agora Prep 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 Agora Prep says: Our academy focuses on life-long learning as a premise for success. Attaining real life skills like "how to complete taxes" or "applying for a loan" are often missed in traditional schooling. We will focus on the necessary, relevant and critical parts of life that we need to prepare our future generation for as leaders. Agora Prep Academy is all about the students and what they want to learn. It is pragmatic, dynamic and customized. Our curriculum is solely based on interest and all the content and subjects are taught within the framework of engagement. This is the single, most important key to student success, engagement, curiousity and inquiry based learning.

  • 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.

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    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 Agora Prep says: We inspire future leaders. Innovators, inventors, political figures and global thinkers. Our approach is unconventional, experiential, and collectively customizable.

  • Special needs support Special needs school
    [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.

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    Agora Prep is a Special needs school

    Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.

    What Agora Prep says about their special need support: Agora Prep Academy is based on each student's interests and learning capabilities. Since children will be learning different things at different times, there will be no need for norm objectives and comparative learning analyses. Our environment welcomes all abilities and children with "superpowers" that don't necessary define them but can definitely empower them to learn differently.

    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

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    Summary: Agora Prep offers programs that will enhance social intereactions, awareness and communication skills. We have mindful games and activities that build communities of learners online and in person.

    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 Dedicated gifted school
    [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.

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    Dedicated gifted programs:

    Program	offered
    Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
    Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

    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 Agora Prep says: All of our programs move as quickly as students need to go. Our grade 7 and 8 students will be able to study and complete grade 9 credits.

  • Language trilingual
    Agora Prep is a trilingual school with English, French, Spanish as the primary language of instruction:

    English - 40%				French - 40%				Spanish - 20%

    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, Agora Prep students perform an average of No homework of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
    Agora Prep	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins
    Site Average	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	29 mins	34 mins	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins

    What Agora Prep 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:

    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 1 to Gr. 8
    Academic achievement reporting	Gr. 1 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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  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 16
  Recreational sports: N/A

  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

  Agora Prep offers 18 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  
• 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”).

  ---

  eSchool Day

   

  	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
  eSchool	$500
  Day	$12,850				$12,500

  
  

  What Agora Prep says about their tuition: Enrollment: $200/student Monthly Grade 1-4 tuition: $1300/month Monthly Grade 5-8 tuition: $1285/month Summer Camp: $250/week

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  Need-based financial aid

  Agora Prep does not offer need-based financial aid.

  ---

  Merit based Scholarships

  Agora Prep does not offer merit-based financial awards.
• Enrolment
  [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.

  ---

  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Gr. 1 to Gr. 8	Coed	Day	80

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	80
  Average class size	20
  % of international students (total enrolment)	0%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	15

  Student Distribution:

  	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
  Day Enrollment	1	2	3	1	1	N/A	N/A	N/A
  Class Size	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10

• 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		1 - 8
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay

  Day students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  Fees:

  Application fee: $200
  Registration fee: N/A
  Deposit: 25%

  What Agora Prep says:

  Applications to AGORA Prep are processed on a rolling basis. There is no deadline, however it is recommended that you submit your application as early as possible. Please email the Admission Office if you have any questions, or would like to arrange for a personal tour. 1) Download this PDF form and fill in all the correct details! 2) Bring or send your form to the following address:[email protected] 3) Pay the $200 administrative 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 Agora Prep is looking for:
  We look for learners of all kinds. Everyone is welcome to our learning environment.
• Principal's Message
  Sylvia Martignani, Principal and Visionary

  BA. Psych, BEd., Harvard Grad

  Thank you for visting my Academy's profile. I am a mother of 3 beautiful children who have struggled in the current school system. I wrote a thesis in 2001 about Engaged Learning for my Specialized Honours Degree in Education. I have since gained experience in the education field and worked with many students from Kindergarten to grade 12 and Adults in the Federal Government. Learning is my passion and I have amalgamated several theories of learning from around the world to be the first to create our one-of-a-kind Academy called Agora Prep. Agora is the ancient Greek Marketplace where ideas were discussed and many pholisophers such as Socrates, Plato, Descartes and others explored progressive notions like gravity, the earth, and notable areas of knowledge such as psychology, astronomy, philosophy and scientific inquiry. Similarly, Agora Prep Academy will explore our world through inquiries, discussions, research and debate. This is the proven method of learning and retention. It is the way of the future.

  
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