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Aurora Preparatory Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Aurora Preparatory Academy community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Aurora Prep: Traditional
Aurora Prep has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Aurora Prep says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Aurora Preparatory Academy’s curriculum is aligned to the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines, resulting in a student’s seamless transition into secondary school. We introduce all areas of study, including French, Music, Art and technology, at the Junior Kindergarten level and recognize the inherent value of traditional areas of study, such as grammar, spelling and hands-on math. Our instructor–to–student ratio is purposely kept low to ensure that every student receives the assistance, supervision and direction that he or she needs. We provide a platform for high-achieving learners who require a more challenging curriculum and are capable of completing enriched work in multiple areas of study. We are also able to supplement in-class lessons with additional support for those who may be currently working below grade-level. In each case, we make sure our students meet or surpass curriculum benchmarks set forth by the Ministry. Our goal is to give our students the skills and the confidence needed to be successful in the next phase of education and for the rest of their lives.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Aurora Prep: Equal Balance
Aurora Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Aurora Prep: Balanced Literacy
Aurora Prep has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Aurora Prep: Equal balance
Aurora Prep has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Aurora Prep: Equal Balance
Aurora Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Aurora Prep: Equal Balance
Aurora Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Aurora Prep: Thematic
Aurora Prep has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Aurora Prep: Equal Balance
Aurora Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Aurora Prep: Equal Balance
Aurora Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Aurora Prep: Equal Balance
Aurora Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Aurora Prep: Medium integration
Aurora Prep has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Aurora Prep says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Aurora Prep: Not Ontario curriculum
Aurora Prep has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Aurora Prep has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Aurora Prep says:
We believe it is important for students to receive information relating to sexual education in an environment that is both safe and supportive. Topics are covered in a factual and non-judgmental manner and students are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions. Most importantly, we assess the readiness and maturity of each group when determining the areas to be studied. This flexibility ensures that we are providing the factual information children require when they are prepared to understand and participate fully. We also encourage our students to discuss more intimate and personal topics with their families as we recognize the value and importance of an open dialogue.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Aurora Prep: Academic
Aurora Prep has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Aurora Prep says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
At Aurora Prep, we offer a strong academic programme right from Junior Kindergarten. We integrate reading, writing, math, and social studies, in addition to supplemental programmes in technology, music, French, physical education and art. Our teachers also balance the need for social development, discovery and exploration. Young children are eager to learn and we are happy to be partners in their academic and emotional growth. We believe students must be provided a solid foundation to experience optimal success in later grades, and this groundwork begins with our youngest learners. Without exception, they thrive in any subsequent academic environment.
Language
Learn about Aurora Preparatory Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Aurora Prep offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Aurora Prep: Standard-enriched
Aurora Prep has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Aurora Prep says about their curriculum pace:
With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, APA has the ability to cultivate the strengths of all our students. Accordingly, we present work that is applicable and challenging and, regardless of grade, supplement areas of study to ensure optimal results. In-depth investigation and exploration are vital components of our programme.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
What Aurora Prep says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Aurora Prep: Supportive
Aurora Prep has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Aurora Prep says about their academic culture:
Our instructor–to–student ratio is purposely kept low to ensure that every student receives the assistance, supervision and direction that he or she needs. We provide a platform for high-achieving learners who require a more challenging curriculum and are capable of completing enriched work in multiple areas of study. We are also able to supplement in-class lessons with additional support for those who may be currently working slightly below grade level. Our goal is to give our students the skills and confidence needed to be successful in the next phase of education and for the rest of their lives.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
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 Aurora Prep says about their developmental priorities:
We espouse a balance of academic pursuits, athletic participation, artistic expression and community service, the goal of which is to provide the most well-rounded, engaging and comprehensive education possible. No one gets lost in the shuffle at APA, and we are exceptionally proud of the success stories that resonate through our halls. Our students are challenged, encouraged and guided, and they become academically successful and socially responsible, exceptionally well-prepared for future studies and for life.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Aurora Prep offers Indirect Support
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Aurora Prep says:
As a result of our small class sizes and dedicated teachers, we are able to provide some accommodation for students with exceptionalities. Students receive additional support to help experience success, either in class, before or after school, or during free time. We also incorporate the modifications contained in any pre-existing Individual Education Plan; however, we often find many of these modifications are either not necessary or can be significantly reduced in our learning environment. Students incorporate strategies and skills to overcome any academic challenges, and the result is often a greater degree of success than in other environments.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
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 Aurora Prep says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Aurora Prep students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Prep | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Aurora Prep says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 4 to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
