Beamish Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
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Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Beamish Academy: Traditional
Beamish Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Beamish Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Beamish Academy delivers a balanced, teacher-led curriculum enhanced through personalized AI-supported learning. Our approach combines Ontario curriculum expectations with the internationally recognized CENTURY Tech platform, allowing students to spend 20 minutes daily in adaptive learning pathways tailored to their strengths, gaps, and pace of learning. Certified teachers remain central to instruction, using AI insights to personalize support, monitor progress, and strengthen student engagement. Our educational model is designed to support a wide range of learners, including students who are academically advanced, gifted, or require additional reinforcement and individualized attention. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Beamish Academy emphasizes mastery-based learning, helping students fully understand concepts before progressing. We believe academic success should be balanced with student well-being, creativity, collaboration, and physical activity. In addition to strong core academics, students benefit from a full-size gymnasium, outdoor play space, and a supportive learning environment focused on confidence, independence, and long-term growth.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs , Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Beamish Academy: Equal Balance
Beamish Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Beamish Academy says:
Beamish Academy’s mathematics program combines traditional instruction with discovery-based learning to help students build both strong foundational skills and deeper conceptual understanding. Certified teachers provide direct instruction in core mathematical operations, problem-solving strategies, and procedural fluency while also encouraging students to explore patterns, apply concepts, and develop critical thinking through hands-on and collaborative activities. Our approach recognizes that students learn mathematics differently. Through differentiated instruction and AI-supported learning using the CENTURY Tech platform, students receive personalized practice and targeted reinforcement based on their individual strengths and learning gaps. Advanced learners can progress to more challenging material, while students requiring additional support can revisit concepts until mastery is achieved. By balancing structured teaching with inquiry and exploration, Beamish Academy helps students develop confidence, independence, and long-term mathematical understanding rather than relying solely on memorization or repetitive exercises.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Beamish Academy uses Ontario curriculum-aligned textbooks, teacher-developed resources, guided reading materials, math manipulatives, and the CENTURY Tech platform for AI-supported personalized learning, targeted practice, and progress monitoring. Supplementary resources include digital tools, inquiry-based materials, and hands-on learning activities.
Calculator policy:
Beamish Academy emphasizes strong foundational math skills and mental computation before introducing calculators. Calculators are used selectively in higher grades to support problem-solving, applied mathematics, and conceptual understanding, while ensuring students continue developing accuracy, number sense, and procedural fluency through regular non-calculator work.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Beamish Academy: Balanced Literacy
Beamish Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Beamish Academy says:
Beamish Academy uses a balanced literacy approach that combines structured phonics instruction with whole-language learning experiences to support strong early reading development. Students build foundational decoding, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and fluency skills through explicit teacher-guided phonics lessons while also developing comprehension, critical thinking, and a love of reading through guided reading, storytelling, shared texts, and independent reading activities. Our classrooms provide rich literacy environments where students engage with language through discussion, writing, collaborative learning, and hands-on activities connected to meaningful themes and real-world experiences. Certified teachers use differentiated instruction and ongoing assessment to identify individual reading strengths and gaps early, allowing for targeted support and intervention when needed. AI-supported learning tools also help personalize literacy practice by adapting activities to each student’s pace and level, helping students build confidence and achieve reading mastery in a supportive and engaging environment.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Beamish Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Beamish Academy: Equal balance
Beamish Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Beamish Academy says:
Beamish Academy uses a balanced writing approach that combines structured skill development with frequent opportunities for creative and independent expression. In the younger grades, students are introduced to grammar, sentence structure, spelling, handwriting, and foundational writing strategies through explicit teacher guided instruction and mini-lessons. At the same time, students regularly engage in journals, storytelling, collaborative writing, themed projects, and personal responses that encourage creativity, confidence, and communication skills. Writing activities are integrated across subjects to help students see writing as a meaningful tool for learning and self-expression. Certified teachers use differentiated instruction and ongoing feedback to support individual progress, while AI-supported learning tools help reinforce foundational literacy skills at each student’s pace. Our approach builds strong technical writing abilities while fostering imagination, independence, and a positive relationship with written communication from an early age.
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Science
Science approach at Beamish Academy: Equal Balance
Beamish Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Beamish Academy uses a balanced science program that combines direct instruction with hands on inquiry and exploration. Students build strong foundational knowledge through teacher guided lessons, textbooks, demonstrations, and structured learning activities while also participating in experiments, collaborative projects, problem solving tasks, and inquiry based investigations. Our approach encourages students to ask questions, test ideas, analyze results, and apply scientific thinking to real-world situations. Science learning is designed to strengthen critical thinking, observation, creativity, and communication skills alongside core scientific knowledge. Certified teachers use differentiated instruction to support varying learning styles and academic levels, while AI-supported learning tools help reinforce concepts through personalized review and targeted practice. Students are encouraged to develop confidence in both theoretical understanding and practical application, creating a science program that is engaging, balanced, and focused on long-term curiosity and discovery.
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 Beamish Academy: Equal Balance
Beamish Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Beamish Academy says:
Beamish Academy’s literature program for younger students combines classic children’s literature with diverse and engaging stories that reflect different experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Through read alouds, guided reading, storytelling, discussion, and creative activities, students develop strong comprehension, vocabulary, communication, and critical thinking skills. Our approach encourages children to build empathy, curiosity, imagination, and confidence while learning to connect stories to their own experiences and the world around them. Students explore themes such as friendship, kindness, perseverance, fairness, and community in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. Certified teachers use differentiated instruction to support varying reading levels and learning styles, helping students develop a lifelong love of reading in a supportive and engaging classroom environment.
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 Beamish Academy: Core Knowledge
Beamish Academy has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Beamish Academy says:
Beamish Academy’s social studies program combines core knowledge learning with discussion, storytelling, inquiry, and hands-on activities to help students build a strong understanding of history, geography, cultures, and communities. Students explore significant people, events, and places through age-appropriate lessons that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful connections to the world around them. Our curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively across grade levels, helping students develop a broader understanding of historical timelines, Canadian identity, global communities, and civic responsibility. Learning experiences may include reading, collaborative projects, presentations, creative activities, and guided discussions that make social studies engaging and memorable. Certified teachers use differentiated instruction to support varying learning styles while encouraging students to ask questions, think independently, and develop empathy, perspective-taking, and respect for diverse experiences and viewpoints.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Beamish Academy: Communicative
Beamish Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Beamish Academy says:
Beamish Academy uses a communicative approach to foreign language learning that emphasizes speaking, listening, interaction, and real world communication in meaningful contexts. Students build language skills through conversation, collaborative activities, games, storytelling, songs, guided practice, and age appropriate cultural experiences that make learning engaging and practical. Rather than focusing primarily on memorization and drills, students are encouraged to use the target language regularly in classroom interactions and everyday situations. Reading and writing activities are introduced in developmentally appropriate ways to support vocabulary growth, comprehension, and confidence. Our program also introduces students to the cultures, traditions, and perspectives connected to the language being studied, helping build global awareness and curiosity. Certified teachers use differentiated instruction and interactive learning strategies to support varying comfort levels and learning styles while creating a positive and encouraging language-learning environment.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What Beamish Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Beamish Academy: Medium integration
Beamish Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Beamish Academy says:
Technology at Beamish Academy is used as a supportive educational tool rather than the central focus of the classroom experience. Students engage in approximately 20 minutes of AI-supported learning daily through the CENTURY Tech platform, where lessons adapt to each student’s strengths, pace, and learning needs. This targeted use of technology provides personalized academic support while helping students build independence, confidence, and subject mastery. Beyond this structured learning period, technology is integrated selectively across the curriculum to support digital literacy, research, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in age-appropriate ways. Certified teachers guide students in the responsible use of technology while maintaining strong emphasis on teacher interaction, hands-on learning, creativity, physical activity, and social development. Beamish Academy’s approach ensures technology enhances education without replacing the human relationships and balanced learning experiences that are essential to student growth.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Beamish Academy says:
Beamish Academy views physical education as an essential part of student development and overall well-being. Our program focuses on building physical literacy, coordination, teamwork, confidence, and healthy lifestyle habits through a balance of structured instruction, active play, and recreational activities. Students participate in age appropriate activities that develop movement skills, fitness, cooperation, and sportsmanship in a supportive and inclusive environment. Classes may include team sports, individual fitness activities, games, skill development, and movement-based learning designed to encourage participation and enjoyment at all ability levels. Our full-size gymnasium and outdoor play spaces allow students to remain active throughout the school day while supporting social interaction, emotional regulation, and mental well being. Physical activity is integrated as part of a balanced educational experience, reinforcing Beamish Academy’s commitment to supporting the whole child alongside strong academic development.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Beamish Academy: Ontario curriculum
Beamish Academy has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Beamish Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Beamish Academy says:
Beamish Academy follows the Ontario Health and Physical Education curriculum and approaches sex and health education in a respectful, age-appropriate, and primarily value-neutral manner. Instruction focuses on providing students with accurate information, practical health knowledge, and skills that support personal well-being, healthy relationships, personal safety, and responsible decision-making. Topics may include human development, puberty, mental health, consent, online safety, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being. Certified teachers encourage respectful discussion, critical thinking, and open communication while recognizing that families may hold differing personal, cultural, or moral perspectives on certain topics. Our goal is not to promote a particular ideological viewpoint, but to help students develop knowledge, confidence, self-awareness, and respect for themselves and others in a supportive learning environment. Lessons are delivered in developmentally appropriate ways that align with Ontario curriculum expectations and student maturity levels.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Beamish Academy: Academic
Beamish Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What Beamish Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Beamish Academy’s preschool and Kindergarten programs combine structured academics with hands on, play based learning to build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, communication, and problem solving. Certified educators guide students through themed lessons, interactive learning stations, and collaborative activities that encourage confidence, independence, and curiosity while preparing children for future academic success. What makes Beamish Academy unique is the integration of personalized AI-supported learning tools alongside traditional early education methods. Teachers use adaptive learning insights to better understand each child’s strengths and learning needs, allowing for more individualized support and early intervention when needed. Our approach also prioritizes physical activity, outdoor play, creativity, and social development, creating a balanced environment where children can grow academically, emotionally, and socially.
Language
Learn about Beamish Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Beamish Academy is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
| English - 90% | French - 10% | ||||||||
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Beamish Academy: Student-paced
Beamish Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Beamish Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Beamish Academy uses AI-supported learning through the CENTURY Tech platform to adapt lessons to each student’s pace, strengths, and learning gaps. Students can advance when ready or revisit concepts until mastery is achieved, while certified teachers provide individualized guidance and support throughout the learning process.
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 Beamish Academy says about their flexible pacing:
Beamish Academy combines differentiated instruction, guided independent study, and AI-supported learning through the CENTURY Tech platform. Students work at their own pace, advancing or revisiting concepts as needed, while certified teachers use real-time insights to personalize support, strengthen mastery, and encourage independence, confidence, and academic growth.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Beamish Academy: Rigorous
Beamish Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Beamish Academy says about their academic culture:
Beamish Academy maintains a rigorous academic culture built on high expectations, personalized support, and Mastery Based Learning. Students are encouraged to think critically, work independently, and take ownership of their progress through challenging and engaging academic experiences. Through AI supported learning, students receive targeted instruction and practice tailored to their strengths and learning gaps, helping them achieve mastery of concepts before progressing. Certified teachers use real time learning insights to personalize support while maintaining strong academic standards across core subjects. Academic rigour at Beamish is balanced with student well-being, confidence building, and relationship-based teaching. Our goal is to create an environment where students are challenged to reach their full potential while feeling supported, motivated, and engaged throughout the learning process.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Beamish Academy says about their developmental priorities:
Beamish Academy follows a balanced developmental philosophy that values intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth equally. We believe students thrive when academic achievement is supported by confidence, well-being, healthy relationships, and active lifestyles. Our approach combines rigorous, mastery-based academics with personalized teacher support and AI-assisted learning that helps students progress at their own pace. We also emphasize emotional resilience, empathy, collaboration, communication, and leadership within a supportive school community. Physical activity, outdoor play, and wellness remain important parts of student life through regular movement opportunities and physical education. Through this balanced approach, Beamish Academy helps students become confident, adaptable, and well-rounded individuals prepared for both academic success and life beyond the classroom.
Special needs support
Beamish Academy is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
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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 |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration
The main focus is on acceleration. This means that all students work at a much quicker pace than public school peers (usually working at least one grade-level ahead).
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 Beamish Academy says about their gifted learner support:
Beamish Academy supports gifted learners through personalized, Mastery Based Learning that allows students to progress beyond grade level expectations when ready. Using AI supported learning through the CENTURY Tech platform, certified teachers can identify strengths quickly and provide enriched instruction, advanced material, independent projects, and differentiated learning opportunities that challenge students while supporting creativity, critical thinking, and deeper subject exploration.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 6, Beamish Academy students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
| K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beamish Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 16 mins | 20 mins | 26 mins | 32 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins |
What Beamish Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 6 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 6 |