Indirect Support:
Burlington Christian Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at BCA: Traditional
BCA has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What BCA says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At Burlington Christian Academy, we believe that differentiated instruction is at the very foundation to a student’s academic success. Our teachers spend time learning about each of their students. By understanding the unique learning abilities of each student, our teachers can teach and connect with each student individually. We know each child learns differently. It is important for us to have students that are excited to come to school. A child who wants to be at school, is ready to learn! We also have a very strong focus on and commitment to experiential learning. In addition to our amazing classroom work, we introduce the students to hands on, project based learning experiences. We believe that through “Learning by Doing”, it exposes students to experiences that will captivate their minds and help them find something to be passionate about, with a lasting impact.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| Academic | Christian (Non-denominational) |
If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at BCA: Equal Balance
BCA has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What BCA says:
In the Nelson Textbook, there are many lessons that are "Exploring" Lessons, that help the students understand why a formula is developed etc. Whenever formulas are taught, so is the purpose.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Students use textbooks. Teachers use internet as well as other books for supplementation.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are allowed when used as a tool (ex. Calculating Pythagorean Theorem). When students have to know a formula, know the dimensions and use the calculator to find the Area or Volume, that is fine.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at BCA: Phonics-intensive
BCA has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What BCA says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What BCA says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at BCA: Equal balance
BCA has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What BCA says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at BCA: Equal Balance
BCA has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Students are taught scientific facts and theories. Through inquiry based learning students discover the complex and amazing earth God has given us.
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 BCA: Equal Balance
BCA has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What BCA says:
Our approach incorporates the traditional program with social justice through a Biblical world view.
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 BCA: Core Knowledge
BCA has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What BCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at BCA: Perennialism
BCA has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Perennialism?]What BCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at BCA: Equal Balance
BCA has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What BCA 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 BCA: Equal Balance
BCA 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 BCA says:
The Arts are alive at BCA! Whether it's singing and moving in music class; learning a brass or wind instrument starting in Grade 6; getting creative in Visual Arts; or enrolling in our signature Theatre Program (Grade 6-8) students are encouraged to get creative! The Arts are an integral part of every child's development and we are dedicated to providing your child with a well rounded positive experience.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at BCA: Medium integration
BCA has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What BCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What BCA says:
Athletics are an important part of the BCA experience and the staff strive to provide an opportunity for students of all skill levels to participate in the athletic program of the school. Advanced athletic training is also available for students in Grades 6-8.
Religious Education
What BCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at BCA: Not Ontario curriculum
BCA 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:
BCA has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]BCA has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What BCA says:
Prior to any sexual and/or health education being taught, we send home a letter to families that outlines which topics will be covered. As a private school, we do not have to follow the Ontario Health and Physical Education document strictly. We do, however, cover much of the curriculum that is applicable to us as a Christian school and inform families that other topics we have chosen not to cover may be discussed at home if they desire.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at BCA: Academic
BCA has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What BCA says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our academic based approach emphasizes math and reading readiness skills. The program incorporates principles of inquiry based learning with a balance on play based opportunities to apply learned skills.
Language
Learn about Burlington Christian Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
BCA offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at BCA: Standard-enriched
BCA has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What BCA says about their curriculum pace:
Our curriculum, while standard-enriched, includes being responsive to the pacing of individual students via differentiated instruction. Students are tested each year to determine their learning style. Previous teachers meet with current teachers to implement a learning plan that is individualized for each learner to address areas of strength and improvement.
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 BCA says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at BCA: Supportive
BCA has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What BCA says about their academic culture:
Our school is passionate about ensuring that the needs of students are met and that students are given the opportunity and tools to thrive in an educational setting. As such, we strive to improve confidence and instill in students a culture of lifelong learning. Students are assessed using a variety of diagnostic, formative, and cumulative approaches with equal importance placed on all three strands. This ensures fair grading practices and an emphasis of the importance on the process of learning for long-term outcomes.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What BCA says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
What BCA says about their special need support:
When needed, children with IEPs will follow an accommodated program within the classroom. If they require a modified program (curriculum goals below their grade level) then they may be withdrawn for certain periods. The number of periods for withdrawal is variable and will be determined through consultation between resource staff and the classroom teacher. Our goal in this arm of the Discovery Program is to address these kinds of needs, come up with a viable game plan, and work towards facilitating successful growth in each student, academically, socially and spiritually.
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 BCA says:
Burlington Christian Academy is proud to offer the Discovery Resource Program to families who have children with learning challenges. Your child is an amazing creation and completely unique in his or her learning style, personality, and needs. If it is established that your child requires extra assistance with classroom work, or has been formally identified with an exceptionality, then they may require an IEP (Individual Education Plan). Our Resource Teachers will work in conjunction with parents and staff to create a program which addresses and meets your child’s individual needs.
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 BCA says about their gifted learner support:
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 | JK 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 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
Burlington Christian Academy offers 12 competitive sports and 10 recreational sports.
Competitive offered Recreational offered
all sports]
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Martial Arts
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Burlington Christian Academy offers 6 clubs and extracurricular programs.
Clubs offered Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
Foreign Language Club
Musical theatre/Opera
Student Council
Band
Choir
Drama Club
What BCA says about their extracurricular activities:
- EdVenture: An experiential learning program focused on skill building, recreation, and leadership training for grades 6-8. It is designed to give students a vibrant and enriching educational experience. The learning is tied to requirements outlined in the Ontario Provincial Curriculum and includes many activities such as rock climbing, building computers, GPS tracking, movie making, community assistance, etc.
- Advanced Level Program of Athletics (ALPA): A program designed for students with a strong commitment and desire to compete in sports while receiving advanced level training, coaching and mentoring in the sport(s) of their choice, ranging from hockey, basketball, volleyball, to soccer, flag football golf, and more.
- Curtain Call: A musical theatre program where students learn drama game and activities that increase comfort performing in front of others. Development of valuable acting skills and techniques take place as the group prepares for our Christmas play, spring musical, and make trips to see live theatre and participate in workshops in-school. The students have a lot of fun as they increase vocal ability, refine body language, develop confidence and work with others.
