Calgary Academy & Calgary Collegiate ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Calgary Academy: Traditional
Calgary Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Calgary Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Calgary Academy offers three programs: Academy, Collegiate, and Blended+. The Academy Program is specifically designed for children who have a gap between their potential and performance. While these students have average to above-average intelligence, they may have not benefited from typical classroom instruction and may be struggling academically. The class sizes are small with a population of sixteen students with two instructors in the class. The Collegiate Program is for students who are working independently at grade level in each core academic area. The program offers a learning community dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and the success of each student. In this program, students are in a small class environment led by one teacher. Our Blended+ program is the best of online and in-person learning and empowers students with the flexibility to learn at home or in school. The + references robust off-campus excursions and experiential learning opportunities.
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
---|---|
Academic | Special needs |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Calgary Academy: Equal Balance
Calgary Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Calgary Academy 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.
-
Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Calgary Academy: Phonics-intensive
Calgary Academy has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Calgary Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Calgary Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Writing
Writing approach at Calgary Academy: Equal balance
Calgary Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Calgary Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Science
Science approach at Calgary Academy: Equal Balance
Calgary Academy 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 Calgary Academy: Equal Balance
Calgary Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Calgary Academy 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 Calgary Academy: Thematic
Calgary Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Calgary Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Calgary Academy: Equal Balance
Calgary Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Calgary Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Calgary Academy: Equal Balance
Calgary Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Calgary Academy says:
The primary focus of the Calgary Academy Spanish program is to provide students with communicative competence in the target language. Students are taught vocabulary and grammar thematically, using a multi-modal format. A plethora of interactive activities enables students to develop their linguistic and cultural literacies in Spanish in engaging ways. Various aspects of Hispanic culture are integrated throughout the curriculum and technology is used to enhance students’ acquisition of Spanish. Differentiated instruction and assessment create customized learning opportunities for students that afford them academic success.
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 Calgary Academy: Creative
Calgary Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What Calgary Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Calgary Academy: Heavy integration
Calgary Academy has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Calgary Academy says:
To have students gain confidence in their technology skills so they can navigate and interact in the digital world with confidence. Students experience technology as a creative tool which they are able to generate content with, program, and ultimately shape to reflect their personal vision.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Calgary Academy says:
Students participate in individual and team activities designed to kick-start a lifelong interest in health and physical activity. In our engaging classes, students maximize their participation and confidence, while developing sportsmanship and leadership skills.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Calgary Academy: Alberta curriculum
Calgary Academy has an Alberta curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Alberta curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Calgary Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Calgary Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Calgary Academy: Play-based
Calgary Academy has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What Calgary Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
The earliest years in a child’s education are the most impactful. The program features three themes: exploration, connection, and motivation. Our full-day Kindergarten program will provide students with a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy and a head start on the skills, knowledge, and strategies they require to enjoy school and engage successfully in Grade 1.
Language
Learn about Calgary Academy & Calgary Collegiate's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Calgary Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Calgary Academy: Student-paced
Calgary Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Calgary Academy says about their curriculum pace:
The Academy Program is specifically designed for children who have a gap between their potential and performance. While these students have average to above-average intelligence, typically, these students are often diagnosed with learning differences or disabilities and require additional support in their academic environment.
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 Calgary Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Calgary Academy: Supportive
Calgary Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Calgary Academy says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Calgary Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Calgary Academy is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 Calgary Academy says:
Our Academy program is designed to help students with diagnosed learning disabilities prior to coming to our school. We understand each student is unique and try to understand them where they're at. With the help of our teachers and learning supports, we ensure students feel like they're never alone.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
---|---|
Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
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 Calgary Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Calgary Academy students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Calgary Academy | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins |
Site Average | 5 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 59 mins | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 112 mins |
What Calgary 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 | K to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | K to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | K to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 12 |
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
Calgary Academy & Calgary Collegiate offers 8 competitive sports and 7 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Calgary Academy & Calgary Collegiate offers 6 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Calgary Academy says about their extracurricular activities:
- Drama performances occur twice per year.
- Every year high school students are given the opportunity to make a global impact through our International Travel Studies Program, which has visited more than 20 countries!
- The Calgary Academy Ski and Snowboard Club (CASSC) is the largest club of its kind in Alberta. Students in this program hit the slopes 10-15 times throughout the year.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Calgary Academy & Calgary Collegiate
Next steps to continue your research: