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Crescent Heights Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Crescent Heights Academy has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]
Crescent Heights Academy has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
International curriculum & programs at Crescent Heights Academy: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Crescent Heights Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), from kindergarten to grade 5. Crescent Heights Academy is a candidate school* for the MYP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students.
International Baccalaureate program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Equal Balance
Crescent Heights Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Crescent Heights 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.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Whole Language
Crescent Heights Academy has a Whole Language approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Whole Language?]What Crescent Heights Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Crescent Heights Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Equal balance
Crescent Heights Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Crescent Heights Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Inquiry
Crescent Heights Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]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 Crescent Heights Academy: Equal Balance
Crescent Heights Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Crescent Heights Academy says:
Literature at Crescent Heights takes a global, inquiry-driven, and analytical approach. Students are encouraged to explore texts from diverse cultures, genres, Indigenous perspectives, and historical periods, while building strong skills in critical thinking, interpretation, and effective communication.
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 Crescent Heights Academy: Expanding Communities
Crescent Heights Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Crescent Heights Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Equal Balance
Crescent Heights Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Crescent Heights Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Communicative
Crescent Heights Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Crescent Heights Academy says:
Beginning in Kindergarten, students engage in core French instruction as part of the foundational curriculum. Beyond this, co-curricular opportunities to explore additional languages are available, fostering both linguistic development and intercultural understanding. By Grade 12, students may further refine their skills through the French Language Acquisition elective, supporting advanced proficiency and global awareness.
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 Crescent Heights Academy: Equal Balance
Crescent Heights Academy 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 Crescent Heights Academy says:
Involvement in the arts fosters a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts, promoting an inquiring and empathetic worldview. It challenges and enriches personal identity, while also building awareness of aesthetics in a real-world context. This encourages a well-rounded and culturally aware perspective.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Medium integration
Crescent Heights Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Crescent Heights Academy says:
It is our goal that our learners are thoughtful with technology as a tool for inquiry, for the collection of evidence, for innovation and as a foundation for presentation. It inspires critical thinking that enables us to problem solve and take responsive action.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Crescent Heights Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Psychology
- AP Seminar (First part of the AP Capstone program)
- AP World History
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Crescent Heights Academy: British Columbia curriculum
Crescent Heights Academy has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Crescent Heights Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Crescent Heights Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Academic
Crescent Heights Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Crescent Heights Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Play in our kindergarten classroom is adaptive to learners’ needs, involves choice, promotes agency, provides rigorous opportunities for inquiry into both important concepts and personal interests, and develops social skills. Opportunities for play are balanced between open ended free play and centers for reinforcing specific learning (which may include literacy and numeracy centers).
Language
Learn about Crescent Heights Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Crescent Heights Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Accelerated
Crescent Heights Academy has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What Crescent Heights Academy says about their curriculum pace:
The mathematics program at Crescent Heights is accelerated in nature, offering students both breadth and depth in their learning. It introduces advanced concepts early, and places a strong emphasis on both theoretical understanding and real-world application, all within the framework of a globally benchmarked curriculum.
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 Crescent Heights Academy says about their flexible pacing:
In numerous subject areas, rubrics—comprehensive frameworks outlining criteria aligned with specific learning objectives—are employed to guide instruction and assessment. By articulating clear expectations, these rubrics empower students to reflect on their progress, identify areas for growth, and engage more deeply with challenging learning opportunities.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Crescent Heights Academy: Rigorous
Crescent Heights Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Crescent Heights Academy says about their academic culture:
Our academic culture emphasizes strong foundational skills alongside alignment with provincially measured rubrics. Students are expected to demonstrate consistent effort, accountability, and a commitment to growth in all subject areas. We prioritize literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, ensuring students meet or exceed grade-level expectations while developing confidence and independence. Clear expectations, structured support, and regular feedback help guide student progress. At the same time, we encourage curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to take on challenges. This balanced approach supports both academic achievement and the development of lifelong learning habits.
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: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Crescent Heights Academy says about their developmental priorities:
We take a balanced, whole-child approach that prioritizes each student’s emotional, social, and physical well-being alongside their academic growth. At Crescent Heights Academy, students are encouraged to develop self-awareness, confidence, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. They learn to understand their needs, build healthy relationships, and care for themselves and others. We recognize that, at times, students may face challenges that require additional support, and we value the importance of accessing appropriate care when needed. Our goal is to nurture resilient, empathetic, and self-aware individuals who are equipped to navigate life with confidence and integrity.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Crescent Heights Academy offers Withdrawal Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
What Crescent Heights Academy says about their special need support:
We provide a modest level of academic support designed for students who are able to work with a high degree of independence. When learning challenges emerge, we collaborate with families to monitor progress, implement classroom strategies, and recommend external supports where appropriate. Our goal is to ensure each student is set up for success within our program. If a student has a clinically diagnosed learning disability that requires significant or specialized intervention, we would have an open and honest conversation with the family to determine whether our setting is the right fit. In some cases, a program with more comprehensive support services may be better suited to meet the student’s needs.
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 Crescent Heights Academy says:
We provide a modest level of academic support designed for students who are able to work with a high degree of independence. When learning challenges emerge, we collaborate with families to monitor progress, implement classroom strategies, and recommend external supports where appropriate. Our goal is to ensure each student is set up for success within our program. If a student has a clinically diagnosed learning disability that requires significant or specialized intervention, we would have an open and honest conversation with the family to determine whether our setting is the right fit. In some cases, a program with more comprehensive support services may be better suited to meet the student’s 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 Crescent Heights Academy says about their gifted learner support:
We do not offer a formal gifted learner program or admit students above their age-based cohort. However, students who demonstrate advanced ability and require additional challenge are supported through differentiated instruction. This may include access to advanced coursework, enriched classwork, and opportunities for deeper exploration within the curriculum, allowing them to remain engaged and appropriately challenged while learning alongside their peers.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Crescent Heights Academy students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
| K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent Heights Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Crescent Heights Academy 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 | K to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | K to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 12 |
