Oppositional Defiant Disorder is more common than most parents and educators may think. Here are some ways to help administrators and teachers establish a plan for handling students with these behavioural characteristics. Read more
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"Armbrae offers a close-knit, inclusive community with balanced academics, strong arts and athletics, play-based early learning, and real-world enrichment from Preschool to Grade 12—supported by personalized guidance.
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"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!
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"Our Beyond the Books approach prioritizes academic success & personal growth, using success to nurture students' confidence & self-esteem to develop a willingness to take risks in the classroom & school activities.
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"Havergal’s supportive environment drives academic excellence and cultivates confident leaders through unparalleled programs, empowering students to pursue their passions, take initiative and thrive.
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 Oakville / Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Finch "Monarch Academy is a private school for children with autism, rooted in a culture of belonging. We offer a strength-based, individualized approach that supports each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Sheppard Avenue East/Highway 401 "Sunray Academy of Canada prepares learners with a personalized high school education (OSSD), empowering them to design their future, pursue global opportunities, and emerge as confident & internationally minded leaders." —From the school
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 Brampton, Ontario "OES offers fast, flexible, and fully online OSSD courses with 24/7 tutoring. Join a community where 80% of students achieve over 85%. Expertly supported, Ministry-accredited, and available year-round." —From the school
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 Belleville, Ontario "We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 3-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments" —From the school
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 North York, Ontario Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue "Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Richmond Rd./John Sutherland Dr. "We drive learners of all ages to ask questions, think critically, solve complex problems collaboratively, and act. Academic success is achieved via dynamic learning, differentiated teaching and meaningful assessments." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Breadalbane St/St Luke Ln "The YMCA Academy is an alternative school for students in grades 6 to 12 with learning disabilities and learning style differences, offering individualized Special Education support." —From the school
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 Merrickville, Ontario "Our small class sizes, dynamic club programs, and house-based community activities ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging at Fulford Academy. Whether they are boarding or day students, all individuals know" —From the school
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 Nepean, Ontario "R.I.S.E. Academy empowers youth with personalized, experiential learning rooted in equity and the UN SDGs.We focus on inquiry-based, culturally relevant education that fosters creativity, leadership, and community impact" —From the school
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 Amaranth, Ontario "The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive "Our goal is to guide children with respect and understanding, nurturing a lifelong love of learning. We strive to create a supportive environment that fosters intellectual, social, and moral growth." —From the school
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 Vancouver, British Columbia Arbutus/W10th "Madrona is a small community of neurodiverse kids, families, and educators. Our K - Grade 8 school excels in providing a nurturing and safe environment for the education of bright, gifted students and 2e students." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "TEAM School offers programs from Grades 1 to 8 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 5 to 9 students." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school
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 Burlington, Ontario Appleby/Britannia "Evergreen Academy redefines education through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and small classes where children are truly known, challenged, and inspired to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally." —From the school
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 North York, Ontario Dufferin St/Finch ave "Bright Start Academy empowers elementary/secondary students with learning challenges. We offer small classes, 1:1 support & credit courses for academic independence and success." —From the school
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 North York, Ontario Bathurst/Wilson "Magnificent Minds reimagines education through a neurodiversity-affirming, whole-child approach that integrates learning, mental health, and skill development in a supportive, low-ratio environment." —From the school
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 Scarborough, Ontario McCowan/Lawrence Ave E. "Future Hope Academy develops confident learners, athletes, and leaders through faith, academic excellence, mentorship, and community service in a Christ-centred environment." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "CMPS is a faith-based, academically rigorous community blending Montessori and traditional methods to inspire a love of learning, strong character, and confident leadership from Preschool to Grade 12." —From the school
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 Halifax, Nova Scotia Russell St/Gottingen St "We weave together arts, academics, and mindfulness to unlock each student's full potential. Guided by our Five-Pillar philosophy, young minds don't just learn - they discover their power to shape a better tomorrow." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Sheppard Ave "Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 6-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access." —From the school
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 Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 9-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Danforth/Broadview "Passages is an alternative school that empowers young people to shape their education. Supported by adult mentors, learners follow their interests, contribute to a democratic community and feel engaged in learning again." —From the school
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 North York / Pickering, Ontario Finch Ave. W./Bathurst St. "CAA has been serving the GTA for 70 years. Our students learn through a strong academic curriculum, community engagement and alumni mentorship – with a 98% acceptance rate to the University of their first choice." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "Alive Montessori is a warm, safe and loving community where caring teachers support each child through small class sizes and individualized programs. We nurture independence, confidence, curiosity and a love of learning." —From the school
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 Bayfield, Ontario "After 25+ years of teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in experience, credibility, and expertise. Our student-centred model provides a world-class educational experience for thousands of Ontario students each year." —From the school
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 Etobicoke, Ontario Bloor St West/Kipling Ave "Beamish Academy combines certified teachers with AI-supported learning through CENTURY Tech, helping students K-6 of all levels achieve mastery while building confidence, independence, and future-ready skills." —From the school
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 Surrey, British Columbia 64th Avenue/Fraser Highway "Crescent Heights Academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum that integrates arts, sciences, and athletics, preparing students for success in post-secondary education." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore road/Southdown road "Rooted in Christian values, Meadow Green Christian Academy combines academic rigor, personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment to empower each student’s unique potential." —From the school
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 Woodbridge, Ontario Kipling/Highway 7 "You belong here! At TDChristian, we celebrate each student’s unique gifts in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. With faith, learning, and belonging at our core, we engage, enfold, and empower every student." —From the school
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 Breslau, Ontario "Woodland combines academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. With a Christ-centered education, diverse curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive culture, it's an ideal choice for families." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Turner Valley Road "Oakwood is a distinguished private school in Mississauga specializing in special needs education, featuring programs rooted in the innovative Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®)." —From the school
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 Milton, Ontario "At Oxford Learning Academy, our teachers will use the proven scientific approach of Cognitive Development to teach our students new ways of thinking and understanding what they are learning and how they are learning." —From the school
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 Markham / North York, Ontario Don Mills Road/York Mills Road "For over a decade, Merit College has been helping thousands of talented students from local communities and around the world reach their full potential and gain admission to top universities." —From the school
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 St. Catharines, Ontario Ontario St./Welland Ave. "Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest" —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario "Shining Stars School believes by combining the most conducive, inclusive and safe learning environment and developmentally appropriate curricular supports, our students can succeed!" —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta "Renfrew is a specialized school for children with disabilities, where education and therapy are integrated to create personalized, inclusive programs that support each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —From the school
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Teaching students with unique learning and behavioural characteristics has defined some of the most memorable moments in my education career thus far. Certain colourful events stand out as the most trying as well as the most rewarding. I learn something new about myself as an educator from each student I teach. If teachers can learn to view these "colourful" moments as learning opportunities for both ourselves and the students, it becomes easier to see their growth as individuals through the challenges.
Read our advice guide on choosing a school for a child with a behavioural or emotional issue, such as anxiety, and for kids with other traits. To get school-choice advice customized to your child's unique traits, create a child profile through your user account. |
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of the more common behavioural disorders among children and adolescents, affecting between 1% and 16% of youth, depending on where the statistic comes from. ODD is defined as a pattern of defiant, hostile and disobedient behaviour directed towards adult authority figures. Common behaviours include: angry outbursts, temper tantrums, rebellious actions, arguing with adults and passive or active refusal to obey rules or instructions. Children and adolescents with ODD can also demonstrate hostility, negativity and spitefulness. Needless to say, these behaviours can be quite disruptive and challenging for teachers to manage in a mainstream classroom!
The most important thing for teachers and administrators to understand is that the hostility and defiance is not usually a personal attack against the authority figure. Students with ODD are not usually discriminatory, but will react in a similarly defiant manner to all authority-wielding figures. Yet, with preventative planning and a great deal of patience, ODD behaviours do not always have to result in disruption of lessons and routines.
The most important first step when dealing with a student who has ODD is to establish a strong team of support for the student, including all teachers, support workers, parents and administrators. Establish a set of guidelines for dealing with defiant and oppositional behaviours that everyone can agree to uphold. During this process, set up a plan of action. Try to account for the usual reactions to instructions or rules and decide as a team how you will react. Also decide what kind of behaviours can be ignored–remember to choose your battles!
Students with ODD need to feel like they have some control over what happens in their life, so try to offer choices, ensuring that both options are ones that you can live with. This has been one of my greatest challenges as a teacher–I always want to offer one choice that I want to happen and make the second choice something unreasonable. But, as former students can attest to, they will always choose the one that they think you don't want them to. So, be prepared to actually stay at school until 9pm with them, if that is a choice that slips out of your mouth. Follow through, or they won't take you seriously next time you offer a choice!
Most importantly, don't react emotionally in the heat of the moment. Defiant behaviour can really get under your skin. Take a deep breath, a physical step backwards and think it through. Go back to the established plan, and remind the student of their choices and the outcomes for all choices. If you, as a teacher and professional, can keep your cool, you will be a step closer to opposing the opposition.
It is important to remember that ODD behaviours are the result of a mental health disorder, which can be difficult to distinguish from "normal" defiant and independence seeking behaviours in young adults. With treatment and behaviour therapy, students with ODD can learn to control their behaviour and find other ways of dealing with their anger and coping with stressful situations. This reaffirms how important the teacher's role is in being supportive of building a behaviour management plan that will assist the child in learning more constructive ways of managing their own behaviour.
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