Evergreen Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Summary
Page Contents
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Evergreen Academy: Montessori, Reggio Emilia
Evergreen Academy has a Montessori, Reggio Emilia approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
Evergreen Academy has a Reggio Emilia approach to supplementary curriculum.
Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
What Evergreen Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Evergreen Academy blends Ontario curriculum with Montessori, Reggio, Charlotte Mason, and Waldorf-inspired whole-child learning.
Montessori offered:
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Montessori toddler | |
| Casa | |
| Elementary | |
| Middle School | |
| High School |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Evergreen Academy: Equal Balance
Evergreen Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Evergreen Academy says:
At Evergreen Academy, our mathematics program balances traditional skill development with hands-on discovery learning. Students build strong foundational fluency through explicit instruction, mental math, practice, repetition, and problem-solving strategies, while also engaging in real-world, experiential learning that deepens conceptual understanding. We use manipulatives, games, projects, outdoor exploration, financial literacy activities, measurement, data collection, and collaborative investigations to help students see math as meaningful and connected to everyday life. Multi-age classrooms and differentiated instruction allow students to work at their own level, receive additional support where needed, and be challenged when ready to advance. Our goal is to develop confident, capable learners who not only understand mathematical concepts, but can apply critical thinking, creativity, and perseverance to solve problems independently.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
At Evergreen Academy, we primarily use Saxon Math alongside hands-on manipulatives, math games, real-world problem-solving activities, financial literacy projects, measurement tools, data collection activities, and teacher-created resources aligned with the Ontario Curriculum and differentiated student learning needs.
Calculator policy:
At Evergreen Academy, calculators are not used in the younger years. Students first develop strong mental math, number sense, and computational fluency through hands-on learning and direct instruction. Calculators may later be introduced selectively in older grades to support problem-solving, higher-level concepts, and real-world applications.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Evergreen Academy: Phonics-intensive
Evergreen Academy has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Evergreen Academy says:
Evergreen Academy uses a structured, phonics-intensive approach to early literacy instruction through programs such as Fundations, combined with rich literature, read-alouds, creative writing, and comprehension activities. Students build strong decoding, spelling, fluency, and reading comprehension skills through explicit instruction, repetition, and hands-on, multi-sensory learning experiences.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Evergreen Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Evergreen Academy: Equal balance
Evergreen Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Evergreen Academy says:
Evergreen Academy balances structured writing instruction with meaningful, authentic writing experiences. Students develop grammar, sentence structure, spelling, editing, and organizational skills through direct instruction, while also engaging in journaling, storytelling, project-based writing, creative expression, and real-world communication opportunities that foster confidence and a love of writing.
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Science
Science approach at Evergreen Academy: Inquiry
Evergreen Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Evergreen Academy emphasizes inquiry-based science through hands-on experiments, outdoor education, STEAM projects, environmental exploration, engineering challenges, and student-led investigations. Students develop scientific-thinking skills by observing, questioning, hypothesizing, testing ideas, and applying scientific concepts through meaningful, real-world learning experiences alongside foundational scientific instruction.
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 Evergreen Academy: Traditional
Evergreen Academy has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Evergreen Academy says:
Evergreen Academy’s literature program emphasizes strong literacy foundations, critical thinking, comprehension, discussion, and meaningful connections to both classic and contemporary literature. Students explore themes, character development, storytelling, communication, and human experience through read-alouds, novel studies, creative responses, reflective discussion, and written analysis in developmentally appropriate ways.
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 Evergreen Academy: Thematic
Evergreen Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Evergreen Academy says:
Evergreen Academy’s elementary social studies program uses a thematic, interdisciplinary approach that integrates history, geography, culture, community, environmental stewardship, and real-world learning. Students explore meaningful themes through hands-on projects, outdoor education, discussion, literature, inquiry, creative expression, and collaborative learning experiences connected to everyday life and the wider world.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Evergreen Academy: Pragmatism
Evergreen Academy has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What Evergreen Academy says:
Evergreen Academy approaches humanities and social sciences through meaningful, real-world learning experiences that connect students to community, culture, leadership, environmental stewardship, and life skills. Through discussion, projects, inquiry, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and hands-on exploration, students develop critical thinking, communication, empathy, and practical problem-solving skills relevant to everyday life.
Foreign Languages
What Evergreen Academy 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 Evergreen Academy: Equal Balance
Evergreen 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 Evergreen Academy says:
Evergreen Academy’s arts program balances creative expression with artistic appreciation and exploration. Students engage in visual arts, music, dance, drama, and integrated creative projects while also learning about artistic techniques, styles, cultural influences, and notable works that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the arts.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Evergreen Academy: Medium integration
Evergreen Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Evergreen Academy says:
Evergreen Academy integrates technology meaningfully throughout the curriculum while maintaining a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, outdoor education, creativity, collaboration, and foundational skills. Students develop digital literacy through research, presentations, coding, creative projects, and educational technology tools in balanced, purposeful, and age-appropriate ways.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Evergreen Academy says:
At Evergreen Academy, physical education emphasizes whole-child wellness, movement, teamwork, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits. Students participate in a variety of activities including team sports, fitness training, outdoor play, movement-based games, dance, cooperative challenges, and nature-based physical activity across our outdoor property. Our approach focuses on skill development, physical literacy, perseverance, sportsmanship, and personal growth rather than competition alone. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, build resilience, and develop healthy relationships with movement and exercise. Outdoor exploration and active play are integrated regularly throughout the school day, supporting both physical and emotional well-being. Programs are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and adaptable to varying abilities and interests, helping students build confidence, coordination, leadership, and a positive connection to active living.
Sex and health education
What Evergreen Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Evergreen Academy: Montessori
Evergreen Academy has a Montessori approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What Evergreen Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Evergreen Academy Kindergarten blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches focused on independence, creativity, and exploration.
Montessori Approach
Evergreen Academy's Montessori approach. Learn about this school's class practices and policies as well as its curricular and teaching approach.
| Primary | Lower Elementary | Upper Elementary | Middle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age groupings How children are grouped by age for each class.' |
3 to 5 | 6 to 8 | 9 to 11 | 12 to 13 |
| Uninterrupted work periods The longest uninterrupted work period for each class.' |
2 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| Tests and assignments How often students are given tests or assignments in each class.' |
Never (Orthodox) | Occasionally (Moderate Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) |
| Graded work How often students have their work graded in each class.' |
Never (Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) |
| Arts and crafts The percentage of a typical student's day that is spent on arts and crafts in each class.' |
20% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
Overall approach
Moderately Orthodox
46% of schools
Schools that adhere to the original Montessori program and principles. On occasion, though, they supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.
Classroom practices
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Whole-class lectures
Orthodox
Whole-class lectures should never be given. Students learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.
Moderately orthodox
Whole-class lectures should only be given occasionally (e.g., at the beginning of a term or unit). Students usually learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.
Moderately non-orthodox
Whole-class lectures should be given semi-regularly (e.g., at the beginning of a lesson or a week). While students often learn best through group and independent work, it's sometimes important for teachers to set the stage for and contextualize learning.
Non-orthodox
Whole-class lectures should be given often (e.g., every day). While group and independent learning is important, teachers need to provide lectures on a regular basis to provide the foundation for learning.
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Special education
Orthodox
External special education support isn't necessary. Core teachers can deal with all special education needs, by offering the relevant support for each student.
Moderately orthodox
External special education support is only rarely necessary. For instance, a psychologist might be brought in to help out a student with a severe developmental disorder.
Moderately non-orthodox
External special education support is quite important. Outside specialists are needed for a fairly wide range of special needs, such as developmental and learning disabilities.
Non-orthodox
External special education support is very important. Outside specialists are regularly brought in to support students with many different types of special needs, including developmental and learning disabilities, language and speech issues, behavioural issues, and advanced learning abilities.
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Specialist classes
Orthodox
We don't have any specialist teachers or classes. Core teachers are well-equipped to teach all subjects.
Moderately orthodox
We only use specialist teachers and classes in rare cases (for instance, to teach a second language). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach almost all subjects.
Moderately non-orthodox
We have a fairly wide range of specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, and art). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach most subjects.
Non-orthodox
We have many specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, art, gym, science, and math). It's important that students receive specialized instruction in many subjects.
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Modern-day technology
Orthodox
Modern-day technology is never used in the classroom. This can interfere with students' social and emotional development and can be a distraction.
Moderately orthodox
Modern-day technology is very rarely used in class, since it can be a distraction and interfere with development. Students at the upper levels, though, might be permitted to use a computer or a tablet to do research for a specific project.
Moderately non-orthodox
Modern-day technology is used in moderation since it can be a distraction. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, and multimedia projects.
Non-orthodox
Modern technology is used fairly regularly. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, multimedia projects, and to learn keyboarding skills. Teachers may sometimes also use digital media, such as interactive whiteboards, to teach lessons or introduce topics.
Teaching assistants
This school doesn't use teaching assistants.
Language
Learn about Evergreen Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Evergreen Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Evergreen Academy: Student-paced
Evergreen Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Evergreen Academy says about their curriculum pace:
At Evergreen Academy, learning is individualized and responsive to each student’s readiness, strengths, and needs. Through differentiated instruction, mixed-grade learning, hands-on projects, and flexible pacing, students are supported and challenged at their own level, allowing both enrichment and additional time for mastery when needed.
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 Evergreen Academy says about their flexible pacing:
At Evergreen Academy, students learn within multi-age classrooms using differentiated instruction, flexible grouping, and hands-on learning experiences. Teachers regularly adjust pacing, expectations, and support based on student readiness, while guided independent work and project-based learning encourage both confidence and individualized academic growth.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Evergreen Academy: Supportive
Evergreen Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Evergreen Academy says about their academic culture:
Evergreen Academy fosters a supportive academic culture that values curiosity, creativity, personal growth, and a love of learning alongside strong academic foundations. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves in a nurturing, relationship-based environment where individualized support, confidence-building, emotional well-being, and whole-child development are prioritized alongside meaningful academic achievement.
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 Evergreen Academy says about their developmental priorities:
At Evergreen Academy, we strive to nurture well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, and confident individuals who are academically capable, socially aware, physically active, and creatively inspired. We believe meaningful education extends beyond academics alone and should support the whole child. Through strong relationships, hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, outdoor education, creativity, and individualized support, students develop resilience, empathy, curiosity, independence, and self-awareness. Emotional well-being and confidence are prioritized alongside academic growth, helping students build healthy relationships with themselves, others, and the world around them. Our goal is to help shape thoughtful, capable young people who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities while continuing to grow as lifelong learners.
Special needs support
Evergreen Academy offers Indirect Support
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
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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 Evergreen Academy says:
At Evergreen Academy, we recognize that every child learns differently and work closely with families to support students who develop learning difficulties while attending our school. Through small class sizes, differentiated instruction, individualized support, flexible pacing, and strong teacher-student relationships, we strive to help students build confidence and experience success. We maintain open communication with families and may recommend outside assessments or professional supports when beneficial. While we are able to support a range of learning needs within our classroom environment, we also believe in being honest and collaborative about whether our setting can appropriately meet a child’s specific needs long-term. Our goal is always to support the best interests and overall well-being of each student.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
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 Evergreen Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Evergreen Academy students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evergreen Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 20 mins | 26 mins | 32 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 61 mins |
What Evergreen 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. 7 to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 6 |
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |