Indirect Support:
Bright Start Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at BSA: Traditional
BSA has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What BSA says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At Bright Start Academy, our curriculum is built upon the evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and utilizes Discrete Trial Training (DTT). This structured, data-driven approach allows us to break down learning into clear, manageable steps, providing targeted instruction and positive reinforcement to help students master essential skills. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be effective in both personalized one-to-one settings and collaborative group environments. This flexibility ensures that we can address the specific learning needs of each elementary and secondary student while also fostering social interaction and group participation. By integrating ABA and DTT methodologies, we create a focused yet adaptable learning path aimed at fostering academic independence and success for students facing learning challenges.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at BSA: Equal Balance
BSA has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What BSA says:
At Bright Start Academy, our mathematics program aligns with the comprehensive standards of the Ontario Curriculum. To further support diverse learning needs and make abstract concepts tangible, we enhance our instruction with TouchMath. This multisensory program utilizes tactile and visual cues, providing an accessible, hands-on way for students to grasp mathematical ideas. We believe in a personalized approach to learning math. Students work through the curriculum at their own individual pace, focusing on practicing skills until they achieve mastery. This ensures a deep understanding and builds a strong, confident foundation in mathematics before progressing to more complex topics, allowing every student to succeed.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Touch Math, Saxon Math
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at BSA: Balanced Literacy
BSA has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What BSA says:
Our reading program uses a comprehensive, individualized approach to help all students become successful readers. We incorporate evidence-based strategies including the Edmark Reading Program for sight word recognition, Kaufman techniques to support language development, and principles from the Science of Reading to build strong phonemic awareness and decoding skills. By combining these methods, we address diverse learning needs and ensure students develop the foundational skills necessary for reading success. Our goal is to create confident, independent readers through consistent, structured, and engaging instruction.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What BSA says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at BSA: Systematic approach
BSA has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Systematic approach?]What BSA says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at BSA: Inquiry
BSA has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Currently grade 1 to grade 10 is based on the Ontario Curriculum expectations
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 BSA: Equal Balance
BSA has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What BSA 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 BSA: Core Knowledge
BSA has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What BSA says:
Social Studies for our students are taught at Grade Level with the necessary accommodations required.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at BSA: Equal Balance
BSA has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What BSA says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
What BSA 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
Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What BSA says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at BSA: Light integration
BSA has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What BSA says:
Our students enjoy learning how to use computers on a daily basis. Our students are taught how to navigate computers and use programs that include word and excel.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What BSA says:
We teach our students the fundamentals of physical education with emphasis on group participation and skill development.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
What BSA says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at BSA: Academic
BSA has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What BSA says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Welcome to Kindergarten at Bright Start Academy! Our unique curriculum combines the evidence-based structure of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with the joy and exploration of play-based learning. This engaging approach allows us to teach essential foundational skills in a fun, motivating, and natural way. We focus on developing early literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills crucial for school readiness. Learning activities are designed to be effective for both individual instruction, addressing specific needs, and dynamic group settings, encouraging collaboration and interaction. Our goal is to foster a love for learning while building a strong foundation for future academic success.
Language
Learn about Bright Start Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
BSA offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: This information is not currently available.
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at BSA: Student-paced
BSA has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What BSA says about their curriculum pace:
Each student has individual program plans that are followed daily.
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 BSA says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at BSA: Supportive
BSA has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What BSA says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
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.
What BSA says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
BSA is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
What BSA says about their special need support:
At our school, we are committed to treating all students with respect and equity, recognizing and valuing their unique strengths and challenges. We provide individualized support tailored to each student's needs—offering hands-on guidance when necessary and gradually reducing assistance to foster independence. This approach aligns with the principles of scaffolding, where support is adjusted based on the learner's progress, promoting confidence and self-reliance . Our goal is to empower every student to develop essential skills and achieve their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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 BSA says:
We welcome enrolment for students with special needs and encourage parents of children who struggle in traditional school settings to explore our program. With individualized curriculum and programming, we tailor instruction to each child’s unique learning profile. Our supportive environment, experienced staff, and evidence-based strategies ensure that every student receives the tools and attention they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of 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 BSA says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, BSA students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
| PS | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSA | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins |
| Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 16 mins | 20 mins | 26 mins | 32 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 61 mins | 76 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What BSA says about their flipped classroom policy:
Our flipped classroom approach provides daily guidance and support for students who need it, ensuring they can engage with learning materials effectively both in and out of the classroom.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
