Future Hope Academy Christian School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Page Contents
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Future Hope: Traditional
Future Hope has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Future Hope says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Our middle school program weaves Christian faith throughout all subjects. The language arts curriculum contains classical elements, such as emphases on subjects like poetry, spelling and grammar, and our math program would be described as traditional rather than discovery math. High school courses at Future Hope are geared towards fulfilling the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and securing university enrolment in Canada and abroad. Our courses are largely taught at the academic level. In science students master the scientific method, how to conduct and communicate research, how to record data and how to think critically about the material they engage with. In addition to grades 9-12, we offer students the opportunity to complete a fifth year of study with us. Students can take advantage of an extra year to improve their grades in preparation for application to universities, including those belonging to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the US. These students often concurrently pursue athletic training at our school, enabling them to be at their competitive best when being scouted.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| Academic | Christian (Non-denominational) |
If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Future Hope: Traditional Math
Future Hope has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Future Hope says:
Our school uses a more traditional approach to mathematics, because we believe students benefit from mastering fundamental concepts, arithmetic skills, algebraic procedures, and mathematical reasoning through direct instruction, guided practice, and regular review. A strong foundation enables students to tackle more complex problems with confidence and accuracy. While discovery-based learning can encourage exploration and creativity, we believe students are best equipped to discover mathematical relationships after they have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills. Traditional instruction helps ensure that all students develop competence, precision, and confidence in mathematics, preparing them for advanced studies in STEM fields and beyond. Our goal is not simply for students to arrive at answers, but to understand mathematical truth, think logically, and cultivate disciplined habits of mind. We value exploration and problem-solving, but these are most effective when built upon a solid foundation of mathematical knowledge.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
MATHPOWER 7 and 8 (McGraw-Hill). Principles of Mathematics 9 (Nelson), Principles of Mathematics 10 (McGraw-Hill). Functions, Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors (all by McGraw-Hill).
Calculator policy:
We require all students to have a scientific calculator in math and science classes. Smart devices such as phones or laptops are not an acceptable substitute. During exams students may not share calculators. If on an exam day a student is lacking a calculator, one is provided for them.
-
Science
Science approach at Future Hope: Equal Balance
Future Hope has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
As with our math instruction, our science program for the most part stresses the acquisition of background knowledge before tackling scientific inquiry. Expository instruction allows teachers to cover complex scientific content systematically, which can be especially important in preparation for university-level science courses. It reduces student confusion that can arise when students draw incorrect conclusions from open-ended investigations. It also benefits a wider range of learning styles that inquiry-based learning. Inquiry-based learning plays a role too, when we encourage students to brainstorm hypotheses freely and to acquire concepts through experimentation and investigation.
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 Future Hope: Traditional
Future Hope has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Future Hope says:
At Future Hope Academy literature is considered to embody the great ideas and artistic achievements of the past. We examine each work in the context of the culture that produced it and to look at each work "on its own terms." We challenge our students not to assume that just because something is more modern it is better, to try to recognize modern biases and beliefs, and to see how past authors can sometimes challenge those beliefs. Our program develops appreciation of literature through a variety of pedagogical approaches, including class discussions and the student creation of literary works. Students are challenged to express themselves orally and in group presentations as well as to write clearly and effectively.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Future Hope: Perennialism
Future Hope has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Perennialism?]What Future Hope says:
As an academically rigorous and Christian school, Future Hope tends toward a perennialist approach to teaching social sciences. We believe that students should engage with enduring ideas, foundational texts, and timeless questions about human nature, society, justice, government, culture, and morality. These ideas transcend time and cultures while taking specific forms according to the culture to which they belong. One offshoot of this approach is that it develops critical thinking abilities among students. Students learn to analyze arguments, evaluate evidence, compare competing viewpoints and defend their conclusions logically. It aligns with a Christian view of education because it allows students to explore social issues through both historical wisdom and a Christian worldview. By studying history, government, economics, and political thought in depth, students also gain the knowledge needed to participate thoughtfully in civic life. Social sciences such as psychology, sociology and anthropology are also taught and valued at Future Hope.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Future Hope: Equal Balance
Future Hope has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Future Hope says:
Students in our language classes are just as likely to encounter verb drills as to be asked to create a dialogue about ordering food in a restaurant. Our teachers use a melange of techniques because different aspects of language acquisition are served better by particular strategies. While the mastering of irregular verbs benefits from the repetition of oral questions, drilling and worksheets, games can be an effective way to learn new vocabulary, and spoken language can be absorbed by viewing films and listening to the dialogue. Group work is used extensively by our teachers to encourage oral expression and to keep classes lively and engaged.
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 Future Hope: Equal Balance
Future Hope 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 Future Hope says:
Our arts classes teach about artistic principles and connect artistic works to the milieux in which they were created and the social and artistic movements they reflect. We want our graduates to be able to travel the world and be able to recognize the historical significance of local art and architecture. However, we also place a heavy focus on self-expression and the development of individual creativity. Most of our classes ask students to try and experiment with different art styles and techniques over the course of the class, and they usually culminate in a project that involves participating in the creative process in some kind of studio work.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Future Hope: Light integration
Future Hope has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Future Hope says:
Future Hope takes the task of instructing students in digital literacy seriously. We provide Mac computers to any student who does not have a computer of their own in the interest of equitable access to education, since most of our teachers post their lessons on Google classroom and use online resources in their teaching. Yet we strive to strike a balance with this. We want to encourage creativity and discourage an over-reliance on AI, so we mix in pen-and-paper assignments along with online work. This approach has multiple advantages, such as facilitating self-monitoring of spelling, grammar, and penmanship. The use of the motor skills used in handwriting also aids in a better retention of knowledge.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Future Hope says:
This information is not currently available.
Religious Education
What Future Hope says:
Our Religion program is designed to help students understand not only what they believe, but also why they believe it. Over four years of religious instruction, students explore Christian doctrine alongside apologetics - the reasoned defence of the Christian faith. Through this integrated approach, we seek to deepen students’ understanding of the Christian heritage and worldview, helping them to make it an essential part of who they are and equipping them to go into the world ready to “lead and shine for Christ.” Students are encouraged to connect their faith to everyday life through daily biblical devotions led by a trained chaplain. These devotions challenge them to live out their beliefs in meaningful ways within their families, schools, churches, and communities. Mission opportunities further enrich students’ spiritual growth by allowing them to share their experiences of God’s grace and salvation with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Through both international mission trips and local volunteer service, students develop a deeper appreciation for human interconnectedness, compassion, and their responsibility to care for the well-being of others.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
What Future Hope says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Future Hope Academy Christian School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Future Hope offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Future Hope Academy Christian School's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
Future Hope Academy Christian School operates as an online school.
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Future Hope: Standard-enriched
Future Hope has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Future Hope says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
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 Future Hope says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Future Hope: Rigorous
Future Hope has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Future Hope says about their academic culture:
At Future Hope Academy, academic excellence is a cornerstone of our program. Most courses are taught at the academic level, and students are challenged to engage fully in their learning, participate actively in class, and consistently produce work of a high standard. To ensure every student is supported, academic progress is reviewed weekly, allowing us to identify those who may benefit from additional assistance and provide free tutoring when needed. Student-athletes are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 70%, helping them develop the discipline and academic foundation necessary to compete for opportunities at top athletic and post-secondary institutions.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Future Hope says about their developmental priorities:
At Future Hope Academy, our highest priority is that students graduate with a strong foundation of faith and a deep, personal relationship with God. More important than any measure of material success is the kind of person each student becomes—someone who understands and lives out their faith, appreciates both the freedoms and responsibilities of a virtuous life, cares for the well-being of others, and seeks to lead others to Christ. Academic excellence is also a core part of our mission. We are committed to helping students develop the knowledge, wisdom, and critical thinking skills needed to understand, navigate, and positively contribute to the cultures and communities in which they live.
Special needs support
Future Hope 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.
-
Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
-
DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
-
Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
-
PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Future Hope says:
If a student were to receive a learning disability diagnosis while attending Future Hope Academy, I would explain to a parent that we can provide accommodations such as preferential seating and quiet test-taking environments. Our teachers are also able to chunk concepts to break a large, complex topic down into smaller, digestible pieces if necessary. In additional we offer free online reading remediation for students who need to make up written language deficits.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 Future Hope says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Future Hope students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future Hope | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| Site Average | 56 mins | 61 mins | 76 mins | 85 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Future Hope 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. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |