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OUR KIDS Report:
Report on German International School Toronto
TOPICS
Grades Preschool — 12 — Toronto, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
German International School Toronto
REPORT CONTENTS
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Analysis

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Toronto (Oct 24)

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German International School Toronto ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Curriculum Progressive, International Baccalaureate

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at GIST: Progressive, International Baccalaureate

GIST has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]

Our Kids definition: Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

Compare GIST's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Progressive - 34%
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 12%
  Montessori - 12%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 2%

GIST has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.

Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.


International curriculum & programs at GIST: German National Curriculum

What GIST says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Our curriculum up to Grade 8 blends content and competency-based learning, enriched by the Ontario curriculum but primarily grounded in the German curriculum as defined by the federal state of Thuringia. It emphasizes deep conceptual understanding over memorization. Small class sizes and tailored language support meet the needs of diverse learners, including native German speakers and those learning German as an additional language. Instruction is immersive and varied, supporting different learning styles, while our commitment to multilingualism, intercultural exchange, and personal growth nurtures confident, independent, globally aware learners. Since 2024, GIST has been an IB World School, offering the IB Diploma program. From Grade 9 onward, students pursue the Ontario High School Diploma alongside the internationally recognized IB Diploma, opening pathways to universities worldwide, including in Germany.


International Baccalaureate program(s) offered

ProgramOffered
Primary Years
Middle Years
Diploma program
Career-related program

Approach

Focus
Science and technology

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Discovery Math

    Mathematics approach at GIST: Discovery Math

    GIST has a Discovery Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Discovery Math?]

    Our Kids definition: Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.

    Compare GIST's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Discovery math - 6%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Equal balance - 67%

    What GIST says:

    We follow the curriculum of math as defined by the German curriculum of the state of Thuringia.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Early Reading

    Phonics-intensive

    Early Reading approach at GIST: Phonics-intensive

    GIST has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).

    [Show: About Phonics-intensive?]

    Our Kids definition: Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

    Compare GIST's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Phonics-intensive - 48%
      Whole language - 2%
      Balanced literacy - 50%

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.

    DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Process approach

    Writing approach at GIST: Process approach

    GIST has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).

    [Show: About Process approach?]

    Our Kids definition: The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.

    Compare GIST's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Process approach - 11%
      Systematic approach - 11%
      Equal balance - 78%

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at GIST: Equal Balance

    GIST has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Compare GIST's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 7%
      Inquiry - 25%

    Teaching approach:

    STEAM_MINT @ GIST follows the teaching principle of research-based learning and offers the opportunity to go deeper into inquiry based learning, ask questions, collect ideas and hypotheses, try things out and carry out experiments, observe and describe, record and discuss results. The students receive a comprehensive education in a learning environment that combines scientific work with scientific and humanistic knowledge.


    Treatment of evolution:

    SubjectOffered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Traditional

    Literature approach at GIST: Traditional

    GIST has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    Our Kids definition: In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

    Compare GIST's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Traditional - 25%
      Social justice - 2%
      Equal balance - 73%

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies

    Core Knowledge

    Social Studies approach at GIST: Core Knowledge

    GIST has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Core Knowledge?]

    Our Kids definition: Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

    Compare GIST's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Expanding communities - 28%
      Thematic - 33%

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at GIST: Equal Balance

    GIST has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Compare GIST's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 79%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 13%

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Communicative

    Foreign Languages approach at GIST: Communicative

    GIST has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    Our Kids definition: The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

    Compare GIST's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Communicative - 32%
      Audio-lingual - 4%
      Equal balance - 64%

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts

    Equal Balance

    Fine Arts approach at GIST: Equal Balance

    GIST has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Compare GIST's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 63%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 36%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at GIST: Medium integration

    GIST has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Our Kids definition: Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Compare GIST's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 52%
      Light integration - 22%
      Heavy integration - 26%

    What GIST says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What GIST says:

    In line with their age, students should engage in physical activity. Our goal is for students to realize that exercise is fun, brings a sense of achievement, and increases personal well-being to the point where they are intrinsically motivated to participate in sports. In addition, our sports activities lead to a strengthening of the sense of belonging within the group, which has a positive effect on the students' social behavior.

  • IB Diploma courses

    7 courses

    Group 1 (Language A)

    • English Literature HL

    Group 2 (Language B)

    • French SL
    • German HL

    Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

    • Geography SL
    • History HL

    Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

    • Biology SL

    Group 5 (Mathematics)

    • Mathematics HL

    Group 6 (The Arts)

    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.

    • Sex and health education

      Not Ontario curriculum

      Sex and health education approach at GIST: Not Ontario curriculum

      GIST has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

      [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

      Our Kids definition: The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

      Compare GIST's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 43%
        Follows provincial curriculum - 57%

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      GIST has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

      What GIST says:

      This information is not currently available.

    Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based

    [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

    Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

    Preschool/K Curriculum approach at GIST: Play-based

    GIST has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).

    [Show: About Play-based?]

    Our Kids definition: Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

    Compare GIST's Preschool/K Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Play-based - 20%
      Montessori - 29%
      Waldorf - 2%
      Reggio emilia - 7%
      Academic - 42%

    What GIST says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

    Our Kindergarten program is based on a traditional German model of discovery, examination, and the development of personal skills as they relate to oneself and others. The program is delivered in an atmosphere of caring, understanding, and compassion. Subjects that will become traditional tenets of elementary school are carefully and slowly introduced. The Kindergarten program is also enriched with aspects of Ontario’s Inquiry Based Learning Model. Its emphasis on the joy of new experiences and early learning strategies like conversation, sharing, and imagining play a significant role in our students’ growth as inquisitive and inspired learners.

    Language bilingual / dual-immersion

    Learn about German International School Toronto's languages of instruction and enrolment.

    GIST is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, German as the primary language of instruction

    English - 30% German - 70%

    Language of enrolment include: English, German

    Language immersion include: German immersion

    Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

    Curriculum Pace approach at GIST: Standard-enriched

    GIST has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

    Our Kids definition: Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Compare GIST's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Standard-enriched - 54%
      Accelerated - 18%
      Student-paced - 28%

    What GIST says about their curriculum pace:

    Beyond Grade 4, traditional Canadian course constructs like Social Studies and Science become specialized courses. These include Chemistry, Physics, and Biology and History, Social Science, Geography, International Relations and Economics, and Politics. The in-depth content of these courses would place any reintegrating student at the top of their class.


    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 GIST says about their flexible pacing:

    This information is not currently available.

    Academic Culture Supportive

    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

    Academic Culture approach at GIST: Supportive

    GIST has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

    [Show: About Supportive?]

    Our Kids definition: A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Compare GIST's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Supportive - 49%
      Rigorous - 51%

    What GIST says about their academic culture:

    This information is not currently available.

    Developmental priorities Balanced

    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

    Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

    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 GIST says about their developmental priorities:

    This information is not currently available.

    Special needs support No support

    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

    GIST offers No support

    GIST offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

    A - Forms of Support
    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:
    B - Environments
    Indirect Support:
    Resource Assistance:
    Withdrawal Assistance:
    Partial Integration:
    Full-Time Class:

    Special NeedNeed
    Forms of SupportA
    EnvironmentsB
    ADHD
    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (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.
      Dyscalculia
      This 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.
      Dysgraphia
      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
      Language Processing Disorder
      This 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 Deficit
      A 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.
    • Developmental
      Autism
      Refers 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 Syndrome
      On 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 syndrome
      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
      Intellectual disability
      This 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 syndrome
      This 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 Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
      roubled 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 Depression
      This 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 anxiety
      This 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 thoughts
      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
      Drug and alcohol abuse
      This 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.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis
      This 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 palsy
      his 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 dystrophy
      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
      Spina Bifida
      This 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.
      Blindness
      Visual 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."
      Deafness
      Hearing 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 Fibrosis
      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
      Multiple physical
      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


    Academic support

    TypeOffered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

    TypeOffered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

    Additional support

    TypeOffered
    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    Gifted learner support No Support

    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

    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 GIST says about their gifted learner support:

    This information is not currently available.

    Homework Policy

    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

    Nightly homework

    In grade Gr. 12, GIST students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.

    PSJKSK123456789101112
    GIST0 mins0 mins0 mins15 mins30 mins30 mins30 mins30 mins30 mins45 mins45 mins60 mins60 mins120 mins120 mins
    Site Average1 mins6 mins7 mins16 mins19 mins26 mins31 mins37 mins44 mins56 mins60 mins75 mins84 mins100 mins107 mins

    What GIST says about their flipped classroom policy:

    This information is not currently available.

    Report Card Policy

    [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

    While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

    How assessments are delivered across the grades

    TypeGrades
    Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 2 to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedbackPreschool to SK
    Academic achievement reportingGr. 1 to Gr. 4
    Parent-teacher meetingsPreschool to Gr. 12
     

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