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Dawncrest has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
Our curriculum integrates multifaceted learning opportunities with instructional technology and experiential, hands-on discovery. It is an enhanced curriculum program encompassing all disciplines in ways that encourages and supports students natural curiosity and love of learning. Students at Dawncrest Academy are engaged in dynamic learning experiences throughout their school day. This includes one-on-one time with their homeroom teachers, and opportunities to explore their classroom material even further with hands-on experience in the Makers Space, the outdoor classroom and/or the gymnasium as well as specialized instruction in French, Music, and Physical Education.
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Dawncrest has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
Our Mathematics program, grounded in a balanced approach, integrates both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency to develop confident, flexible thinkers. Beginning in the early years, students explore number sense through hands-on activities, games, and inquiry-based learning that build strong foundational skills and curiosity about how numbers work. From Grades 1 to 3, the focus is on developing fluency with basic operations, recognizing patterns, and applying mathematical thinking to everyday situations. As students progress, they deepen their understanding through problem-solving, reasoning, and real-world connections, learning multiple strategies to approach increasingly complex concepts. Direct instruction, guided discovery, and meaningful practice work together to ensure mastery of essential skills while fostering perseverance, creativity, and confidence. Students are encouraged to communicate their thinking, make connections across strands, and see mathematics as both a logical system and a tool for understanding the world around them.
Our math program incorporates Saxon Math, Jump Math, Math Makes Sense, daily problem sets, spiraled review, and unit-based work. Saxon is emphasized in upper grades; all resources support differentiation and a spiralized approach reinforcing concepts throughout the year.
Calculators are gradually introduced in Senior School to support computation, problem-solving, and real-world application after foundational skills develop. Students build mental math and paper strategies first. As complexity increases, calculators aid exploration, verification, and efficiency, reinforcing understanding while ensuring basic skills remain central and never replaced.
Dawncrest has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
Our Early Reading program is rooted in a systematic, phonics-intensive approach aligned with the Science of Reading. Beginning in the early years, students develop a strong foundation in phonemic awareness, letter-sound correspondence, and blending skills through explicit, sequential instruction. Lessons incorporate multisensory activities, repetition, and cumulative practice to ensure mastery and automaticity. As students progress, instruction expands to include syllable types, spelling patterns, and morphological awareness, helping readers decode and encode with increasing independence. Decodable texts are carefully matched to taught skills, allowing students to apply new learning in meaningful contexts while building fluency and confidence. Comprehension, vocabulary development, and language understanding are integrated throughout, ensuring that reading is both accurate and purposeful. This structured literacy approach supports all learners—particularly those needing additional reinforcement—by providing clear pathways from decoding to fluent, expressive reading and ultimately, a lifelong love of literacy.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
We administer DIBELS and Science of Reading–aligned screeners to monitor foundational skills, fluency, and early reading progress.
Dawncrest has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
Our Writing program reflects a balanced approach, combining systematic instruction in foundational writing skills with process-based practices that nurture creativity and authentic expression. Beginning in the early years, students learn to construct clear, complete sentences and apply grammar, punctuation, and spacing with accuracy. Writing conventions are taught explicitly through modeling, guided practice, and meaningful application. As students progress, they engage in the full writing process—planning, drafting, revising, and editing—to strengthen both clarity and voice. Lessons emphasize authentic writing experiences that connect to real-world contexts, classroom themes, and cross-curricular learning, allowing students to see writing as a purposeful form of communication. Teachers provide individualized feedback and scaffolded support, helping students grow as confident, capable writers. By combining structure with creativity, our Writing program builds strong foundational skills, encourages self-expression, and fosters a lasting appreciation for writing as a powerful and practical tool for communication.
Dawncrest has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
Our Science program follows the Ontario Curriculum while providing students with additional opportunities for hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Central to this experience is our dedicated STEM space, where students work collaboratively on experiments, projects, and problem-solving challenges that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This dedicated area allows for exploration beyond the textbook, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. In addition, our students benefit from access to outdoor learning spaces that extend the classroom into the natural environment. From studying local ecosystems to observing weather patterns and engaging in environmental stewardship projects, students are able to see real-world applications of scientific ideas. This combination of indoor and outdoor experiences reinforces the connections between theory and practice. By blending curriculum expectations with engaging opportunities for exploration, our Science program inspires students to ask questions, seek solutions, and build a deeper appreciation for the role of science in their world.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
Dawncrest has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
Our Literature program reflects a balanced approach, combining traditional literary analysis with a social justice lens that values diverse perspectives and real-world connections. Students are introduced to a rich variety of texts, including classic and contemporary works, that reflect multiple voices, cultures, and experiences. In the early years, students build comprehension and fluency through engaging read-alouds, shared reading, and guided discussions. As they progress, they explore plot, character, setting, and theme, developing critical thinking and communication skills through conversation and reflection. Lessons also encourage students to consider the broader messages within literature—examining how stories connect to identity, community, and the human experience. Through meaningful dialogue, creative response, and authentic reflection, students learn to appreciate literature both as an art form and as a window into the world around them. Our program cultivates empathy, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Canadian lit | |
| American lit | |
| European (continental) lit | |
| World (non-Western) lit | |
| English lit | |
| Ancient lit |
Dawncrest has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
Our Social Studies program, rooted in an Expanding Communities approach, begins in the early years as students explore their roles within their families and classroom communities. The initial focus for Grades 1 to 3 is on building an understanding of self, relationships, and the local environment through inquiry, storytelling, and hands-on exploration. Students learn about their immediate world and begin to recognize the importance of cooperation, diversity, and belonging. From Grades 4 to 6, students broaden their perspective to include provincial, national, and global communities. Through studies of geography, history, and civic responsibility, they explore how people, places, and environments are connected. Lessons incorporate multiple perspectives, including Indigenous worldviews and global voices, encouraging respect, empathy, and critical thinking. Our Social Studies program nurtures curiosity, global awareness, and cultural understanding, empowering students to recognize their role as active, responsible citizens in an interconnected world.
Dawncrest has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
In Grades 7 and 8, Humanities is taught through distinct Geography and History classes in alignment with the Ontario Curriculum. In History, students investigate critical periods in Canadian and world history, examining the perspectives of historical figures and the societal forces that shaped events. They are encouraged to make meaningful connections between past and present, analyzing how historical decisions and conflicts influence current issues. In Geography, students explore physical and human geography, studying patterns, resources, and the impact of human activity on the environment. They also develop geographic inquiry skills as they interpret data, maps, and case studies. By linking both subjects to current events, students learn to evaluate the relevance of history and geography to their own lives and communities. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem solving, and global awareness, while equipping students with the knowledge and skills outlined in the Ontario Curriculum.
Dawncrest has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
Our French program, rooted in a comprehensible input approach, begins in Kindergarten, where our youngest learners are introduced to the exciting concept of multilingualism. The initial focus for Grades 1 to 3 is on developing strong oral comprehension skills through engaging, immersive experiences. Students build a foundational understanding of spoken French through rich cultural content, songs, interactive activities, and storytelling, ensuring language acquisition feels natural and enjoyable. Formal reading in French is introduced in Grade 3, carefully building on their established listening skills. By Grade 4, students begin to develop their writing abilities, completing the integration of all four language strands: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. From Grades 4 through 8, students continuously practice and refine these strands, deepening their proficiency and cultural appreciation. Our core French program ensures a vibrant, accessible learning environment where students confidently grow into effective communicators.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Chinese-Cantonese | |
| Chinese-Mandarin | |
| French | |
| German | |
| Greek | |
| Italian | |
| Japanese | |
| Hebrew | |
| Latin | |
| Russian | |
| Spanish | |
| ESL |
Dawncrest has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
Our Creative Arts program, rooted in a studio-based approach, begins in Kindergarten, where our youngest learners are introduced to the joy of creative expression. The initial focus for Grades 1 to 3 is on exploring a variety of artistic forms—visual art, music, and drama—through hands-on, playful experiences. Students build foundational skills in creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration as they engage in activities that nurture imagination and curiosity. From Grades 4 to 6, students deepen their understanding of the creative process, experimenting with new techniques, materials, and forms of expression. Lessons are enriched with artist studies and art history that celebrate diverse voices and traditions, ensuring a multicultural lens that highlights how art connects cultures and tells shared human stories. From Grades 7 to 8, students refine their artistic techniques, reflect on their creative growth, and engage in thoughtful discussions about art’s impact. Our Creative Arts program fosters confident, culturally aware creators.
Dawncrest has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
Our Technology program integrates digital tools across all grades to support interactive, creative, and responsible learning. Teachers have access to classroom TVs to present engaging, interactive lessons that enhance instruction. In Kindergarten to Grade 2, students use iPads alongside coding bots to explore early digital literacy and problem-solving in age-appropriate ways. In Grade 3, Chromebooks are introduced, with explicit instruction in care, safety, keyboarding skills, and creating simple presentations. By Grades 4 to 6, students expand their use of technology to support academic growth, leveraging editing tools to refine writing, develop multimedia presentations, and deepen their exploration of coding. In Grades 7 and 8, our program becomes fully digital, with e-learning integration across subject areas. Students use digital media for research, practice, skill reinforcement, and collaborative projects. This structured, developmental approach ensures students gain confidence, proficiency, and responsibility as digital learners.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
Our Physical Education program is an integral part of our curriculum, designed to help students develop confidence, coordination, and a lifelong appreciation for movement. Beginning in the early years, students are introduced to foundational motor skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote teamwork, cooperation, and good sportsmanship. From Grades 1 to 3, the focus is on building control, balance, and spatial awareness through games and structured play. As students progress through the grades, they refine these skills, applying them to more complex sports and movement sequences. Lessons emphasize goal setting, perseverance, and respect—key elements in fostering both physical literacy and character development. Students participate in a variety of activities, including basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and tennis. Across all grade levels, our program promotes active living, physical fitness, and overall well-being, encouraging students to develop healthy habits, self-confidence, and a positive attitude toward lifelong participation in physical activity.
Dawncrest has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
This information is not currently available.
Dawncrest has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
Our Junior and Senior Kindergarten program is designed to integrate exploration and inquiry with the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy. Students are guided through hands-on discovery experiences while building fine motor skills, stamina, and engaging in the foundations of reading and math. The program also includes instruction in Science, Health, Music, French, Social-Emotional Learning, and Media Arts. Our youngest learners are an integral part of our school community and are included in all House team events, concerts, school-wide activities, and clubs. In addition, we emphasize the development of essential life skills, nurturing students to become independent, confident self-advocates.
Learn about Dawncrest Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Dawncrest has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
While following the Ontario Curriculum, our teachers design individualized programs that extend learning and enrich the classroom experience. Students are encouraged to think critically, explore creativity, and take on challenges that move them beyond standard expectations, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of lifelong learning.
| 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 |
Flexible pacing ensures every student is appropriately challenged and supported. Teachers differentiate instruction, allowing advanced learners to accelerate and explore complex concepts, while providing targeted reinforcement for those needing more time. This personalized approach maximizes engagement and understanding for all.
Dawncrest has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
Our academic culture is rooted in support, encouragement, and high expectations for every learner. We believe students thrive when they are met where they are and guided to stretch beyond their comfort zones. Teachers design learning experiences that foster confidence while encouraging resilience and growth. Recognizing that each child learns differently, we focus on equity rather than equality, providing every student with the unique resources, strategies, and challenges they need to be successful. By combining compassion with rigor, we cultivate an environment where students feel valued, capable, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Our academic culture is built on balance, ensuring equal attention is given to the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of every student. We believe true education extends beyond academics, nurturing well-rounded individuals who are curious, resilient, and compassionate. Students are encouraged to strive for excellence while also building the confidence to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. Central to our approach is the development of emotional intelligence, which empowers students to understand themselves, show empathy, and lead with integrity. Through supportive relationships and high expectations, we help students grow into confident, capable individuals who are prepared not only for academic success, but also for meaningful contributions to their communities.
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
This information is not currently available.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
When a student begins to experience learning difficulties, we respond with care and collaboration. Classroom teachers collect data and anecdotal observations, which are then shared with parents during meetings to discuss a path forward. If additional understanding is needed, we guide families to seek professional assessments for greater clarity. Based on this information, we create an Individual Learning Plan that outlines appropriate accommodations or modifications tailored to the student’s needs. With regular communication, we partner closely with families to ensure consistency and support. Our goal is always to provide a strong, responsive program in which every student can thrive and experience success.
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
| 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) |
This information is not currently available.
In grade Gr. 8, Dawncrest students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dawncrest | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
This information is not currently available.
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
OUR KIDS REPORT: Dawncrest Academy