Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Traditional
HERITAGE ACADEMY has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What HERITAGE ACADEMY says about their overall curriculum and approach:
GRADES 1-8 Our program offers a rich curriculum stressing disciplined learning. Skill development is a major goal of a demanding academic program. All classes emphasize the need to write, speak and listen effectively. Some students entering these grades already have had a history of school failure because of reading, writing and math difficulties. GRADES 9-12 Our high school courses lead to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Courses offered by Heritage Academy have been developed according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. CLASS SIZE Our average class size is 12 students, with 1 main teacher, 1 resource teacher, 1 behavioural interventionist, and 2 educational assistants on staff.
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
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Academic | Special needs |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Equal Balance
HERITAGE ACADEMY has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
Multi-sensory and Hands on Approach to Mathematics. We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
We utilize textbooks that follow along with the Ontario Curriculum as well as online resources (ie. Mathletics, Gizmos).
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Balanced Literacy
HERITAGE ACADEMY has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are certified Ontario school and follow the Ontario Curriculum. We incorporate the big concepts, phonemic awareness and additional multi-sensory teaching approaches that are seen within the SMT program. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Equal balance
HERITAGE ACADEMY has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We incorporate the big concepts, phonemic awareness and additional multi-sensory teaching approaches that are seen within the SMT program. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
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Science
Science approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Inquiry
HERITAGE ACADEMY has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
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 HERITAGE ACADEMY: Equal Balance
HERITAGE ACADEMY has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
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 HERITAGE ACADEMY: Expanding Communities
HERITAGE ACADEMY has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Equal Balance
HERITAGE ACADEMY has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
Foreign Languages
What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
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 HERITAGE ACADEMY: Equal Balance
HERITAGE ACADEMY has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Medium integration
HERITAGE ACADEMY has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
We are a certified Ontario school that follows the Ontario Curriculum. We utilize differentiated methods and supportive assistive technology as is necessary.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Ontario curriculum
HERITAGE ACADEMY has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
HERITAGE ACADEMY has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What HERITAGE ACADEMY says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence's languages of instruction and enrolment.
HERITAGE ACADEMY offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, French
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Standard-enriched
HERITAGE ACADEMY has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What HERITAGE ACADEMY says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 HERITAGE ACADEMY says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at HERITAGE ACADEMY: Supportive
HERITAGE ACADEMY has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What HERITAGE ACADEMY says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
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 HERITAGE ACADEMY says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
HERITAGE ACADEMY is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
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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 |
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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 |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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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 HERITAGE ACADEMY says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, HERITAGE ACADEMY students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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HERITAGE ACADEMY | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins |
Site Average | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 109 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What HERITAGE ACADEMY says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence offers 9 competitive sports and 9 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Martial Arts
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track & Field
- Weightlifting
Clubs offered
Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence offers 16 clubs and extracurricular programs.