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Summit Micro School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Summit Micro School: Progressive, Reggio Emilia
Summit Micro School has a Progressive, Reggio Emilia approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, Reggio Emilia?]
Summit Micro School has a Reggio Emilia approach to supplementary curriculum.
Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
What Summit Micro School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Summit Micro School offers a highly individualized, structured program designed for students who are deeply responsive to their environment. Learning is organized around project-based experiences that are hands-on, meaningful, and connected to real-world contexts, allowing students to engage deeply and think critically. Core academic skills in literacy and mathematics are developed through a mastery-based approach, ensuring strong foundations while allowing students to progress based on readiness rather than age. Teaching is responsive and adaptive, with careful attention to pacing, engagement, and student understanding. Our environment plays a central role in learning. Daily routines, small group instruction, and regular time outdoors support regulation, focus, and participation. Executive functioning, communication, and social development are embedded throughout the day, not taught in isolation. The result is a program that balances structure and flexibility, enabling students to build confidence, re-engage with learning, and achieve meaningful academic growth.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs , Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Summit Micro School: Equal Balance
Summit Micro School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Summit Micro School says:
We use individualized JUMP Math programs to help students achieve higher standards in mathematics; students work at their level and pace to reach their highest potential. Even the most apprehensive math students learn to love math and gain confidence in their math abilities. Learn more at www.jumpmath.org. Math is also integrated into interdisciplinary STEM classes (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Through real-life challenges, students must think critically to discover how to apply mathematical concepts and methods to solve problems.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Summit Micro School: Balanced Literacy
Summit Micro School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Summit Micro School: Equal balance
Summit Micro School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Summit Micro School: Inquiry
Summit Micro School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
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 Summit Micro School: Equal Balance
Summit Micro School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Summit Micro School: Thematic
Summit Micro School has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Summit Micro School: Equal Balance
Summit Micro School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Summit Micro School: Communicative
Summit Micro School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Summit Micro School: Equal Balance
Summit Micro School 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 Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Summit Micro School: Medium integration
Summit Micro School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Summit Micro School says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Summit Micro School: Ontario curriculum
Summit Micro School 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:
Summit Micro School has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]Summit Micro School has a approach Progressive (as opposed to Traditional approach).[Show: About Progressive?]What Summit Micro School says:
Social justice and diversity is a priority at Summit Micro School, not only in curriculum, but also in practice. SMS is committed to providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Summit Micro School: Reggio Emilia
Summit Micro School has a Reggio Emilia approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Academic approach).
[Show: About Reggio Emilia?]
What Summit Micro School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our early years program is inquiry-based and grounded in Reggio-inspired principles, where learning emerges from students’ interests and is extended through thoughtfully designed projects. We combine play-based exploration with intentional development of early literacy, numeracy, and fine motor skills, ensuring a strong foundation alongside curiosity and creativity. The environment plays a central role. Classrooms are calm, responsive, and designed to support regulation, engagement, and independence. Teachers actively guide learning, helping students deepen their thinking, build language, and develop problem-solving skills. Regular outdoor experiences and hands-on exploration extend learning beyond the classroom. The result is a balanced program where students feel secure, engaged, and ready to take on increasing academic challenge.
Language
Learn about Summit Micro School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Summit Micro School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Summit Micro School: Student-paced
Summit Micro School has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What Summit Micro School says about their curriculum pace:
Math and language programs are individualized allowing students to work at a level that will challenge and develop skills and confidence. Project Based Learning fosters critical thinking, collaboration, communication and innovation at the appropriate level for all students.
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 Summit Micro School says about their flexible pacing:
Skill building focus - set goals that allow them to master foundational skills and develop a deep understanding of the curriculum concepts
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Summit Micro School: Supportive
Summit Micro School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Summit Micro School says about their academic culture:
Summit students strive for personal excellence through self-reflection and goal-setting. Academic rigour is embedded in our Project-Based curriculum; students’ project work is purposeful, reaching authentic audiences beyond the teacher, often in our Toronto community. Students are accountable to members of their group and the "audience", raising the bar for the quality of their work and academic contributions. Students can make mistakes in our supportive environment, building their resiliency when faced with challenges. Instead of content knowledge, focus is placed on the development of 21st century skills: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity and innovation, character, global citizenship and computer and technology.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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 Summit Micro School says about their developmental priorities:
We focus on the development of the whole child. We believe that each of the child's needs must be considered and that these needs may change regularly; we must be responsive to this so that the highest learning potential can be achieved. We believe self-awareness is critical for students to understand their needs so they can self-advocate, find assistance, and drive their own learning, further adding to their resiliency. Individual academic programs, regular collaboration, daily Physical Education, mindfulness practices and individual student support are but a few approaches to addressing the various developmental needs of our students.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Summit Micro School is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
What Summit Micro School says about their special need support:
Project Based Learning and our individual programs allow for teachers to naturally differentiate for a broad range of abilities in the classroom.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Summit Micro School says:
Project Based Learning (including STEM) is a framework that supports a broad range of learners, especially those who are "out-side-of-the-box" thinkers with big ideas and the ability to conceptualize abstract and complex concepts, but may struggle to demonstrate these strengths within a traditional curriculum and program. Students work collaboratively in small groups with direct support from teachers. Individualized math and language programs also allow for enrichment, support and remediation when necessary to enable students to move forward without gaps. While we are able to support a diverse population, we do not have dedicated resources and programs for more complex diagnoses.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
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.
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 Summit Micro School says about their gifted learner support:
The Project Based Learning approach and integrated STEM programs are especially effective for exceptional learners, including gifted learners. With the close guidance of the teacher, gifted students have the opportunity to drive their academic learning and skill development in both areas of personal interest and strength. Competency-Based programs in Math and language allow gifted students to work at their level and pace. Other areas of need (social, emotional, physical) are also supported individually.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Summit Micro School students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Micro School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 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 |
What Summit Micro School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 7 to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 6 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
