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Holy Family Achievement School of Académie Ste-Cécile :
The Our Kids Report > Academics
Grades Gr. 5 TO Gr. 12 — Windsor, ON (Map)
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Holy Family Achievement School of Académie Ste-Cécile :
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Holy Family Achievement School of Académie Ste-Cécile ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS


Curriculum Liberal Arts

[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 HFAS: Liberal Arts

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

[Show: About Liberal Arts?]

Our Kids definition: Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

Compare HFAS's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Liberal arts - 14%
  Traditional - 40%
  Progressive - 33%
  Montessori - 11%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 1%

Approach

Focus Special needs
Academic Special needs

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Traditional Math

    Mathematics approach at HFAS: Traditional Math

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

    [Show: About Traditional Math?]

    Our Kids definition: Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

    Compare HFAS's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Traditional math - 25%
      Discovery math - 6%
      Equal balance - 69%

    What HFAS says:

    HFAS programs are created based on the needs of the individual student in promoting aid for students looking to bridge the gap between their learning skills and English Second Language needs for academic success within the Ontario curriculum, whilst meeting the Ontario curriculum expectations at a varied pace and delivery from a typical classroom. We do not modify the course material, but rather, we accommodate the student’s needs with additional support time, visual, auditory and technology based aids, and further review.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Equal balance

    Writing approach at HFAS: Equal balance

    HFAS has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Compare HFAS's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 78%
      Systematic approach - 10%
      Process approach - 12%

    What HFAS says:

    HFAS programs are created based on the needs of the individual student in promoting aid for students looking to bridge the gap between their learning skills and English Second Language needs for academic success within the Ontario curriculum, whilst meeting the Ontario curriculum expectations at a varied pace and delivery from a typical classroom. We do not modify the course material, but rather, we accommodate the student’s needs with additional support time, visual, auditory and technology based aids, and further review.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at HFAS: Equal Balance

    HFAS 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 HFAS's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 6%
      Inquiry - 26%

    Teaching approach:

    HFAS programs are created based on the needs of the individual student in promoting aid for students looking to bridge the gap between their learning skills and English Second Language needs for academic success within the Ontario curriculum, whilst meeting the Ontario curriculum expectations at a varied pace and delivery from a typical classroom. We do not modify the course material, but rather, we accommodate the student’s needs with additional support time, visual, auditory and technology based aids, and further review.


    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 HFAS: Traditional

    HFAS 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 HFAS's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Traditional - 21%
      Social justice - 4%
      Equal balance - 75%

    What HFAS 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 HFAS: Core Knowledge

    HFAS 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 HFAS's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Expanding communities - 29%
      Thematic - 32%

    What HFAS says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at HFAS: Equal Balance

    HFAS 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 HFAS's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 81%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 11%

    What HFAS says:

    HFAS programs are created based on the needs of the individual student in promoting aid for students looking to bridge the gap between their learning skills and English Second Language needs for academic success within the Ontario curriculum, whilst meeting the Ontario curriculum expectations at a varied pace and delivery from a typical classroom. We do not modify the course material, but rather, we accommodate the student’s needs with additional support time, visual, auditory and technology based aids, and further review.

  • Foreign Languages

    What HFAS 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

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    What HFAS says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    What HFAS says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What HFAS says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.

  • Sex and health education

    What HFAS says:

    This information is not currently available.

Language English

Learn about Holy Family Achievement School of Académie Ste-Cécile 's languages of instruction and enrolment.

HFAS offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English, Mandarin

Curriculum Pace

[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.

What HFAS says about their curriculum pace:

This information is not currently available.


Flexible pacing style

Type Offered
Subject-streaming (tracking)
Multi-age classrooms as standard
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
Regular guided independent study opportunities
Differentiated assessment

What HFAS says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

Academic Culture

[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.

What HFAS says about their academic culture:

At HFAS, we believe that each student, regardless of exceptionality, is entitled to this opportunity in the least restrictive environment. Academic achievement is still of high value, however not the driving focus for our students. Our belief is that students can best be served through the cooperative efforts of teachers, principals, support personnel, and parents.

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: Social

The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

What HFAS says about their developmental priorities:

HFAS aims to enable all students to reach their individual potential and to succeed by providing each student with an individualized program designed to meet the student’s needs as an exceptional learner and to enable each student to utilize the potential that he/she possesses to become a well-adjusted contributing member of society. At HFAS, we also focus on our students’ organization, self-regulation, time management and educational responsibility, in order to build confidence, initiative and independence in their learning to prepare them for future success in Ontario’s regulated courses being offered at ASCIS.

Special needs support Special needs school

[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.

HFAS is a Special needs school

Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more 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

What HFAS says:

HFAS offers small class sizes and one-on-one education wherein an educator will work exclusively on one or more course(s), using both time and course load accommodation. All of this is done whilst meeting the Ontario curriculum expectations at a varied pace and delivery from a typical classroom. We do not modify the course material, but rather, we accommodate the student’s needs with additional support time, visual, auditory and technology based aids, and further review.


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 HFAS says about their gifted learner support:

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. 5 to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsGr. 5 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

Holy Family Achievement School of Académie Ste-Cécile offers 7 competitive sports and 7 recreational sports.

  Competitive offered          Recreational offered
all sports]
  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Ultimate
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Downhill skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain biking
  • Racquet Ball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Snowboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

Clubs offered

Holy Family Achievement School of Académie Ste-Cécile does not offer any clubs or extracurricular programs.

What HFAS says about their extracurricular activities:

  • Students at HFSA are offered the same extra curricular clubs and sports offered by ASCIS International Secondary School.
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