Howlett Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Howlett Academy: Liberal Arts
Howlett Academy has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Howlett Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Howlett Academy’s academic programs prepare our students for higher order thinking while ensuring they have many opportunities to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Each student develops at a slightly different pace, creating a need for fluid age groupings and an education plan that is tailored towards his or her cognitive, social and emotional needs. If the student is ahead or needs additional help, the education plan will be adjusted accordingly. As the student masters different disciplines, the teacher will adjust the curriculum to encourage and challenge the student to develop higher levels of thought and action. Individual progress is carefully monitored.
Approach
Focus |
---|
Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Howlett Academy: Traditional Math
Howlett Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
-
Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Howlett Academy: Phonics-intensive
Howlett Academy has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Writing
Writing approach at Howlett Academy: Equal balance
Howlett Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Science
Science approach at Howlett Academy: Equal Balance
Howlett Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]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 Howlett Academy: Equal Balance
Howlett Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Howlett Academy 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 Howlett Academy: Core Knowledge
Howlett Academy has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Howlett Academy: Equal Balance
Howlett Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Howlett Academy: Equal Balance
Howlett Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Howlett Academy 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 Howlett Academy: Equal Balance
Howlett 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 Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Howlett Academy: Light integration
Howlett Academy has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Howlett Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
Howlett Academy has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Howlett Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Howlett Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Howlett Academy: Academic
Howlett Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What Howlett Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Throughout the day the teachers will work with individual children, small groups and the whole class. The kindergarten curriculum is based on a mastery approach to education, whereby fundamentals and concepts are repeatedly taught until the student has grasped a strong understanding of the material. Once proficient, new and more challenging material is introduced. Guided-played is used as a tool to help enhance the child’s cognitive, social and physical development. The kindergarten curriculum is well-planned and modified for those who are ahead or need additional help. Individual progress is carefully monitored.
Language
Learn about Howlett Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Howlett Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Howlett Academy: Accelerated
Howlett Academy has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
What Howlett Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Each student has a customized education program. As a result, teachers are able to create textbooks and explore topics above grade level.
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 Howlett Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Howlett Academy: Rigorous
Howlett Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Howlett Academy says about their academic culture:
Howlett Academy’s academic programs prepare our students for higher order thinking while ensuring they have many opportunities to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Each student develops at a slightly different pace, creating a need for fluid age groupings and an education plan that is tailored towards his or her cognitive, social and emotional needs. If the student is ahead or needs additional help, the education plan will be adjusted accordingly.
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 Howlett Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Howlett Academy offers No support
Howlett Academy offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 |
Additional support
Type | Offered |
---|---|
Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration
The main focus is on acceleration. This means that all students work at a much quicker pace than public school peers (usually working at least one grade-level ahead).
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 Howlett Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
---|---|
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
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
Howlett Academy offers 10 competitive sports and 7 recreational sports.
- Ultimate
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Howlett Academy offers 16 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Howlett Academy says about their extracurricular activities:
- Activity Club: students take part in a variety of physical activities each week. These include, yoga, Pilates, dance, and movement-based games.
- Art Club: Students will explore a variety of media, techniques, themes and art projects. Students will create work in a variety of materials, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. These fun and engaging classes provide technical skills necessary for the enhancement of creativity and intuition.
- Mandarin Club: students will be given an introduction of phonetics and gain a basic understanding of Chinese Mandarin. They will learn how to make basic conversations using real life scenarios.
- Improv Club: students exercise creativity while building teamwork skills. This time will encourage students to cooperate with others with the "Yes, and..." technique of improvisation.
- Coding Club: students learn how to write computer code using JavaScript in a fun and engaging way. Students get to build their own digital portfolio from their library of 600 projects including Minecraft, Star Wars, Games, Art, Design Apps and much more!
- Sports Teams: students have the opportunity to compete on several sports teams. These sports include: indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball, track and field, cross country, and badminton.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Howlett Academy
Next steps to continue your research: