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Keystone School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Keystone School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Keystone School: Progressive, International Baccalaureate Candidate
Keystone School has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate Candidate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate Candidate?]
Keystone School has a International Baccalaureate Candidate approach to supplementary curriculum.
IB Candidate School is an official term used to identify schools that have applied to IBO for permission to teach one or more of the IB Programmes.
What Keystone School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Our students are prepared for the rigours of university, while acquiring practical life skills. This combination makes them valuable in the global workplace. Student-centred learning focuses on the student’s needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles, with the lecturer as a facilitator of learning. Intentional learning develops students’ explicit understanding of their own approach to learning as well as confidence in their discipline-specific knowledge base in order to confidently address cross-curricular skills and metacognitive functions.
International Baccalaureate Candidate program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Keystone School: Equal Balance
Keystone School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Keystone School 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.
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Writing
Writing approach at Keystone School: Process approach
Keystone School has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Process approach?]What Keystone School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Keystone School: Equal Balance
Keystone School 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 Keystone School: Equal Balance
Keystone School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Keystone 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 Keystone School: Thematic
Keystone School has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Keystone School says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Keystone School: Equal Balance
Keystone School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Keystone School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Keystone School: Equal Balance
Keystone School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Keystone 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 Keystone School: Creative
Keystone School has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Keystone School says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Keystone School: Heavy integration
Keystone School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Keystone School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Keystone School says:
This information is not currently available.
IB Diploma courses
Group 1 (Language A)
Group 2 (Language B)
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
Group 5 (Mathematics)
Group 6 (The Arts)
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Keystone School: Ontario curriculum
Keystone 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:
Keystone School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]Keystone School has a approach Progressive (as opposed to Traditional approach).[Show: About Progressive?]What Keystone School says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Keystone School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Keystone School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Keystone School's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
Keystone School operates as an online school.
What Keystone School says about their course flexibility:
With our Online Program, students can complete courses within 4 weeks to 12 months working at their own pace. Students can enroll at any time throughout the year.
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
What Keystone School says about their course format:
Distance: With our Self-Directed program, students can complete courses within 4 weeks to 12 months working at their own pace. Students can enroll in an online course at any time and work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Asynchronous: With our Self-Directed program, students can complete courses within 4 weeks to 12 months working at their own pace. Students can enroll in an online course at any time and work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Synchronous: Following the Ontario curriculum, the Virtual Campus allows students to attend live online learning of a maximum of 10 students. Students work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, following the virtual learning schedule and completing each course every 10 weeks, 2.5 hours per day, per course.
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
What Keystone School says about their academic support and services:
Student progress tracker: Parents can be observers of their kid's learning process through our Learning Platform.
Additional support: We offer a study hall after school hours.
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Keystone School: Standard-enriched
Keystone School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Keystone School says about their curriculum pace:
Keystone School follows the Ontario curriculum and reinforces it with project-based activities. Curriculum outcomes are presented to students through hands-on activities that enable students to learn by doing and relating what they learn to real-life.
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 Keystone School says about their flexible pacing:
While students join classes on campus, they are also offered independent courses. This allows them to take responsibility for their own learning and helps them to improve their time management skills. Students have the opportunity to engage in class discussions and interact with one another throughout independent courses.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Keystone School: Supportive
Keystone School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Keystone School says about their academic culture:
Our aim is to encourage students to take action and become life-long learners in order to make the world a better and more peaceful place. Through their school years, they become internationally–minded inquirers and thinkers, who ask questions and seek their own answers from both local and global perspectives. At Keystone, by nurturing students’ natural curiosity, we foster a love for learning.
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 Keystone School says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Keystone School offers Indirect Support
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
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 |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
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 Keystone School says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Keystone School students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keystone School | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| Site Average | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Keystone 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. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
