Kuper Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Summary
- Curriculum
Traditional - Preschool/K Curriculum
Academic - Language
bilingual / dual-immersion - Curriculum Pace
Standard-enriched - Academic Culture
Rigorous - Developmental priorities
Intellectual - Special needs support
No support - Gifted learner support
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations - Extracurriculars
Available
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Kuper Academy: Traditional
Kuper Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at Kuper Academy: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Kuper Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Kuper follows a traditional approach to learning that nurtures the relationship between the teacher and students. In the early elementary years learning is focused on the development of foundational skills, language, numeracy as well as exposure to physical and artistic activities. As learning progresses students continue to develop fundamental skills as well as become self reliant learners. In secondary school, grades 7 to 11, students are exposed to a structured six period school day focusing on the importance of self discipline. Learning is not limited to the classroom. It is reinforced at home through well thought out assignments.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Kuper Academy: Traditional Math
Kuper Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Kuper Academy says:
Mathematics instruction follows two primary approaches, skills conceptual learning and problem solving. Students are expected to develop the mathematical concepts but must also apply these in the context of complex multi-layered problems. Hence reading skills are further developed within the mathematics context.
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 Kuper Academy: Balanced Literacy
Kuper Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Kuper Academy says:
The early reading combines both mini word recognition and phonetic blending. Students are exposed to progressively more complex words and sounds. Very simple readers are used to reflect the child's pacing and ability.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Kuper Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Kuper Academy: Equal balance
Kuper Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Kuper Academy says:
Students are encouraged to develop comfort with writing. Students at first learn to write imaginary words which become more robust as formal spelling is introduced. This is designed to nurture the passion for writing while introducing the rigor of formal structure.
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Science
Science approach at Kuper Academy: Equal Balance
Kuper Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
The school places emphasis on experiment driven learning within the context of theoretical learning. In elementary, this is reflected in the bi-annual science fair. In senior school mandatory science fair participation obliges grade eight and advanced grade ten students to propose an original scientific experiment and present it in the annual science fair. Many students have gone on to provincial acclaim, some even starting commercial ventures based on their high school projects.
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 Kuper Academy: Traditional
Kuper Academy has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Kuper Academy says:
Focus is on students understanding and appreciating literature as a reflection of human thought and experience. Elementary students will study simple novels in the middle elementary years. Emphasis is placed on both comprehension and response to the narrative. In high school, students continue novel studies as well as yearly study of Shakespearean plays. Students become familiar with formal literature responses through structured writing.
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 Kuper Academy: Thematic
Kuper Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Kuper Academy says:
In addition to thematically studying social studies concepts in the context of history and geography, elementary students participate in a bi-annual international evening where each class studies a specific topic with the context of a broad theme. The class findings and projects are publicly displayed to the wider school community. Focus is to sensitize students to cultural sophistication within the school population.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Kuper Academy: Equal Balance
Kuper Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Kuper Academy says:
Focus is on citizenship education centered on history and geography in the early high school years. Students are exposed to the study of world history and thematic geography. In the senior grades the study of history shifts to Canadian history with special emphasis on Quebec's particular situation. In the final year a special contemporary world course exposes students to issues of global interests.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Kuper Academy: Communicative
Kuper Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Kuper Academy says:
Spanish is taught in the first two years of high school, grade seven and eight. Students become conversationally functional and literate. Students are able to read and formulate coherent written sentences using the basic established grammatical conventions. French is NOT a foreign language and is taught at every grade to reflect the graduation requirements of the provincial ministerial requirements.
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 Kuper Academy: Equal Balance
Kuper 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 Kuper Academy says:
Arts education is a requirement at every grade level. This covers a wide range, including music and band, drama, dance, performing arts (Glee), and graphic arts. The focus is on students understanding the fundamentals of a specific discipline then learning to express these in the context of their own individual experience. For example, students may study a particular genre of painting and will be expected to apply this. Musical education/band allows students to learn to play a specific instrument within the context of the school's band program. In addition, school plays are performed at all levels, pre-school, elementary and high school.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Kuper Academy: Medium integration
Kuper Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Kuper Academy says:
All classrooms are equipped with multi media projectors. In addition, students and teachers have access to various computing facilities, including labs and Ipad carts. Focus is technology as an adjunct to learning. Some students may also choose to follow more in depth programming and robotics courses in the later high school years.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Kuper Academy says:
Focus at all levels is that students must be physically active in order to follow a health life style. Team and individual sports are practised. All instructors are also certified coaches who accompany students in formal sporting activities outside the classroom under the general umbrella of the Greater Montreal Athletics Association. It is of note that many Kuper students have achieved international acclaim within the sporting world.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Kuper Academy: Quebec curriculum
Kuper Academy has a Quebec curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Quebec curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Kuper Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]Kuper Academy has a approach Progressive (as opposed to Traditional approach).[Show: About Progressive?]What Kuper Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Kuper Academy: Academic
Kuper Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What Kuper Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Although social interaction plays an important role in the development of early learners, it is also important to awaken the intellectual curiosity of students through teacher guided activities. Letter and number recognition and mini word reading, are an integral part of the learning process. By the end of the year most students are able to read short basic stories in English. The program also introduces students to French language skills, focusing also on foundational vocabulary.
Language
Learn about Kuper Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Kuper Academy is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
English - 80% | French - 20% |
Language of enrolment include: English, French
Kuper Academy is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
English - 60% | French - 40% |
Language of enrolment include: English, French
Language immersion include: French immersion
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Kuper Academy: Standard-enriched
Kuper Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Kuper Academy says about their curriculum pace:
From Kindergarten to grade 11 the Kuper program generally exceeds the provincial expectations. Students are expected to satisfy an enriched language program. Emphasis is placed on student growth within the school's expectations.
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 Kuper Academy says about their flexible pacing:
Mathematics and French language instruction are streamed to reflect student ability and background. Math is enriched to incorporate calculus in grade 11 and students may be certified as native French speakers by ministry of education of the French Republic.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Kuper Academy: Rigorous
Kuper Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Kuper Academy says about their academic culture:
Focus is on students developing the foundational skills that result in academic excellence; specifically, self discipline and work ethic. Students are expected to complete daily homework and study as part of the educational process.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Physical
The goal is to cultivate "strong, ?exible - bodied and active individuals, in tune with the joys of movement, sport and wellness."
What Kuper Academy says about their developmental priorities:
Kuper students are intellectually rigorous, hard working, ethically sound, generous and physically active.
Special needs support
What Kuper Academy says about their special need support:
At the elementary level, academic resource is available in order to bring students up to speed in the appropriate discipline. In high school students are expected to satisfy the academic requirements, though students may be given special accommodations in writing formal examinations, including, extra time and writing in isolation.
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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 |
What Kuper Academy says:
Kuper Academy recognizes that some students may require additional support in achieving their learning potential.. Specifically, a limited series of accommodations are available, including extra time on formal exams. Focus, remains, however, on students satisfying the school's academic expectations.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 Kuper Academy says about their gifted learner support:
Exceptionally talented students will benefit from the possibility of acceleration in mathematics and French. Students could complete calculus in grade 11 as well as obtain formal certification from the French Ministry of Education by completing the DELF program of study.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 11, Kuper Academy students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
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Kuper Academy | 0 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 6 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins |
What Kuper 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 | K to Gr. 11 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | K to Gr. 11 |
Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 11 |
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
Kuper Academy offers 15 competitive sports and 0 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Ice Skating
- Lacrosse
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Weightlifting
Clubs offered
Kuper Academy offers 19 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Kuper Academy says about their extracurricular activities:
- Kuper Academy has hosted Canadians of international notoriety through its unique Speaker Series. Studentsand parents have had the opportunity to meet Romeo Dallaire, David Frum, Margaret Somerville, Mark Kilburger, L Jacques Menard, Richard Pound, Herman Gruenwald, Lloyd Robertson, Brian Mulroney and most recently Gwynne Dyer. In addition, the Speaker Series rewards a graduating students who best espouses the Series' values.