La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

About La Citadelle

La Citadelle provides students Excellence in Bilingual Education through a comprehensive and academically advanced curriculum in Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Technology, Humanities and Fine Arts. With the IB and AP programs, we develop competent, global citizens through mastery learning and an exceptional holistic environment. At La Citadelle, we believe that all children can be successful when provided solid foundations that inspire them to achieve their highest potential. La Citadelle’s multicultural environment provides students and families with a rich social setting that fosters lifelong friendships and a support system that is unparalleled. For students entering our school, our Francisation Program at all levels as of Grade 2, enables students to acquire a solid foundation in the French language and attain bilingualism. La Citadelle’s learning environment extends beyond the classroom with a variety of activities, field trips, leadership and international travels, which are complemented by intramural / extracurricular sports, musical performances, social activities and academic clubs. As well, La Citadelle’s new facilities have been uniquely designed with 21st century students in mind so as to provide them with an interconnected, spacious living setting conducive to socialization and the love of learning.

Advanced University Bound Curriculum
Bilingual Education (French & English)
Development of Global Citizenship
AP Program
IB Program (MYP)
Francisation (Grades 2 & up)
Admission & Academic Scholarships
Local & Internatioanl Field Trips
Extensive Fine Arts & Sports
Spanish or Mandarin

Our Take: La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

La Citadelle was established in 2000 with just 5 students and operating out of a church basement. The program has grown considerably since then, with an annual enrolment of 200 students spanning prep-K to Grade 12. Further, in 2015 the school moved into a new space, doubling the size of the physical plan and providing an opportunity to grow the student population and its programs significantly. Despite that growth, the approach to instruction remains true to the original intentions. Since its inception La Citadelle has been progressive, and while achievement is one of the six core values, so are compassion and harmony. There is a high level of individual support, in part a function of a low teacher/student ratio. The ideal student is one that is operating ahead of her peers, able to thrive within a challenging, varied, and multilingual teaching environment.

Advanced University Bound Curriculum
Bilingual Education (French & English)
Development of Global Citizenship
AP Program
IB Program (MYP)
Francisation (Grades 2 & up)
Admission & Academic Scholarships
Local & Internatioanl Field Trips
Extensive Fine Arts & Sports
Spanish or Mandarin

Reviews

User-submitted reviews (none submitted)

Location

36 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R7

Gallery

Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science.

Academics

Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

Curriculum: Traditional, International Baccalaureate
- Mathematics: Equal Balance
- Early Reading: Phonics-intensive
- Writing: Systematic approach
- Science: Expository
- Literature: Traditional
- Social Studies : Core Knowledge
- Humanities and Social Sciences : Pragmatism
- Foreign Languages: Communicative
- Fine Arts: Creative
- Computers and Technology: Light integration
- Physical Education:
- Advanced Placement courses :
- Sex and health education: Not Ontario curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum: Play-based
Curriculum Pace: Accelerated
Academic Culture: Rigorous
Developmental priorities: Balanced
Special needs support: No support
Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
Language: bilingual / dual-immersion
Homework Policy:
Report Card Policy:

Curriculum Traditional, International Baccalaureate
[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 La Citadelle : Traditional, International Baccalaureate
La Citadelle has a Traditional, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional, International Baccalaureate?]
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a uni?ed curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

Traditional - 42%
Liberal arts - 16%
Progressive - 27%
Montessori - 14%
Reggio Emilia - 0%
Waldorf - 1%

La Citadelle has a International Baccalaureate approach to secondary curriculum.

Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.

What La Citadelle says: La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science offers an exceptional well-rounded international education and a truly comprehensive advanced instructional program from PrepK to Grade 12 in a multilingual environment within the Canadian experience. Promoting good education and a balanced instructional program of study covering languages, the arts and sciences in its pedagogy of excellence, which is based on the Ontario and French Curriculum, the IB and the AP programs, La Citadelle strives to create a well-rounded learning process that is geared to establish a marked impact on the holistic development of the learner.

International Baccalaureate offered:

Program offered
Primary Years
Middle Years
Diploma program
Career-related program

Approach:

Focus

Academic
Pedagogies and subject courses:

Mathematics Equal Balance

Mathematics approach at La Citadelle : Equal Balance
La Citadelle has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

Equal balance - 68%
Traditional math - 27%
Discovery math - 5%

What La Citadelle says: At La Citadelle, we believe that one can more effectively teach a subject if they have a passion for it. As such, specialized teachers are designated for specific subjects, and mathematics is no exception. Guided by the textbook, the approach to teach mathematics combines both the traditional and the discovery math approaches in an effort to equip the student with an array of skill sets relevant to the assimilation of mathematical concepts.

Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

Calculator policy: Calculators may be used in an upper elementary class at the request of and under the supervision of the mathematics teachers. Secondary School students will possess a scientific calculator to use at their discretion, primarily outside of the classroom.

Early Reading Phonics-intensive

Early Reading approach at La Citadelle : Phonics-intensive
La Citadelle has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language , Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

Phonics-intensive - 43%
Whole language - 2%
Balanced literacy - 55%

What La Citadelle says: Reading beginnings are phonics-centred and will evolve into sound blends and word formation. Students begin this early reading practice in French in Junior Kindergarden and are relatively fluid readers in this language by the end of Grade 1. English as an academic subject begins in Grade 1, with a phonics-based system as well, but given their initial proficiency in the language overall, their reading skills are at par with their French ones by the end of this same year.

DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

What La Citadelle says: This information is not currently available.

Writing Systematic approach

Writing approach at La Citadelle : Systematic approach
La Citadelle has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach , Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Systematic approach?]
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.

Writing at schools on OurKids.net

Systematic approach - 9%
Process approach - 12%
Equal balance - 79%

What La Citadelle says: Beginner writing is systematic in both mechanics and content. As of Grade 1, there is a balanced approach to teaching a student the proper techniques to write cursive (how to hold a pencil, how to respect a line, forming letters, letter sizing, etc.) and what it is that they are writing. It begins with the ability to write sight words and to reproduce words containing sound blends seen in reading. From there, there is a gradual progression towards sentences, paragraphs and longer pieces of written works, all with a strong emphasis on correct sentence structure, and proper spelling.

Science Expository

Science approach at La Citadelle : Expository
La Citadelle has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry , Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]
Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.

Science at schools on OurKids.net

Expository - 5%
Inquiry - 26%
Equal balance - 69%

Teaching approach: Based on the textbooks, we cover all strands required by the Ministry of Education at the elementary levels: Life Systems, Matter and Energy, Earth and Space systems and finally, Structures and Mechanisms. In grades 11 and 12, Science subjects are divided into the respective disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are offered as University Preparation courses.

Topics covered in curriculum:

Subject offered
Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
Geology
Meteorology
Physics
Physiology
Zoology

Treatment of evolution:

Subject offered
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught

Literature Traditional

Literature approach at La Citadelle : Traditional
La Citadelle has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice , Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
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.

Literature at schools on OurKids.net

Traditional - 23%
Social justice - 4%
Equal balance - 73%

What La Citadelle says: This information is not currently available.

Social Studies Core Knowledge

Social Studies approach at La Citadelle : Core Knowledge
La Citadelle has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities , Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]
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).

Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

Core knowledge - 44%
Expanding communities - 25%
Thematic - 31%

What La Citadelle says: The Ministry of Education conglomerates History, Geography and Civics into one big umbrella called Social Sciences. At la Citadelle, we believe, in preparation for the upper grades, that, though interconnected, each facet of the Social Sciences is a subject to be treated independently. Grades 1 & 2, are given a generalized Social Science course using an Expanding Communities approach. From Grades 3 to 6, History, Geography and Civics are treated as distinct units. We further divide the curriculum in the following manner. History is taught more with regards to world history, and Geography is taught with a heavy Canada slant. Civics remains a course with an Expanding Communities approach. At the secondary levels, each facet is considered a different subject in which separate credits are obtained.

Humanities and Social Sciences Pragmatism

Humanities and Social Sciences approach at La Citadelle : Pragmatism
La Citadelle has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]
Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.

Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

Pragmatism - 9%
Perennialism - 9%
Equal balance - 82%

What La Citadelle says: This information is not currently available.

Foreign Languages Communicative

Foreign Languages approach at La Citadelle : Communicative
La Citadelle has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

Communicative - 37%
Audio-lingual - 2%
Equal balance - 61%

What La Citadelle says: Students are required to take a 3rd language (either Mandarin or Spanish), in addition to their bilingual (French, English) core education. This 3rd language is taken from Grade 2 all the way up to Grade 9. Guided by textbooks which are divided into units pertaining to everyday life, students are given the tools to actively communicate in every-day situations using the target language. Writing, though a key component, is not the primary focus of our 3rd language programme.

Fine Arts Creative

Fine Arts approach at La Citadelle : Creative
La Citadelle has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

Creative - 39%
Receptive - 1%
Equal balance - 60%

Program offers:

Subject offered
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts

Visual studio philosophy:

Expressive
Disciplined

What La Citadelle says: At La Citadelle, our main goal is to bring out the artist in every student. Through Fine Arts, Music, Drama, and other forms of creative courses our students receive an in-depth hands-on experience from specialized teachers who are passionate in what they do and bring to each student and the classroom curriculum.

Computers and Technology Light integration

Computers and Technology approach at La Citadelle : Light integration
La Citadelle has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration , Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

Light integration - 22%
Heavy integration - 31%
Medium integration - 47%

What La Citadelle says: Computer literacy is an increasingly important skill in today's society, and it is a very valuable teaching and learning tool. We do not however believe that it should replace traditional teaching and learning skills as these too remain valuable assets. To maintain our students' level of computer proficiency, without it deterring teaching of other subjects, students from Kindergarten to Grade 10 take a mandatory computer technology course, in which they progress from learning basic computer and keyboarding skills to more advanced programmes and web design.

Program covers:

Subject offered
Computer science
Robotics
Web design

Physical Education

What La Citadelle says: Across all grades, the physical education programme combines both Health and Physical Education where students learn to make healthy active living a part of everyday life by participating in the classroom and gymnasium, out of doors, in schoolyards and school gardens, and in the community. Beginning with Kindergartens, students gradually develop their kinesthetic awareness and understanding of movement concepts as well as acquire an extensive subject-specific vocabulary. As students become adolescents, and are beginning to face important life decisions more advanced knowledge and skills are developed to help them better understand and cope with the changes they are experiencing and to make responsible decisions about the health of their adult bodies. In this programme, they have the opportunity to learn and establish patterns of healthy, active living

Advanced Placement courses

AP Physics 1
AP Calculus AB
AP English Language and Composition

Sex and health education Not Ontario curriculum

Sex and health education approach at La Citadelle : Not Ontario curriculum
La Citadelle has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]
The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 46%
Follows provincial curriculum - 54%

Approach to sex and health education:
La Citadelle has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]
By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

La Citadelle 's approach to sex-ed: Sex-ed is not currently taught under this designate and is not a topic on its own. Reproduction and Sexual Education are however introduced and integrated into various subject areas where it is pertinent (Physical Education & Health, Social Studies, Sciences, etc.).
Jump to:

Mathematics

Early Reading

Writing

Science

Literature

Social Studies

Humanities and Social Sciences

Foreign Languages

Fine Arts

Computers and Technology

Physical Education

Advanced Placement courses

Sex and health education
Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based

[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

Preschool/K Curriculum approach at La Citadelle : Play-based
La Citadelle has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

Play-based - 19%
Montessori - 30%
Waldorf - 2%
Reggio emilia - 6%
Academic - 43%

What La Citadelle says: At the four levels of the Kindergarten Panel, La Citadelle aims to instill in children a curiosity and a love of learning as they develop their own skills and talents. Offered exclusively in French through a concrete based pedagogy, the curriculum program at the Kindergarten Panel is structured in such a manner as to integrate a variety of subject matters such as play and learn, cursive writing, mathematics, sciences, computer studies, music and arts and to foster accelerated mastery learning and a high level of achievement by all children.

Program	offered
Primary Years
Middle Years
Diploma program
Career-related program

Focus
Academic

Subject	offered
Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
Geology
Meteorology
Physics
Physiology
Zoology

Subject	offered
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught

Subject	offered
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts

Subject	offered
Computer science
Robotics
Web design

Curriculum Pace Accelerated

[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.

Curriculum Pace approach at La Citadelle : Accelerated

La Citadelle has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Accelerated?]

The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

Accelerated - 15%
Standard-enriched - 58%
Student-paced - 27%

What La Citadelle says: Starting from age 2.5, students follow a comprehensive, balanced and advanced curriculum supported by the Curriculum from France at the elementary, Reach Ahead courses (Grade 8), IB-MYP & AP Programs at the intermediary/secondary levels and exams at all levels, the pace is accelerated and students’ achievements are quite high.

Flexible pacing style

Flexible pacing style	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 La Citadelle says about flexible pacing: Starting from Grade 1, all subjects are taught by specialized teachers who teach across grade levels and who provide students with the flexible academic support needed to make them achieve mastery learning.

Academic Culture Rigorous

[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.

Academic Culture approach at La Citadelle : Rigorous
La Citadelle has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

Rigorous - 49%
Supportive - 51%

What La Citadelle says: La Citadelle provides a rigorous curriculum in a holistic and supportive environment whereby our students excel academically, share an enthusiasm for knowledge, are outstanding world citizens, and value ethics and personal responsibility.
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: Intellectual

The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

What La Citadelle says: La Citadelle offers a comprehensive, balanced and academically advanced program in languages, arts and sciences, enabling its students to acquire the fundamental intellectual, emotional, social and physical foundations to live a full and enriching life in an ever-changing global and technological world.

Special needs support No support

[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.

La Citadelle offers No support

La Citadelle offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

Academic Support:

Subject Type	offered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

Subject Type	offered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

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

Gifted learner support In-class adaptations

[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.

Dedicated gifted programs:

Program	offered
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)

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 La Citadelle says: La Citadelle seriously espouses excellent in education and instruction and, believing that all children are capable to succeed when properly supported, successfully implements a comprehensive advanced program of study at all grade levels that is comparable to the commonly defined gifted program.

Language bilingual / dual-immersion

La Citadelle is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction:

English - 50% French - 50%

Language of enrollment include: English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Hebrew, Any foreign language

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

In grade Gr. 12, La Citadelle students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.

Nightly Homework

	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
La Citadelle	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	15 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	45 mins	45 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins
Site Average	0 mins	2 mins	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	22 mins	29 mins	34 mins	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins	68 mins	80 mins	96 mins	109 mins

What La Citadelle says about their flipped classroom policy: 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:

Lettered or numbered grades	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 1 to Gr. 12
Academic achievement reporting	Nursery/Toddler to K
Habits and behaviour reporting	Nursery/Toddler to K
Parent-teacher meetings	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12

Extracurriculars

[Show definition of Extracurriculars]

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	CompetitiveComp	RecreationalRec
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Football
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Rowing
Rugby
Running
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
Cross-country skiing
Ice Skating
Snowboarding

Clubs Offered
Math Club
Robotics club
Student Council
Yearbook
Animation
Art Club
Band
Chess Club
Choir
Computer Club
Drama Club

Tuition & Financial Aid

[Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Day	$16,750		$17,050		$19,500		$20,050						$20,750

What La Citadelle says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

Discounts

Discount Type	Enrollment Type	Amount
Full payment	Day	3%
2nd child (sibling)	Day	$1,100
3rd child (sibling)	Day	$1,800
4th child (sibling)	Day	$2,400

Need-based financial aid

Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	NS to 12
Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	0%
Average aid package size	$0
Percentage of total enrollment on financial aid	0%
Total aid available	$0

Application Deadline:

Rolling deadline

Application Details:

Completion of La Citadelle's Bursary Application

Merit based Scholarships

Admission Scholarship Program (Grades 5 to 11) Amount: $1,000	Academic Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility Details: Students grade 5 to 11— This Admission Scholarship will be awarded to new registrants of Grade 5 to Grade 11 who have achieved an overall average of 95% and above or 90 to 94% on their last Report Card from their previous school. The amounts of $1,000 or $500 respectively will be credited to their first year tuition fees upon their admission at La Citadelle.

Academic Scholarship Program (Grades 9 to 12) Amount: $500	Academic Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility Details: Students grade 9 to 11— This Academic Scholarship will be granted to all students in Grades 9 to Grade 12 who achieve an overall average of 90% \r\nand above in all subjects and who are additionally recommended by their teachers for their exemplary comportment and \r\ncommunity service contributions throughout the year. All qualifying Grades 9 to 11 students will thus receive a "Certificate \r\nof Accomplishment" upon their promotion at the end of the year and a scholarship in the amount of $400 which will be \r\napplied as a credit to their tuition fees for the subsequent academic year. Qualifying Grade 12 students will receive a \r\n"Certificate of Accomplishment" upon their graduation at the end of the year and a cheque in the amount of $500 to support \r\ntheir enrolment to university.

Academic Scholarship Program (Grades 5 to 8) Amount: $300	Academic Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility Details: Students grade 5 to 8— This Academic Scholarship will be granted to all students in Grade 5 to Grade 8 who achieve an overall average of 90% and above in the major academic subjects supported by exams (French, English, Mathematics, Sciences, History and Geography) and who are additionally recommended by their teachers for their exemplary comportment throughout the year. All qualifying students will thus receive the Prix d'Excellence upon their promotion at the end of the year and a scholarship in the amount of $300 which will be applied as a credit to their tuition fees for the subsequent academic year.

Referral Discount Plan Amount: $1,000	Other Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility Details: Students grade NS to 12— At La Citadelle, you benefit from a $1000 reduction in the total tuition and fees you pay for your child, when a prospective parent you refer to the school registers his or her child at La Citadelle. The reduction will apply in the academic year the referred student is first registered.

Early Admission Scholarship Amount: $1,000	Other Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility Details: Students grade NS to 12— At La Citadelle, you benefit from a $1000 reduction on the admission fee when you register your child, for the subsequent academic year, before December 1st of the current year.

Enrollment

[Show definition of Enrollment]

Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrollment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrollment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrollment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrollment per grade.

Enrollment Details:

	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrollment
Group 1	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12	Coed	Day	180

Additional Statistics:

Total enrollment	180
Average enrollment per grade	11
Average class size	15 to 20
Gender (grades)	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12 (Coed)
Boarding offered	No

International Students:

Percentage of students are international students	7%
Number of different nationalities within student population	25
Five-day boarding programs offfered

Student distribution:

	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Day Enrollment	8	8	15	15	18	18	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20

Admission

[Show definition of Admission]

Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

Application

Admissions Assessments:

Assessment	Required	Grades
Interview		NS - 12
SSAT
SSAT (out of province)
Entrance Exam(s)		3 - 12
Entrance Essay
Application Fee

Application Deadlines:

Day students: Rolling

What La Citadelle says:

Please visit our website

Acceptance

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Type of student La Citadelle is looking for:
At La Citadelle, we believe that every child is unique in their own way, and that it is our duty to help each student shine and thrive through the grades and life itself. A Positive attitude and a willingness to learn always helps.

Student Entry Points

Student Type	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	2 - 4 (95%)	3 - 4 (95%)	3 - 4 (95%)	3 - 4 (95%)	3 - 4 (90%)	3 - 4 (90%)	3 - 4 (80%)	3 - 4 (80%)	3 - 4 (80%)	3 - 4 (75%)	3 - 4 (75%)	3 - 4 (75%)	3 - 4 (70%)	3 - 4 (70%)	3 - 4 (70%)	3 - 4 (70%)

University Placement

[Show definition of University Placement]

Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

Services	Offered
Career planning
Internships
Mentorship Program
University counseling

Key Numbers
Average graduating class size	6
*Canadian "Big 6" placements	4
**Ivy+ placements	N/A

*Number of students in the past year who attended one of McGill, U of T, UBC, Queen's University, University of Alberta, or Dalhousie University.

**Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)

Schools our students are admitted to (last 4 years): University of Toronto Queen's University Ryerson University University of Waterloo York University OCAD University McMaster University University of Ottawa Carleton University Western University

Schools our students attend (last 4 years): University of Toronto Queen's University Ryerson University University of Waterloo York University OCAD University McMaster University University of Ottawa Carleton University Western University

What La Citadelle says:

90% of our students were awarded the Queen Elizabeth scholarship until it was withdrawn in 2012
90% of our students graduate with Ontario Scholars designation
100% graduates go to University and are accepted into their 1st choice Program
From all our graduates accepted in University, 15.5% have graduated from university and are employed in their field of study, the remaining are in 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th year in university or graduate programs.
Our graduates receive Entrance Scholarships, President Scholarships and early admission. Some of them even receive the admission as early as November of their Grade 12 year.

Notable Alumni

[Show definition of Notable Alumni]

Many private schools in Canada have numerous graduates who have gone on to great things. Learn about a school’s most influential, important, successful, and famous alumni.

Alumnus	Grad Year	Accomplishment
Stavros Angelopolous	2006	• Life Science Program at University of Toronto • Business Administration at University of Toronto
Donald Belfon	2010	• Humanities Program at Trinity College, University of Toronto • Honors Arts Program at St. Jerome’s at University of Waterloo • Global Studies at Huron College at University of Western
Giovanni Murga	2006	• Electrical Engineering Program at Ryerson University with a $2,000 Queen Elizabeth Scholarship • Architectural Program at George Brown College • Marketing Program at McMaster
Andrew Ilkay	2009	• University of Toronto • University of Western Ontario • York University
Nils Fischer	2009	• University of Western Ontario • York University • OCAD University
Kosta Vuckovic	2010	• Life Sciences Program at University of Toronto
Anthony Xanthis	2010	• Life Sciences Program at University of Toronto • Psychology Program at York University • Arts & Science Program at University of Waterloo
Andrew Arding	2011	• Hospitality and Tourism Program at Ryerson University
Arshia Ghadimi	2011	• Business Management at University of Western
Sébastian Reme	2011	• General Arts Major at York University
Sahel Sanaei	2011	• Business Management at Ryerson University
Maria Agudelo	2012	• Arts Program at Queen’s University
Grace Gesualdo	2012	• Humanities Program, Vic One at University of Toronto • Northrop Frye Stream Program at University of Toronto
Victor Ostrovsky	2012	• Screenwriting Program at York University • Social Work Program at Ryerson University
Praveen Peripanathan	2012	• Honors Major Biological Science at University of Guelph
Stéphanie Piché	2012	• Mathematics and Statistics I at McMaster University
Ankita Rajpal	2012	• BISC Program, Herstmonceux Castle, England at Queen’s University • Psychology Program at University of Western • Social Sciences Program at McMaster University
Gisèle Samaan	2012	• Science Engineering Program at University of Toronto • Physical and Mathematical Science Program, Victoria College at University of Toronto • Honors Science Program at University of Waterloo
Sonia Mezouari	2013	• Health Sciences Program in French at Laurentien University
Alexa Ambrozic	2014	• BISC Program – Herstmonceux Castle, England at Queen’s University • Social Development Studies at University of Waterloo • Life Sciences Program at University of Toronto
Marc Sarkis	2014	• Mechanical Engineering Diploma at Ryerson University • Mechanical Engineering Diploma at University of Windsor
Colleen Abbott	2015	• Medical Sciences Program at University of Western Ontario with a $2,000 Excellence Scholarship • Life Science Program - McMaster University • Bachelor of Science Honours Program - Queen's University
Naomi Akanmori	2015	• Life Sciences (Biology, Neuroscience and Psychology) Program at University of Toronto • Honors Biology and Psychology Program at Wilfred Laurier • Bachelor of Science Program in Biology at York University
Lara El Sherbini	2015	• Bachelor of Arts Psychology Program at York University • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing & Painting Program at OCAD University
Érica Piché	2015	• Bio-Medical Science Program at University of Guelph with a $3,000 scholarship • Life Sciences Program at McMaster University with a $2,500 scholarship • Bachelor of Science (Honors) Program at Queen’s University with Scholarship
Emilie Smith	2015	• Bachelor of Fine Arts Program at Queen’s University, which only accepts 30 students each year • Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Program at Queen’s University with Scholarship • Faculty of Arts at McGill University
Matthew Young	2015	• Computer Security Program at York University • Computer Science Program at Ryerson University

Stories & Testimonials

Below, find stories and testimonials about La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science.

My attendance at La Citadelle was a turning point in my education.

As a former student of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts and Science I can attest to the strong, well-rounded education offered by Mr. Abouchar and his dedicated staff. In May of this year, I completed Medical School at McGill University and following my graduation, I found myself reminiscing with my family about the people who have a had formative role in shaping the person that I am today. A name that we all brought up was Alfred Abouchar. As one of first five students to attend La Citadelle, I can recall Mr. Abouchar doing triple duty as headmaster, science teacher and friend. Alfred (he would let the students call him by his first name) wasn’t just the principal, he was also a mentor. From these humble beginnings, La Citadelle grew quickly, however Mr. Abouchar and his teachers never lost that personal touch. Every student knew that the teaching staff believed in their potential. In all honesty, my attendance at La Citadelle was a turning point in my education. It was here where I learned that I could not only achieve academic excellence, but that an interest in the arts and language were also key components to both personal success and happiness. Alfred, I cannot thank you enough!
...
La Citadelle is the best kept secret!

La Citadelle is the best kept secret! We found out about the school from a newspaper ad. Our two children were attending another IB private school at that time with which we were getting a bit frustrated. We liked what the ad said, so we scheduled an appointment to check out the school.

We met with the Headmaster and he took us on a tour. To say we were impressed is an understatement. We were blown away by curriculum - starting from grade 1 kids get a specialized teacher! So your music teacher doesn’t teach you math and your math teacher doesn't teach you art. Each subject is thought by a subject matter expert! FROM GRADE 1!!!!!!!

Academically the school is very advanced, some books are for grades two years ahead, and surprisingly kids don't struggle with it, but progress impressively well, thanks to the hard work of the dedicated and very competent teachers. Amazing!

We didn't come to La Citadelle from a French school and both our kids had very limited French (we started grade 4 and SK). Two years later our oldest child gets into the top 10 for the Salon De Livre Writing Contest (and just to note, the first place was won by a La Citadelle student).

The school also consistently wins top spots in science fair competitions. Two years ago grade 7 students from La Citadelle won a gold medal in Toronto Science Fair and were invited to present their project at the Toronto World Congress of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering as well as at the Research Chairs Symposium. Wow, right?

And the most important, while achieving all this, kids are having fun! There is not enough review space to describe how amazing the school is! You have to see it for yourself.
...
We would certainly recommend La Citadelle to any prospective parents

My wife and I selected La Citadelle after perusing their booth at one of the OurKids private school expos and also attending two open days at the campus itself. We have been very impressed with the new location as well as the inclusive, community driven, safe and welcoming environment for a multi-faceted and wholesome bi-lingual education of our son.

We would certainly recommend La Citadelle to any prospective parents looking for well-rounded environment for their children with very high academic and personal standards.
...
La Citadelle is an extension of the home.

La Citadelle is an extension of the home. It is a close-knit family of parents, students and staff who come together to provide a high standard of academics, social and emotional well-being for it's children. We are happy to see both our children advancing toward bilingualism and couldn't be happier with our choice !
...
Outstanding school.

Outstanding school. Well-rounded education with a strong focus on high academic achievement. Competent, caring and committed teachers. Safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. The small class sizes allow for personal attention and orderly classrooms. A very strong sense of community and a singular harmony amongst students of all grades, teachers, staff and parents. My children, like most of their schoolmates, simply love their school!
...

Principal's Message

Alfred Abouchar, Headmaster

Alfred Abouchar is the Headmaster and founder of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science. With a rich and diverse educational background spanning 40 years in both Canada and internationally, Mr. Abouchar has created this unique educational institution to instill in children a profound value for education while offering them a curricular program of study that leads students to the highest standard of academic achievement. For the past 17 years, La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science has been the living testimony of his vision that All children can succeed!

Fluent in both English and French, Mr. Abouchar holds an Honours B.Sc. in Physics and Chemistry from the American University in Cairo, a B.Ed. from Althouse College of Education of the University of Western Ontario, a M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Western Ontario and a M.Ed. from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.

Beginning his extensive career in education by teaching Physics and sciences at the secondary level, Mr. Abouchar was recruited by the Ministry of Education as Education Officer, Provincial Consultant in Mathematics and Sciences and Secretary General of the Council for Franco-Ontarian Education. He has among his various academic contributions also occupied the positions of Principal Investigator & Coordinator of the Ontario Assessment Instrument Pool in Chemistry and Physics, Professor at the Faculty of Education of the University of Ottawa and Superintendent of Curriculum, Research and Continuing Education with the Ottawa-Carleton French Language School Board. Mr. Abouchar has also lead the Ontario delegation at the joint Canada-France Educational Workforce in Chad, founded the Multicultural Francophone Association of Ontario, and served for 9 years on the Ontario Advisory Council on Multiculturalism and Citizenship.

Mr. Abouchar has furthermore participated in the provincial overhauling of the Ontario Science Curriculum, written Physics and sciences textbooks, developed innovative educational software and related films, and lectured extensively on a variety of topics in Education.

A passionate musician and composer, Mr. Abouchar has successfully merged his musical talent with his expertise in computer technology and pedagogy to create a unique Computer Music Program of study which is offered exclusively to all elementary and secondary school students at La Citadelle. The annually produced albums of their collective compositions are but tokens of the authentication of the development of their creativity and their power of learning and achieving at La Citadelle.

“Since 'seeing is believing ', I gracefully extend an invitation to all parents of school children to visit La Citadelle and experience first-hand its harmonious and scholarly perspectives and to join us on our fascinating endeavor of distinctly shaping the lives of our children and leading them to success,” - Mr. Abouchar.

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