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La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at La Citadelle: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
La Citadelle has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]
La Citadelle has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary 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 about their overall curriculum and approach:
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 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 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?]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.
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Early Reading
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?]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.
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Writing
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?]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.
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Science
Science approach at La Citadelle: Expository
La Citadelle has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]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.
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 La Citadelle: Traditional
La Citadelle has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What La Citadelle 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 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?]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
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?]What La Citadelle says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
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?]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.
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 La Citadelle: Creative
La Citadelle 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 La Citadelle says:
At La Citadelle, our main goal is to bring out the artist in every student. Through Fine Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, Computer Music, Graphic Design 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
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?]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
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?]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?]What La Citadelle says:
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.).
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at La Citadelle: Academic
La Citadelle has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What La Citadelle says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
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.
Language
Learn about La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science's languages of instruction and enrolment.
La Citadelle 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, Spanish, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
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?]
What La Citadelle says about their curriculum pace:
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
| 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 La Citadelle says about their 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
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at La Citadelle: Rigorous
La Citadelle has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What La Citadelle says about their academic culture:
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
[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 La Citadelle says about their developmental priorities:
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
[Show definition of Special needs support]
La Citadelle offers No support
La Citadelle offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
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 La Citadelle says about their gifted learner support:
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.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, La Citadelle students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| 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 | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 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]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | 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 |
