Laureate College ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Laureate College: Liberal Arts
Laureate College has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Laureate College says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Laureate College was founded on the belief that every student is unique and possesses an inherent yearning for learning, growth, and the ability to acquire knowledge, creating a meaningful pathway for life purposefully. At Laureate, every student actively shapes their learning experiences within an inclusive environment characterized by innovative teaching, personalized learning, abundant resources, and global connections. Through our vision, mission, and values, we aspire to create a transformative learning experience that empowers students to embrace opportunities and challenges with confidence, leveraging the knowledge and skill sets they acquire throughout their Laureate journeys.
Approach
Focus |
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Arts: Visual arts |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Laureate College: Traditional Math
Laureate College has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Laureate College says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Laureate College: Expository
Laureate College has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Laureate College: Traditional
Laureate College has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Laureate College 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 Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance
Laureate College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Laureate College says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance
Laureate College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Laureate College says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Laureate College: Creative
Laureate College 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 Laureate College says:
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 to use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos. Expressive: Creativity is inherently subjective. Our goal is to create an open and non-judgmental environment for students to experiment, innovate, and find the artist within"
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Laureate College: Heavy integration
Laureate College has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Laureate College says:
Technology is heavily integrated. Students are taught to be digital citizens and to understand the responsibilities of being online. With our learning management system, Moodle, and Microsoft Teams, students are able to access and submit assignments at all times throughout the course. Students are required to have a laptop or computer with access to the Internet in all classes.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Laureate College says:
Physical Education at Laureate College is characterized as a fun reprieve from learning during the course of the day. Students get to take a break from their studies and participate in games and activities working on teamwork, coordination, and strength that help them grow as students outside of the classroom. A relaxed environment not only gives students a break from classes but allows them to release stress and get good exercise.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Laureate College: Not Ontario curriculum
Laureate College has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]What Laureate College says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Laureate College's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Laureate College offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Mandarin
Online Learning
Laureate College's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
Laureate College operates as an online school.
Course format
Type | Offered |
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Distance | |
Asynchronous | |
Synchronous |
What Laureate College says about their course format:
Asynchronous: Students work independently following the on-line curriculum and submitting their assignments and tests on-line. Teachers will provide feedback on marked assignments and tests; at mid term, student may ask for an interview.
Synchronous: Three virtual classes are held per week (one hour each). Students work on the materials posted in the online course. Should they require additional support, they may contact the teacher directly through email or arrange a virtual meeting or tutorial support.
Academic support and services
Type | Offered |
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Dedicated teacher per course | |
Exam proctoring | |
Student progress tracker | |
Regular office hours | |
Additional support | |
Study groups | |
Special needs support |
What Laureate College says about their academic support and services:
Dedicated teacher per course: Every teacher provides resources and interactive discussions and activities to keep students engaged throughout the program. Progress is monitored and a parent/student/teacher interview is offered at mid point to discuss student progress.
Exam proctoring: Using a camera, students can complete an online exam within a specified start and end time. At the end, all student work is to be submitted to the teacher for review and marking. Feedback is provided after exams and tests are evaluated by the teacher.
Student progress tracker: Using the School Information System, students and teachers will see the marks as they are completed and marked by the teacher. Any inquiries can be directed to the teacher or program counsellor.
Regular office hours: Administration staff are available between 9 to 5 daily from Monday to Friday. Program Counsellor is available at various times to accommodate time differences when students are taking courses who reside in other countries.
Additional support: All our teachers provide personal support through emails or individual sessions online as required. It is important that the students inform the teachers that they require additional help.
Study groups: Students who are taking the same courses can informally set up their own study group. Some of the virtual sessions accommodate time for small groups to meet online.
Special needs support: Modified support is available for special needs students. We do encourage them to try out the program for a week before they decide to continue or discussions will occur to modify or accommodate the support they require.
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Laureate College: Standard-enriched
Laureate College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Laureate College says about their curriculum pace:
There is some flexibility to accommodate personal needs and adjust the learning pace to ensure success and sustainable learning.
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 Laureate College says about their flexible pacing:
Teachers will cover all the required expectations and meet the individual needs of the students because of the small class size.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Laureate College: Supportive
Laureate College has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Laureate College says about their academic culture:
Laureate focuses on providing students with quality education, small class sizes, and opportunities to be successful in and out of the classroom. We are committed to whole student development, allowing students to meet their educational goals and ultimately be successful as a human being outside of their education.
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: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Laureate College says about their developmental priorities:
First and foremost we are an educational institution committed to meeting the intellectual needs of our students. However, we firmly believe that students need more than just a strong academic portfolio, meaning we also focus on their social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.
Special needs support
Laureate College offers No support
Laureate College offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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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 |
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 Laureate College says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Laureate College students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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Laureate College | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 112 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Laureate College says about their flipped classroom policy:
Flipped classes are designed to align with specific activities and the teacher's lesson plans for each session. This approach to education encourages students to engage actively in their learning, providing a more dynamic and interactive classroom experience.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
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
Laureate College offers 5 competitive sports and 14 recreational sports.
- Archery
- Ultimate
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Cross-country skiing
- Ice Skating
- Martial Arts
- Mountain biking
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Laureate College offers 14 clubs and extracurricular programs.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Laureate College
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