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Little Owl Private School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Little Owl: Traditional
Little Owl has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Little Owl says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We use discovery based learning activities, sensory manipulatives, and developmental centres to fully engage your child in their lessons. We assess your child's understanding and gently challenge them to continue their next developmental phase. We teach traditional academic subjects with an emphasis on supplemental activities and elements such as dance, drama and music to give our children a richer and fuller experience during their education.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Little Owl: Equal Balance
Little Owl has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Little Owl says:
Little Owl uses the Ontario curriculum as our main guide to teach mathematics, with in-class activities to emphasize the topics learned.. Younger children learn through more hands-on activities, and as they age, we us a more abstract teaching approach. The Mathematics program focuses on developing our students' numeration, algebra, measurement, geometry, data management and probability skills. We place emphasis on cognitive development through problem-solving, logic, experimental learning, inventive strategies, mental math, technical vocabulary, higher order thinking and applying real life application.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Text books include Nelson Mathematics and Carson Dellosa Weekly Practice.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are incorporated into our math program beginning in grade 7.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Little Owl: Balanced Literacy
Little Owl has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Little Owl says:
Our students begin with a phonics-intensive program and as they become more comfortable and fluent with the language, they are able to move onto a whole language program. Learning to read is a gradual process and students will always find new words that they learn through both methods. We feel that both phonics-based learning and context clues are equally instrumental in the early reading process.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Little Owl says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Little Owl: Equal balance
Little Owl has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Little Owl says:
Our students start intially by learning specific grammar rules such as proper sentence structure and punctuation and writing methodologies, and as they become more familiar with writing, they are able to express themselves more personally in writing. Throughout the learning process, students will not only write sentences and stories, but focus on aspects such as word choice to convey mood or a specific idea and the place of writing in mediums beyond paragraph-based stories.
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Science
Science approach at Little Owl: Expository
Little Owl has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]Teaching approach:
Students gain foundational Science facts using a balance of inquiry and balanced instruction practices. Students read and learn from a diverse selection of school materials, textbooks, books, videos and inquiry. Besides this, we offer a variety of interesting collaborative learning opportunities through experiments and interesting research projects. Students use hands-on experiments to observe and test science facts in a fun and engaging way. For example, In Living Things, we chart and observe seed to plant growth and in Seasonal and Earth changes, we build and compare animal homes based on the habitat, time of year and other environmental conditions. In activities like these, we integrate the creative and scientific inquiry process.
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 Little Owl: Traditional
Little Owl has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Little Owl says:
Children in English class learn to analyze texts and create their own. Literature is handled primarily as a learning tool for our younger children, but older ones begin to decode the mechanics plot, characterization and themes in basic texts.
Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Little Owl: Expanding Communities
Little Owl has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Little Owl says:
Students begin their studies by focusing on themselves and their own lives, then by gradually expanding the scope of their studies to their local communities and finally, the globe. They study both local and foreign culture and history through readings and exercises designed to develop in them an appreciation of the complexities of the different people and cultures world and to analyze how they might connect those aspects to their daily lives.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Little Owl: Equal Balance
Little Owl has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Little Owl says:
Please check the website for further information
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Little Owl: Equal Balance
Little Owl has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Little Owl says:
Our French program places emphasis on proper pronunciation and the complexities of the language as compared to English. We encourage students to continue their learning outside the classroom to practice their structured learning in a real-world context. We believe that emphasizing proper pronunciation and rules allows students to experience the richness of the language outside the classroom without feeling self-conscious about their inexperience while also allowing them to discover the language at their own pace. Children learn Spanish through music, books and hands-on activities with new themes every week and a weekly "take me home" letter to practice vocabulary with the family at home. We also expose children to Spanish culture through art projects and short performances.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Little Owl: Creative
Little Owl 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 Little Owl says:
We believe that the creative theatrical process is as important as the final result. As such, students are taught not only how to perform but how to create their performance from early brainstorming to script-writing and improvisation. Students learn that elements of theatre can be applied to their lives beyond the classroom and that there is place for both discipline and freedom at the same time. Our objective is to encourage students to explore their artistic potential. Through the fine arts program students are introduced to various mediums, application styles and art history. Our goal is to create non-judgmental environment where students feel confident and comfortable expressing themselves through their art.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Little Owl: Light integration
Little Owl has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Little Owl says:
We believe that computers are a useful supplementary tool for lessons. The internet allows for access to a vast range of teaching materials and media. That said, the focus of our students' lessons is on the direct teacher-student relationship. When the student and teacher interact, with the ability to communicate with each other immediately, we believe that the teacher is able to gauge and provide the necessary guidance to the student without the need for any technology. The integration of technology in the children's lives happens all around them outside the school. There is still a place for interpersonal interaction in their lives at Little Owl.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Little Owl says:
We have a recess for every class as well as Yoga, Ballet and Martial Arts programs. Children are encouraged to participate and take part in at least 45 minutes a day of physical activity.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Little Owl: Not Ontario curriculum
Little Owl 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:
Little Owl has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Little Owl says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Little Owl: Academic
Little Owl has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Little Owl says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
At Little Owl students are taught English and French. Play is an important aspect in the development of young minds. Our curriculum allows for a balance between focussed academic efforts and the natural need for free expression. In the areas of Math and Science, we focus on cognitive development through problem-solving as well as promoting an understanding of how nature and science interact with our daily lives. Students also develop their creativity and imagination with our Ballet, Drama & Art classes.
Language
Learn about Little Owl Private School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Little Owl offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Little Owl: Standard-enriched
Little Owl has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Little Owl says about their curriculum pace:
Little Owl offers a well rounded academic program with a focus on the Ontario Curriculum, but also gives students the opportunity to explore their creativity, interests and originality. Students are given the attention they require, with small class sizes and individual care, to achieve success in their academic endeavors.
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 Little Owl says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Little Owl: Supportive
Little Owl has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Little Owl says about their academic culture:
We provide structure for children to follow with opportunities for them to explore and instill in them a love of learning. Our students follow the Ontario curriculum as well as the Little Owl curriculum of enriched arts. We support children's love of learning and curiosity about the world. We seek to help guide them along their academic journey both creatively and academically.
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 Little Owl says about their developmental priorities:
We aim to shape our students into well-rounded, healthy individuals with strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Children can become de-individualized in certain teaching methods and we aim to support each students individuality and self-expression. It is important for children to have a strong sense of self and by helping them hone their intellectual and emotional selves, we help them become confident and talented people with a drive to succeed and create success for themselves, both personally and in the world outside the classroom.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Little Owl offers No support
Little Owl offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
What Little Owl says about their special need support:
This information is not currently available.
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 |
What Little Owl says:
This information is not currently available.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
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 Little Owl says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Little Owl students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Owl | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 58 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Little Owl says about their flipped classroom policy:
Little Owl offers a homework club at school that is supervised by their academic teacher. In some cases we create assignments where students have to research information on
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | JK to Gr. 6 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 6 |
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 6 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 6 |
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
Little Owl Private School offers 0 competitive sports and 1 recreational sports.
Competitive offered Recreational offered
all sports]
- Tennis
Clubs offered
Little Owl Private School offers 8 clubs and extracurricular programs.
Clubs offered Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
Foreign Language Club
Math Club
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Science Club
Art Club
Chess Club
Computer Club
Drama Club
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