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in-depth report
OUR KIDS Report:
Report on MacLachlan College
TOPICS
Grades Preschool — 12 — Oakville, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
MacLachlan College
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

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at the Expo

Halton-Peel (Oct 18)

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MacLachlan College ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Curriculum Progressive, 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 MacLachlan College: Progressive, International Baccalaureate

MacLachlan College has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]

Our Kids definition: Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

Compare MacLachlan College's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Progressive - 34%
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 12%
  Montessori - 12%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 2%

MacLachlan College 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.


International curriculum & programs at MacLachlan College: Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What MacLachlan College says about their overall curriculum and approach:

MacLachlan College is a dynamic and inclusive community where teachers guide and facilitate learning by creating real world connections and a growth mindset is nurtured in every student. The rigorous academic program is supported by our active and collaborative learning environment, resulting in successful and resilient students who are well prepared for future success in today’s ever-changing world. MacLachlan’s ongoing commitment to innovative and challenging educational experiences allows for the rapid integration of new technologies and emerging active learning resources to enhance student exploration, creativity, and knowledge. By combining traditional methods of instruction with a living systems approach, classrooms have been transformed into creative hubs where students fully participate and engage not only in their coursework but with their peers, deepening their intellectual inquiry and critical thinking abilities. These adaptive and dynamic learning environments enable students and teachers to collaborate, innovate and connect existing knowledge to new thinking.


International Baccalaureate program(s) offered

ProgramOffered
Primary Years
Middle Years
Diploma program
Career-related program

Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Discovery Math

    Mathematics approach at MacLachlan College: Discovery Math

    MacLachlan College has a Discovery Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Discovery Math?]

    Our Kids definition: Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Discovery math - 6%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Equal balance - 67%

    What MacLachlan College says:

    .

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Early Reading

    Phonics-intensive

    Early Reading approach at MacLachlan College: Phonics-intensive

    MacLachlan College has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).

    [Show: About Phonics-intensive?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Phonics-intensive - 48%
      Whole language - 2%
      Balanced literacy - 50%

    What MacLachlan College says:

    Our teachers use best practices based on individual student need.

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

    What MacLachlan College says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Equal balance

    Writing approach at MacLachlan College: Equal balance

    MacLachlan College has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 78%
      Systematic approach - 11%
      Process approach - 11%

    What MacLachlan College says:

    .

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at MacLachlan College: Equal Balance

    MacLachlan College has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 7%
      Inquiry - 25%

    Teaching approach:

    This information is not currently available.


    Treatment of evolution:

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

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at MacLachlan College: Equal Balance

    MacLachlan College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 25%
      Social justice - 2%

    What MacLachlan College says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies

    Thematic

    Social Studies approach at MacLachlan College: Thematic

    MacLachlan College has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    Our Kids definition: The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Thematic - 33%
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Expanding communities - 28%

    What MacLachlan College says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at MacLachlan College: Equal Balance

    MacLachlan College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 79%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 13%

    What MacLachlan College says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Equal Balance

    Foreign Languages approach at MacLachlan College: Equal Balance

    MacLachlan College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 64%
      Audio-lingual - 4%
      Communicative - 32%

    What MacLachlan College says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts

    Equal Balance

    Fine Arts approach at MacLachlan College: Equal Balance

    MacLachlan College has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 63%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 36%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What MacLachlan College says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at MacLachlan College: Medium integration

    MacLachlan College has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Our Kids definition: Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 52%
      Light integration - 22%
      Heavy integration - 26%

    What MacLachlan College says:

    Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout our curriculum.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What MacLachlan College says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Advanced Placement courses

    7 courses
    • AP Physics 1
    • AP Studio Art: Drawing
    • AP World History
    • AP Biology
    • AP Calculus AB
    • AP English Literature and Composition
    • AP French Language

  • Sex and health education

    Not Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at MacLachlan College: Not Ontario curriculum

    MacLachlan College has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

    [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

    Compare MacLachlan College's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 43%
      Follows provincial curriculum - 57%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    MacLachlan College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    What MacLachlan College says:

    This information is not currently available.

Preschool/K Curriculum Academic

[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 MacLachlan College: Academic

MacLachlan College has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).

[Show: About Academic?]

Our Kids definition: Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

Compare MacLachlan College's Preschool/K Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Academic - 42%
  Play-based - 20%
  Montessori - 29%
  Waldorf - 2%
  Reggio emilia - 7%

What MacLachlan College says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

Our educational philosophy of international mindedness is cultivated and supported through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. MacLachlan is proud to be the only school in Oakville designated with the prestigious IB PYP designation. Small class sizes provide personalized attention where students develop a sense of belonging and purpose through strong bonds with their teachers and fellow classmates. It is of paramount importance that we provide an atmosphere where students do not just learn, but are eager and engaged. Our students embrace learning, develop a spirit of confidence and find their own voice in a supportive, safe and nurturing environment.

Language English

Learn about MacLachlan College's languages of instruction and enrolment.

MacLachlan College offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

[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 MacLachlan College: Standard-enriched

MacLachlan College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Standard-enriched?]

Our Kids definition: Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

Compare MacLachlan College's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Standard-enriched - 54%
  Accelerated - 18%
  Student-paced - 28%

What MacLachlan College says about their curriculum pace:

This information is not currently available.


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 MacLachlan College says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

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 MacLachlan College: Rigorous

MacLachlan College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: 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”.

Compare MacLachlan College's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 51%
  Supportive - 49%

What MacLachlan College says about their academic culture:

This information is not currently available.

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.

What MacLachlan College says about their developmental priorities:

This information is not currently available.

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.

MacLachlan College offers No support

MacLachlan College offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

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


Academic support

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

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support No Support

[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.

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.

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 MacLachlan College says about their gifted learner support:

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

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 1 to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackGr. 1 to Gr. 12
Academic achievement reportingPreschool to SK
Habits and behaviour reportingPreschool to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsPreschool to Gr. 12
 

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.


Teachers have expertise and can provide individual support.

Parents highlight the expertise and dedication of MacLachlan College's teachers, chosen for their subject mastery and alignment with the school’s ethos, providing individualized care and fostering open communication with families.

For subjects I preferred and excelled at, I really loved English. Pairing that with public speaking and debating goes hand-in-hand. That grounded me and helped me do well.
—Haider Ishtiaq, alum (see full interview)
Each teacher stands out for their expertise in the subject they teach. Much like each student is chosen for their fit, each teacher seems chosen for both their expertise and clear alignment with the school's character. They deeply care about each student evidenced by the constant and ongoing availability for support and encouragement. Constructive feedback is clearly communicated and each teacher goes the proverbial extra mile to ensure our son is striving for improvement to reach their potential. Dialogue with parents is always available, open, frank and encouraged. As parents, we feel extremely confident that our son is being prepared for a successful future. We have seen our son's growth over four years which is a result of the teachers' support and empowerment. MacLachlan teachers are wonderful teachers and incredibly caring and lovely individuals.
—Tatiana Memos, parent (beginning 2017) (see full review)

Inclusion and exploration are integral to the school's environment.

According to student reflections, MacLachlan College fosters a culture of inclusivity where every student is encouraged to explore a diverse array of interests—be it academics, sports, or extracurriculars—backed by dedicated support from teachers.

I think what really makes MacLachlan unique is their inclusivity. MacLachlan really gave me those chances to explore everything I wanted in high school, whether that was sports, extracurriculars, or academics, and every teacher was behind me, supporting me.
—Haider Ishtiaq, alum (see full interview)

The strong academic foundation prepares students for future success.

Parental insights suggest that MacLachlan College provides a rigorous and high-standard academic environment that not only eliminates the need for supplementary instruction but also revitalizes students’ enthusiasm and capabilities across various disciplines.

MacLachlan really helped me build a solid grounding for where I was going to go. Learning about different things, not only in class but also having those one-on-one experiences with those teachers, really taught me how to push forward in life and what I want to aspire to be in the future.
—Haider Ishtiaq, alum (see full interview)
One of my proudest moments was receiving my Duke of Edinburgh bronze at MacLachlan College. Then, another proud moment was at graduation: I received three awards: two subject awards and one Spirit and Pride award.
—Haider Ishtiaq, alum (see full interview)
MacLachlan taught me discipline. That discipline really helped me in my first year because when other students were scrambling to find their footing, I already had my grounding solid from MacLachlan. It really helped me be sustainable with my routine and support myself through everything.
—Haider Ishtiaq, alum (see full interview)
 

OUR KIDS REPORT: MacLachlan College

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