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Madrona Independent School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Madrona: Progressive
Madrona has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
What Madrona says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Madrona School’s curriculum is built around a personalized, whole-child approach, designed to meet the needs of bright, gifted, and twice-exceptional learners. Instruction takes place in small, flexible groupings, typically 6 to 10 students. Alongside the BC Curriculum, students engage in a broad, interdisciplinary program that may include art, music, philosophy, current events, and technology. This approach encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful connections across subjects. Madrona serves a diverse range of learners. While some students have formal gifted designations, many do not. What they share are unique learning profiles, with strengths in some areas and challenges in others. Differentiation is embedded in daily practice, and students are supported to advance in areas of strength while receiving guidance where they need it most. The goal is for students to feel engaged, understood, and confident, arriving at school ready to learn and leaving each day with a strong sense of academic and social fulfillment.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs , Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Madrona: Equal Balance
Madrona has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Madrona says:
Our mathematics program follows the BC curriculum but allows students to move ahead to the next math grade level once they have mastered the essential skills and understandings of their current math grade level. Using a curriculum-aligned program students work on those essential skills. Students are also presented with novel and often complex real-life problems and are encouraged to find different ways to solve these. In doing so, they hone their critical thinking skills and discover how mathematical concepts and understandings can be applied to real world problems. Several of our students enjoy participating in the Gauss math contest.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Jump Math is fully aligned with the BC Curriculum
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Madrona: Phonics-intensive
Madrona has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Madrona says:
To ensure that our students have solid foundational reading skills, we use a research-based reading approach that emphasizes phonics. This program incorporates multi-sensory learning and allows students to progress at their own pace. In addition, our students have access to a library of leveled books to practise their early reading skills. To foster the enjoyment of more elaborate, sophisticated stories and literature, teachers read to their students daily and encourage age-appropriate literary discussions.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Madrona says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Madrona: Equal balance
Madrona has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Madrona says:
In the primary grades, there is equal emphasis on the mechanics and conventions of written communication as well on the creative aspects of writing. Students learn to form their letters correctly and write legibly and are encouraged to check for spelling and punctuation when submitting work. However, the application of those skills to creative and holistic writing tasks is also emphasized. These writing tasks can range from journal entries to poems to paragraphs. Students are encouraged and supported in generating ideas, making an outline, creating a draft, editing that draft, and finally publishing a good copy of their written work.
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Science
Science approach at Madrona: Inquiry
Madrona has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Hands-on projects and experiments guided by a science specialist with expertise at the highest levels offer invaluable learning experiences. These interactive sessions focus on applying the scientific method, allowing students to engage in critical thinking and practical problem-solving. Through this approach, participants not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain practical skills by conducting experiments that reinforce their understanding of scientific principles.
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 Madrona: Equal Balance
Madrona has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Madrona says:
Our approach to teaching literature combines literary analysis that looks at text elements and structure with a critical thinking approach rooted in social context and through a social justice lens.
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 Madrona: Thematic
Madrona has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Madrona says:
Our school follows the BC curriculum for Social Studies. This curriculum is enriched by incorporating in-depth individual and group projects, thematic class-wide inquiry-based learning to extend the topics introduced in the curriculum, and the exploration of current events.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Madrona: Pragmatism
Madrona has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What Madrona says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Madrona: Equal Balance
Madrona has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Madrona 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 Madrona: Equal Balance
Madrona has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Madrona says:
Our students learn Art through practical lessons, while Music and Visual Arts are taught in a way that encourages self-expression and creativity.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Madrona: Heavy integration
Madrona has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Madrona says:
Computers serve as valuable tools for research and adaptations in education. Some students require adaptations, such as voice-to-text software, to successfully complete their schoolwork. Additionally, computers are used to support an augmentative approach to learning.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Madrona says:
Madrona students engage in regular physical education (PHE) sports and games, as well as enrichment activities aimed at helping them discover an athletic pursuit they enjoy. They participate in activities such as gymnastics, kayaking, soccer, and martial arts. Additionally, students are outside every day at least twice a day.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Madrona: British Columbia curriculum
Madrona has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Madrona has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Madrona says:
Our sex and health education takes place in small, age appropriate groups and follows the BC curriculum. We also use the expertise of an outside provider, who delivers age-specific workshops every year.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Madrona: Academic
Madrona has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Madrona says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Many of the children who come to Madrona at Kindergarten age are already demonstrating high interest in reading, creative expression, and/or mathematics. We do not push students; however, we support and encourage children who are ready and eager to surge ahead in developing their skills. Our Kindergarten program focuses on celebrating areas of children’s strength, while offering a supportive environment to develop a balance between academic, social-emotional, and creative ability and confidence.
Language
Learn about Madrona Independent School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Madrona offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Madrona: Student-paced
Madrona has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What Madrona says about their curriculum pace:
Each student at our school has an Individualized learning plan so they can progress at their own pace in each subject area. Students receive individualize attention in our small classes. In Math many of our students are well ahead of their grade level of the BC Curriculum.
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 Madrona says about their flexible pacing:
Students work in small, flexible groups for core subjects. In mathematics, placement is based on each child’s current level of understanding rather than grade alone. Teachers reassess and adjust these groups to ensure every student is appropriately challenged, supported, and positioned for a positive, engaging learning experience.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Madrona: Supportive
Madrona has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Madrona says about their academic culture:
Madrona School’s academic culture is supportive, personalized, and rooted in the understanding that every child learns differently. Serving bright, gifted, and twice-exceptional students, we focus on meeting learners where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. Students are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, and self-advocacy skills while exploring their strengths and interests. Learning is often deeper and more flexible than in traditional classrooms, with inquiry-based and project-driven opportunities that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. At the same time, students receive support in areas where they may struggle.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of 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: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Madrona says about their developmental priorities:
At Madrona, the primary focus is intellectual development. Students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, and engage meaningfully with ideas, building curiosity, independence, and a lasting love of learning. Emotional development, while secondary, is essential. The school recognizes that students learn best when they feel supported, understood, and confident. By fostering self-awareness and resilience, Madrona creates an environment where students are willing to take academic risks and persist through challenges. Rather than treating these as separate priorities, Madrona sees them as interconnected. Strong emotional well-being enables deeper intellectual growth, while meaningful academic engagement builds confidence and purpose, supporting the development of the whole child.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Madrona is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
What Madrona says about their special need support:
Every student in our school has a Competency-Based, Strength-Based Individual Education Plan that is reviewed regularly. At the start of the school year, all students are asked to fill out a personal student profile. Parents and teachers also fill out a version of the student profile. Students in grades K-8 also take part in a series of formative assessments in the areas of math, reading, and participate in a school-wide write. In consultation with parents, the School-Based Team, and Head of School, students who meet the criteria for funded categorical designations are provided with services to support their diverse learning needs. These services may include EA support, speech-language pathologist, Orton-Gillingham tutor, and a school counsellor. Most students at Madrona are neurodivergent and have diverse abilities.
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 Madrona says:
Throughout the year, classroom-based assessments are used to determine students’ strengths and identify areas of challenge. Every effort is made to identify and support those students experiencing difficulties as early as possible. Once a challenge is recognized, a systematic, targeted in-class intervention is put in place. If the student continues to struggle, a referral is made to the school-based team, and the intensity and frequency of intervention and support increases. If challenges persist, the School-Based-Team discusses the needs of those students experiencing persistent academic or behaviour difficulties and examines further educational intervention options (e.g., through interviews, file-review, observations, and assessment). If deemed necessary, the school-based team will recommend further assessment.
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.
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 Madrona says about their gifted learner support:
Many gifted students experience difficulties due to asynchronous development, meaning that different aspects of development happen at different rates. This asynchrony can lead to immense frustration, feelings of differentness, and being misunderstood. Gifted students benefit from supports that particularly target their unique attributes and challenges. Our individualized approach ensures that these unique gifts and challenges are celebrated and supported.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Madrona students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
| K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrona | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Madrona 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 |
|---|---|
| Academic achievement reporting | K to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 8 |
