The 2026 OUR KIDS Private School Expo is coming to cities near you. Get your family pass
Indirect Support:
March Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at March Academy: Liberal Arts
March Academy has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Liberal Arts?]
What March Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
March Academy uses a multifaceted, eclectic approach to build and re-teach core skills or to provide academic challenges to students, where and when necessary. Small class sizes with a low teacher-student ratio allows for more individualized attention and flexibility in curriculum delivery, as well as providing support for social skills development, school anxiety and navigating the underlying hidden school curriculum. Providing the learner with an understanding of their part in the learning process and helping them to become advocates in their own learning is emphasized. Music, art, daily physical education, and nature studies are seen as critical elements of the program to entice and excite all learners.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at March Academy: Equal Balance
March Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What March Academy says:
The teaching of math is delivered in multi-aged groupings with similarly skilled students. Lessons are augmented to support individual student needs and skill level, and an altered pace and reteaching in different formats is offered when necessary. Math manipulative materials and various strategies are offered to solidify comprehension of the concepts. Students practice and apply their understanding on a weekly basis with their peers by solving assigned real-life problems with a 'math buddy'.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
An eclectic teaching approach is taken for the teaching of math using resources such as Nelson mathematics, Jumpmath and other commercial programs to augment main lessons.
Calculator policy:
Students are expected to learn math facts and are taught strategies on how to learn and find the facts. How to use calculators is taught as part of some lessons. Calculators may used for some lessons to confirm facts and in different math strands.
-
Early Reading
Early Reading approach at March Academy: Balanced Literacy
March Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What March Academy says:
March Academy uses an eclectic approach to language teaching depending upon individual student need. In the primary grades an emphasis on letter sounds and phonetics is given in conjunction with the teaching of comprehension strategies, grammatical structures and vocabulary development. In the higher grades a greater emphasis on comprehension strategies, inferencing and vocabulary and grammatical development dominates the lessons.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What March Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Writing
Writing approach at March Academy: Equal balance
March Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What March Academy says:
The teaching of writing is through a balanced systematic and process approach. Direct teaching of writing skills is taught both in small group lessons and on an individual basis as needed. Students are asked to write for a specific task or assignment to improve grammar and sentence structure, or to practice a specific type of writing. Time is also provided for personal and creative writing to both practice and apply the skills that have been taught and to foster a love of writing for different purposes. Formal lessons in both printing and cursive writing are given on a weekly basis.
-
Science
Science approach at March Academy: Equal Balance
March Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Science lessons are based on a school-wide theme each month in the form of Integrated Studies. Topics are taught through both direct lessons about the theme and through inquiry-based, team and partnered assignments. Special emphasis is place on aspects of nature, wildlife and the environment through targeted lessons each week in the form of nature journals. In Grades 7 and 8, specific topics are explored in more depth.
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 March Academy: Equal Balance
March Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What March Academy says:
At an elementary school level, Literature is explored and appreciated both in terms of how it is written and in what it means to an individual. Students are asked to reflect and relate to text as it impacts them and as it impacts society as a whole.
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 March Academy: Thematic
March Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What March Academy says:
Social Studies lessons are based on a school-wide theme each month in the form of Integrated Studies. Topics are taught through both direct lessons about the theme and through inquiry-based, team and partnered assignments.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at March Academy: Equal Balance
March Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What March Academy says:
History and Geography lessons are taught through both direct lessons about the topic and through inquiry-based, team and partnered assignments.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at March Academy: Communicative
March Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What March Academy says:
A core French program is offered at March Academy.
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 March Academy: Equal Balance
March Academy 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 March Academy says:
March Academy students engage in music lessons which take the form of an individual piano lesson, a music theory lessons and a group choir session each week. Visual arts lessons are also provided on a weekly basis. Dance and drama lessons may be integrated into physical education, language, or integrated studies classes dependent on the monthly theme.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at March Academy: Medium integration
March Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What March Academy says:
Technology is used to enhance or build upon concepts or themes in the classroom. Time is spent teaching students how to navigate specific programs to be used as tools in learning.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What March Academy says:
A large emphasis is placed on physical education. Classes are held on a daily basis and include both indoor and outdoor traditional games and activities as well as weekly sessions of TaeKwonDo and yoga.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at March Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
March Academy 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:
March Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What March Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about March Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
March Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at March Academy: Student-paced
March Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What March Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Flexibility in curriculum delivery allows for either a quicker pace or the reteaching of skills and concepts based on individual student need. Smaller group and individualized instruction is offered where and when appropriate.
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 March Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at March Academy: Supportive
March Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What March Academy says about their academic culture:
March Academy celebrates student success in all areas of the program. Without the emphasis on letter or number grades, students are made fully aware of their needs and successes through constant feedback and supported to ensure they are able to achieve their goals to a standard that they are capable of.
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: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What March Academy says about their developmental priorities:
The goal at March Academy is to encourage the development of the whole person. Students who are confident in themselves and who can advocate for their needs as learners are successful and can offer more to their communities.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
March Academy offers Indirect Support
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
What March Academy says about their special need support:
March Academy's program supports children who struggle with a learning challenge. Accommodations and modifications are integrated into the program and any remediation is a regular part of the delivery of the content when and where necessary. Time and space can sometimes be accommodated for extra support services engaged by families such as occupational, physiotherapy or speech therapy.
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 March Academy says:
Students who have been diagnosed with a learning disability can be accommodated at March Academy.
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.
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 March Academy says about their gifted learner support:
Depending on the learner, the subject area, and the grade level, the curriculum can be adapted and enhanced to provide further challenge and consolidation of the content for the learner. Opportunities to work on projects or to support other learners may also be provided.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, March Academy students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March Academy | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| Site Average | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What March Academy 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 |
|---|---|
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
