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Hear directly from Matthews Hall community as they share insights into the Academics.
Matthews Hall has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
At Matthews Hall, our underlying premise is Excellence in Teaching and Learning, with a goal to ensure that all we do is different, better and special. We strive to inspire academic excellence and a lifetime of joyful learning in the students we serve. At Matthews Hall, we believe that students excel when they are inspired and motivated by teachers who excel in the planning, delivery, assessment and evaluation of meaningful learning opportunities. We believe this is best achieved through a commitment to learner-centered teaching, evidence-based practice, collaboration and self-reflection in a supportive environment. We aim to accompany our students on a balanced journey of academic, character and leadership development at all levels. We recognize our unique partnership with parents, who are the first and most important teachers of their children, and believe common goals for student learning are a team effort.
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Matthews Hall has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
The math curriculum blends traditional methods with modern enrichment, fostering a strong foundation while challenging students to reach their full potential. Mastery of number facts and efficiency with standard computational algorithms is a focus in the early elementary grades. We emphasize exploration and encourage students to use a variety of strategies to understand and apply mathematical concepts. The inclusion of math contests offers an excellent platform for students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, sparking interest and engagement. A differentiated teaching approach is central to the curriculum, addressing diverse learning styles and needs. This approach nurtures all learners—whether they excel or need additional support—fostering a deeper, more meaningful understanding of mathematics. Discovery math is strategically introduced once foundational skills are established. This method helps students connect with the why behind the math, not just the how, and provides meaningful challenges that encourage application of their knowledge in new contexts.
Teachers create their own material or use material that match Ontario curriculum standards.
Students may use calculators at the discretion of their teacher.
Matthews Hall has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
Phonics Intensive in the Early Years with a move to Balanced Literacy as students become competent readers. Starting in our early years programming key aspects of our phonics approach include Sequential Skill Development - Students progress through a carefully designed sequence of phonics instruction, mastering foundational skills before moving on to more complex patterns. Multi-Sensory Learning - Engaging activities such as phonemic awareness games, hands-on letter manipulation, and interactive reading experiences to reinforce phonics concepts. Application to Authentic Reading - Students practice applying phonetic patterns in both controlled texts and open-ended reading experiences, helping them bridge the gap between learning and real-world application. Building Confidence in Decoding - By equipping students with strong phonics skills, we enable them to tackle unfamiliar words with ease, fostering a love for reading and lifelong literacy success.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
This information is not currently available.
Matthews Hall has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
This information is not currently available.
Matthews Hall has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
This information is not currently available.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
Matthews Hall has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
This information is not currently available.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Canadian lit | |
| American lit | |
| European (continental) lit | |
| World (non-Western) lit | |
| English lit | |
| Ancient lit |
Matthews Hall has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
Approaching the curriculum through a traditional lens helps students develop a strong understanding of the historical roots and foundational concepts. Within this framework, students explore subject matter from multiple perspectives—examining issues as individuals within a local context, as members of a global community, and through cross-comparisons between diverse communities. They also investigate the impact of human activity on the environment and throughout history. Inquiry-based learning plays a central role, empowering students to ask meaningful questions, seek out evidence, and develop critical thinking skills. This approach fosters curiosity and a sense of ownership over their learning as they develop their voice within these contexts. As students progress through the curriculum, each unit highlights key themes tailored to the content and aligns with age-appropriate learning goals. This intentional progression allows learners to build on their knowledge, deepening their understanding and broadening their perspective on both historical and contemporary issues.
Matthews Hall has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism, Equal Balance approach).
This information is not currently available.
Matthews Hall has an Audio-Lingual approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Communicative, Equal Balance approach).
This information is not currently available.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Chinese-Cantonese | |
| Chinese-Mandarin | |
| French | |
| German | |
| Greek | |
| Italian | |
| Japanese | |
| Hebrew | |
| Latin | |
| Russian | |
| Spanish | |
| ESL |
Matthews Hall has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
This information is not currently available.
This information is not currently available.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
This information is not currently available.
Matthews Hall has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
This information is not currently available.
Matthews Hall has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
The kindergarten program at Matthews Hall provides students with the strong start they deserve. At Matthews Hall our graduates are engaged, accomplished, self-assured, positive and caring. Our kindergarten program includes Pre-K, JK and SK. Children attending kindergarten at Matthews Hall enjoy a personalized learning experience. Our pre-school & Kindergarten programs are further enriched with art, music, and a variety of co-curricular activities – even for our youngest students. Daily French instruction begins in junior kindergarten. Our students also enjoy field trips, guest speakers, Innovative Learning Spaces, including an Outdoor classroom.
Learn about Matthews Hall's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Matthews Hall has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
This information is not currently available.
| 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 |
Some of our key flexible pacing options include tailored learning support for grouped abilities, ongoing daily differentiated instruction, extracurricular academic competitions that push students beyond standard coursework, and project-based and experiential learning to enhance students’ understanding and engagement.
Matthews Hall has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
This information is not currently available.
This information is not currently available.
Students are placed in a separate special education class.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
| 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) |
This information is not currently available.
In grade Gr. 8, Matthews Hall students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthews Hall | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
This information is not currently available.
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
OUR KIDS REPORT: Matthews Hall