Mississauga, ON | Grades JK - 8 | Shortlist
The academic program is very rigourous. Weekly tests: some standard such as spelling but there are also math, social studies, French science etc. starting from Grade 1. There are public speaking, projects and presentations as well. Including competitions with other schools. When compared to the Public schools, it's not even close as far as content and rigor. My child's studying habits are solid as a result and having homework is fairly frequent depending on the topic and time of year.
I am a #1 supporter of the level of teaching my kids have received thus far at MCA. Upon entering grade 1, my boys were already reading at a grade 3 level and this was after completing nursery to SK at MCA. One year I had a 4th child at MCA who was reading 2 grades below where he should have been. At the end of the school year, I am very happy to say he was up to almost if not on par to where he needed to be. The kids are challenged in their studies and receive teaching a grade higher that in regular schools. For example, a child in grade one learns as if he is in grade 2. One of the things I really like about this system is that the child gets to learn at his or her own pace, meaning if the child is below the rest of the class, they are given extra help to bring them to where they need to be and if they are more advanced than the majority, they are provided instructions keep them progressing. They are not held back or pushed beyond their capabilities.