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Nancy Campbell Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Insider community voices
Hear directly from Nancy Campbell Academy community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at NCA: Liberal Arts
NCA has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Liberal Arts?]
What NCA says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Nancy Campbell Academy follows the Ontario Ministry curriculum, ensuring students meet rigorous academic standards while being prepared for post-secondary success. But what makes our approach distinct is how we teach. We believe education should develop the whole person. Alongside strong academics, we help students cultivate emotional resilience, moral clarity, and a deep sense of purpose. Our classrooms are small, our mentorship is intentional, and our program, like the Wildfire Outdoor Education Centre and service-based learning, take students beyond textbooks and into the world. We emphasize happiness not as a reward, but as a way of being. When students feel seen, supported, and challenged with care, they engage more fully. They’re not just learning, they are becoming. At NCA, the curriculum is a tool. The real goal is to graduate thoughtful, capable young people who know how to learn, how to lead, and how to live with integrity.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at NCA: Equal Balance
NCA has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What NCA says:
Nancy Campbell Academy offers a blended Math program. Our advantage of small class sizes and mentorship allows teachers to build knowing relationships with your child. That strong rapport enables the teacher to differentiate instruction of the curriculum according to each student's needs. This enables your child to feel comfortable, engaged, and encourages continual learning in the mathematics classroom.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
In the delivery of the Ontario Ministry of Education, curriculum NCA uses the textbooks approved by the Ministry. A complete list can be found on their website by clicking on the Ontario Trillium list. This list is continuously updated.
Calculator policy:
It is important that students have mathematical literacy and fluency so they are not dependent on calculators for simple mathematics. However, learning to use calculators quickly and effectively is important to be successful in many university math courses.
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Science
Science approach at NCA: Inquiry
NCA has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
At Nancy Campbell Academy, students are exposed to balance of inquiry and expository based sciences, in all streams (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space). In all streams, students are asked to explore the unknown with an inquisitive mind and are encouraged to ask questions and search for answers.
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 NCA: Traditional
NCA has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What NCA says:
Using the Ontario Curriculum, our teachers help Grades 9-12 students become adept in four strands of communication, including oral speaking and listening, reading, writing, and media. We expose students to a range of literary forms from various time periods and nations and encourage them to think critically about these texts' relationships to historical context, social justice issues, and to the students' own understanding of the world. Every grade builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the preceding grade. We review and add to a list of literary devices required for conducting literary analysis in oral discussion and writing. With each successive grade, students also engage in a more rigorous process of essay planning and writing. Finally, students acquire increasingly sophisticated skills in processing, research, and presenting that are needed in post-secondary and in the workplace.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at NCA: Equal Balance
NCA has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What NCA says:
At Nancy Campbell Academy, Humanities and Social Sciences are learned not just in the classroom, but in the community. Our students move beyond theory to understand real-world complexity, developing a nuanced approach that seeks to empower communities rather than impose solutions. The goal is to foster a mindset of respectful partnership and avoid a saviour complex. This philosophy is exemplified at our Wildfire arts retreat. There, students study texts that inform the art they create, learning how to spark meaningful conversation and create a positive impact. This process of inquiry, creation, and engagement is at the heart of our approach, ensuring that learning is always connected to a higher purpose and to the betterment of the world.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at NCA: Communicative
NCA has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What NCA says:
At Nancy Campbell Academy, Grade 9 Core French is offered. The course follows the Ontario French as a Second Language curriculum. The four areas emphasized are Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. These skills are developed in order to use them for understanding, interacting and to promote intercultural understanding. The ESL program teaches Listening and Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Socio-Cultural Competence and Media Literacy. Furthermore the 19 Moral Principles that serve as the foundation to Nancy Campbell are included throughout these four traditional strands. Students enjoy the benefits of small group instruction, which include frequent opportunities to speak and one on one attention from the teacher. ESL is offered grade 9 to 12 and our after school study hall program aimed at assisting ESL students with any of there current courses at all levels.
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 NCA: Creative
NCA has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What NCA says:
Arts Programs at Nancy Campbell Academy provides students with opportunities to develop their skills and capacities in various branches of the arts, cultivate their aesthetic sensibilities, and explore their own creativity. Emphasis is placed on positive personal transformation through the practice of focus, self-discipline, collaboration, and courage to push beyond personal boundaries. Our goal is to cultivate responsible young artists with a desire to use their artistic talents and capacities to enrich their lives and contribute to the lives of others.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at NCA: Heavy integration
NCA has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What NCA says:
All of our teachers are integrating technology into the classroom across every subject. A few courses revolve heavily around technology including "Introduction to Computer Studies" and "Communications Technology". Hardware and software are both used and learned in this courses to achieve a variety of goals including coding a game from scratch, recording and editing video, audio, and pictures, 3D design, and website implementation.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What NCA says:
At Nancy Campbell Academy, students are encouraged to live a well-balanced life. As part of this, students are required to take one physical education course. This course allows students to participate in a wide variety of activities, allowing them to work individually and as part of a group to expand their capacity and understanding of the importance of being physically healthy. This course also exposes the students to the requirements of a healthy balanced life.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at NCA: Ontario curriculum
NCA has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
NCA has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What NCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Nancy Campbell Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
NCA offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Nancy Campbell Academy's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
Nancy Campbell Academy offers online courses to students.
Course schedule
| Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full year | 7 to 12 | 1 | Sep 02, 2025 — Jun 06, 2026 |
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at NCA: Standard-enriched
NCA has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What NCA says about their curriculum pace:
Our World Citizenship Curriculum deepens learning through service, social justice and moral inquiry. Students explore real-world issues, lead community projects and grow as thoughtful global citizens. It’s hands-on learning that builds empathy, awareness and the skills to make a meaningful difference, now and in the future.
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 NCA says about their flexible pacing:
Students are given the opportunity to take courses online, pursue co-ops, and engage in internships in keeping with their unique interests, schedules, and goals. Those pursuing independent learning are paired with mentor teachers who are experienced in the subject matter and oversee the successful completion of the course.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at NCA: Rigorous
NCA has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What NCA says about their academic culture:
At NCA it is expected that all students strive for academic excellence, cultivate discipline, and achieve high standards. In today's overly competitive environments that consider discouragement and criticism to be the norm, we stand apart by fostering encouragement combined with high standards. NCA students achieve distinction because they are motivated and happy. They seek out opportunities to support one another, realizing that the fulfillment of the unique potential of their friends and class-mates is important too. Our school prides itself in fostering a supportive and distinct learning environment, which promotes academic excellence within a framework of happiness and moral leadership.
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.
What NCA says about their developmental priorities:
Our unique educational model and school environment transform students. We consider intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development as synergistic and inter-related. The discipline required for athletic sports, artistic pursuits, and moral leadership enable students to build capacity in multiple areas of their lives including academics.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
NCA 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 NCA says about their special need support:
We individualize learning strategies to match the strengths and needs of our students. All modifications and accommodations are on a case by case basis. Students who have learning challenges are embraced and enabled to be at their best.
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 NCA says:
We believe all students have the potential to excel academically. We provide extra support to help all students achieve their best. If a learning disability is diagnosed while in our school, we support that student through his or her new diagnosis and equip them with the tools needed to succeed. Students who have a learning disability may apply to our school. We would prefer to know about their needs prior to admission so we may plan and support them further.
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.
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 NCA says about their gifted learner support:
Many gifted students come to NCA as they are attracted by our unique educational model. Our gifted students benefit from individualized instruction, mentorship opportunities, co-op placements, international trips, as well as participation in provincial and national competitions. We recruit the highest quality teachers who bring a breadth of experience and passion to their teaching.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, NCA students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCA | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What NCA 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 |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
