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New Beginnings Christian Learning Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Progressive
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
What New Beginnings - NBLCA says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Students learn through self-instructional booklets called PACEs, working at their own individual pace rather than a fixed classroom timeline. After completing each PACE, students take a test and must score at least 80% (90% in early grades and all spelling) to advance — ensuring genuine mastery of every concept before moving forward, not just surface-level completion. Progress is shared with parents through detailed Student Progress Reports at the end of each of two terms, keeping families closely connected to their child's development throughout the year. Our core curriculum covers Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, and Word Building/Spelling, alongside regular courses in Instrumental Music, Art, Physical Education, Vocal Music, and French. Beyond the core, students engage in a rich range of enrichment opportunities: Biblical Studies, Animal Science, Spanish, Literature and Creative Writing, our Athletics Program, and Robotics and Coding. Together, this blend of mastery-based academics, creative arts, and hands-on enrichment shapes well-rounded students equipped with real knowledge, strong character, and diverse skills for life.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| Academic | Christian (Non-denominational) |
If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Traditional Math
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
Math grows with your child, one solid step at a time. In the early years, kids build real number sense and confidence with basic operations before ever moving on to the next challenge. As they grow, lessons naturally expand into fractions, decimals, geometry, and problem-solving — and we make sure math feels useful, too, with lessons on budgeting, saving, and everyday money skills your child will actually use. By the time they reach high school, students are ready for full Algebra and Geometry, learning to work through equations logically and with genuine understanding, not just memorized steps. Because we never move a child forward until they've truly mastered a concept, math stays a source of confidence rather than anxiety. No one gets left behind waiting to catch up, and no one races ahead with shaky foundations — every child builds real, lasting number skills at their own pace.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
There's no use of calculators until grade 7 level PACE books.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Phonics-intensive
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
Reading begins with joy and discovery for your child. Through our phonics-based early reading program, little ones learn to connect sounds and letters using hands-on tools made just for how young children learn — colourful alphabet cards, tactile letter shapes they can actually touch and trace, and songs that make the 36 core sounds fun and memorable, not just something to memorize. Over about 12 to 15 weeks, your child moves at their own pace through these building blocks, gaining confidence with each new sound before layering on the next. Numbers and simple math sneak in alongside reading, so early learning feels connected and natural rather than separated into rigid subjects. By the end, your child isn't just sounding out words — they're genuinely ready to read independently, with a strong phonetic foundation that carries them confidently into their very first PACE lessons and beyond.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Systematic approach
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Systematic approach?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
Writing grows naturally alongside your child's reading journey. In the earliest years, our Word Building lessons introduce spelling words and simple rules right alongside handwriting practice — because before children can write well, they need confident, legible printing. We always have students write by hand rather than type, so they build real penmanship, not just typing shortcuts with autocorrect doing the work for them. As your child grows, writing expands into full sentences, and we genuinely encourage creativity — no lazy, repetitive sentences here. Children are gently pushed to think and express ideas in their own words, which builds both vocabulary and critical thinking. By the upper elementary years, this grows into paragraphs, personal writing, and simple essays, always at a pace that matches your child's own readiness, so writing stays a skill they feel proud of, not one that overwhelms them.
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Science
Science approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Expository
New Beginnings - NBLCA has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]Teaching approach:
Science at NBCLA starts with wonder. In the early years, your child explores Animal Science through engaging stories — learning about sheep, horses, cats, and other animals, woven together with Scripture, so faith and curiosity about God's creation grow side by side. As they move up, science expands into the natural world around them: the water cycle, minerals, plants, gravity, hygiene, and how our bodies are wonderfully made. Every lesson reinforces that creation itself points back to a Creator. By high school, science grows more rigorous — Biology explores the incredible diversity of living creatures, while Physical Science introduces chemistry and physics in clear, approachable language, building a genuine foundation for college-level work. Throughout every stage, science stays hands-on, story-driven, and rooted in genuine curiosity — helping your child see science not as memorization, but as a lifelong, faith-filled exploration of God's world.
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 New Beginnings - NBLCA: Equal Balance
New Beginnings - NBLCA has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
This information is not currently available.
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 New Beginnings - NBLCA: Thematic
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Pragmatism
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Audio-Lingual
New Beginnings - NBLCA has an Audio-Lingual approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Communicative, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Audio-Lingual?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA 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 New Beginnings - NBLCA: Creative
New Beginnings - NBLCA 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 New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Light integration
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Religious Education
What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
Faith at NBCLA isn't a separate subject your child checks off — it's part of everything they learn, every single day. Each morning, students begin their PACE lessons by reciting a goal: what they'll learn, a Bible verse to carry with them, and a character trait to practice — so faith and daily learning are connected right from the start. Younger children discover the wonders of God's creation through Bible stories and Animal Science lessons, learning to see His hand in the world around them. As they grow, Bible study deepens, always paired with real character growth — patience, kindness, self-control, and love, drawn from Galatians 5:22–23 — not just talked about, but genuinely practiced in how they treat friends and handle challenges. We're a Christian school at heart, and we welcome children and families of all faith backgrounds warmly. Our hope isn't to pressure belief, but to nurture it — helping every child grow into someone whose character reflects real faith, kindness, and integrity.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Not Ontario curriculum
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]What New Beginnings - NBLCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Academic
New Beginnings - NBLCA has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What New Beginnings - NBLCA says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
We start our littlest learners off with a phonics-based Kindergarten program split into two joyful stages. In Junior Kindergarten (ages 3.8–4), your child begins sounding out letters, counting to 25, and building fine motor skills through fun, hands-on art projects — all while learning fascinating facts about animals and creation, and getting to know the helpers in their community. By Senior Kindergarten (ages 4–5), they're ready to grow further: mastering letter sounds, counting to 100, taking first steps toward telling time, and diving deeper into the wonders of creation. At every stage, we set clear, achievable goals so your child builds real confidence — one small win at a time, with plenty of hands-on fun along the way.
Language
Learn about New Beginnings Christian Learning Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
New Beginnings - NBLCA offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Accelerated
New Beginnings - NBLCA has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What New Beginnings - NBLCA says about their curriculum pace:
Our A.C.E. curriculum is intentionally rigorous: PACE workbooks introduce concepts earlier and require deeper mastery before advancement, unlike pass-through grading. Teachers set textbook selection, topic sequencing, and grading standards above minimum provincial benchmarks, so students consistently work ahead — a natural result of individualized, mastery-based pacing rather than fixed-age promotion.
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 New Beginnings - NBLCA says about their flexible pacing:
We meet your child exactly where they are — not where their age says they should be. Through personal diagnostic testing and goal-setting, they learn to own their progress, moving ahead confidently in some subjects while taking the time they need in others.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at New Beginnings - NBLCA: Rigorous
New Beginnings - NBLCA has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What New Beginnings - NBLCA says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What New Beginnings - NBLCA says about their developmental priorities:
Above all, we aim to shape students with genuine faith, Godly character, and inner resourcefulness — young people who know who they are because they know whose they are. Daily devotion, Bible study, and character-focused teaching are woven into every subject, not treated as separate from academics. Closely tied to this is intellectual growth: through our self-paced A.C.E. curriculum, students become confident, capable thinkers who master material at their own level rather than simply advancing by age. We believe true academic confidence flows from mastery, not comparison. Together, these priorities shape students who are grounded in faith and equipped with real knowledge — young people ready to think clearly, act with integrity, and live out their beliefs in daily life.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
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 |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 New Beginnings - NBLCA says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, New Beginnings - NBLCA students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Beginnings - NBLCA | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
| Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 20 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 106 mins |
What New Beginnings - NBLCA 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 | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
