NOIC Academy logo
NOIC Academy:
The Our Kids Report > Academics
Grades Gr. 9 TO Gr. 12 — Markham, ON (Map)


TOP
NOIC Academy:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

NOIC Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS

Curriculum Traditional, International Baccalaureate

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at NOIC Academy: Traditional, International Baccalaureate

NOIC Academy has a Traditional, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Traditional, International Baccalaureate?]

Our Kids definition: Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

Compare NOIC Academy's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 14%
  Progressive - 34%
  Montessori - 11%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 1%

NOIC Academy has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.

Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.

What NOIC Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:

NOIC ACADEMY of both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP). Being a full-time, high end private boarding secondary school, it has offered the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) since 2004 with 667013 as its school code. In March, 2015, it was authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to become an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Its school license code is 049719. NOIC ACADEMY is co-inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education and IBO.


International Baccalaureate program(s) offered

ProgramOffered
Primary Years
Middle Years
Diploma program
Career-related program

Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at NOIC Academy: Equal Balance

    NOIC Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 70%
      Traditional math - 25%
      Discovery math - 5%

    What NOIC Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at NOIC Academy: Equal Balance

    NOIC Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 27%

    Teaching approach:

    This information is not currently available.


    Treatment of evolution:

    SubjectOffered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology
  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at NOIC Academy: Equal Balance

    NOIC Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 76%
      Traditional - 21%
      Social justice - 3%

    What NOIC Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit
  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at NOIC Academy: Equal Balance

    NOIC Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 83%
      Perennialism - 7%
      Pragmatism - 10%

    What NOIC Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Equal Balance

    Foreign Languages approach at NOIC Academy: Equal Balance

    NOIC Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 65%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 33%

    What NOIC Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL
  • Fine Arts

    Creative

    Fine Arts approach at NOIC Academy: Creative

    NOIC Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Our Kids definition: Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Creative - 33%
      Receptive - 2%
      Equal balance - 65%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What NOIC Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at NOIC Academy: Medium integration

    NOIC Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Our Kids definition: Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 52%
      Light integration - 18%
      Heavy integration - 30%

    What NOIC Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design
  • Physical Education

    What NOIC Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • IB Diploma courses

    20 courses

    Group 1 (Language A)

    • English Literature SL
    • English Literature HL

    Group 2 (Language B)

      Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

      • Business and Management SL
      • Business and Management HL
      • Economics SL
      • Economics HL

      Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

      • Chemistry SL
      • Chemistry HL
      • Biology SL
      • Biology HL
      • Physics SL
      • Physics HL
      • Computer Science SL
      • Computer Science HL

      Group 5 (Mathematics)

      • Mathematical Studies SL
      • Mathematics SL
      • Mathematics HL
      • Further Mathematics HL

      Group 6 (The Arts)

      • Visual Arts SL
      • Visual Arts HL
    • Advanced Placement courses

      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education

      What NOIC Academy says:

      This information is not currently available.

    Language English

    Learn about NOIC Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.

    NOIC Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrolment include: English, Mandarin

    Online Learning

    NOIC 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.

    NOIC Academy offers online courses to students.


    Course format

    TypeOffered
    Distance
    Asynchronous
    Synchronous

    Academic support and services

    TypeOffered
    Dedicated teacher per course
    Exam proctoring
    Student progress tracker
    Regular office hours
    Additional support
    Study groups
    Special needs support

    Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

    Curriculum Pace approach at NOIC Academy: Standard-enriched

    NOIC Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

    Our Kids definition: Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Standard-enriched - 56%
      Accelerated - 18%
      Student-paced - 26%

    What NOIC Academy says about their curriculum pace:

    This information is not currently available.


    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 NOIC Academy says about their flexible pacing:

    Students complete up to 3 courses per semester with 3 semesters from September to June each year. We support face to face learning with eLearning opportunities for students. We also offer summer school credit courses for students during July and August.

    Academic Culture Rigorous

    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

    Academic Culture approach at NOIC Academy: Rigorous

    NOIC Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

    [Show: About Rigorous?]

    Our Kids definition: A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

    Compare NOIC Academy's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Rigorous - 49%
      Supportive - 51%

    What NOIC Academy says about their academic culture:

    NOIC ACADEMY has very unique model for education offering a mentor / tutor program for every student as they begin their time at our school. While the education culture is rigorous, the model is very supportive with mentoring/ tutoring provided for one hour every day.

    Developmental priorities Intellectual

    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

    Primary 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 NOIC Academy says about their developmental priorities:

    This information is not currently available.

    Special needs support No support

    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

    NOIC Academy offers No support

    NOIC Academy offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

    A - Forms of Support
    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:
    B - Environments
    Indirect Support:
    Resource Assistance:
    Withdrawal Assistance:
    Partial Integration:
    Full-Time Class:

    Special NeedNeed
    Forms of SupportA
    EnvironmentsB
    ADHD
    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (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.
      Dyscalculia
      This 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.
      Dysgraphia
      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
      Language Processing Disorder
      This 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 Deficit
      A 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.
    • Developmental
      Autism
      Refers 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 Syndrome
      On 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 syndrome
      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
      Intellectual disability
      This 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 syndrome
      This 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 Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
      roubled 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 Depression
      This 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 anxiety
      This 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 thoughts
      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
      Drug and alcohol abuse
      This 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.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis
      This 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 palsy
      his 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 dystrophy
      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
      Spina Bifida
      This 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.
      Blindness
      Visual 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."
      Deafness
      Hearing 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 Fibrosis
      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
      Multiple physical
      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


    Academic support

    TypeOffered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

    TypeOffered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

    Additional support

    TypeOffered
    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    Gifted learner support In-class adaptations

    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

    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 NOIC Academy says about their gifted learner support:

    This information is not currently available.

    Homework Policy

    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

    Nightly homework

    In grade Gr. 12, NOIC Academy students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

    9101112
    NOIC Academy60 mins90 mins120 mins160 mins
    Site Average76 mins88 mins104 mins112 mins

    What NOIC Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:

    This information is not currently available.

    Report Card Policy

    [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

    While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

    How assessments are delivered across the grades

    TypeGrades
    Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 9 to Gr. 12
    Academic achievement reportingGr. 9 to Gr. 12
    Habits and behaviour reportingGr. 9 to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetingsGr. 9 to Gr. 12

    Extracurricular Activities

    While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

    Sports offered

    NOIC Academy offers 0 competitive sports and 11 recreational sports.

      Competitive offered          Recreational offered
    all sports]
    • Archery
    • Curling
    • Ultimate
    • Badminton
    • Baseball
    • Basketball
    • Canoeing/Kayaking
    • Cricket
    • Cross-country skiing
    • Cycling
    • Downhill skiing
    • Equestrian
    • Fencing
    • Field Hockey
    • Figure Skating
    • Football
    • Golf
    • Gymnastics
    • Ice Hockey
    • Ice Skating
    • Lacrosse
    • Martial Arts
    • Mountain biking
    • Racquet Ball
    • Rowing
    • Rugby
    • Running
    • Sailing
    • Skateboarding
    • Snowboarding
    • Soccer
    • Softball
    • Squash
    • Swimming
    • Tennis
    • Track & Field
    • Volleyball
    • Weightlifting
    • Wrestling

    Clubs offered

    NOIC Academy offers 22 clubs and extracurricular programs.

      Clubs offered           Clubs not offered
    all clubs and programs]
      Foreign Language Club
      Habitat for Humanity
      Jazz Ensemble
      Math Club
      Musical theatre/Opera
      Ballet and Classical Ballet
      Online Magazine
      Outdoor Club
      Outdoor Education
      Paintball
      Photography
      Poetry/Literature club
      Radio club
      Robotics club
      Round Square
      School newspaper
      Science Club
      Scouting
      Student Council
      Yearbook
      Yoga
      Animation
      Art Club
      Astronomy Club
      Audiovisual Club
      Band
      Chess Club
      Choir
      Community Service
      Computer Club
      Dance Club
      Debate Club
      Drama Club
      Environmental Club


    THE OUR KIDS REPORT: NOIC Academy

    Next steps to continue your research:

     Add to shortlist
    x

    By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All right reserved.