North Toronto Christian School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at NTCS: Traditional
NTCS has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What NTCS says about their overall curriculum and approach:
The mission of North Toronto Christian School is to prepare young minds for the demands of a university education within the framework of a Christian worldview. In our elementary program, there is a significant emphasis on mastering the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. In our high school program, courses are only offered at the academic or university preparation level. We offer a diverse liberal arts style program that gives students a wide variety of educational experiences so that they can more effectively choose a university program that will allow them to utilize the gifts that God has given them. In order to provide a comprehensive educational experience, students in grades 3-10 participate in a fall and winter, three-day outdoor education trip to our school camping facility located in the Kawarthas.
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:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at NTCS: Traditional Math
NTCS has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What NTCS 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.
-
Early Reading
Early Reading approach at NTCS: Phonics-intensive
NTCS has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Writing
Writing approach at NTCS: Equal balance
NTCS has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Science
Science approach at NTCS: Equal Balance
NTCS has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
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 NTCS: Traditional
NTCS has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What NTCS 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 NTCS: Thematic
NTCS has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at NTCS: Perennialism
NTCS has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Perennialism?]What NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at NTCS: Communicative
NTCS has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What NTCS 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 NTCS: Creative
NTCS 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 NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at NTCS: Medium integration
NTCS has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Religious Education
What NTCS says:
At North Toronto Christian School, the study of Protestant Christianity, other branches of the Christian church, other religions, and the Holy Bible, is not confined to Biblical Studies classes, but is integrated into everything that we do. We believe that the Holy Bible is the infallible Word of God. In all subject areas and courses, we look at content and curriculum through the lens of a Christian world view. For example, in a science class, we will discuss how God has perfectly designed the world and put in place a creative order. In a history class, we will reflect on how God has been, and is currently, at work in the world and how we can fulfill a God-given cultural mandate. Life, learning and the Christian faith are woven together at NTCS to prepare our students to serve God and be active Christian believers in their future academic endeavours, their family lives, and their careers.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at NTCS: Not Ontario curriculum
NTCS has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
NTCS has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]NTCS has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What NTCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at NTCS: Academic
NTCS has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What NTCS says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
At North Toronto Christian School, our desire is to begin educating students academically, spiritually, socially and physically, from the moment they walk through our doors. Our kindergarten program is a challenging academic program, focusing on the basics, which provide a solid foundation for continued study and academic success at NTCS.
Language
Learn about North Toronto Christian School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
NTCS offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at NTCS: Standard-enriched
NTCS has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What NTCS says about their curriculum pace:
At North Toronto Christian School, our goal is for our students to exceed provincial expectations. Our teachers challenge our students to attain high levels of academic success, particularly in the areas of language and mathematics. The completion of homework is an essential component of student success.
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 NTCS says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at NTCS: Rigorous
NTCS has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What NTCS says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
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."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
What NTCS says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
NTCS offers No support
NTCS offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
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 NTCS says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, NTCS students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NTCS | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 109 mins |
What NTCS says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
---|---|
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 2 |
Parent-teacher meetings | JK 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
North Toronto Christian School offers 8 competitive sports and 7 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Golf
- Ice Skating
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Swimming
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
North Toronto Christian School offers 13 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What NTCS says about their extracurricular activities:
- Card-making club
- School Reach - general knowledge competition against other schools
- Chess club competes in an annual tournament
- Piano lessons are available during, and after, the school day.
- Three swim teams train and compete throughout the year