Oak Bridge Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Traditional
Oak Bridge Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Oak Bridge Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
OBA follows the Ontario Curriculum with an augmented curriculum in literacy, numeracy, social skills and SEL. All students have an accommodated and/or modified IEP for their individualized learning needs.
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
---|---|
Academic | Special needs |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Traditional Math
Oak Bridge Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Oak Bridge Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Jump Math Supplementary support utilising IXL
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
-
Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Phonics-intensive
Oak Bridge Academy has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Oak Bridge Academy says:
Early literacy intervention is based on Orton–Gillingham approach. Orton-Gillingham is a structured literacy approach. It introduced the idea of breaking reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds and then building on these skills over time.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Oak Bridge Academy says:
Reading Benchmarks -Fountas and Pinnell Orton-Gillingham assessments and evaluations The Woodcock-Johnson Tests Reading Mastery test (incoming students)
-
Writing
Writing approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Process approach
Oak Bridge Academy has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Process approach?]What Oak Bridge Academy says:
Hand Writing Without Tears curriculum is utilized in primary grades to help develop handwriting skills utilizing a multi-sensory handwriting instruction. In junior and intermediate grades Writers' Workshops are used with monthly themes to encourage a variety of different writing styles and interests.
-
Science
Science approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Equal Balance
Oak Bridge Academy 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 Oak Bridge Academy: Equal Balance
Oak Bridge Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Oak Bridge Academy 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 Oak Bridge Academy: Thematic
Oak Bridge Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Oak Bridge Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Pragmatism
Oak Bridge Academy has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What Oak Bridge Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
What Oak Bridge Academy 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
Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What Oak Bridge Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Heavy integration
Oak Bridge Academy has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Oak Bridge Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Oak Bridge Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
What Oak Bridge Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Academic
Oak Bridge Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What Oak Bridge Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Ready 2 Learn is a program designed to target the skills required to be successful in a classroom or group setting. Ready 2 Learn offers a blended therapeutic and academic environment, using a variety of evidence based practices to support each child in reaching their full potential. Specific scaffolded programs are used to teach core academic skills.
Language
Learn about Oak Bridge Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Oak Bridge Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Student-paced
Oak Bridge Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Oak Bridge Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Following the Ontario Curricular Guidelines we prioritize differentiated instruction and assessment. Triangulation of assessment data using observation, conversation and student product ensures students can demonstrate success in a learning style that is most successful to them.
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 Oak Bridge Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Oak Bridge Academy: Supportive
Oak Bridge Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Oak Bridge Academy says about their academic culture:
First and foremost, providing a supportive, structured and empathetic approach to our student's various learning needs allows us the opportunity to focus on instilling a love of learning. Behavioural flexibility takes precedent over academic performance.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Oak Bridge Academy says about their developmental priorities:
The CORE principle of Oak Bridge Academy is behavioural flexibility. This key skill, encompassing social skills development and emotional regulation, is at the heart of all school activities. We believe that these skills will support our students for sustained future success in both school, and more importantly throughout life.
Special needs support
Oak Bridge Academy is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
What Oak Bridge Academy says about their special need support:
Oak Bridge Academy is an alternative school structured around the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis designed specifically for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Applied Behaviour Analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place and is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behaviour and how our behaviour is affected by the environment. The core principles of behavioural science used at Oak Bridge Academy include contingency management, goal setting, self-control, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT). Each of these principles, when used in combination, will contribute to developing a resilient and flexible student. All students have an IEP and accommodations and modifications are all individualized depending on the identified needs of the student. Social and/or emotional regulation goals are alternative goals on the students' IEP.
-
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 |
What Oak Bridge Academy says:
We provide services for all students. Children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and other related learning exceptionalities.
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 Oak Bridge Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Oak Bridge Academy students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
SK | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oak Bridge Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
Site Average | 7 mins | 6 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 Oak Bridge Academy 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 | K to Gr. 11 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | K to Gr. 11 |
Academic achievement reporting | K to Gr. 11 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 11 |
Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 11 |
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
Oak Bridge Academy offers 0 competitive sports and 0 recreational sports.
Clubs offered
Oak Bridge Academy offers 7 clubs and extracurricular programs.