Indirect Support:
Oakwood Academy is the only recognized school in Canada using the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®) Model. Conveniently located in Mississauga, our unique developmental approach teaches students to think rather than memorize, and uses social relationships as the cornerstone of curricular development. Every aspect of our school is designed to meet the individual differences and needs of our students so that they can reach their greatest academic and social potential.
Not all students are created equally, and Oakwood was created, more than anything else, with that idea firmly in mind. It was founded by Trillian Taylor and Michele Power, who remain directors at the school today. The school is intentionally small, allowing for a very individual attention to the unique needs of each student, including an overt attention to social and emotional development. Families who enroll here do so knowing that their learners are capable of a lot, while in the awareness that they would benefit from a different approach than is found elsewhere. Students entering Oakwood join a community of true peers, something which in itself can be transformative to their learning experience and academic success.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Oakwood Academy.
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| Flexible pacing style | 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 |
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: Acceleration (The main focus is on acceleration. This means that all students work at a much quicker pace than public school peers (usually working at least one grade-level ahead). )
| 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) |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Badminton | ||
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Football | ||
| Gymnastics | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Ice Skating | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Martial Arts | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Rugby | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Math Club |
| Musical theatre/Opera |
| Outdoor Club |
| Photography |
| School newspaper |
| Science Club |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Art Club |
| Astronomy Club |
| Audiovisual Club |
| Choir |
| Computer Club |
| Dance Club |
| Drama Club |
| Environmental Club |
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
| Day | $59,500 | $25,100 | $16,275 | ||||||||||||
| Day (Half day) | $33,900 | ||||||||||||||
| Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | PS to 12 |
| Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 5% |
| Average aid package size | $5,000 |
| Percentage of total enrollment on financial aid | 5% |
| Total aid available | $10,000 |
This school works with other. for processing financial applications
This information is not currently available.
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | JK to Gr. 12 | Coed | Day | 50 |
| Total enrollment | 50 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 4 |
| Average class size | 1 to 4 |
| Gender (grades) | JK to Gr. 12 (Coed) |
| Boarding offered | No |
| Percentage of students are international students | |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | NS - 12 | |
| SSAT | ||
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | ||
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: Rolling
Welcome! We are excited that you are considering Oakwood Academy. We are thrilled to be the only school in Canada to provide individualized education using the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®) Model. Our uniquely planned curriculum has been designed for students who require explicit education, and focuses on both academic and social development.
Please be assured that our admissions process is to help us understand your child’s strengths and goals, to develop an individualized curriculum to help them achieve their full potential.
Step One: About Your Child Form
The About Your Child form is to be completed by the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the applicant. Please submit the forms to our Admissions Coordinator at [email protected] Once the form has been completed and submitted you will be contacted by our admissions office about your inquires or to set up a meeting with the director.
Step Two: Meeting with the Director
Once your form has been received, we will be in touch to set up a meeting and tour. Both the applicant and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are expected to attend the meeting. In order to properly make a recommendation about the student’s placement, the applicant must attend the meeting.
Step Three: Trial Day Opportunity
In some cases we will suggest a trial day to determine appropriate placement in our Academic Program. On this day, your child will spend a half or full day at school, fully integrated into a classroom setting so that we can best determine their strengths, goals, and support level before recommending placement.
Step Four: Class Placement
Decisions are made after a personal meeting and assessment of the applicant. At this time, a recommendation for suitable placement and services within the school are made and discussed with families.
Step Five: The Final Step – Registration Forms and Payments
Upon acceptance, you will receive registration forms to be completed.
THE FOLLOWING MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION:
Questions?
Do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] or call (905) 814-0277 for assistance.
Student Entry Points
| Student Type | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Services | Offered |
|---|---|
| Career planning | |
| Internships | |
| Mentorship Program | |
| University counseling |
| Key Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Average graduating class size | N/A |
| *Canadian "Big 6" placements | N/A |
| **Ivy+ placements | N/A |
*Number of students in the past year who attended one of McGill, U of T, UBC, Queen's University, University of Alberta, or Dalhousie University.
**Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)
Below, find stories and testimonials about Oakwood Academy.
Our son was not getting the support he needed in his public school and we saw his academic and social skills were regressing. At Oakwood he is in small class and gets individual attention in the areas he needs to strengthen. He is excited to go to school each day and we are so happy to see his academic and social gains each term. As parents we also get the individual attention and support that would not be possible in a larger school setting.
...Oakwood Academy is so much more than just a school. It is a social community that fully supports the needs of every student. My son's teachers are truly an inspiration to us parents. We love how they take the time each day after school to inform us about the details of our son's day. All of the staff are extremely positive and you can tell they truly care about the progress of the students. ...
"Oakwood has been very instrumental in helping my children in all aspects of their academics, communication and social skills. Most importantly it has given them a new confidence, that otherwise would not have been possible". ...
Dear Parents,
Thank you for considering Oakwood Academy for your child. Deciding on a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make for their future. This is perhaps even more the case if your child needs an individualized education.
As experienced educators in the field of special education, we saw first hand how many students were being taught skills that didn’t address their core developmental capacities. We were inspired to create a school that embraces each students’ individual learning profile and implements an educational program to target their route developmental challenges. We know that every child is capable of engaging with others, expressing their emotions and ideas and developing meaningful ways to communicate and interact with their world. The decision to base our curriculum around the The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR®) Model was made because we know this is the most effective way to help children become thinkers and problem solvers. We know that success beyond primary school years requires students to think critically, work collaboratively and communicate effectively, which is why we are careful to challenge students with meaningful learning opportunities rather than predetermined curriculum material.
We understand that finding the right school to foster your child’s social and emotional growth in addition to their academic growth, is critical. You can feel confident that your child’s unique learning needs will be respected at Oakwood.
Working with families is an essential part of our school model and we welcome the opportunity to meet you and your child and discuss how Oakwood Academy can be part of your child’s educational journey.
Trillian Taylor & Michele Power
Co-Founders, Directors
April 29, 2016
Making a Splash!
Oakwood students hit the pool for our Spring swimming program which aims to increase body awareness and self-regulation ...
April 26, 2016
Learning Through Relationships!
Oakwood Academy staff travelled to NY for the Learning Through Relationships conference! ...
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