Our Lady of the Pillar Academy

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Liberal Arts
    • Mathematics: Traditional Math
    • Early Reading:
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature:
    • Social Studies :
    • Humanities and Social Sciences :
    • Foreign Languages:
    • Fine Arts: Creative
    • Computers and Technology: Medium integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Religious Education: More than 25% of our courses are religion courses
    • Sex and health education: Not Ontario curriculum
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Academic
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture:
  • Developmental priorities: Spiritual
  • Special needs support: Indirect Support
  • Gifted learner support: No Support
  • Language: English

  
  

  • Curriculum Liberal Arts
    [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.

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    Curriculum approach at Pillar Academy: Liberal Arts

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

    [Show: About Liberal Arts?]

    Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Liberal arts - 18%
      Traditional - 43%
      Progressive - 27%
      Montessori - 10%
      Reggio Emilia - 1%
      Waldorf - 1%
    

    What Pillar Academy says: We follow a classically inspired curriculum emphasizing academics and the riches of the Catholic Faith. Classes are teacher-led, taking into account the grammar and logic stages of child development. Because our classes are small, the needs and strengths of each individual can be recognized. Rote learning and narration are used throughout our curriculum. Using a phonetic approach, students are taught to read and spell. They are taught to write well and think clearly through our writing and grammar program. We study classical literature which enriches their minds with great stories and lessons from the past. Following a four-year cycle, world history is taught and interwoven with other subjects. In addition, students are formally taught computer coding beginning at grade three. Central to delivering all of our curriculum, we strive to teach our students to see their learning as good stewardship of their God-given gifts, to be used for his purpose in a rewarding and joyful way.

    Approach:

    Focus	Religious-based
    Academic	Christian (Roman Catholic)

    If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
    If you want to learn more about Christian education, check out our comprehensive guide.
    If you want to learn more about Catholic education, check out our comprehensive guide.

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Traditional Math
      Mathematics approach at Pillar Academy: Traditional Math

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

      [Show: About Traditional Math?]

      Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional math - 28%
        Discovery math - 3%
        Equal balance - 69%
      

      What Pillar Academy says: Our grade 1 through 6 math curriculum is usually delivered by interactive software and supported by the classroom teacher. Students are shown the topic covered in each lesson and are guided through examples. Further examples are given to do on their own, with instant feedback and assistance from the computer and from the teacher as needed. Each day's math lesson includes questions from earlier lessons. Math facts are drilled daily. Our grade 7 and 8 math classes are guided by our specialist math teacher. Students are taught the traditional strands and emphasis is given to topics that grade 9 and 10 students typically find most challenging. Our students are very well prepared for high school.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: Math-U-See, Teaching Textbooks, privately developed high school content.

      Calculator policy: In late grade 7 and through much of grade 8, students are taught how and when to use a calculator.

    • Early Reading

      What Pillar Academy says: This information is not currently available.

      DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

      What Pillar Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at Pillar Academy: Equal balance

      Pillar Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

      [Show: About Equal balance?]

      Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

      Writing at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 82%
        Systematic approach - 10%
        Process approach - 8%
      

      What Pillar Academy says: Pillar Academy is committed to using the writing and grammar programs of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. IEW's unique approach provides the structure that students need to develop confidence in the writing process, while gradually guiding them toward greater independence and creativity. They will learn several structural models (note taking, writing paragraphs, stories, simple reports, writing from pictures, research reports, creative writing, and essays) to help them organize any type of composition. Additionally, stylistic techniques (strong verbs, quality adjectives, sentence openers, and more) are taught incrementally to gently move students from the basics into more sophisticated writing. (www.iew.com)

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at Pillar Academy: Equal Balance

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

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      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.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 73%
        Expository - 5%
        Inquiry - 22%
      

      Teaching approach: Science is taught as the pursuit of empirical truth. Using the Ontario Curriculum as a guide, many disciplines of science are covered with both teacher-centered and hands-on delivery. The scientific method is employed to teach students how to arrive at factual knowledge through good questioning and logical experimentation. Ultimately, students are encouraged to develop their sense of inquisitiveness and wonder while observing the natural 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

      What Pillar Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Social Studies

      What Pillar Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

      What Pillar Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages

      What Pillar Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Creative
      Fine Arts approach at Pillar Academy: Creative

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

      [Show: About Creative?]

      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.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Creative - 37%
        Receptive - 2%
        Equal balance - 61%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What Pillar Academy says: At Pillar Academy, we provide weekly music instruction which includes some theory, vocal, and instrumental components. As well, visual arts skills such as sketching, painting, and sculpting are explored throughout the year. During the Christmas season, the students have the opportunity to experience drama and theater by preparing an Advent and Christmas stage production.

    • Computers and Technology Medium integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Pillar Academy: Medium integration

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

      [Show: About Medium integration?]

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

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Medium integration - 48%
        Light integration - 18%
        Heavy integration - 34%
      

      What Pillar Academy says: Teachers model and teach appropriate use of technology. Our classrooms have sufficient computers for student use for the purpose of completing assignments. Our Internet use is carefully managed and students are taught safe practices for Internet use. Starting in grade 3, students are taught the fundamentals of computer programming with Scratch, and by grade 7 and 8 are working on HTML/CSS coding and higher level programming languages such as Python and Visual Basic.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Pillar Academy says: Our students learn common physical skills (e.g. basic movement, catching/throwing, fitness etc.) by means of play and games. By the middle grades students are using these skills to play modified sports requiring cooperation. By grade 7 and 8 students are playing games and sports that they can enjoy through adulthood.

    • Religious Education More than 25% of our courses are religion courses

      What Pillar Academy says: All of our teachers try to model what it means to live a life of Christian Faith to our students. This necessarily implies connecting all of creation, knowledge and reason back to God. We are committed to following the Magesterium of the Catholic Church and draw upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church and appropriate teaching materials that help guide our students to fulfill their baptismal promises. Prayer as a community frames our day.

    • Sex and health education Not Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at Pillar Academy: Not Ontario curriculum

      Pillar Academy has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

      [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

      The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Fairly value-based

      Pillar Academy has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).

      [Show: About Fairly value-based?]

      Sex is sometimes taught from a particular moral or ethical standpoint. Sometimes particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) are invoked when teaching sex and related issues .

      Pillar Academy has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).

      [Show: About Traditional?]

      This includes a range of positions. A traditional approach might, for example, go as far as emphasizing the nuclear family and complete abstinence from sex before marriage. Alternatively, this approach might simply involve placing less emphasis on sex outside of the context of marriage and more emphasis on abstinence. Or finally, it might just involve focusing less on sex outside of the context of marriage.

      What Pillar Academy says: Our expectation is that parents, who know the readiness of their children, will teach appropriate topics to their own children.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Religious Education

    • Sex and health education
  • Preschool/K Curriculum Academic
    [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

    Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

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    Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Pillar Academy: Academic

    Pillar Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).

    [Show: About Academic?]

    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

    Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Academic - 44%
      Play-based - 22%
      Montessori - 26%
      Waldorf - 2%
      Reggio emilia - 6%
    

    What Pillar Academy says: An age appropriate classical approach is used with an emphasis on using stories and hands-on learning to cultivate wonder and awe and introduce the virtues. Through nature study children's natural curiosity is nurtured. Learning skills including listening, math facts and phonics are taught to prepare for future learning.

  • 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.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at Pillar Academy: Standard-enriched

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

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

    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.

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Standard-enriched - 58%
      Accelerated - 17%
      Student-paced - 25%
    

    What Pillar Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    Flexible pacing style

    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

    What Pillar Academy says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture
    [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.

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    What Pillar Academy says: We see characteristics of both Rigorous and Supportive widely in our school.

  • Developmental priorities Spiritual
    [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: Spiritual

    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

    "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

    What Pillar Academy says: Our aim is to support parents to provide their children with a foundation of faith that permeates all areas of life. We aim to guide our students as they grow their gifts and talents, while nurturing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We aim to accompany our students in their learning as together we embrace the universal calls to holiness and mission.

  • Special needs 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.

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    Academic Support:

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

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

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    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

  • Gifted learner support No Support
    [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.

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    Dedicated gifted programs:

    Program	offered
    Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
    Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

    Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.

    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 Pillar Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  • Language English
    Pillar Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English
• Extracurriculars
  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  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.

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  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 3
  Recreational sports: N/A

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • 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

  Our Lady of the Pillar Academy offers 3 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     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

  
  
• Tuition & Financial Aid
  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

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  Day (4 days/week) Day

   

  	JK	SK	K	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
  Day (4 days/week)	$2,250			$4,500
  Day	$2,750			$5,000

  
  

  What Pillar Academy says about their tuition: $5000 per student for the first three students in one family. No additional tuition is required for added children from that same family. 1st and second year discount: 50% off the first year and 25% off the second year for new family registrations. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for 21% of tuition.

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  Need-based financial aid

  Our Lady of the Pillar Academy does not offer need-based financial aid.

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  Merit based Scholarships

  Our Lady of the Pillar Academy does not offer merit-based financial awards.
• Enrolment
  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

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  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	JK to Gr. 8	Coed	Day	43

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	43
  Average class size	8 to 15
  % of international students (total enrolment)	0%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	2

  Student Distribution:

  	JK	SK	K	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
  Day Enrollment	8	6	N/A	5	4	4	3	3	4	3	3

• Admission
  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

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  Application

  Admissions Assessments:

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		JK - 8
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay

  Application Deadlines:

  Day students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: N/A

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  Fees:

  Application fee: $100
  Registration fee: N/A
  Deposit: N/A

  What Pillar Academy says:

  It is a constitutional requirement for Families whose child(ren) are student(s) of OLPA to have an OLPA membership.($100.00 Annually)

  Pre-registration deposit (one month’s payment) is due August 1st and is non-refundable.

  Each monthly payment is due on the FIRST of the Month for the month following.

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  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 90%

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Day
  

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  Student Entry Points

  This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.

  
  

  Student Type	JK	SK	K	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	2 - 4 (90%)	2 - 4 (90%)	0	2 - 4 (90%)	2 - 4 (90%)	2 - 4 (90%)	2 - 4 (90%)	2 - 4 (90%)	2 - 4 (90%)	2 - 4 (90%)	2 - 4 (90%)

  Type of student Pillar Academy is looking for:
  OLPA serves to support the respectful, self-controlled, cooperative and autonomous student who is open to direction and who thrives in an independent learning environment; one who can participate in self-regulating activities not in need of assistance due to visual, physical or hearing impairments. One who responds well to a teacher’s coaching and desires to participate in a warm, enthusiastic and somewhat structured learning environment. Our highly successful students are physically capable of full body motor activities and are independent, self-motivated learners displaying personal initiative with a desire to improve on their past learning outcomes within a multi-grade level, learning environment and who are not in need of any considerable remedial support.
• Principal's Message
  Krista Huver, Head of School

  OCT, B.Sc., B.Ed.

   

  At Our Lady of the Pillar Academy, we are passionate about our Catholic faith and growing in wisdom and virtue.  We cherish the knowledge that has been passed on to us from previous generations and we help our students to seek all that is good, true and beautiful in the world.  Our kindergarten students are immersed in an environment of calm order and wonder as they start exploring the world through their first formal educational experience.  Reaching the grammar stage of learning, our primary and junior students work to master the building blocks of language and mathematics, to learn through science, history, and geography how the world works and what has come before us, and to appreciate great works of literature, art and music and the growing control they have over their own bodies.  Our intermediate students, developmentally at the logic stage, continue their study of these subjects at a more advanced level as well as learning logic and reasoning skills.  With the socratic method of teaching, they learn to deeply think about what they are learning and to express their ideas eloquently.  They are also encouraged to be servant leaders in the school, seeing ways in which they can help others.  With very small class sizes (under 15 students), our teachers are able to get to know each child well, with his or her own strengths, weaknesses, and particular gifts.  We individualize learning as much as possible, particularly in mathematics and language arts, so that each child is able to grow to his or her potential and recognize the ways in which God is calling him or her to glorify Him and serve others.   

  We recognize parents as the primary educators of their children, and we seek to support them in their work of raising their children to be young men and women who strive to become saints.  In addition to developing the intellectual knowledge and capability of our students, we seek to foster growth in virtues so that each child continues to become more and more the best version of him or herself.  We hope that our students come to see themselves as beloved children of God, comfortable to grow and learn in the warm and caring environment that is Our Lady of the Pillar Academy. 

  Krista Huver

  Head of School

   

   

  
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