Play Island Explorers

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Traditional, Reggio Emilia
    • Mathematics: Equal Balance
    • Early Reading: Balanced Literacy
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Inquiry
    • Literature: Traditional
    • Social Studies : Thematic
    • Humanities and Social Sciences :
    • Foreign Languages:
    • Fine Arts: Creative
    • Computers and Technology: Light integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Sex and health education:
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Reggio Emilia
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture: Supportive
  • Developmental priorities: Balanced
  • Special needs support: Indirect Support
  • Gifted learner support: No Support
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Traditional, Reggio Emilia
    [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 Play Island Explorers: Traditional, Reggio Emilia

    Play Island Explorers has a Traditional, Reggio Emilia approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Traditional, Reggio Emilia?]

    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.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional - 15%
      Liberal arts - 17%
      Progressive - 17%
      Montessori - 17%
      Reggio Emilia - 17%
      Waldorf - 17%
    

    Play Island Explorers has a Reggio Emilia approach to secondary curriculum.

    Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).

    What Play Island Explorers says: We follow a traditional curriculum of structured learning, along with the Emergent curriculum of Art and Creativity in Reggio Emilia: Exploring the role and potential of ateliers in early childhood education, and How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the early years (2014) as its principal guiding document under the child care and early years act, (2014). We follow the four foundations of how learning happens? o Belonging o Well-being, o Engagement, and o Expression The Reggio Emilia Approach o Exposing the children to a wide variety of educational opportunities that encourage self-expression, o communication, o logical thinking, and o problem solving

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Equal Balance
      Mathematics approach at Play Island Explorers: Equal Balance

      Play Island Explorers has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Traditional math - 34%
        Discovery math - 33%
      

      What Play Island Explorers says: Math is an important part of learning for children in the early years because it provides vital life skills. They will help children problem solve, measure and develop their own spatial awareness, and teach them how to use and understand shapes. Math is important to help young children develop their mathematical thinking. A child's math knowledge at the start of kindergarten predicts later academic achievement better than early reading or attention skills. Math is part of children's everyday lives.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: Early Learning Math for kids 3-5 yrs. Kumon Are You Ready for Kindergarten 3-5 yrs.

      Calculator policy: No calculator, wth our schoolagers we make sure they understand how to get the answer, and only use it to check if the answer is correct, when needed.

    • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
      Early Reading approach at Play Island Explorers: Balanced Literacy

      Play Island Explorers has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

      [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

      Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

      Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

        Balanced literacy - 33%
        Phonics-intensive - 34%
        Whole language - 33%
      

      What Play Island Explorers says: The first thing we do to teach early reading is by expanding their vocabulary. Developing a child's vocabulary is crucial because he or she will find it much easier to read and write words that are already known. We do this by: Fostering a love of books, daily story telling, Show them plenty of print, Teach the ABC's, Play with sounds, and Present narratives.

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

      What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at Play Island Explorers: Equal balance

      Play Island Explorers 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 - 33%
        Systematic approach - 34%
        Process approach - 33%
      

      What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

    • Science Inquiry
      Science approach at Play Island Explorers: Inquiry

      Play Island Explorers has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Inquiry?]

      Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Inquiry - 23%
        Expository - 6%
        Equal balance - 71%
      

      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 Traditional
      Literature approach at Play Island Explorers: Traditional

      Play Island Explorers has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Traditional?]

      In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional - 20%
        Social justice - 3%
        Equal balance - 77%
      

      What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

    • Social Studies Thematic
      Social Studies approach at Play Island Explorers: Thematic

      Play Island Explorers has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Expanding Communities approach).

      [Show: About Thematic?]

      The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Thematic - 33%
        Core knowledge - 34%
        Expanding communities - 33%
      

      What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

      What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages

      What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Creative
      Fine Arts approach at Play Island Explorers: Creative

      Play Island Explorers 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 Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

    • Computers and Technology Light integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Play Island Explorers: Light integration

      Play Island Explorers has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration , Medium integration approach).

      [Show: About Light integration?]

      Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Light integration - 20%
        Heavy integration - 33%
        Medium integration - 47%
      

      What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Play Island Explorers says: We hae a private indoor playground with basketball and soccer arena for the childrn to keep active after school. We also have an outdoor field for sports, and extra outdoor activities to kee the kids physically active everyday.

    • Sex and health education

      What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Sex and health education
  • Preschool/K Curriculum Reggio Emilia
    [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 Play Island Explorers: Reggio Emilia

    Play Island Explorers has a Reggio Emilia approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Academic approach).

    [Show: About Reggio Emilia?]

    Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
    If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.

    Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Reggio emilia - 20%
      Play-based - 20%
      Montessori - 20%
      Waldorf - 20%
      Academic - 20%
    

    What Play Island Explorers says: Play Island Explorers believe that children can become anything they want to be if they work hard, and learn about what they really want to do and be when they are older. Learning happens when you find what you are great at, and continue to learn to be even greater. Our mission for the schoolage children, is to work with the children in our community and help build self-esteem, help to build respectful relationships with peers, keep the children active, work with the children in their area of interest, and expand in these areas with various learning activities. We make learning fun!

  • 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 Play Island Explorers: Standard-enriched

    Play Island Explorers 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 - 18%
      Student-paced - 24%
    

    What Play Island Explorers 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 Play Island Explorers says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture Supportive
    [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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    Academic Culture approach at Play Island Explorers: Supportive

    Play Island Explorers has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

    [Show: About Supportive?]

    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Supportive - 50%
      Rigorous - 50%
    

    What Play Island Explorers says: We love to teach our preschool and kindergarten children, and we work with each child in their area of need to ensure they grow, and reach their goals. We instill a love for learning, and excitment for school everyday.

  • Developmental priorities Balanced
    [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.

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    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 con?dent individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."

    What Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

  • Special needs support Indirect 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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    Play Island Explorers offers Indirect Support

    Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.

    What Play Island Explorers says about their special need support: At our centre, we treat everyone equally. We teach the children to help others, and not to discriminate on others that are alittle different, or require extra support needs. We work with the children and make the best environment for them to learn, and fit in with our group of children.

    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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    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 Play Island Explorers says: This information is not currently available.

  • Language English
    Play Island Explorers offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English, French
  • 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.

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    In grade Gr. 7, Play Island Explorers students perform an average of No homework of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
    Play Island Explorers	0 mins	15 mins	15 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins
    Site Average	2 mins	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	29 mins	34 mins	40 mins	52 mins

    What Play Island Explorers 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.

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    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Parent-teacher meetings

    Preschool to SK

• 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: N/A
  Recreational sports: 6

  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

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  Clubs offered

  Play Island Explorers offers 6 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 (Half day)

   

  	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
  Day (Half day)	$6,000			$5,000

  
  

  What Play Island Explorers says about their tuition: Half day Preschool/kindergarten program is $30/day Before and After School Program kindergarten $35/day Before and After School Program schoolage kids $30/day Subsidy available for eligable families

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  Need-based financial aid

  Play Island Explorers does not offer need-based financial aid.

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  Merit based Scholarships

  Play Island Explorers does not offer merit-based financial awards.
• Enrollment
  [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	Preschool to K	Coed	Day	16
  Group 2	K to Gr. 7	Coed	Day	30

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	46
  Average class size	16 to 30
  % of international students (total enrolment)	0%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	50

  Student Distribution:

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

• 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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  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		PS - K
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay

  Day students: August 15, 2021
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  Fees:

  Application fee: N/A
  Registration fee: $50
  Deposit: $0

  What Play Island Explorers says:

  Please email or call us and we will provide you with the registration forms, and details to follow. To secure our childs spot for 2021/2022 school year, we require a $50 registration fee upon registration. With all post dated cheques for each month for the school year. 

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  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 95%

  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	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	10 - 16 (95%)	5 - 16 (95%)	5 - 16 (95%)	10 - 30 (95%)	10 - 30 (95%)	10 - 30 (95%)	10 - 30 (95%)	10 - 30 (95%)	10 - 30 (95%)	10 - 30 (95%)

  Type of student Play Island Explorers is looking for:
  We are looking for young learners that show a love for learning, love to socialize, and meet new people, and are ready to be apart of Play Island Explorers Centre for a wonderful, and memorable experience. Our Preschool/kindergarten class, and after school programs are staffed with amazing staff, that love teaching, and working with the children to make sure they are learning while having fun.
• Principal's Message
  Jessica Garzon, All About Us!

  BCD/RECE/Early Interventionist

  Play Island Explorers was founded on December 2019. We started our business for the children in our commuity to have a place where they can feel confident, express themselves freely, and learn while having fun. We have two half day programs Preschool/Kindergarten 3-6 yrs., and before and after school program 4-12 yrs. running during the school year. We are open for all school breaks, and during the summer we run a summer camp for children ages 4-12. We love to have the children in the community come and have a place where they can connect with peers, and staff that love them very much. During this short time being open we have connected with so many families, and love to see how happy, and confident the children feel when they walk through the doors. They have made friendships, and for some this is their first school, so we love to see how they have grown and continue to grow within our Play Island Explorers family. 

  Now I will share alittle bit about myself, and my family.....I am a mother of two little girls, and married to my wonderful husband for 8 years, and have been together for total of 22 years. Yes, that is my childhood boyfriend that I married. We have grown together, and know every little thing about one another, and I guess that is what makes us more than just a married couple, he is my best friend as well. With that said, we ended up having twins!! (which I always wanted, but didnt know I could have) but my wish came true and we were blessed with a beautiful surprise, two baby girls. At that time I made the decison to put my career on hold and do everything for my two little girls, and stay home with them until it was time for them to go to school.

  During my free time I always thought to myself that maybe one day of opening up a small business for the children in our community, to have a place where they can learn, and build long lasting friendships that could last a life time. It was years of planning (in my head) at first, and then slowly making it happen when the time was right, and when my kids were ready to take their next steps in the big school. It was January 2019, when we took that next step and started putting our plans together (with my children by my side the whole time) for what came next. Play Island Explorers first started off as a dream, and thought.... and then we made it our reality. I knew I had to make this happen some way or another. The futrue of our kids is in our hands and it is up to us to give them a great experience so they can live and grow into amazing, confident, and loving human beings.

  We hope to meet more of you lovely families soon!

  Yours Truly, 

  Jessica

   
• In the News
  

  May 25, 2021
  2020/2021 Preschool, and Kindergarten Graduates

  We are so proud of all our children, staff, and parents! This year has been alittle different due to the pandemic, but we made it!
  Read full article

  
  

  Read more school news
• Social Feeds