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Prestige School - Richmond Hill Campus ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Prestige School - Richmond Hill Campus community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Prestige School: Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate
Prestige School has a Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate?]
Prestige School has a International Baccalaureate Candidate approach to supplementary curriculum.
IB Candidate School is an official term used to identify schools that have applied to IBO for permission to teach one or more of the IB Programmes.
What Prestige School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At Prestige School, we offer an enriched and accelerated curriculum with subjects taught one to two grade levels above the standard curriculum. Our academic program provide students with a great opportunity to experience a multitude of courses and various learning styles and strategies. It challenges each student intellectually, artistically and physically through a rigorous and innovative curriculum and an extensive co-curricular program. Our academic curriculum is academically challenging, with students being taught by teachers who specialize in the content knowledge of each subject. Starting in kindergarten, students have specialists in French, computer science, music, art and drama. Starting in grade 5, students further specialize in science, which includes biology, chemistry and physics.
International Baccalaureate Candidate program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Prestige School: Equal Balance
Prestige School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Prestige School says:
Prestige School elementary students are taught an advanced curriculum in mathematics. They learn at least a year ahead of publicly funded schools. Younger students learn hands on strategies that will assist them in answering various forms of questions; textbook, worksheets, graphs, surveys, etc. Older students are learning very advanced mathematical strategies and equations. Our high school students are taught by skilled mathematics teachers that ensure students are understanding the concepts in order to receive their credits.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
We use various textbooks for elementary and high school. We also use school generated textbooks.
Calculator policy:
Younger students are not permitted to use calculators. They are learning various strategies that teach them to do the calculations on their own. Older students are permitted to use calculators since they are performing advanced mathematical equations.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Prestige School: Balanced Literacy
Prestige School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Prestige School says:
Prestige School follows a phonics intensive steps to reading program which includes guided reading, weekend readers, word family books and more.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Prestige School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Prestige School: Equal balance
Prestige School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Prestige School says:
Prestige School ensures that students’ grow into confident writers and researchers who can communicate competently using a range of forms and styles. Students will learn to use these forms and styles to suit specific purposes and audience, while correctly applying the conventions of language –grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation. Students learn and build upon the skills necessary to write using all four forms: expository, descriptive, persuasive and narrative.
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Science
Science approach at Prestige School: Equal Balance
Prestige School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Our science program (KG- Gr. 8) moves at an accelerated rate covering these 4 strands: life systems, earth and space, structures and mechanisms and matter and energy. Starting in grade 4, students specialize taking separate classes in chemistry, physics and biology.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Prestige School: Equal Balance
Prestige School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Prestige School says:
Our reading program provides students with opportunities to expand their intellectual horizons and to extend and strengthen their literacy skills. As a creative representation of life and experience, at Prestige School, we see literature as raising important questions about the human condition, now and in the past. Our students are exposed to literary works drawn from many genres, historical periods, and cultures, by both female and male writers, that represent a wide range of perspectives and reflect the diversity of Canada and the world.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Prestige School: Core Knowledge
Prestige School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Prestige School says:
Students are exposed to social studies starting from preschool. In primary grades, students learn about the community, Canada, and medieval times. In junior grades, students are exposed to various ancient civilizations and learn how these civilizations have impacted our world today.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Prestige School: Equal Balance
Prestige School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Prestige School says:
In Grades 7 and 8, students are taught history and geography. In history, students are taught to think critically using primary sources, and are tasked with considering the perspectives of those they learn about. Though the history courses focus primarily on Canadian history, students learn about what was going on in other parts of the world at the same time. In geography, students take part in many inquiry-based tasks, project-based learning, and case studies. The grade 7 course focuses on physical geography, while the grade 8 course is centred around human geography.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Prestige School: Equal Balance
Prestige School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Prestige School says:
Students start French instruction in preschool and kindergarten and is offered every year up until grade 12. Students take French daily starting in grade 1 until grade 9. Students have an option of taking Russian instruction starting in kindergarten. Students have Russian instruction two to three times a week. Russian instruction is also offered as a high school credit.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Prestige School: Equal Balance
Prestige School has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Prestige School says:
Prestige School takes pride in their numerous stage shows. Students take part in our Annual Talent Show, Winter Concert, Literacy Celebration, International Café, and the End of Year Concert. Students are exposed to various medias and techniques for visual arts. Dance is offered as a separate class, separate from physical education, once a week. Our music program exposes students to various composers and musicals.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Prestige School: Medium integration
Prestige School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Prestige School says:
Students are exposed to computers studies starting in grade 1 until grade 8. Computer studies is also offered as high school credits. Young students learn the very important skill of typing. Once typing is learned, then students are exposed to various computer programs that will be of use throughout their entire life. Older students are exposed to programming.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Prestige School says:
Our approach aims at helping students develop an understanding of the factors that contribute to healthy development, a sense of personal responsibility for lifelong health, and a respect for their own health in relation to others and the world around them. Our approach focuses on the following three components: active living, movement competence and healthy living. Students actively participate in a wide variety of physical activities while also understanding the responsibility for their safety and safety of others. Student also perform movement skills and learn how to apply movement strategies properly. For the healthy living component, students learn about nutrition and healthy eating.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Prestige School: Not Ontario curriculum
Prestige School has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Prestige School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Prestige School says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Prestige School: Academic
Prestige School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Prestige School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Prestige School's enriched kindergarten program incorporates learning opportunities in the subject strands of mathematics, language, science, social studies, music, French, physical health and education, dance and the visual arts. Our kindergarten program helps to foster the development of many important social, emotional and academic skills. Our program provides opportunities for teacher-guided and student-guided learning experiences. In addition, we use a lot of hands-on exploration of concepts to support their understanding of the world around them.
Language
Learn about Prestige School - Richmond Hill Campus's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Prestige School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Prestige School - Richmond Hill Campus's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
Prestige School - Richmond Hill Campus offers online courses to students.
Course schedule
| Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 9 to 12 | 7 | Jul 02, 2025 — Aug 22, 2025 |
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Prestige School: Accelerated
Prestige School has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What Prestige School says about their curriculum pace:
At Prestige School, we provide our students with an advanced curriculum where students move through traditional curriculum at rates faster than the standard. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
What Prestige School says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Prestige School: Rigorous
Prestige School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Prestige School says about their academic culture:
At Prestige School, students are held to a high academic standard. Students are exposed to an advanced curriculum and teachers provide the necessary help a student would need to succeed in their academics.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Prestige School says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Prestige School offers No support
Prestige School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
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 Prestige School says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Prestige School students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prestige School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Prestige School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | SK to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to JK |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
