Indirect Support:
Pretty River Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Pretty River Academy: Progressive, Reggio Emilia
Pretty River Academy has a Progressive, Reggio Emilia approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, Reggio Emilia?]
Pretty River Academy has a Reggio Emilia approach to supplementary 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 Pretty River Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Pretty River Academy’s curriculum delivery model thoughtfully balances traditional, liberal arts, and progressive educational philosophies while remaining fully aligned with the Overall and Specific Expectations outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Foundational academic skills, procedural fluency, and discipline-specific knowledge in literacy, mathematics, science, and second language acquisition are explicitly taught to ensure rigour, mastery, and strong academic grounding. At the same time, PRA embraces the principles of a liberal arts education by cultivating intellectual curiosity, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged not only to acquire knowledge, but also to ask meaningful questions, reflect deeply, and consider multiple perspectives. These approaches are enriched through inquiry-based and experiential learning opportunities that place student engagement, collaboration, and authentic problem solving at the center of the learning process. Through integrated units of inquiry, outdoor education, STEAM initiatives, and interdisciplinary projects, students apply learning in meaningful contexts. Drawing from Reggio Emilia, Project Zero (Harvard), RULER (Yale), and The Future Design School, PRA develops resilient, curious, collaborative, and self-directed learners prepared for an evolving world.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Pretty River Academy: Traditional Math
Pretty River Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Pretty River Academy says:
Pretty River Academy approaches mathematics through a spiral curriculum model in which students revisit and deepen understanding across all strands each year, including number sense, algebra, geometry, measurement, data management, financial literacy, and problem solving. This approach builds fluency, confidence, and conceptual understanding while helping students connect mathematics to real-world applications. Instruction emphasizes procedural mastery and higher-order thinking through collaborative problem solving, math games, inquiry-based learning, and rich performance tasks designed to foster curiosity, resilience, and mathematical reasoning. Students are enriched through participation in the Tungsten Cup and the University of Waterloo Gauss Mathematics Contests for students in Grades 2 through 8. Additional support is provided through after-school mathematics clinics and the before-school Booster Club, ensuring personalized intervention, encouragement, and opportunities for success at all levels.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Beginning in Grade 6, students may use basic calculators for selected mathematics activities and assessments at the teacher’s discretion. Calculators must support computation only and may not solve equations or provide step-by-step solutions. Their use supports efficiency and problem solving while maintaining strong foundational numeracy skills.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Pretty River Academy: Balanced Literacy
Pretty River Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Pretty River Academy says:
Pretty River Academy's approach to early literacy combines the strengths of a balanced literacy framework with evidence-based practices informed by the Science of Reading. Students develop foundational reading and writing skills through rich exposure to high-quality literature, meaningful language experiences, guided reading, shared reading, and independent reading opportunities. Complementing this whole-language approach, explicit and systematic phonics instruction is provided through the UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) program, ensuring students develop strong phonemic awareness, decoding, encoding, fluency, and word recognition skills. Literacy instruction is differentiated to meet students where they are and is supported through small-group instruction, ongoing assessment, and targeted intervention when needed. By combining authentic reading and writing experiences with structured literacy practices, PRA seeks to develop confident, capable readers, writers, and communicators who enjoy reading and possess the skills necessary for lifelong learning and academic success.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Pretty River Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Pretty River Academy: Equal balance
Pretty River Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Pretty River Academy says:
At Pretty River Academy, writing is viewed as both a creative and essential form of communication. Through our structured Writer's Workshop program, students develop confidence, voice, and technical skill as writers. The process begins by encouraging students to write freely, allowing imagination, curiosity, and creativity to flourish. As students grow, they receive explicit instruction in the writing process, using graphic organizers, mentor texts, and targeted feedback to help them plan, organize, revise, and refine their work. Throughout the year, students explore a wide range of genres, including narrative, informational, opinion, persuasive, and poetic writing. Strong emphasis is placed on idea development, organization, descriptive language, editing, and revision. Students learn that effective writing is a process of drafting, reflecting, and improving over time. Our goal is to nurture confident, capable communicators who can express their ideas clearly, creatively, and persuasively in an ever-changing world.
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Science
Science approach at Pretty River Academy: Inquiry
Pretty River Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Science at Pretty River Academy is taught as a specialty program from Grade 3 through Grade 8 in a dedicated science laboratory and is fully aligned with the Ontario Curriculum. Our approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to experience science as a process of investigation, discovery, and critical thinking rather than simply the acquisition of facts. While students develop a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and concepts, considerable emphasis is placed on asking questions, developing hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting evidence, and drawing conclusions. Through hands-on investigations, laboratory experiences, engineering challenges, and project-based learning, students actively engage in the practices of scientists. This approach develops scientific literacy, problem-solving skills, creativity, and intellectual curiosity while fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. Students learn not only scientific content, but also how to think scientifically, communicate findings, and apply evidence-based reasoning.
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 Pretty River Academy: Traditional
Pretty River Academy has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Pretty River Academy says:
Pretty River Academy’s literature program is designed to help students become thoughtful, capable, lifelong readers who read closely, think deeply, and communicate clearly. As students move through the curriculum, they engage with novels, short stories, poetry, Shakespeare, and informational texts that build comprehension, vocabulary, literary analysis, and evidence-based writing. Texts are chosen to invite rich discussion, perspective-taking, and connection to enduring questions as students examine voice, structure, theme, character, context, and author’s craft. Inquiry guides learning students. Students ask meaningful questions, gather evidence, synthesize ideas, and develop interpretations that are communicated through speaking and writing. In Middle School, students study a Shakespearean play each year and attend a live performance in Stratford, deepening their appreciation for language, performance, and literary tradition while building confidence as curious, critical, resilient readers.
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 Pretty River Academy: Thematic
Pretty River Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Pretty River Academy says:
Social Studies at Pretty River Academy is taught through an inquiry-based, student-centred approach that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and active citizenship. Aligned with the Ontario Curriculum, students explore heritage, identity, citizenship, communities, and the environment through meaningful investigations, experiential learning, field studies, and project-based activities. Rather than simply learning about the world, students are encouraged to ask questions, examine multiple perspectives, analyze evidence, and make connections between past and present. Social Studies is enriched through purposeful integration with other disciplines. Students apply mathematical skills through mapping, graphing, and data analysis, strengthen research and communication skills through Language, and deepen understanding through artistic expression. French language learning further supports cultural awareness and global citizenship. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students develop a strong sense of belonging, responsibility, and connection to both their local community and the wider world.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Pretty River Academy: Equal Balance
Pretty River Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Pretty River Academy says:
Humanities at Pretty River Academy is designed to develop informed, engaged, and responsible citizens who understand the connections between people, places, cultures, and events. Following the Ontario Curriculum, students explore Canadian identity, history, geography, global issues, and diverse perspectives while developing critical thinking, inquiry, research, and communication skills. Through the analysis of evidence, discussion of contemporary issues, and investigation of historical and geographic questions, students learn to think deeply about their role within local, national, and global communities. The program emphasizes experiential learning through field studies, visits to museums, galleries, and heritage sites, and exploration of the natural and cultural features of our region. These authentic learning experiences help students connect classroom learning to the world around them while fostering curiosity, environmental stewardship, cultural understanding, and civic responsibility. Students are encouraged to become thoughtful, informed citizens who contribute positively to society.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Pretty River Academy: Communicative
Pretty River Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Pretty River Academy says:
French language learning at Pretty River Academy is offered from JK through Grade 8 and is designed to develop confidence, fluency, and an appreciation for French language and culture. Following the Ontario Curriculum, students engage in authentic, action-oriented learning experiences that emphasize meaningful communication through conversation, role-play, projects, songs, stories, games, and collaborative activities. Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while building the confidence to communicate effectively in French. The program fosters cultural awareness and an understanding of the diverse Francophone communities of Canada and the world. In addition to language proficiency, learning French supports cognitive development, creativity, problem-solving, and mental flexibility. By creating engaging and purposeful opportunities to use French, PRA helps students develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed to become lifelong language learners and global citizens.
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 Pretty River Academy: Creative
Pretty River Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Pretty River Academy says:
The Fine Arts program at Pretty River Academy is founded on the belief that every child is creative and capable of self-expression. Through visual arts, drama, dance, and music, students are encouraged to explore ideas, take creative risks, and develop confidence in their unique voice. Learning is hands-on, collaborative, and integrated across the curriculum, helping students make meaningful connections between the arts and other areas of study. Students develop technical skills while engaging their imagination through performance, movement, artistic creation, and musical exploration. In the early years, learning is inspired by play, storytelling, nature, and seasonal themes. As students mature, they explore increasingly sophisticated artistic concepts, techniques, and forms of expression. Opportunities such as performances, productions, Integrated Arts Night, digital design, and 3D printing encourage students to communicate ideas creatively while building confidence, critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience—skills that support lifelong learning and innovation.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Pretty River Academy: Medium integration
Pretty River Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Pretty River Academy says:
Pretty River Academy integrates technology with purpose, balance, and teacher guidance. Students in Grades 2–8 have access to school-managed 1:1 devices. Digital tools are only used when they strengthen learning: to research, create, collaborate, code, communicate, document thinking, access supports, or share work with an authentic audience. Technology integration does not replace handwriting, reading, discussion, outdoor learning, experiential learning, face-to-face collaboration, or sustained thinking. Technology instruction is aligned with our Resilient Learner framework. Students learn to use devices as tools rather than shortcuts, with attention to focus, self-direction, digital citizenship, academic integrity, evaluation of sources, privacy, and healthy technology habits. Teachers monitor use carefully and meet as an academic team to ensure technology is developmentally appropriate, purposeful, and connected to curriculum goals. The aim is future readiness without compromising critical thinking, communication, curiosity, or connection.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Pretty River Academy says:
Physical Education and Athletics at Pretty River Academy are designed to promote physical literacy, healthy active living, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship while fostering a lifelong appreciation for movement and wellness. Aligned with the Ontario Curriculum, our program emphasizes skill development, fitness, game strategy, and personal goal setting through a variety of individual and team activities. Lessons are carefully structured to balance skill instruction, practice, and authentic gameplay while maintaining a strong focus on safety, inclusion, and positive participation. Beyond the classroom, students have opportunities to participate in competitive athletics, tournaments, and interschool competitions in sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and cross-country running. Through both Physical Education and athletics, students develop resilience, confidence, collaboration, leadership, and perseverance while learning the value of fair play, personal responsibility, and healthy competition.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Pretty River Academy: Ontario curriculum
Pretty River Academy has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]What Pretty River Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Pretty River Academy: Reggio Emilia
Pretty River Academy has a Reggio Emilia approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Academic approach).
[Show: About Reggio Emilia?]
What Pretty River Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Pretty River Academy’s Preschool program adapts best practices from the Reggio Emilia approach, creating a child-centered environment that values curiosity, creativity, exploration, and play-based learning both indoors and outdoors. Students engage in inquiry-driven experiences designed to foster communication, collaboration, self-regulation, and early literacy and numeracy development. Each day includes approximately two hours of outdoor play and exploration, nature walks across our 40-acre property, and regular use of the gymnasium to support gross motor development and physical well-being. Children also enjoy a farm-to-table lunch prepared daily by our chef, helping to cultivate healthy habits, community, and an appreciation for nutrition and sustainability. The program emphasizes joyful learning experiences that nurture independence, confidence, resilience, and a strong connection to the natural world.
Language
Learn about Pretty River Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Pretty River Academy is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
| English - 90% | French - 10% | ||||||||
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Pretty River Academy'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.
Pretty River Academy offers online courses to students.
Course schedule
| Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full year | 8 to 8 | 1 | Sep 07, 2026 — Jun 18, 2027 |
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
What Pretty River Academy says about their course format:
Distance: Pretty River Academy offers limited online learning opportunities for select Grade 8 students who have demonstrated successful completion and mastery of Grade 8 curriculum expectations. In these cases, students may be approved to begin a Grade 9 online course while continuing their studies at PRA. This opportunity is intended to support appropriately accelerated learners and has most commonly been implemented in Mathematics and French. Students are carefully monitored to ensure they possess the academic readiness, independence, organizational skills, and maturity necessary to succeed in an online learning environment while maintaining balance within their broader educational experience.
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 Pretty River Academy: Standard-enriched
Pretty River Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Pretty River Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Pretty River Academy enriches learning through experiential opportunities including overnight camp, culminating Grade 8 trips, day excursions, student TED Talks, Science Fair, robotics, coding, and 3D design exploration. After-school literacy, numeracy, and French clinics, alongside diverse co-curricular programs, foster curiosity, creativity, resilience, leadership, and meaningful student engagement beyond the classroom.
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 Pretty River Academy says about their flexible pacing:
Pretty River Academy uses multi-age classrooms, ability grouping, and differentiated instruction to personalize learning and support students at their individual stage of development. These approaches foster collaboration, leadership, confidence, and flexibility while allowing teachers to adapt instruction, pacing, and assessment to meet diverse academic, social, and emotional learning needs.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Pretty River Academy: Supportive
Pretty River Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Pretty River Academy says about their academic culture:
Pretty River Academy fosters a supportive academic culture grounded in high expectations, curiosity, and personal growth. Through our Resilient Learner Framework and integration of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence RULER approach to social-emotional learning, students develop self-awareness, resilience, collaboration, and confidence alongside strong academic foundations. While academic achievement is valued, the school emphasizes process, perseverance, inquiry, and a lifelong love of learning over short-term outcomes alone. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, reflect on their growth, and engage meaningfully with their learning. This balanced approach cultivates both ambition and well-being within a nurturing environment that supports students academically, socially, and emotionally while preparing them to thrive in an evolving world.
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: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Pretty River Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Pretty River Academy offers Withdrawal Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
What Pretty River Academy says about their special need support:
Pretty River Academy supports students with identified learning needs through a Student Learning Plan (SLP) model designed to provide individualized accommodations while maintaining grade-level expectations whenever possible. Following a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment, the school works collaboratively with families, teachers, and outside professionals to identify strategies and supports that promote student success, confidence, and engagement. Accommodations may include differentiated instruction, organizational supports, assistive technology, alternative assessment methods, targeted intervention, and classroom strategies tailored to a student’s learning profile. Our goal is to help students develop as confident, capable, and resilient learners within a nurturing and academically supportive environment. In rare cases, and when considered in the best interest of both the child and the broader classroom environment, thoughtful modifications to grade-level expectations may be implemented collaboratively to ensure meaningful progress, well-being, and long-term student success.
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 |
What Pretty River Academy says:
Pretty River Academy strives to meet students where they are developmentally and academically, recognizing that learning needs may evolve over time. When indicators of a potential learning difficulty emerge, the school works collaboratively with families to better understand and support the student’s needs. This may include recommending a psychoeducational assessment to help inform accommodations, strategies, or programming adjustments. Where appropriate, families may also be encouraged to access external supports such as tutoring, therapeutic services, or specialized interventions. In some cases, additional in-school support may be recommended at the family’s expense. While PRA is not a specialized learning support school, we carefully assess whether we can appropriately support each child within our program while maintaining their confidence, well-being, and academic success.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Pretty River Academy says about their gifted learner support:
Pretty River Academy supports gifted and high-achieving learners through personalized enrichment opportunities tailored to student strengths, interests, and readiness. Supports may include custom subject enrichment, guided independent study, subject acceleration, mentorship, and project-based learning opportunities that encourage deeper inquiry, creativity, innovation, and intellectual challenge while fostering independence, curiosity, and self-direction.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Pretty River Academy students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pretty River Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 32 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 61 mins |
What Pretty River Academy 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 | Gr. 6 to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
