Renfrew Educational Services ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
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Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Renfrew: Traditional
Renfrew has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Renfrew says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At Renfrew Educational Services, the curriculum is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique learning needs of each child through a holistic, strength-based, and developmentally appropriate approach. Rooted in evidence-based practices and aligned with Alberta Education’s Program of Studies, the curriculum integrates academic, social-emotional, communication, and life skills learning. Multidisciplinary teams—including teachers, therapists, and educational assistants (Child Development Facilitators) —collaborate to create individualized Program plans (IPPs) that promote meaningful growth and inclusion. Emphasis is placed on building foundational skills through play-based learning, structured routines, and experiential opportunities that foster curiosity, confidence, and independence. This inclusive and flexible curriculum model supports the success of children with diverse abilities in a nurturing and engaging environment.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Renfrew: Traditional Math
Renfrew has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Renfrew: Balanced Literacy
Renfrew has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Renfrew: Systematic approach
Renfrew has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Systematic approach?]What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Renfrew: Expository
Renfrew has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]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
Literature approach at Renfrew: Traditional
Renfrew has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
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 Renfrew: Core Knowledge
Renfrew has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
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 Renfrew: Creative
Renfrew 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 Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Renfrew: Medium integration
Renfrew has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Renfrew: Alberta curriculum
Renfrew has an Alberta curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Alberta curriculum?]What Renfrew says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Renfrew: Play-based
Renfrew has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What Renfrew says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
At Renfrew Educational Services, the preschool and kindergarten programs are grounded in a Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) framework and a play-based learning philosophy that honours the individuality of each child. These programs are thoughtfully designed to support young learners with diverse abilities through a nurturing, inclusive, and responsive environment that promotes whole-child development. Renfrew recognizes that children learn best through play, especially in the early years. As such, play is not only encouraged but is intentionally structured to foster exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and relationship-building. Classrooms are rich with opportunities for active, hands-on learning that reflect children's interests, cultural backgrounds, and developmental stages.
Language
Learn about Renfrew Educational Services's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Renfrew offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Renfrew: Student-paced
Renfrew has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Renfrew says about their curriculum pace:
Renfrew’s curriculum is fully individualized, allowing each student to progress at their own pace based on personalized goals. Academic, developmental, and therapeutic objectives are tailored to meet the unique needs, strengths, and readiness of each child, ensuring meaningful growth rather than adherence to standardized timelines.
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 Renfrew says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Renfrew: Supportive
Renfrew has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Renfrew says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
What Renfrew says about their developmental priorities:
At Renfrew Educational Services, our developmental priorities focus on nurturing the whole child through individualized, strength-based support. We emphasize early communication, social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and foundational academic skills within inclusive, play-based environments. Guided by Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), our multidisciplinary teams collaborate to promote each child’s confidence, independence, and ability to engage meaningfully with others. We meet children where they are and support their growth across all domains—cognitive, physical, social, and emotional—ensuring they are prepared for lifelong learning and success.
Special needs support
Renfrew is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
What Renfrew says about their special need support:
Renfrew Educational Services provides specialized programming for children with a wide range of developmental, physical, emotional, and learning needs. Each student receives an individualized program plan (IPP) tailored to their strengths, challenges, and goals. Classrooms are highly structured, inclusive, and supported by small student-to-staff ratios. Accommodations and modifications are thoughtfully implemented to support access, participation, and achievement—this may include visual schedules, assistive technology, sensory regulation tools, adapted materials, and alternative communication methods. A collaborative team of certified teachers and on-site therapists—including speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and behavioural specialists—work together to integrate therapeutic strategies directly into daily routines. This holistic, team-based model ensures that each child receives consistent, meaningful support across all areas of development, helping them build the skills needed for lifelong learning and well-being.
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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 Renfrew says:
Renfrew Educational Services is not suited for students with a learning disabilities.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
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 Renfrew says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 6, Renfrew students perform an average of No homework of homework per night.
| PS | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renfrew | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins |
| Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 16 mins | 20 mins | 26 mins | 32 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins |
What Renfrew says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 6 |