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Revel Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Revel Academy: Progressive
Revel Academy has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
International curriculum & programs at Revel Academy: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Revel Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Revel Academy takes a learner-driven, mastery-based approach to curriculum, recognizing that meaningful learning does not happen at the same pace or in the same way for every child. Rather than relying solely on age-based progression, learners build strong foundational skills, demonstrate mastery, and progress according to their individual readiness, strengths and areas for growth. Our approach combines personalized academics with meaningful projects, Socratic discussion, collaboration, mentorship and real-world learning experiences. Learners are encouraged to set goals, make choices, think critically and take increasing ownership of their education while receiving intentional guidance and support from their Guides. We also recognize that movement, flexibility and self-regulation are important parts of learning. Our environment provides opportunities for movement and appropriate breaks throughout the day, helping learners better understand what they need to focus, engage and do their best work. Ultimately, our curriculum develops not only academic competence, but also confidence, character, curiosity, agency and a genuine love of learning.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Revel Academy: Equal Balance
Revel Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Revel Academy says:
Learners engage in a weekly Math Lab where they are invited to notice and wonder about curious, real-life mathematics. They are coached to develop a Growth Mindset, utilize concrete tools as a foundation towards the abstract, and develop deep conceptual understanding by discussing personal strategies and reasoning with their peers as a part of a critical math community working towards procedural fluency. The weekly lab is balanced with daily independent work using adaptive learning technologies, allowing every learner to work at their own pace towards both automaticity with math facts and mastery of grade-level concepts and skills. Learners are encouraged to keep a portfolio throughout the school year, reflecting on strengths and areas of challenge and interest for future learning. This balanced approach allows Revel Rebels to experience Math as a fun, creative and interconnected domain accessible to all learners.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Learners have the opportunity to find what program and delivery method works best for them, making our math program extremely personalized.
Calculator policy:
We want every learner to develop a strong numeracy foundation, if a learner requires a calculator for the purpose of speed and higher level concepts, we are more than happy to provide this tool.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Revel Academy: Balanced Literacy
Revel Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Revel Academy says:
Children learn to read at very different rates. Our approach in our Spark Studio is to provide an environment rich in books and model a love of storytelling and reading. When learners demonstrate an interest in reading, we provide them with tools and direct and guided one-on-one instruction to work on their communication skills, letter sounds, words, and comprehension strategies.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Revel Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Revel Academy: Equal balance
Revel Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Revel Academy says:
Each week, Rebels participate in writing activities designed to foster a variety of 21st-century skills like communication and leadership. Workshops link to other disciplines such as science, technology, humanities, entrepreneurship, and the arts so that writers can explore various genres and connect to different purposes and audiences for writing. Blending other systematic models such as the 6 Traits of Writing permits learners to develop critical competencies in planning, revising and editing their work based on specific criteria relevant to their projects. This development is further supported by daily independent work using adaptive learning technologies which focus on typing skills, phonological awareness, structural analysis, vocabulary and comprehension. The balanced approach engages learners in meaningful writing that they can be excited about each and every day.
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Science
Science approach at Revel Academy: Inquiry
Revel Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
At Revel, our science Quests are designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning through holistic, authentic experimentation. While developing an innovation based on biomimicry, learners work through the design cycle while researching and learning about several biological, chemical, physical, ecological and technical concepts. While studying rocketry, learners experiment with various combinations of chemical components, flight principles, and budgetary constraints. Most importantly, these Quests challenge our learners to take risks and work through frustrations and failures.
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 Revel Academy: Equal Balance
Revel Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Revel Academy says:
It is rare to see time carved out for the joy of reading every day, but at Revel, learners spend at least 30 minutes reading something they love daily. This love of literature and respect for its enjoyment is further scaffolded by engaging, contemporary texts studied together through the Book Clubs or workshops each week. Mentor texts are selected to promote a variety of author voices and experiences and often engage learners in the Hero’s Journey mono-myth template. Understanding protagonists’ failures as the staircase to their triumphs and as a mirror to the Rebels’ learning is the literacy approach’s backbone. In our older studios, learners are encouraged to choose life-changing texts that will help add a new perspective or inspire them on their journey.
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 Revel Academy: Core Knowledge
Revel Academy has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Revel Academy says:
Social Studies at Revel are integrated into weekly Civilizations (Civ) workshops and thematic learning Quests. Civ workshops follow a sequential story of the ancient world, building up disciplinary thinking through Socratic discussions around concepts like historical significance, perspective, continuity and change. Learners connect past and present through discourse, considering social, political, economic and environmental issues. Stories are grounded in mapping activities which help develop spatial skills and a greater understanding of patterns and trends in physical features of geography. Throughout the year, learners also embark on thematic Quests, typically spanning four to six weeks of more concentrated study in one area of culture, citizenship, or stewardship. Learners progress through a series of real-world challenges and work towards an exhibition of learning showcasing their 21st-century abilities (e.g. to collaborate, be discerning and use technology in government and engage in debate).
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Revel Academy: Equal Balance
Revel Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Revel Academy says:
Exploration and Launchpad Studio learners dive into historical, geographical, political, economic, and moral dilemmas, enigmas and puzzles with the help of carefully crafted Socratic discussions and research. Whether stepping in the shoes of a historical figure at a crucial turning point or looking at a given text with a critical lens, learners are asked to debate and make real-life decisions. Our primary goal is to prepare future leaders to make crucial decisions with deep context and perspective, rather than memorize easily Googled facts for testing purposes. We utilize our Acton Academy networks Quests and Civilization discussions, Big History, the World History Project, University courses, and Rules without Rulers to help drive our discourse.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Revel Academy: Communicative
Revel Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Revel Academy says:
We at Revel believe learning a new language should be enjoyable and engaging! Our French Guide works with each studio to create fun activities and games to practice their reading, writing and oral communication skills. Using authentic tasks, our French Guide helps our learners understand the purpose and importance of learning a new language, allowing even our reluctant learners to buy in. Learners have the opportunity to work on their language acquisition skills daily while participating in weekly art, robotics, or woodworking workshops in French.
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 Revel Academy: Creative
Revel 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 Revel Academy says:
The arts are integrated and celebrated at Revel Academy. Drama, dance, music, and visual arts are all incorporated in our Quests and available for self-study throughout the year. Whether staging a play, painting murals, learning anatomy while drawing figures, using graphic design programs to create a business logo, or learning a song to play at an Exhibition, our learners are constantly developing and sharing their creativity and artistic talents. Rebels can also take piano and digital music classes during the day to help ease the after-school rush. In our after-school enrichment programming, learners have the opportunity to study dance, art, and drama further.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Revel Academy: Heavy integration
Revel Academy has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Revel Academy says:
Walking through our studios, you will see learners working daily on computer science, web design, robotics, game creation, animation, podcasting, video editing, computer animated design, and 3D printing. In our Discovery (elementary) and Exploration (middle school) studios, each learner has their own computer to complete their core skills with the help of online adaptive programs. As a learner-driven environment, we are responsible for equipping students to seek answers to their questions safely and efficiently. We, therefore, explicitly and frequently discuss internet safety and all learners take part in self-paced typing lessons.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Revel Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Revel Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
Revel Academy 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:
Revel Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Revel Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Revel Academy: Play-based
Revel Academy has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
What Revel Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our play-based Spark Studio is designed for 4 to 7-year-old learners. We utilize Montessori materials to help our Sparks gain independence and practical life skills while developing concrete understanding with the help of self-correction. Our two guides work with our 15 learners individually, in small groups, and as a full studio each day. Our mornings begin with mindfulness, Circle Time, and end with personalized core skills. In the afternoon, Sparks take part in project and theme based challenges to help develop their collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Language
Learn about Revel Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Revel Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, French
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Revel Academy: Student-paced
Revel Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What Revel Academy says about their curriculum pace:
After initial assessments have been made, learners utilize adaptive programming to work at their own pace and with the help of long-term planning. We do not use age nor grade level distinctions at Revel.
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 Revel Academy says about their flexible pacing:
Flexible pacing allows learners to progress based on mastery and readiness rather than age or arbitrary timelines. Learners can take additional time to strengthen foundational skills or move ahead when ready, creating space for appropriate challenge, deeper understanding, individual interests, and the confidence that comes from meaningful progress.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Revel Academy: Supportive
Revel Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Revel Academy says about their academic culture:
At Revel, our academic culture balances high expectations with personalized growth, mastery and meaningful challenge. Learners are expected to take increasing ownership of their work, set goals, use their time purposefully, seek feedback and persevere when learning becomes difficult. Progress is measured through demonstrated mastery rather than comparison to peers or completion alone. Guides provide mentorship, accountability and individualized support while encouraging learners to develop independence and advocate for what they need. We value curiosity, critical thinking, quality work and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Academic success at Revel is not simply about achieving a particular mark; it is about developing the skills, habits, confidence and character to become a capable, self-directed lifelong learner.
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.
What Revel Academy says about their developmental priorities:
At Revel, we aim to develop thoughtful, capable and confident young people who know how to think, not simply what to think. Learners are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, think critically, solve problems creatively and approach challenges with curiosity and perseverance. Equally important is developing the self-awareness and character to lead themselves well. Through increasing independence, meaningful responsibility, reflection and collaboration, learners develop confidence, resilience, empathy and the ability to advocate for themselves and others. Our goal is for learners to leave Revel knowing who they are, understanding how they learn, and possessing the intellectual and emotional tools to continue growing, adapting and contributing meaningfully wherever their next chapter takes them.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Revel Academy offers Resource Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.
What Revel Academy says about their special need support:
Revel takes a collaborative, whole-village approach to learning support. Our in-house Learning Resource Guide provides targeted literacy and mathematics support to help learners strengthen foundational skills and develop the strategies and confidence needed to access Revel’s programming with increasing independence. Supports may include individualized or small-group instruction, flexible pacing, assistive technology, adapted materials, movement and sensory breaks, executive-function strategies, and accommodations informed by psycho-educational assessments or other professional recommendations. When appropriate, we collaborate with families and outside professionals including tutors, therapists, psychologists and other specialists to create consistency between school and external supports. Our goal is not to create dependence on adult assistance, but to provide intentional scaffolding that builds each learner’s skills, self-awareness, self-advocacy and capacity to participate successfully and independently in the Revel environment.
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 Revel Academy says about their gifted learner support:
Due to our program's self-paced nature, gifted learners can work at their challenge level. As parents of these children know, being gifted does not equate with high academic performance. Recognizing that many gifted learners have an asynchronous learning profile, Revel works to challenge students in areas of strength while helping to develop skills that need more support. Our vital SEL component also provides our gifted learners with strategies for emotional intensity, perfectionism, and social situations.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Revel Academy students perform an average of No homework of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revel Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Revel 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 |
|---|---|
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
