Richland Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Summary
- Curriculum
Progressive, International Baccalaureate - Preschool/K Curriculum
Reggio Emilia - Language
English - Curriculum Pace
Standard-enriched - Academic Culture
Rigorous - Developmental priorities
Balanced - Special needs support
Resource Assistance - Gifted learner support
In-class adaptations - Extracurriculars
Available
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Richland Academy: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Richland Academy has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
Richland Academy has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
What Richland Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We offer Reggio-inspired inquiry learning within the International Baccalaureate framework, cultivating students who are deeper thinking, confident and world ready. We are committed to excellence, which resonates through the work of our students and teachers. Our rich and challenging curriculum ensures we deliver a solid academic foundation, which is enhanced by our comprehensive Arts programming. We are a warm and welcoming school that delivers personalized learning to ensure that no student is left behind. Within this supportive environment, we explore the Ontario curriculum and prepare students for future academic success.
International Baccalaureate offered
Program | offered |
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Primary Years | |
Middle Years | |
Diploma program | |
Career-related program |
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Richland Academy: Equal Balance
Richland Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Richland Academy says:
We take the three part math lesson approach: computation, conceptual understanding, and problem solving within real life contexts.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are accepted in the Intermediate years.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Richland Academy: Balanced Literacy
Richland Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Richland Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Richland Academy says:
We administer diagnostic testing on an ongoing basis, throughout the course of the school year.
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Writing
Writing approach at Richland Academy: Equal balance
Richland Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Richland Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Richland Academy: Inquiry
Richland Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]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 Richland Academy: Equal Balance
Richland Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Richland Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Richland Academy: Expanding Communities
Richland Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Richland Academy says:
We approach Social Studies through an Inquiry model, under the umbrella of the big ideas as outlined in the Ontario Social Studies curriculum and IB Framework.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Richland Academy: Equal Balance
Richland Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Richland Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Richland Academy: Equal Balance
Richland Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Richland Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Richland Academy: Equal Balance
Richland Academy 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 Richland Academy says:
Richland students are taught core studio skills and given many opportunities to apply these skills expressively and creatively.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Richland Academy: Medium integration
Richland Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Richland Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Richland Academy says:
Richland students strive for excellence in everything they do, including sports. Our students are exposed to a breadth of skills appropriate to their development over the course of their elementary education. From a very early age, the physical education curriculum at Richland is designed to develop large motor skills, as well as fine motor skills, and self-regulation. Students experience a program of sports ranging from basketball, soccer, badminton, golf, and track and field. These sports are complemented with other physical training such as yoga and boxing.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Richland Academy: Ontario curriculum
Richland Academy has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Richland Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Richland Academy says:
We follow the Ontario Curriculum.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Richland Academy: Reggio Emilia
Richland Academy has a Reggio Emilia approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Academic approach).
What Richland Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Reggio-inspired kindergarten classrooms transition children to an enriched and personalized curriculum while they continue their journey of wonder, exploration and discovery. Students explore the Ontario curriculum within the International Baccalaureate framework, and engage in rich, hands-on experiences that foster creative thinking and problem solving.
Language
Learn about Richland Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Richland Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Hebrew
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Richland Academy: Standard-enriched
Richland Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Richland Academy says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 Richland Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Richland Academy: Rigorous
Richland Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Richland Academy says about their academic culture:
We are a warm and welcoming school that sets high standards for its students and then supports them to achieve those targets.
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 Richland Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Richland 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.
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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 |
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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 |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
What Richland Academy says:
Richland Academy provides an inclusive program which supports all learners within the classroom. Students remain in a regular classroom and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within or outside the classroom from a qualified special education teacher. Our learning strategist reviews and creates IEP's and student growth plans which are shared with the staff. Based on the IEP's and growth plans; accommodations and modifications are put into place to ensure student success.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
In-class adaptations
Program | Offered |
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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 Richland Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 7, Richland Academy students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
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Richland Academy | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Richland Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 8 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
Richland Academy offers 6 competitive sports and 12 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Lacrosse
- Martial Arts
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Richland Academy offers 19 clubs and extracurricular programs.
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