The 2026 OUR KIDS Private School Expo is coming to cities near you. Get your family pass
Indirect Support:
Ridley College ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
- Facts and analysis
- Qualitative insights
- A rigorous academic environment balanced by individualized support.
- The International Baccalaureate programme is a cornerstone of Ridley's academic culture.
- Small classes and committed teachers make personalized education a reality.
- Holistic education and traditions create a dynamic learning journey.
- Excellence spanning academics, athletics, and arts defines student life.
- A range of academic pathways accommodates diverse learning preferences.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Ridley College: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Ridley College has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]
Ridley College 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.
International curriculum & programs at Ridley College: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Ridley College says about their overall curriculum and approach:
A ticket to the world in your hand, the keys to knowledge in your pocket, true friends by your side, and the resources of a legacy at your back. Ridley College is a school of the world that prepares students for the world. Co-educational, Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 with a Post-Graduate option and boarding beginning in Grade 6, Ridley College is certified in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, making Ridley one of 15 International Baccalaureate continuum schools in Canada and the only co-educational boarding school in Canada with this distinction. A Canadian school born of the new world yet built on classical British boarding school roots, Ridley offers students a forward-looking and rigorous university preparatory education relevant to the most selective colleges and universities around the globe.
International Baccalaureate program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Ridley College: Equal Balance
Ridley College has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Ridley College says:
The Math Department at Ridley College is committed to meeting each student where they are through differentiated instruction that provides both support and challenge, utilizing a blend of traditional and inquiry-based learning approaches within the Ontario and IB Diploma curricula. We believe in assessing mathematical understanding through multiple lenses—knowledge and understanding, thinking and inquiry, communication, and application—while fostering deep problem-solving skills through enrichment opportunities like our Math Contest Club.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are regularly used in math classes. In most classes a scientific calculator is appropriate. For the IB DP math class a graphic calculator is required. We recommend the TI-84 Plus CE
-
Early Reading
What Ridley College says:
In the Lower School, we employ a structured literacy programme that draws on a variety of resources to support our young learners including SMARTER Intervention and Lexia. Both are comprehensive tools with a focus on essential early literacy skills including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. We use multifaceted benchmark assessments, such as SMARTER Intervention, DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), and OWA (Ontario Writing Assessment) to monitor and guide our instruction. These assessments help us identify areas where students may need additional support and allow us to adjust our teaching strategies accordingly. Additionally, we believe in the importance of applying literacy skills in a transdisciplinary manner. This means that our students are not only learning to read and write in isolation but are also using these skills across various subjects and real-life contexts through our units of inquiry.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Ridley College says:
See above.
-
Writing
Writing approach at Ridley College: Equal balance
Ridley College has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Ridley College says:
See Early Reading .
-
Science
Science approach at Ridley College: Inquiry
Ridley College has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Science classes are taught through a combination of experiential and inquiry style learning. Students conduct labs and use simulations to gather data to evaluate. Science learning involves survey courses that look at a number of different subjects up until grade 10. In grade 11 students can specialize in any combination of biology, chemistry computer science, design technology, environmental systems & societies and physics.
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 Ridley College: Equal Balance
Ridley College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Ridley College says:
Literature is studied with a balanced approach that reflects a range of periods, authors, genres, and locations around the world. At the grade 11 and 12 level there are 3 versions of the class to choose from, English Literature focuses specifically on all different types of Literature. English Language and Literature balances the study of literature with other language useage in advertising, blogs, editorial cartoons and more. Finally, English Literature and Performance looks at literature through an arts lens considering how works are staged.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
What Ridley College says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Ridley College: Equal Balance
Ridley College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Ridley College says:
Ridley College’s “Equal Balance” approach to Humanities and Social Sciences integrates the enduring ideas of Perennialism with the experiential, inquiry-driven methods of Pragmatism. This balanced philosophy is reflected in the school’s adoption of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, which emphasizes academic rigor and global relevance. Students engage deeply with classical texts and foundational concepts while also applying their learning to contemporary issues and real-world contexts. The result is a curriculum that fosters intellectual depth and practical understanding.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Ridley College: Equal Balance
Ridley College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Ridley College says:
Ridley College’s “Equal Balance” approach to Humanities and Social Sciences integrates the enduring ideas of Perennialism with the experiential, inquiry-driven methods of Pragmatism. This balanced philosophy is reflected in the school’s adoption of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, which emphasizes academic rigor and global relevance. Students engage deeply with classical texts and foundational concepts while also applying their learning to contemporary issues and real-world contexts. The result is a curriculum that fosters intellectual depth and practical understanding.
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 Ridley College: Equal Balance
Ridley College 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 Ridley College says:
The Fine Arts at Ridley College is unique as the school offers world class studio resources and a student body that brings to the learning experience a diverse range of cultural perspectives. The first key role of arts education is to facilitate the development of fundamental skills that enhance a student’s capacity to engage with tasks involving refined hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning and fine motor control. The second key role of arts education is the development of an awareness of the arts as an essential component of civilization. Most importantly, students gain an understanding of why creativity, self-expression and the pursuit of aesthetic form are fundamental aspects of life. We are excited to be able to offer Visual Arts, Film and Music as IB Courses, with IB Literature and Performance providing the creative outlet for our thespians.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Ridley College: Heavy integration
Ridley College has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Ridley College says:
We offer Computer Science for grades 10-12 with computers integrated in all classes, and computer heavy use in many arts courses.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Ridley College says:
Ridley offers PE courses from grades 9-12. All students take PE in grade 9. All students are also involved in co-curricular sports.
IB Diploma courses
Group 1 (Language A)
- English Literature SL
- English Literature HL
- English language and literature SL
- English language and literature HL
- Literature and Performance SL
Group 2 (Language B)
- French SL
- French HL
- Spanish ab initio SL
- German ab initio SL
- Mandarin ab initio SL
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
- Business and Management SL
- Business and Management HL
- Economics SL
- Economics HL
- History SL
- History HL
- Psychology SL
- Psychology HL
Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
- Chemistry SL
- Chemistry HL
- Biology SL
- Biology HL
- Physics SL
- Physics HL
- Design Technology SL
- Design Technology HL
- Computer Science SL
- Computer Science HL
- Environmental Systems SL
Group 5 (Mathematics)
- Mathematical Studies SL
- Mathematics SL
- Mathematics HL
Group 6 (The Arts)
- Music SL
- Music HL
- Visual Arts SL
- Visual Arts HL
- Film SL
- Film HL
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Ridley College: Ontario curriculum
Ridley College 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:
Ridley College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Ridley College says:
Sex and Health Education is taught both through PE courses and through our advisory program.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Ridley College: Academic
Ridley College has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Ridley College says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
The Kindergarten programme at Ridley College provides a rich and stimulating inquiry and play-based learning environment that enables students to develop a sense of curiosity and an understanding of the world around them. Classroom materials and artifacts are carefully selected to support student learning and spark creativity. The Kindergarten programme at Ridley College not only supports holistic development of the child - cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development - it provides learning opportunities that instill growth-mindset and support overall well-being, mental health, and resiliency in each child.
Language
Learn about Ridley College's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Ridley College offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Spanish, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Ridley College: Accelerated
Ridley College has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What Ridley College says about their curriculum pace:
A forward-looking and rigorous programme that prepares students for a university education and a bright future. Ridley offers the IB programme, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and a variety of summer programmes. Ridley offers a robust co-curricular programme in residential life, the arts, athletics, leadership, and community service.
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 Ridley College says about their flexible pacing:
Ridley is able to work with students and families that have unusual time commitments provided that students are able to meet academic course requirements.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Ridley College: Rigorous
Ridley College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Ridley College says about their academic culture:
Ridley College as an IB Continuum school has a rigorous approach to academics. That said, Ridley is a highly supportive school with a large team looking out for each student. Individual plans can be made and supported to help all students find successes.
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 Ridley College says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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: 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.
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 Ridley College says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Ridley College students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridley College | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Ridley College 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 | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 12 |
