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in-depth report
OUR KIDS Report:
Report on Sacred Heart School of Halifax
TOPICS
Grades JK — 12 — Halifax, NS (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Sacred Heart School of Halifax
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

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Sacred Heart School of Halifax ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Insider community voices

Hear directly from Sacred Heart School of Halifax community as they share insights into the Academics.

Dennis Phillips, Leadership, Sacred Heart School of Halifax - text snippet underneath video thumbnail - academics
Leadership

Dennis Phillips

Describes the typical student journey at the school.

Curriculum Traditional

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at Sacred Heart: Traditional

Sacred Heart has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Traditional?]

Our Kids definition: Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

Compare Sacred Heart's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 12%
  Progressive - 34%
  Montessori - 12%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 2%

International curriculum & programs at Sacred Heart: Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What Sacred Heart says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Students develop a strong foundation of academic excellence, through good study habits, solid organizational skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence. We also use an Advanced Placement (AP) program in Senior School.


Approach

Focus Religious-based
Academic Christian (Roman Catholic)

If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
If you want to learn more about Catholic education, check out our comprehensive guide.

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Traditional Math

    Mathematics approach at Sacred Heart: Traditional Math

    Sacred Heart has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional Math?]

    Our Kids definition: Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Traditional math - 27%
      Discovery math - 6%
      Equal balance - 67%

    What Sacred Heart 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.

  • Early Reading

    Balanced Literacy

    Early Reading approach at Sacred Heart: Balanced Literacy

    Sacred Heart has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    Our Kids definition: Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Balanced literacy - 50%
      Phonics-intensive - 48%
      Whole language - 2%

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

    DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Equal balance

    Writing approach at Sacred Heart: Equal balance

    Sacred Heart has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 78%
      Systematic approach - 11%
      Process approach - 11%

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at Sacred Heart: Equal Balance

    Sacred Heart has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 7%
      Inquiry - 25%

    Teaching approach:

    This information is not currently available.


    Treatment of evolution:

    SubjectOffered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at Sacred Heart: Equal Balance

    Sacred Heart has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 25%
      Social justice - 2%

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies

    Expanding Communities

    Social Studies approach at Sacred Heart: Expanding Communities

    Sacred Heart has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

    Our Kids definition: The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Expanding communities - 28%
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Thematic - 33%

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Sacred Heart: Equal Balance

    Sacred Heart has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 79%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 13%

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Equal Balance

    Foreign Languages approach at Sacred Heart: Equal Balance

    Sacred Heart has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 64%
      Audio-lingual - 4%
      Communicative - 32%

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts

    Equal Balance

    Fine Arts approach at Sacred Heart: Equal Balance

    Sacred Heart has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 63%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 36%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Sacred Heart: Medium integration

    Sacred Heart has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Our Kids definition: Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 52%
      Light integration - 22%
      Heavy integration - 26%

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Religious Education

    We have one or two required religion courses.

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Advanced Placement courses

    6 courses
    • AP Calculus AB
    • AP Chemistry
    • AP English Language and Composition
    • AP English Literature and Composition
    • AP European History
    • AP French Language

  • Sex and health education

    Not Nova Scotia curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Sacred Heart: Not Nova Scotia curriculum

    Sacred Heart has a Not Nova Scotia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

    [Show: About Not Nova Scotia curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

    Compare Sacred Heart's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 43%
      Follows provincial curriculum - 57%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    Sacred Heart has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What Sacred Heart says:

    This information is not currently available.

Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based

[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Sacred Heart: Play-based

Sacred Heart has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).

[Show: About Play-based?]

Our Kids definition: Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

Compare Sacred Heart's Preschool/K Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Play-based - 20%
  Montessori - 29%
  Waldorf - 2%
  Reggio emilia - 7%
  Academic - 42%

What Sacred Heart says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

In our JP program, play is encouraged, yet purposeful, and structured learning is enriching, exciting, and fun. We nurture the best in your child while laying the foundation for spiritual, emotional, and social growth.

Language trilingual

Learn about Sacred Heart School of Halifax's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Sacred Heart is a trilingual school with English, French, Spanish as the primary language of instruction

English - 70% French - 20% Spanish - 10%

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at Sacred Heart: Standard-enriched

Sacred Heart has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Standard-enriched?]

Our Kids definition: Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

Compare Sacred Heart's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Standard-enriched - 54%
  Accelerated - 18%
  Student-paced - 28%

What Sacred Heart says about their curriculum pace:

This information is not currently available.


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 Sacred Heart says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

Academic Culture Rigorous

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at Sacred Heart: Rigorous

Sacred Heart has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

Compare Sacred Heart's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 51%
  Supportive - 49%

What Sacred Heart says about their academic culture:

This information is not currently available.

Developmental priorities Balanced

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

What Sacred Heart says about their developmental priorities:

We are renowned for academic excellence. It starts with small classes, a relational approach to teaching, and a tailored approach to students. We nurture a love of learning early in our Elementary School with a solid academic foundation that develops the whole child. We then build on that foundation in the Senior School with a rigorous curriculum, a focus on critical thinking, and encouragement of a growth mindset. We adhere to our Five Goals, which call on us to educate our students with faith, a deep respect for intellectual values, social awareness that impels to action, building of community, and personal growth. Our goal is for our students to be the best in the world and for the world.

Special needs support No support

[Show definition of Special needs support]

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

Sacred Heart offers No support

Sacred Heart offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Indirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:

Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (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.
    Dyscalculia
    This 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.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This 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 Deficit
    A 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.
  • Developmental
    Autism
    Refers 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 Syndrome
    On 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 syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This 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 syndrome
    This 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 Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled 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 Depression
    This 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 anxiety
    This 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 thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This 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.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This 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 palsy
    his 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 dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This 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.
    Blindness
    Visual 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."
    Deafness
    Hearing 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 Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


Academic support

TypeOffered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support No Support

[Show definition of Gifted learner support]

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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 Sacred Heart says about their gifted learner support:

This information is not currently available.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesJK to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackJK to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsJK to Gr. 9
 

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.


The school supports holistic and experiential development.

Comments from the school community underscore Sacred Heart’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded development through public speaking, sports, arts, life skills, and various experiential opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world contexts.

The focus on the ‘whole child’ is not just a slogan. At Sacred Heart, they genuinely work to ensure each child develops fully. It became clear after my boys had been there a few months that the school really does focus on every aspect of the child, not just academics. They work on public speaking, sports, arts, and personal development. For example, my oldest son was able to speak French fluently during a trip to Cape Breton, and both boys have become comfortable giving speeches in public. They also play hockey both for the school and in local associations.
—Vurain Tabvuma, parent (beginning in SK) (see full interview)
The academics are very strong, but the school also focuses on the whole child. Not every student will have the top marks, and that’s okay—there’s so much more to education than grades. The school helps students develop a wide range of skills, including public speaking, which starts early. In elementary school, before any assembly, students practice speaking at the right pace and volume, and they adjust the microphone themselves. Watching young children confidently step up and speak is wonderful. These are lifelong skills that prepare them for the future.
—Heidi Sapp, parent (see full discussion)
The boys are proud of their achievements in academics, band, and extracurricular activities. Sometimes they were initially hesitant about trying something new, but with encouragement from parents and teachers, they gave it a shot and succeeded. They have both joined the curling club, enjoy the band program, and are proud of their academic results.
—Vurain Tabvuma, parent (beginning in SK) (see full interview)

Small class sizes enhance academic rigor and personal connections.

Testimonials from families reveal that Sacred Heart's smaller class sizes are instrumental in providing a strong academic foundation, fostering close teacher-student relationships, and ensuring personalized attention.

The small class sizes at Sacred Heart were very beneficial, and I’m still friends with every single person in my graduating class. A few of them are at Dal with me now, and when everyone comes back during the summer, it’s amazing to see everybody again. That shows the impact Sacred Heart has had in maintaining such a tight-knit community. My friends and I still visit Sacred Heart from time to time to say hi to our old teachers and even to younger students or siblings. Sacred Heart really does a great job at making everyone feel welcome and part of a community.
—Ishan Mukhida, alum (see full discussion)
Academics have been another strong point. My older son appreciates the small class sizes, which allow for close relationships with teachers. If he struggles with a concept, he can easily get extra help. He is in an advanced math class, and the smaller classes make it straightforward to get clarification. My younger son’s favourite tradition is “Congé,” a Sacred Heart tradition where, on a random day, students arrive expecting a normal day but instead get a full day of fun activities: movie outings, bouncy castles, food trucks, and ice cream. He loves Congé, which shows the school balances rigorous academics with joy.
—Vurain Tabvuma, parent (beginning in SK) (see full interview)
Academically, the school prepared me well for the transition to university. The Advanced Placement (AP) program gave me a strong foundation, especially in math and science. I remember referring to my high school notes during my first-year university courses, which shows how well the material was taught. Small class sizes meant you couldn’t hide, but they also ensured personalized feedback and regular check-ins. Although the course offerings were more limited than larger schools, the quality of instruction more than made up for it. The structured, focused approach helped me build study habits that I still rely on in graduate school.
—Kogie Esteban, alum, MSc Chemistry Candidate (see full interview)

The curriculum is flexible and tailored to individual needs.

Feedback from parents and students highlights Sacred Heart's commitment to offering a flexible curriculum that caters to diverse student interests and learning paths, allowing for a personalized educational experience.

  Sacred Heart stood out because of its flexibility within the curriculum and willingness to tailor programs to meet our kids’ needs. Sacred Heart stood out because of its flexibility within the curriculum and willingness to tailor programs to meet our kids’ needs.  
—Mary Shakespeare, parent (beginning in Gr. 9) (see full interview)
For our family, the academic program at Sacred Heart was sufficiently broad to address the learning needs and interests of a range of students. While academic excellence was clearly a priority, the programming allowed for students who were not naturally inclined or interested in top academic performance to be challenged to reach higher and positioned to be successful at the top of their potential. Our eldest daughter attended Sacred Heart for Grades 11 and 12. Academically inclined and capable, she found that she was challenged by the academic programming and learned in an environment that made it 'safe' to pursue academic excellence, to challenge ideas and thinking and to excel. Our younger daughter is less academically inclined and we appreciated the range of teaching approaches that teachers at all grade levels were able to bring to engage her and to encourage her to achieve.
—Anna Stuart, parent (beginning 2008) (see full review)
The school academic program in lower elementary involves a concurrent stream of both English and French learning. They spend a half-day in both languages and have two primary teachers, switching classrooms after lunch. This has been the perfect balance for our family, as it avoided the frustrations of French Immersion we had experienced in the past with our older kids. I also think the switch of classrooms helps younger kids stay engaged. For our daughters in Junior High, they have the opportunity to test themselves in the advanced stream, but more importantly, they're given exams beginning in Grade 7. Taking exams is a skill in and of itself, and the school recognizes that and seeks to teach children the art of exam-taking in a low-risk environment. The children are encouraged to challenge themselves, but they're also met where they are at when they're struggling.
—Jennifer Derwey Deane, parent (beginning 2018) (see full review)

Faith and service are central to personal and academic growth.

Insights from community members reveal that Sacred Heart School of Halifax’s inclusive Catholic foundation encourages students to embark on a dual journey of spiritual and academic discovery, emphasizing service to others and making a difference in the world.

One of the best parts of my experience has been how well Sacred Heart has prepared me, not just academically but personally. The combination of academics and meaningful opportunities has helped me feel ready for university and beyond. I’ve been at Sacred Heart my whole life, and I truly believe the school’s core values and faith-based foundation have shaped who I am today. They’ve instilled in me integrity and confidence. One experience that really stood out to me was the required university prep class we took in Grade 10. It opened my eyes to everything I needed to do to build a strong college application and made the future feel less overwhelming. Another example is how I took a pre-college course through Cornell this summer and did really well, which I think reflects how the rigour at Sacred Heart prepared me for a fast-paced environment.
—Myla Murphy, student (see full discussion)
Sacred Heart Halifax is a Catholic school for students of all faiths. That inclusivity is central to who we are. Spirituality here is approached as a process of discovery rather than simply teaching rules of faith. Students and families partner with the school, and the journey involves both spiritual and academic growth. The goal is for students to discover who they are and how they can make a difference in the world. Service to others is integral to this mission, helping students think beyond themselves and fostering an outward-looking perspective.
—Dennis Phillips, Head of School (see full interview)
I am not exaggerating when I say that Sacred Heart is the reason my daughter was successful at school and able to enrol in and now perform very well in university. We transferred her to Sacred Heart because it was clear that she had fallen into the cracks in public school and no one intended to pull her out. From the time she joined the school, she didn't look back! She enjoyed the balance of academic programming and extracurricular activity, the relational approach that teachers have with students, she felt cared for and seen, and was able to blossom as a leader. My daughter is active in her Catholic faith and she found the school to be a welcoming place to express and practice her faith in a lived rather than in a rules-based way.
—Anna Stuart, parent (beginning 2008) (see full review)

Experienced faculty and a personalized teaching approach enhance learning.

Testimonials from parents and alumni emphasize the dedication of Sacred Heart's teachers, who cater to diverse learning styles, challenge students academically, and foster individual student-teacher connections.

Sacred Heart's teaching is set apart! My daughter's teachers demonstrated an understanding of my daughter's unique learning style, her interests and her potential. They definitely held her to a higher standard of performance than she would have set for herself and were challenging and supportive in the right measure. When my daughter was falling behind (often in March when she became exhausted by the routine of winter), the teachers were quick to flag this for us, to develop strategies to help us support our daughter and to ensure appropriate pathways for recovery. We received insightful and honest feedback on our daughter's academic performance at each grade level. We always had the sense that our daughter's teachers had a sincere interest in her learning and were never just going through the motions. The teachers demonstrated a clear grasp of their respective subject matter and a strong grounding in personal development. We found that the amount and nature of homework were appropriate to prepare our daughter for higher education but not so burdensome that it interfered with an active extracurricular life.
—Anna Stuart, parent (beginning 2008) (see full review)
Our kids entered the school and different ages of elementary, but we've seen each one of them develop and gain strengths over the past 3 years at the school. I admit that our youngest wasn't an eager learner at home, she resisted reading and writing, but just this week she wrote a poem all about her love of books. She's also been developing a love and mastery of French, which I envy! Our older children have started to fine-tune their interests, notably in robotics, science and sports, and they have instructors who have brought those fields to life at Sacred Heart. The school is hands-down 100% responsible for the love of robotics and science, as my husband and I are both in the humanities. During the pandemic, the teachers have managed to make even the remote learning (when we've had to use this option) accessible and engaging.
—Jennifer Derwey Deane, parent (beginning 2018) (see full review)
The teachers at Sacred Heart School of Halifax are excellent; this is one of the main reasons we chose the school -- because parents of other kids who know the school vouched for the high standards of the teaching faculty. This cuts across the various dimensions of teaching. First, it is on rare occasions that our children have had a teacher that isn't demonstrably capable, or highly capable in a particular subject. On rare occasion, depending on juggling of staff transitions or other transient factors, there are inevitably gaps, where the overall caliber of one particular teacher in a given class doesn't quite measure up to a counterpart from a previous year. But by and large, the teachers' capabilities are not just good; they are great. This goes beyond their own pedagogical expertise. They are 'good' in the sense that, through regular parent-teacher meetings and other communications channels, it is clear how individualized the instruction is. There is never a moment of, "Oh...let me remind myself who your son/daughter is." Most important, what is apparent amongst the faculty is that they see the kids' education as much more than academics. The teaching staff at Sacred Heart cares deeply about nurturing the 'whole child'. This is invaluable because, for us at least, the big picture of getting a kid from primary through to graduation after Grade 12 always has to do with much more than how they did on their math exam; it's about building well-adjusted young adults, ready for a meaningful life where they can be valuable contributors to greater society.
—Gord Cooper, parent (beginning 2015) (see full review)

The university counselling program provides tailored guidance for future success.

Insider accounts suggest that Sacred Heart School of Halifax's university counselling program is a standout offering, offering personalized support to aid students' transition to post-secondary education.

The university counselling program at Sacred Heart School of Halifax was a key strength during my senior year. The mandatory University Preparation class provided clear, step-by-step support throughout the application process. We learned how to research programs, write strong personal statements, explore scholarship options, and manage deadlines. Universities frequently visited the school, giving us direct access to admission officers and first-hand insight into various programs. As an international student planning to stay in Canada, I received valuable guidance on selecting the right schools and identifying scholarship opportunities. The uni prep team was approachable, responsive, and always willing to help with personalized advice. I felt well-prepared to apply confidently to Canadian universities. The program helped me understand the process, meet deadlines, and transition successfully into post-secondary life.
—Kogie Esteban, alum (2018-2020), MSc Chemistry Candidate (see full review)
I think the application process was well managed at the school however, I think the guidance counselling in the earlier part of high school should have been a little bit more robust. Improvements needed to be made to ensure that children had all the courses they were going to need for the programs they were interested in eventually applying for, and also that they were not taking courses that did not benefit them. It is a bit difficult to evaluate the university placement and counselling department, as I understand that since our children attended Sacred Heart a couple of years ago, there have been improvements made to that department, and additional staff have been added. I think is a very positive move by the administration.
—Mary Shakespeare, parent (beginning 2019) (see full review)

Sacred Heart offers a dynamic curriculum that balances rigour with personal development.

Community feedback suggests that Sacred Heart's academic framework is both challenging and supportive, promoting critical thinking, independent learning, and personal growth through diverse subjects and advanced placement options.

If I were to recommend Sacred Heart School of Halifax to other parents, I would highlight three things: academics, the whole-child approach, and community. The school offers a rigorous academic program, ensures children are developed in all areas of life, and fosters a strong sense of community among students and parents alike.
—Vurain Tabvuma, parent (beginning in SK) (see full interview)
For me, the school did a great job at balancing academics and fun events like Winter Carnival. From Grade 7, we did exams in the gym, and I got used to writing and having lots of work to do from a young age. That really prepared me and my peers for the workload of Grades 11 and 12 and for planning where we would go for university. There was a lot of support from teachers and principals and lots of extra help sessions. Many teachers were more than willing to stay after hours and make sure we were on the right track, even meeting on holidays. The school rewarded hard work with fun events.
—Ishan Mukhida, alum (see full discussion)
Sacred Heart has definitely prepared me for the future in so many ways. The advanced and AP classes, along with the overall academic rigour, have challenged me to manage my time and stay organized. I feel much more confident heading into university because I’ve already experienced a demanding workload and know how to handle it. One thing that made a big difference was how early we started building those skills. Exams, for example, begin in Grade 7, so by now I have strong study habits and test prep strategies that will carry into university. The school has given me both the academic foundation and personal discipline to step into the next chapter of my life.
—Myla Murphy, student (see full discussion)
 

OUR KIDS REPORT: Sacred Heart School of Halifax

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