St. Clement's Early Learning School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Progressive
    • Mathematics: Equal Balance
    • Early Reading: Balanced Literacy
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Inquiry
    • Social Studies : Expanding Communities
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Equal Balance
    • Computers and Technology: Light integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Sex and health education: Not Ontario curriculum
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Academic
  • Curriculum Pace: Student-paced
  • Academic Culture: Supportive
  • Developmental priorities: Balanced
  • Special needs support: Resource Assistance
  • Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Progressive
    [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.

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    Curriculum approach at SCELS: Progressive

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

    [Show: About Progressive?]

    Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Progressive - 17%
      Traditional - 15%
      Liberal arts - 17%
      Montessori - 17%
      Reggio Emilia - 17%
      Waldorf - 17%
    

    What SCELS says: The SCELS curriculum is carefully designed with the understanding that each child is unique. Therefore, every child at SCELS has an individual program plan created through ongoing assessment and observation by the classroom teacher(s). As a result, we provide our students with engaging learning experiences aimed at building and enhancing their skills in all developmental areas. Our goal is to create a total learning environment where all the children of St. Clement’s Early Learning School experience educational success.

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Equal Balance
      Mathematics approach at SCELS: Equal Balance

      SCELS has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Traditional math - 34%
        Discovery math - 33%
      

      What SCELS says: The Learning Carpet, a floor grid consisting of 100 squares, promotes kinesthetic learning of many important concepts in mathematics, as well as mapping skills and language activitie. It is used in all five program levels at St. Clement’s Early Learning School. Mathematical learning at St. Clement’s Early Learning School includes games, activities and materials that provide a foundation for understanding mathematical concepts. Math is included in our daily routine, as well as into other school related activities. For example: Attendance Calendar Weather Chart Number Line Creative Activities All teaching staff have a background in teaching math concepts in several different ways. This is important because some children have various strengths and our teaching staff teaches to their strengths. We provide the children with ample opportunities to practice various math concepts throughout their day.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: Other tools used to teach math to the children are time, age, addresses, phone numbers, cooking and measurement. Learning addition, subtraction, counting and shape recognition doesn’t have to be boring at all!

      Calculator policy: We do not currently have a calculator policy.

    • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
      Early Reading approach at SCELS: Balanced Literacy

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

      [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

      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.

      Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

        Balanced literacy - 33%
        Phonics-intensive - 34%
        Whole language - 33%
      

      What SCELS says: SCELS offers a multi-sensory approach to Language. This includes Jolly Phonics/Grammar, Handwriting Without Tears and various support programs. Our Language program is based on a Balanced Literary approach. Jolly Phonics/Jolly Grammar: Our Jolly Phonics program provides a structured learning tool which the children really enjoy. This phonics program introduces 42 main letter sounds, followed up with activity sheets and games for reading and spelling. Each letter is taught with a story and related actions for the children to perform. Jolly Grammar is an extension of the Jolly Phonics program. This program teaches a wide variety of language forms including the parts of speech, plurals, punctuation and the tenses past, present and future. It also teaches various spelling rules, including defining aspects such as short vowels.

      DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

      What SCELS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at SCELS: Equal balance

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

      [Show: About Equal balance?]

      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.

      Writing at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Systematic approach - 34%
        Process approach - 33%
      

      What SCELS says: Handwriting Without Tears: This unique program’s purpose is to make handwriting an automatic and natural skill for children of all ability levels. Children who can write well, with ease and confidence, enjoy school more and feel more pride in their work. Handwriting Without Tears makes handwriting fun and easy to learn.

    • Science Inquiry
      Science approach at SCELS: Inquiry

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

      [Show: About Inquiry?]

      Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Inquiry - 33%
        Expository - 34%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

      Teaching approach: Our science program at SCELS puts a strong emphasis of the scientific method. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore and engage with material, solve problems and reflect upon their results. Science and social studies lessons are supplemented with a variety of hands-on projects, experiments, field trips and workshops to maximize student involvement and understanding.

      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

    • Social Studies Expanding Communities
      Social Studies approach at SCELS: Expanding Communities

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

      [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

      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.

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Expanding communities - 33%
        Core knowledge - 34%
        Thematic - 33%
      

      What SCELS says: Social Studies lessons are supplemented with a variety of hands-on projects, experiments, field trips and workshops to maximize student involvement and understanding.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at SCELS: Equal Balance

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

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

      Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Audio-lingual - 34%
        Communicative - 33%
      

      What SCELS says: All of the children at SCELS take part in our French program. Children in half-day programs have French once a week and those in full-day programs have French twice per week. French is taught orally for our Nursery and Kindergarten students. The children are introduced to concepts like colours, numbers, animals, holidays and cultural understanding. In the Primary Program, a written component is included.

    • Fine Arts Equal Balance
      Fine Arts approach at SCELS: Equal Balance

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

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Receptive - 34%
        Creative - 33%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What SCELS says: Music: Each Thursday, Michael Anderson, a veteran early childhood educator, spends the day providing an enriched musical experience for the children. Mr. Anderson draws on music from around the world and uses a wide variety of instruments such as the Conga, Talking Drum, Koto, Tabla and Tibetan Singing Bowls. Dramatic Arts: Drama is integrated into a variety of subject areas to enhance student learning, enhance presentation skills and spark creativity and self expression. Visual Arts: Students at SCELS are given the opportunity to explore and create with a variety of artistic mediums. Students develop their creativity, spatial awareness and fine motor skills through drawing, painting, collage, sculpting and mixed media. Our visual arts activities often correspond to curriculum areas to help students broaden their understanding of the material and appeal to visual and hands-on learners.

    • Computers and Technology Light integration
      Computers and Technology approach at SCELS: Light integration

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

      [Show: About Light integration?]

      Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Light integration - 34%
        Heavy integration - 33%
        Medium integration - 33%
      

      What SCELS says: Children are exposed to the use of computer technology within the classroom throughout the week.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What SCELS says: All of our programs include physical education in addition to outdoor and gross motor development. Children take part in gross motor activities daily. Gross motor development will include running, jumping, using objects in different ways, balancing, etc. Physical education takes place one or two times a week, depending on whether a child is registered in the half-day or full-day program. The children are taught specific skills such as ball handling and eye-hand coordination, with a focus team building and healthy living. Specialized coaches are brought in to teach skills and concepts associated with different sports in a fun, supportive and non-competitive environment. Yoga at SCELS is an excellent way to teach the children a universal method to self-regulate and ready their brains and bodies for learning. Yoga is first introduced in the Nursery program and is practiced up to Grade Two.

    • Sex and health education Not Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at SCELS: Not Ontario curriculum

      SCELS has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

      [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

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

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 50%
        Follows provincial curriculum - 50%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      SCELS has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      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 SCELS says: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Social Studies

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Sex and health education
  • Preschool/K Curriculum Academic
    [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)

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    Preschool/K Curriculum approach at SCELS: Academic

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

    [Show: About Academic?]

    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

    Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Academic - 20%
      Play-based - 20%
      Montessori - 20%
      Waldorf - 20%
      Reggio emilia - 20%
    

    What SCELS says: The SCELS curriculum is carefully designed with the understanding that each child is unique. Therefore, every child at SCELS has an individual program plan created through ongoing assessment and observation by the classroom teacher(s). As a result, we provide our students with engaging learning experiences aimed at building and enhancing their skills in all developmental areas. Our goal is to create a total learning environment where all the children of St. Clement’s Early Learning School experience educational success.

  • Curriculum Pace Student-paced
    [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.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at SCELS: Student-paced

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

    [Show: About Student-paced?]

    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Student-paced - 33%
      Standard-enriched - 34%
      Accelerated - 33%
    

    What SCELS says: St. Clement’s Early Learning School takes a balanced approach to table work and academic learning. We believe children need to be challenged daily at a level appropriate to the individual child.

    Flexible pacing style

    Flexible pacing style	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 SCELS says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture Supportive
    [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.

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    Academic Culture approach at SCELS: Supportive

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

    [Show: About Supportive?]

    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Supportive - 50%
      Rigorous - 50%
    

    What SCELS says: 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.

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    Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Social

    The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

    What SCELS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Special needs support Resource Assistance
    [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.

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    SCELS offers Resource Assistance

    Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.

    What SCELS says about their special need support: At SCELS we classify each child with a special need as unique. We conduct thorough observations and interviews to determine if the school can meet the child's needs. SCELS has an Early Intervention team that includes a Speech and Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist. Our Early Intervention team will follow the progress of the child and continue to make recommendations and give strategies to the child and family while at the school. The optimal goal at SCELS is to get the child ready for their next learning environment, promote Independence, problem solving and understand of how the child learns.

    Academic Support:

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

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

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    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

  • Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
    [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.

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    Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)

    In-class adaptations:

    Program	offered
    Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
    Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
    Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
    Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
    Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
    Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
    Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
    Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
    Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

    What SCELS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Language English
    SCELS offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hebrew
  • Homework Policy
    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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    In grade Gr. 2, SCELS students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	PS	JK	SK	1	2
    SCELS	0 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	30 mins
    Site Average	2 mins	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins

    What SCELS says about their flipped classroom policy: 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.

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    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 1 to Gr. 2
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Preschool to Gr. 2
    Academic achievement reporting	Preschool to Gr. 2
    Habits and behaviour reporting	Preschool to Gr. 2
    Parent-teacher meetings	Preschool to Gr. 2

• Extracurriculars

  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  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.

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  What SCELS says:

  • We also offer intensive French and Mandarin instruction twice a week.

  Sports offered

  St. Clement's Early Learning School does not offer any competitive or recreational sports.

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  Clubs offered

  St. Clement's Early Learning School offers 4 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  

• Tuition & Financial Aid

  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

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  Day Day (Half day)

   

  	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2
  Day	$15,000	$10,300	$18,000		$20,500
  Day (Half day)	$8,500

  
  

  What SCELS says about their tuition: Tuition fees are collected in four instalments. Each installment is non-refundable/non-transferable under any circumstance. Upon acceptance, spaces are guaranteed for each registered student for the full school year. If a student leaves at any time between their acceptance into one of our programs and the end of the 2015/2016 school year, full tuitions fees remain due and payable.

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  Need-based financial aid

  St. Clement's Early Learning School does not offer need-based financial aid.

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  Merit based Scholarships

  This information is not currently available.

• Enrollment

  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

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  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Preschool to SK	Coed	Day	120
  Group 2	Gr. 1 to Gr. 2	All boys	Day	25

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	145
  Average class size	1 to 8
  % of international students (total enrolment)	10%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	N/A

  Student Distribution:

  	PS	JK	SK	1	2
  Day Enrollment	48	24	24	12	12
  Class Size	16	16	16	12	12

• Admission

  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

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  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		NS - 2
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay

  Day students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  Fees:

  Application fee: $125
  Registration fee: $500
  Deposit: $3,000

  What SCELS says: This information is not currently available.

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  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 85%

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Day
  

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  Student Entry Points

  This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.

  
  

  Student Type	PS	JK	SK	1	2
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	16 - 32 (95%)	10 - 12 (90%)	10 - 12 (75%)	2 - 3 (80%)	2 - 3 (80%)

  Type of student SCELS is looking for:
  This information is not currently available.

• Principal's Message

  Marsha Hamilton, Principal

  RECE, B.A.

  We value the confidence that the hundreds of families have placed in us over the years. With their assistance, our skilled and dedicated teachers have been able to lay a solid educational foundation beneath more than 2,000 children. Our students graduate to one of the many prestigious private schools, or into one of the fine public schools in the city. Their success is a source of great pride for us.

  Each and every year, from early September until the following June, our primary goal is to understand each child’s individual learning style and then teach them at the appropriate level. Our mission is to have no one “falling between the cracks” at St. Clement’s Early Learning School.

  Though our goals are large at St. Clement’s Early Learning School, our size is not. There is ample opportunity for us to get to know you and your family’s educational needs.

  I look forward to hearing from you.

  Marsha Hamilton,
  Principal