The Abelard School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Liberal Arts
    • Mathematics: Traditional Math
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature: Traditional
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Perennialism
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Equal Balance
    • Computers and Technology: Light integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education: Ontario curriculum
  • Curriculum Pace: Accelerated
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Intellectual
  • Special needs support: No support
  • Gifted learner support: Dedicated gifted school
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Liberal Arts
    [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 Abelard School: Liberal Arts

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

    [Show: About Liberal Arts?]

    Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Liberal arts - 18%
      Traditional - 43%
      Progressive - 27%
      Montessori - 10%
      Reggio Emilia - 1%
      Waldorf - 1%
    

    What Abelard School says: The Abelard school is an ideal academic environment for students who are motivated, and who are looking to be challenged and inspired. Not all of our students have been identified as gifted, but all of them are bright and eager to learn.

    Approach:

    Focus	Special needs
    Academic	Gifted

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Traditional Math
      Mathematics approach at Abelard School: Traditional Math

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

      [Show: About Traditional Math?]

      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.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional math - 28%
        Discovery math - 4%
        Equal balance - 68%
      

      What Abelard School says: The math program at the Abelard School has been designed to show continuity between all of the branches of math as well as how it integrates with other disciplines. It is our own construction and melds aspects of algebra, geometry, and logic. A solid and sophisticated understanding of mathematics is key to the construction of an agile mind. Our ultimate goal is to have all of our students working at a functional University level math, regardless of the discipline they choose to pursue after high school. Our students regularly compete in national and international mathematics competitions, and have won many awards over the years.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at Abelard School: Equal Balance

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

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      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.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 73%
        Expository - 5%
        Inquiry - 22%
      

      Teaching approach: The science program at the Abelard School strongly emphasises the connections between science and the other disciplines in our curriculum. Our unique Foundation Sciences course is mandatory for all of our grade 9 students. Our students then move directly into the specialized grade 11 courses in biology, physics and chemistry in their second year of high school. This is extremely helpful for students who intend to study science at university, as it allows them room in their four years of high school to take every grade 11 and 12 science course offered. Our school laboratory is well-equipped to offer our students the possibility to perform experiments and dissections at every grade level. Trips to the labs at the nearby University of Toronto complement the science programme.

      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 Traditional
      Literature approach at Abelard School: Traditional

      Abelard School has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Traditional?]

      In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional - 19%
        Social justice - 3%
        Equal balance - 78%
      

      What Abelard School says: The English program at Abelard pairs intensive study of the Western literary canon with the practice of expository, analytical, narrative and creative writing. By the time they have reached Grade 12, our students are writing university-level essays, and have developed both the analytical and technical skills they will require to succeed in any post-secondary discipline. Works studied in Grade 12 include: King Lear, The Tempest, Moby Dick, To the Lighthouse, The Waste Land, Waiting for Godot, Lolita, Blood Meridian, Ulysses. In addition to literary analysis, our students engage in their own creative work, composing short stories, plays and even novels. Each year they write and produce a school literary journal reflecting the best student writing of the year. A student-organized school newspaper appears monthly.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Perennialism
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Abelard School: Perennialism

      Abelard School has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Perennialism?]

      Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Perennialism - 6%
        Pragmatism - 9%
        Equal balance - 85%
      

      What Abelard School says: The Social Science and Humanities program at Abelard encompasses the following courses: Philosophy, World History, American History, World Religions, Canadian History, Canadian Geography, Canadian and World Politics, Psychology and Economics. The goal is one that is shared by all the disciplines at Abelard: an integrated approach that provides students with a comprehensive overview of world culture and history. This means that information and ideas will overlap from one course to another. For example, our course in Philosophy provides, among other units, a chronological perspective on the development of ethics. This understanding of ethics contributes to discussions about the Enlightenment that emerge in World History. Our Politics course looks at contemporary conflicts around the world and provides students with a basis upon which to make informed assessments of international relations in the 21st century. This contemporary focus on world events and issues is the culmination of our Humanities program.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at Abelard School: Equal Balance

      Abelard School 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 - 64%
        Audio-lingual - 2%
        Communicative - 34%
      

      What Abelard School says: The study of foreign languages gives students a deeper understanding of other cultures and assists them in becoming global citizens. Abelard's French and Modern Languages program aims to graduate students with a fluent or near-fluent mastery of one or more modern languages. Depending on student interest, these languages may include Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Italian. French is always offered, and is a mandatory component of our curriculum in Grades 9 and 10. The program guides students towards the ability to read, write, and converse with ease. Starting in Grade 10, the reading of literature and articles drawn from current publications is introduced. By Grade 12 students can freely communicate with native speakers and discuss essentially any topic, from current affairs to complex philosophical issues. Latin and Greek language and literature are fundamental to Western civilization. At Abelard, all students are required to study Latin for at least one year.

    • Fine Arts Equal Balance
      Fine Arts approach at Abelard School: Equal Balance

      Abelard School 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 - 62%
        Receptive - 2%
        Creative - 36%
      

      Program offers:

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

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What Abelard School says: The Arts form the foundation of civilized society, and the Arts program at Abelard is integrated into every aspect of our curriculum, as well as being represented by dedicated Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Drama and Music courses. Students study the history and techniques of each discipline, and produce their own creative work. A full-length school play is performed each year at one of the University of Toronto Theatres, the school hosts a revolving exhibition of student paintings, and the Graphic Design Class designs and produces the school Literary Journal and Yearbook.

    • Computers and Technology Light integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Abelard School: Light integration

      Abelard School 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 - 18%
        Heavy integration - 34%
        Medium integration - 48%
      

      What Abelard School says: Abelard students who are interested in developing their computer literacy and programming skills are given the option of dedicated computer science courses. Computer science students also learn to create games and the basics of web design.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Abelard School says: We encourage our students to be physically active and healthy. We are not an athletically competitive school, but a number of our students are competitive athletes who train privately outside of our school.

    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at Abelard School: Ontario curriculum

      Abelard School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

      [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

      The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      Abelard School 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 Abelard School says: The Abelard School sex-education curriculum follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum guidelines.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Curriculum Pace Accelerated
    [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 Abelard School: Accelerated

    Abelard School has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Accelerated?]

    The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Accelerated - 17%
      Standard-enriched - 58%
      Student-paced - 25%
    

    What Abelard School says: We address the learning needs and styles of each student, accelerating and enriching where appropriate.

    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 Abelard School says about flexible pacing: Some students take classes at a number of grade levels, some work on individual projects reflecting their interests. Mentorships at U of T augment our curriculum.

  • 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 Abelard School: Rigorous

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

    [Show: About Rigorous?]

    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”.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Rigorous - 51%
      Supportive - 49%
    

    What Abelard School says: At Abelard our students discover their strengths and learn how to apply them. They acquire knowledge, master skills and meet academic challenges. Homework is structured around a variety of assignments and projects, to allow them the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and their critical thought, and to help them to develop a systematic approach to their studies.Our students are also challenged to expand the boundaries of their own creativity, to set high standards for themselves and to think of education as a lifelong journey and the key to leading a rewarding and enriched life.

  • Developmental priorities Intellectual
    [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: Intellectual

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

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

    What Abelard School says: Only students who demonstrate intellectual strength and a high degree of motivation are accepted into our programme. Our goal is to present bright and motivated students the opportunity to explore the history of human accomplishment, to inspire them to grow intellectually and to expand their cultural and social awareness while developing their critical thinking skills and preparing them to shape the world of the future.

  • Special needs 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.

    ---

    What Abelard School says about their special need support: Our school is not designed to provide formal remediation for students with learning disabilities, but we are able to accommodate some types of disabilities, depending on the particular constellation.

    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

    ---

    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 Dedicated gifted school
    [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.

    ---

    Dedicated gifted programs:

    Program	offered
    Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
    Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

    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 Abelard School says: Every course offered at Abelard is advanced. Although we do not offer AP courses, our school is a registered AP testing site, and many of our senior students take the AP exams.Our school facilitates student mentorships with university professors, hosts guest lecturers, visits university labs and libraries, and participates in university seminars. Over the years a number of our exceptionally gifted students have been granted permission to audit courses at U of T.

  • Language English
    Abelard School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English
  • 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.

    ---

    In grade Gr. 12, Abelard School students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	7	8	9	10	11	12
    Abelard School	90 mins	90 mins	120 mins	160 mins	160 mins	160 mins
    Site Average	53 mins	57 mins	69 mins	81 mins	97 mins	106 mins

    What Abelard School 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.

    ---

    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 7 to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 7 to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 7 to Gr. 12

• 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.

  ---

  What Abelard School says:

  • The Abelard School participates in the Model United Nations in New York city.
  • Our senior French students travel to France to visit the cultural icons they have studied in class.

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: N/A
  Recreational sports: N/A

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Downhill skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain biking
  • Racquet Ball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Snowboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

  ---

  Clubs offered

  The Abelard School offers 17 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”).

  ---

  Day

   

  	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$20,000		$22,000

  
  

  What Abelard School says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	9 to 12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	20%
  Average aid package size	$10,000
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	20%
  Total aid available	$100,000

  Application Deadline:

  Rolling deadline

  More information:

  applefinancialservices.ca

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  

  ---

  Merit based Scholarships

  This information is not currently available.

• Enrolment
  [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.

  ---

  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Gr. 7 to Gr. 12	Coed	Day	50

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	50
  Average class size	12
  % of international students (total enrolment)	2%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	12

  Student Distribution:

  	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	8	8	10	13	13	14
  Class Size	8	8	10	10	8	8

• 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.

  ---

  Application

  Admissions Assessments:

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		7 - 12
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)		7 - 12
  Entrance Essay		7 - 12

  Application Deadlines:

  Day students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: N/A

  ---

  Fees:

  Application fee: N/A
  Registration fee: N/A
  Deposit: N/A

  What Abelard School says:

  Applications will be evaluated according to four criteria: interview, test score, report card, and entrance essay (written at the school). Applicants are additionally invited to submit a piece of work of which they are proud and that demonstrates their potential; if they choose to include this, it will be taken into consideration along with the rest of their application.

  All applicants must submit the following:

  • Standardized test scores  -- applicants may write the Abelard test, or they may submit SSAT
    test results written at a standardized test location within the same year
  • A copy of their most recent school report card
  • An entrance essay (must be written at the Abelard School)
  • OPTIONAL: A piece of work that reflects the applicant's interests or talents
    (examples may include artwork, music recordings, creative writing, and so on)

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 50%

  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
  

  ---

  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	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	8 - 12 (50%)	8 - 12 (50%)	10 - 15 (50%)	1 - 3 (50%)	1 - 3 (50%)	1 - 3 (50%)

  Type of student Abelard School is looking for:
  Students who are successful at Abelard are motivated, curious, bright and eager to learn. They are comfortable in an intellectual atmosphere and look upon learning as a lifelong venture. They are caring and compassionate and wish to apply what they learn to help others and to advance society.
• University Placement
  [Show definition of University Placement]

  Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

  ---

  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	14
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	N/A

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	N/A
  Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)	15

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  This information is not currently available.

  Areas of Study

  • The Abelard School
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  The Abelard School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

  This information is not currently available.

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    26% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    25% - Business/Commerce
    4% - Fine and Performing Arts
    13% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning	N/A
  Internships

  Mentorship Program
  University counseling

  What Abelard School says:

  • Rathesh Balendran wins Schculich Leader Scholarship to York, 2016.
  • Gala Farah wins scholarship to St. Andrew's, 2018
  • Estee Feldman wins scholasrhip to Brown, June 2015
  • Our students are accepted into the best universities and the most competitive programmes in the world, including Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, Brown, Columbia, The Sorbonne, St. Andrew's, the University of Toronto, McGill, Waterloo, Queens, etc.
  • Remi Free wins Scholarship to Columbia, 2016
  • Josiah Cohen wins scholarship to Columbia, June 2017.
  • Malcolm Kennedy accepted to Cambridge on full Blyth Cambridge Trust scholarship, 2015
• Notable Alumni
  [Show definition of Notable Alumni]

  Many private schools in Canada have numerous graduates who have gone on to great things. Learn about a school’s most influential, important, successful, and famous alumni.

  ---

  Alumnus	Grad Year	Accomplishment
  Vitalik Buterin	2013	Vitalik Buterin is a programmer, writer, founder of Ethereum and co-founder of Bitcoin Magazine. In 2014, he won the World Technology Award for the co-creation and invention of Ethereum.
  Kate Wallace	2012	Named by Campus Life as one of 22 MOST INSPIRING COLLEGE WOMEN UNDER 22 for developing a software app to combat human trafficking and child exploitation in India.
  Gabe De Roche	2000	Gabe De Roche is the Senior Communications Advisor to the Ontario Minister of Health and Longterm Care.
  Christopher Olah	2012	Christopher Olah is employed at Google Brain as a research scientist focusing on: Distributed Systems and Parallel Computing; Machine Intelligence; and Natural Language Processing. See the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/06/technology/google-artificial-intelligence.html

  ---

  Alumni Highlights

  • All of our Alumni proceed to university. 60% pursue post-graduate degrees.
  • Congratulations to Abelard Alumna Estee Feldman, who has been accepted to the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.
• Principal's Message
  Ms. Michelle Lefolii, Principal

  The Abelard School is a place where ideas and people matter, where debate is encouraged, and where creativity and innovation come to life. It is a place where learning progresses logically through an integrated curriculum, and students talk about Plato, Woolf, and quantum theory in the hallways as well as in the classroom. Abelard is a school for the student who wants to be inspired but also challenged to work and think beyond the norm. It is a school for scholars.
  
  The Abelard School has been preparing students to enter university since 1997. The focus of our  programme (grades 7-12) is to ensure that our students graduate as astute critical thinkers, ready to enter and succeed in the university program of their choice. Our senior courses are designed as preparation for the Advanced Placement examinations, on which our students have consistently achieved top scores.
   
  Along with encouraging high academic achievement, Abelard strives to ensure that our students do not limit their future choices by specializing in one particular discipline; our individualized course selection process ensures that students profit from the breadth of courses in our liberal arts curriculum throughout all four years of high school. As a small school, we are able to integrate our courses with one another to allow for greater interdisciplinary learning, and provide our students with increased student-teacher interaction to better help them realize their goals. With our prime location in downtown Toronto, we take full advantage of the many learning opportunities that can be had outside of the classroom in art galleries, museums, the theatre, the opera, and the like.

  We invite you to learn more about the Abelard School through our website and in person. We look forward to meeting you!

  
• Social Feeds