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The Country Day School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Insider community voices
Hear directly from The Country Day School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Country Day School: Progressive
Country Day School has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
International curriculum & programs at Country Day School: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Country Day School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At CDS, we recognize that as students approach the final stages of their educational journey, they are faced with some of life’s most significant decisions, including the choice of post-secondary pathways. To support them in this process, we offer both the Ontario Secondary School curriculum and a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses. As students progress through the Senior School, the breadth of optional course offerings expands to reflect increasing independence, curiosity, and personal choice. By their final year, students may select from more than 20 elective courses tailored to a wide range of interests and aspirations. Guided by a commitment to academic excellence and innovation, our Senior School faculty engages in an annual curriculum renewal process, carefully evaluating and introducing new courses that empower students to pursue their passions while developing the knowledge and skills essential for future success.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Country Day School: Equal Balance
Country Day School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Country Day School 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.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Country Day School: Balanced Literacy
Country Day School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Country Day School: Equal balance
Country Day School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Country Day School: Equal Balance
Country Day School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Country Day School: Equal Balance
Country Day School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Country Day School: Equal Balance
Country Day School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Country Day School: Communicative
Country Day School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Country Day School: Equal Balance
Country Day School has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Country Day School: Medium integration
Country Day School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Country Day School says:
The goal of the Physical and Health Education program at CDS is to help students develop healthy habits that will improve their quality of life. An abundance of evidence proves that students who are physically active are more likely to perform better academically, feel more confident, and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Computer Science A
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Government and Politics: United States
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Country Day School: Ontario curriculum
Country Day School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Country Day School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Country Day School says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Country Day School: Academic
Country Day School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Country Day School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
A successful kindergarten program encourages curiosity and imagination. Our full-day developmental program provides our students with a balance between academically appropriate activities covering math, language, science and social studies, and fosters a sense of mutual respect, responsibility and a positive attitude toward learning.
Language
Learn about The Country Day School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Country Day School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Country Day School: Standard-enriched
Country Day School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Country Day School 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 Country Day School says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Country Day School: Supportive
Country Day School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Country Day School says about their academic culture:
We really work at making sure that students meet their potential and go on to thrive from there. In the Senior School, we require students have a 70% average to promote them, but also take into account if they've had struggles in their home lives or whether there are other relevant factors. Our teachers and courses do provide academic rigour because we are a university preparatory school, but we are not a pressure-cooker school. We want students to be successful, but we also want them to be well and happy in that success.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Country Day School says about their developmental priorities:
CDS provides an intellectually challenging, diversified and balanced academic program that is learner-centered. At the heart of The Country Day School’s academic vision is the belief that all students can achieve success and meet their learning goals. A one-size-fits-all approach to learning does not serve the best interests of most students who approach their studies from various learning styles and preferences and at differing stages of skill development. To this end, we diversify our instructional strategies, the content of our curricula and our assessment methods to create an overall approach that focuses on how students are learning and ensures success.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Country Day School offers No support
Country Day School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Country Day School says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Country Day School students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country Day School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Country Day School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 12 |
