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Toronto District Christian High School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Toronto District Christian High School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at TDChristian: Liberal Arts
TDChristian has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Liberal Arts?]
What TDChristian says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We believe that we are not just for one type of student, but a school for the entire family. It doesn't matter if you are all about arts, sports, academics, tech, or something else; there's a place for you at TDChristian. We strive to enfold, engage, and empower students around their individual gifts, needs, interests, and personalities. We want our students to have 21st century skills, including using technology, making presentations, collaborating with others, taking risks, and having a strong work ethic. Finally, our school's mission is to "Learn for Service in the Light of God's Word." This plays out in every course as we apply what we are learning to serve God and our neighbours. From service trips to extracurricular opportunities, hands-on projects to weekly school-wide assemblies, you'll love the learning atmosphere at TDChristian.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| Academic | Christian (Non-denominational) |
If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at TDChristian: Traditional Math
TDChristian has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What TDChristian says:
Mathematics is an inventive, creative way of modeling the order and disorder in God’s world. God created the world for us to understand, study, and enjoy in countless ways. In mathematics, we seek to understand some of these ways as stewards of Creation. Students are taught that mathematics is an art, that mathematics and mathematics-related careers are legitimate tasks for Christians, and that an understanding of mathematics has limits in interpreting situations in everyday life. We can and will serve God through mathematics.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
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Science
Science approach at TDChristian: Equal Balance
TDChristian has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
We are God’s stewards, placed in Creation to explore and develop it for God’s glory. The Science courses at TDChristian promote the development of students’ talents with this emphasis. In our scientific studies we realize our responsibility to serve in Creation. We understand that the study of science is a religious pursuit, conditioned by our allegiance to God or to idol in Creation. To study science without recognition of the servant nature of humanity, exalting us to an unnatural position, is idolatry. The difference between God-glorifying and God-denying science is manifested in the items selected for study and the objectives of the science courses. The material selected accomplishes two things: first, it endows students with a knowledge of some basic physical, chemical, and biological laws established by God to govern the activities of His creatures; second, it examines how humans have responded in the management and development of Creation.
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 TDChristian: Equal Balance
TDChristian has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What TDChristian says:
English study at TDChristian is our attempt to regain some of the goodness in the Garden of Eden, to return to wholeness and goodness, to coherence, to compassion, to communion with each other, with all people, with God. Our goal is to understand the truth of the human condition and to use language to bring together what has been pulled apart. Truth be told, honest words help us grasp and hold on to what Jesus accomplished on the cross. To understand ourselves as children of God is to recognize our need for wholeness. We are created in His image, but the reflection is, in linguistic terms, garbled. At TDChristian we work toward coherence in every sentence, unity in every paragraph, and honesty in every spoken word. That work, the work of restoration, we strive to do in truth and in love.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at TDChristian: Equal Balance
TDChristian has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What TDChristian says:
The aim of the social sciences and humanities program at TDChristian is to help the students understand themselves and their cultural environment by making them critically aware of humankind’s restless quest for God, of humanity’s development and interpersonal relations, and of human beings’ relentless pursuit of core questions about the riddle of existence. The world we live in did not arrive by accident, but by the mysterious interaction of providence with thousands of human choices and decisions, each a response to God’s will.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at TDChristian: Communicative
TDChristian has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What TDChristian says:
Language is a rich and vital part of God’s creation by which we communicate. This communication leads to an understanding, an appreciation, and a respect for those who are different from us. Our identity, as living beings created in the image of God, is connected very closely to our culture. By learning about another culture, we not only gain knowledge and appreciation of their way of life, but we learn a great deal about who we are. The French programme is designed to help students acquire effective writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills through a sequential programme. Students will use and develop logic, memory, problem- solving, and listening skills to distinguish the interesting ways languages are similar as well as different. Recognizing God as the source of the richness of our world is the root of the French programme at TDChristian.
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 TDChristian: Creative
TDChristian has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What TDChristian says:
God has given us gifts as a reflection of His beauty and image. These abilities are to be cultivated and used to bless others. Therefore, the fine arts program strives to create an environment that fosters Christian artistic growth as a response to His presence and faithfulness in our lives. Fine arts that have integrity are an important part of God’s truth and are therefore essential to Christian living. The issue with art is not whether it is sacred or secular, but whether it exhibits truth and integrity. In the artistic search for truth, each artist must ask God to be the guide that fills and anoints him or her with a message. These images, texts, and sounds must reflect Him. Fine arts promote the expression of artistic individuality and the qualities which characterize the committed Christian life: self-discipline, commitment, stewardship, and a desire to share.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at TDChristian: Medium integration
TDChristian has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What TDChristian says:
Every part of this creation belongs to God and is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. People are to be good stewards of it. By extension, Christians are called to see and use technology as a way and means to benefit others and honour God. Technology cannot be viewed as neutral or as just a tool to be used for the benefit of the highest bidder. The pervasiveness of technology in our society means it is important for students to learn about, understand, develop, and employ it.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What TDChristian says:
Christian education focuses on the development of the whole student: soul, mind, and body. Health and Physical Education provides opportunities and encourages students to understand and appreciate their bodies as gifts from God to be cared for and used in His service. A person’s physical well-being has a great influence on how well he or she functions in other aspects of his or her life. Physical and health education can make an important contribution to the development of Christian habits and commitments. On the personal level these include self-knowledge, self-respect, perseverance, integrity, and stewardship. On a social level these include cooperation, competition, responsibility, fair play, and respect. To respond at either a social or personal level students must know their opinions, make choices, and have opportunities to commit themselves to courses of action.
Religious Education
What TDChristian says:
As a Christian school, we integrate our faith into every aspect of learning. Our vision, "Learning for Service in the Light of God's Word," emphasizes living out our faith through service to God and others—not just in the future, but today. Christianity is woven through all subjects, from homerooms to assemblies, and students are encouraged to put their faith into action. We believe our faith is not confined to Sundays or home life—it is central to who we are and shapes everything we do.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
What TDChristian says:
Sex-ed is taught as part of the Phys. Ed. curriculum. Like all of our subjects, we approach teaching sex-ed from a Christian perspective.
Language
Learn about Toronto District Christian High School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
TDChristian offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at TDChristian: Standard-enriched
TDChristian has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What TDChristian 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 TDChristian says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at TDChristian: Supportive
TDChristian has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What TDChristian says about their academic culture:
At TDChristian, we foster an academic culture that prioritizes personal growth over comparison. Our expectations are high, but we focus on the individual journey, encouraging students to develop strong work ethics, critical thinking, and creativity. We emphasize effort, perseverance, and learning from mistakes, rather than just grades. Each student is supported to reach their full potential, and collaboration is encouraged in a nurturing environment that allows for both academic excellence and personal growth.
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: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
What TDChristian says about their developmental priorities:
At TDChristian, we aim to shape students into compassionate, resilient, and service-oriented individuals. We focus on developing character alongside academic success, guiding students to become leaders who live out their faith in every aspect of their lives. Our goal is to foster a sense of purpose, responsibility, and empathy, preparing students to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
TDChristian offers Withdrawal Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
What TDChristian says about their special need support:
To find out more about our programs, please visit our school.
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 |
What TDChristian says:
At TDChristian, we are committed to supporting students with learning difficulties through individualized accommodations and strategies. Our small class sizes and dedicated teachers allow for personalized attention. While we may not have specialized programs for severe learning disabilities, we work closely with families to provide the support necessary for success. We encourage open communication and collaboration to ensure each student receives the help they need. Families with children who have diagnosed learning disabilities should reach out to us to discuss specific needs before enrolling to determine if we are the best fit.
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 TDChristian says about their gifted learner support:
At TDChristian, we aim to provide an enriching environment for gifted learners by offering opportunities for advanced academic exploration and creative expression. Students are encouraged to delve deeper into their areas of interest, and take on leadership roles in extracurricular activities. Teachers collaborate with gifted students to tailor learning experiences that challenge and inspire them, ensuring they are both academically stimulated and supported in their growth.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, TDChristian students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDChristian | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
| Site Average | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What TDChristian says about their flipped classroom policy:
Students will experience flipped classrooms in select subjects, particularly math.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
