Trafalgar Castle School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Liberal Arts
    • Mathematics: Traditional Math
    • Early Reading: Balanced Literacy
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature: Traditional
    • Social Studies : Thematic
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Equal Balance
    • Computers and Technology: Heavy integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Advanced Placement courses :
    • Sex and health education: Ontario curriculum
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Intellectual
  • Special needs support: No support
  • Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
  • Language: English

  
  

  • 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.

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    Curriculum approach at Trafalgar Castle: Liberal Arts

    Trafalgar Castle 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 - 17%
      Traditional - 44%
      Progressive - 27%
      Montessori - 10%
      Reggio Emilia - 1%
      Waldorf - 1%
    

    What Trafalgar Castle says: Trafalgar Castle School offers a rigorous university preparatory curriculum from Grades 4 through 12. Our focus is to prepare our young women for post-secondary education through courses that emphasize the development of effective communication and inquiry skills, the ability to access and evaluate information, and develop self-assessment skills. We use information technology to deliver appropriate components of the curriculum and in the process encourage mastery of the technology skills essential for current and future success. Our courses meet and exceed Ontario Ministry of Education requirements and are delivered by a highly competent and dedicated faculty. Current research supports learning in a small-school environment, which enables our teachers to engage their students and support them as they achieve their true potential. Trafalgar Castle School is inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education, accredited by the Canadian Educational Standards Institute and a member of the Conference of Independent Schools (Ontario), the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools and an associate member of the National Association of Independent Schools (Associate Member U.S.A.).

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    
    

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    
    

    • Mathematics Traditional Math
      Mathematics approach at Trafalgar Castle: Traditional Math

      Trafalgar Castle 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 - 29%
        Discovery math - 3%
        Equal balance - 68%
      

      What Trafalgar Castle says: Our Grade 5 through 8 Mathematics program is built around the Singapore Math approach, which by design slows down the learning process to help more thoroughly ground our middle school students in the fundamentals of Math. Our Upper School Mathematics program features the academic level as well as enriched-level courses, which prepare students for Advanced Placement level courses.

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

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
      Early Reading approach at Trafalgar Castle: Balanced Literacy

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

      [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

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

      Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

        Balanced literacy - 56%
        Phonics-intensive - 42%
        Whole language - 2%
      

      What Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

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

      What Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at Trafalgar Castle: Equal balance

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

      [Show: About Equal balance?]

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

      Writing at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 82%
        Systematic approach - 10%
        Process approach - 8%
      

      What Trafalgar Castle says: Our students learn to develop effective thesis and supportive ideas based upon the adapted University of Chicago writing program. Through use of selected referencing, students build sound writing with the ultimate goal of refined expository writing.

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at Trafalgar Castle: Equal Balance

      Trafalgar Castle 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: 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 Traditional
      Literature approach at Trafalgar Castle: Traditional

      Trafalgar Castle 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 - 20%
        Social justice - 3%
        Equal balance - 77%
      

      What Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

    • Social Studies Thematic
      Social Studies approach at Trafalgar Castle: Thematic

      Trafalgar Castle has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Expanding Communities approach).

      [Show: About Thematic?]

      The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Thematic - 32%
        Core knowledge - 43%
        Expanding communities - 25%
      

      What Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Trafalgar Castle: Equal Balance

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

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

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

      What Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at Trafalgar Castle: Equal Balance

      Trafalgar Castle 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 Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Equal Balance
      Fine Arts approach at Trafalgar Castle: Equal Balance

      Trafalgar Castle 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 - 61%
        Receptive - 2%
        Creative - 37%
      

      Program offers:

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

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

    • Computers and Technology Heavy integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Trafalgar Castle: Heavy integration

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

      [Show: About Heavy integration?]

      A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Heavy integration - 33%
        Light integration - 18%
        Medium integration - 49%
      

      What Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

    • Advanced Placement courses
      AP Studio Art: 2-D Design

      AP Studio Art: 3-D Design

      AP Studio Art: Drawing

      AP Calculus AB

      AP English Language and Composition

      AP English Literature and Composition
    • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at Trafalgar Castle: Ontario curriculum

      Trafalgar Castle 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:

      Trafalgar Castle 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.

      Trafalgar Castle's approach to sex-ed: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

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

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    Curriculum Pace approach at Trafalgar Castle: Standard-enriched

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

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

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

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

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

    What Trafalgar Castle says: Our enriched program can be seen across the curriculum through our Advanced Placement course offerings, enriched Mathematics program, expository writing program, integrative and inquiry-based thinking program, and our adaptation of diverse teaching strategies.

    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 Trafalgar Castle says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture Rigorous
    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

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

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    Academic Culture approach at Trafalgar Castle: Rigorous

    Trafalgar Castle 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 Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

  • 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.

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    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 Trafalgar Castle says: At Trafalgar, we implement a continuum of programming for students from Grade 4 to 12 that addresses the social, emotional, physical, mental health, and spiritual needs of girls. Student health, wellness, and learning supports are enhanced so that every girl can participate fully and productively in learning and life.

  • Special needs support No support
    [Show definition of Special needs support]

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

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    Trafalgar Castle offers No support

    Trafalgar Castle offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

    What Trafalgar Castle says about their special need support: Families are supported in seeking professional diagnosis and recommendations a learning difficulty is suspected. From there, the recommendations that work in our environment to best support the student are implemented. We responsibly enrol students with diagnosed learning disabilities.

    Academic Support:

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

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

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    Summary: Every identified student receives a learning plan. Supports and extension opportunities vary from minimal to moderate. Classroom teachers implement the majority of the accommodations and extension opportunities. Independence and self-advocacy are the primary goals for every identified student.

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:

    Modification:

    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:

    Resource Assistance:

    Withdrawal Assistance:

    Partial Integration:

    Full-Time Class:

    
    

    Special NeedNeed

    Forms of SupportA

    EnvironmentsB

    ADHD

    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

      This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

      Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

      This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

      Dyscalculia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

      Dysgraphia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

      Language Processing Disorder

      This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

      Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

      These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

      Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

      A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
    • Developmental
      Autism

      Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

      Asperger's Syndrome

      On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

      Down syndrome

      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

      Intellectual disability

      This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

      Williams syndrome

      This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
    • Behavioral and Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

      roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

      Clinical Depression

      This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

      Clinical anxiety

      This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

      Suicidal thoughts

      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

      Drug and alcohol abuse

      This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

      Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

      This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis

      This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

      Cerebral palsy

      his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

      Muscular dystrophy

      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

      Spina Bifida

      This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

      Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

      This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

      Blindness

      Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

      Deafness

      Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

      Cystic Fibrosis

      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

      Multiple physical

      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

  • Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

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

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    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: 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.)

    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 Trafalgar Castle says: This information is not currently available.

  • Language English
    Trafalgar Castle offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English
• Extracurriculars
  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

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  What Trafalgar Castle says:

  • Trafalgar Castle School among the first to launch a Girls Who Code Club in Canada!

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 12
  Recreational sports: 4

  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

  Trafalgar Castle School offers 16 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  
• Tuition & Financial Aid
  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

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

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  Boarding (Domestic - 5 days/week) Day Boarding (Domestic) Boarding (International)

   

  	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Boarding (Domestic - 5 days/week)				$54,570
  Day	$24,270			$24,975		$27,805
  Boarding (Domestic)				$59,970
  Boarding (International)				$65,615

  
  

  What Trafalgar Castle says about their tuition: There is no additional fee for the majority of our co-curricular activities and athletic teams. Some programs, such as music, rowing and robotics, may be subject to a nominal fee as a result of specialized coaching and equipment beyond the scope of our regular program.

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  Discounts

  Discount Type	Enrolment Type	Amount
  2nd child (sibling)	all students	10%
  3rd child (sibling)	all students	10%
  4th child (sibling)	all students	10%

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	4 to 12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	0%
  Average aid package size	$0
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	10%
  Total aid available	$0

  Application Deadline:

  Rolling deadline

  More information:

  https://applefinancialservices.ca/apply

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  • Completed online application form; • Final report cards for the past two years; • A confidential teacher recommendation; and • Application fee. The student’s application package is then assessed, and eligible candidates are invited in for an interview and an assessment. At this point, if the student is a successful candidate, an official letter of acceptance will be offered.

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  Merit based Scholarships

  Trafalgar Castle School does not offer merit-based financial awards.
• 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.

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  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Gr. 4 to Gr. 12	All girls	Day	150
  Group 2	Gr. 7 to Gr. 12	All girls	Boarding	80

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	230
  Average class size	12
  % of international students (total enrolment)	31%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	11
  Five-day boarding program offered	Yes

  Student Distribution:

  	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
  Boarding Enrollment				N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

• Admission
  [Show definition of Admission]

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

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  Application

  Admissions Assessments:

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		4 - 12
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)		4 - 9
  Entrance Essay

  Application Deadlines:

  Day students: Rolling
  Boarding students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

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  Fees:

  Application fee: $0
  Registration fee: $2,500
  Deposit: N/A

  What Trafalgar Castle says:

  Trafalgar Castle School operates on a rolling admissions process however spaces fill early. Prospective students are required to submit the following components as part of the application process: 

  • Completed application package;
  • Report cards from the previous two years; 
  • Reference letter;
  • Deposit;  
  • Interview process; and
  • International students are required to provide a language proficiency test (iELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) and SSAT.

  Day students are also encouraged to spend a day with us to experience first-hand the possibilities of a Trafalgar Castle School education. 

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  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 100%

  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 Boarding
  

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  Student Entry Points

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

  
  

  Student Type	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
  Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate)				0	0	0	0	0	0

  Type of student Trafalgar Castle is looking for:
  We are looking for students that wants what Trafalgar Castle School is offering including: • A warm and encouraging environment where every girl is known and embraced; • A diverse and international student body and an inclusive community; • An acclaimed academic program where students reach high and achieve their best; • Social, emotional and academic support structures to promote health and wellness; • Learning experiences outside the classroom on excursions, adventures and exchanges; • An exciting array of clubs, sports teams, music ensembles and leadership opportunities; • A school where 100% of graduates are accepted into a university of her choice; and • A network of talented and successful alumnae from around the world.
• 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.

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  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	35
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	100%

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	1%
  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)	N/A

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  University of Toronto																																	32%
  Queen's University											10%
  Western University											10%
  Ryerson University									8%
  Trent University									8%

  % of Graduates

  
  

  • Canada 30 universities
    • Acadia University
    • Brock University
    • Carleton University
    • Concordia University
    • Dalhousie University
    • Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology
    • George Brown College
    • Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
    • Laurentian University
    • McGill University
    • McMaster University
    • Memorial University of Newfoundland
    • Mount Allison University
    • OCAD University
    • Queen's University
    • Royal Military College of Canada
    • Ryerson University
    • Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology
    • St. Francis Xavier University
    • Trent University
    • University of British Columbia
    • University of Guelph
    • University of Northern British Columbia
    • University of Ontario Institute of Technology
    • University of Ottawa
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Waterloo
    • Western University
    • Wilfrid Laurier University
    • York University
  • United States 2 universities
    • George Mason University
    • University of California, Davis
  • International 8 universities
    • Chinese University of Hong Kong
    • University of Amsterdam
    • University of Edinburgh
    • University of Kent
    • University of Nottingham
    • University of Otago
    • University of Sydney
    • University of the Arts London

  
  

  Areas of Study

  • Trafalgar Castle School
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  Trafalgar Castle School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    43% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    27% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    25% - Business/Commerce
    0% - Fine and Performing Arts
    5% - Applied Health Sciences
    0% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    0% - Other
  

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    25% - Business/Commerce
    5% - Fine and Performing Arts
    13% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships

  Mentorship Program	N/A
  University counseling

  What Trafalgar Castle says:

  • Our graduates are welcomed by post-secondary institutions in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and other international universities. All of our students enthusiastically participate in a wide variety of co-curricular opportunities that span the Arts and Sciences, athletics, and community service endeavours. Fostering a strong boarding tradition, we host 77 boarders who represent 7 countries and 36% of our school population.
• Principal's Message
  Dr. Leanne Foster, Head of School

  B.A, B.Ed, Ph.D

  Welcome from the Head of School

  For a start, there is no other all-girls day and boarding school like us in Canada. We have been at the forefront of girls’ education for almost 150 years. At 240 students from Grade 4 to Grade 12, we are small by design. That means every girl is recognized and honoured for the individual she is. We believe the best entry point to a large and complex world is a warm and personal learning environment with ample opportunities for personal discovery and growth.

  You want your daughter to be known and cared for while she pursues her dream to design a zero-emission engine, work in international medicine, write young adult fiction, or whatever other aspiration she holds in her heart. And because she is an individual with unique talents and passions, you know she will flourish within a small, welcoming community that offers an exceptional education and provides for her personal growth.

  Sometimes we say, “there’s no such thing as a Trafalgar girl,” because so many different girls of diverse backgrounds and interests thrive here. But we also know exactly what a Trafalgar girl is: engaged in her learning, interested in her world and making a difference in her community. Not all girls arrive that way, but our responsive educational environment ensures that she will feel known by her teachers, supported by her classmates and energized with a sense of belonging. Most of all, she will discover the power of her own voice here.

  Trafalgar Castle offers an all-girls education that unites tradition with innovation. We care deeply about how girls learn and offer the experiences they need to build critical thinking, creativity, confidence and leadership. Today’s young women are entering a fast-changing world that demands much of them. The Trafalgar experience prepares them to live with purpose and lead with conviction wherever their future takes them.

  Our graduates are ready for the world. They leave the Castle with the confidence and vision they need to live lives of consequence and courage. And they join a network of talented and generous alumnae around the world who embrace them warmly and guide them wisely.

  Each year, 100% of our students are accepted to their preferred university destinations. They excel in highly competitive programs and succeed in their chosen fields after graduation. No matter where their university journey takes them, they carry the Trafalgar difference in their hearts.

  We would love to meet your daughter.

  Dr. Leanne Foster, Ph.D.

  Head of School

  
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