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OUR KIDS Report:
Report on Urban Academy
TOPICS
Grades JK — 12 — New Westminster, BC (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Urban Academy
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Urban Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Curriculum Progressive, Reggio Emilia

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at Urban Academy: Progressive, Reggio Emilia

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

[Show: About Progressive, Reggio Emilia?]

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

Compare Urban Academy's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Progressive - 34%
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 12%
  Montessori - 12%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 2%

Urban Academy has a Reggio Emilia approach to supplementary curriculum.

Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).


International curriculum & programs at Urban Academy: Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What Urban Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Urban Academy is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 independent school in New Westminster, BC, committed to educating for tomorrow. Through a robust curriculum, including Advanced Placement, Duke of Ed Award, STEM education, outdoor education, athletics and arts, Urban Academy provides students with diverse avenues for exploration and growth. Ultimately, UA aims to equip students with critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience, preparing them exceptionally well for post-secondary success and fulfilling lives beyond. A committed, professional staff ensure that students are challenged and known well as individuals. Within the wider community, UA fosters strong, collaborative relationships with families, allowing for a fulfilling and dynamic school experience for all.


Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at Urban Academy: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Compare Urban Academy's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 67%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Discovery math - 6%

    What Urban Academy 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.

  • Early Reading

    Balanced Literacy

    Early Reading approach at Urban Academy: Balanced Literacy

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

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Urban Academy's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Balanced literacy - 50%
      Phonics-intensive - 48%
      Whole language - 2%

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

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

    What Urban Academy says:

    UA runs an in-house school assessment testing.

  • Writing

    Equal balance

    Writing approach at Urban Academy: Equal balance

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

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Urban Academy's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 78%
      Systematic approach - 11%
      Process approach - 11%

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at Urban Academy: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Urban Academy's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 7%
      Inquiry - 25%

    Teaching approach:

    This information is not currently available.


    Treatment of evolution:

    SubjectOffered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at Urban Academy: Equal Balance

    Urban Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare Urban Academy's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 25%
      Social justice - 2%

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies

    Thematic

    Social Studies approach at Urban Academy: Thematic

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

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Urban Academy's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Thematic - 33%
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Expanding communities - 28%

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Pragmatism

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Urban Academy: Pragmatism

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

    [Show: About Pragmatism?]

    Our Kids definition: Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.

    Compare Urban Academy's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Pragmatism - 13%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Equal balance - 79%

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Equal Balance

    Foreign Languages approach at Urban Academy: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Compare Urban Academy's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 64%
      Audio-lingual - 4%
      Communicative - 32%

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts

    Creative

    Fine Arts approach at Urban Academy: Creative

    Urban Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Our Kids definition: Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

    Compare Urban Academy's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Creative - 36%
      Receptive - 1%
      Equal balance - 63%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Urban Academy: Medium integration

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

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Our Kids definition: Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Compare Urban Academy's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 52%
      Light integration - 22%
      Heavy integration - 26%

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Advanced Placement courses

    8 courses
    • AP Physics 2
    • AP World History
    • AP Biology
    • AP Calculus BC
    • AP Chemistry
    • AP Computer Science A
    • AP English Literature and Composition
    • AP Macroeconomics

  • Sex and health education

    British Columbia curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Urban Academy: British Columbia curriculum

    Urban Academy has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]

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

    Compare Urban Academy's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 57%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 43%

    What Urban Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

Preschool/K Curriculum Reggio Emilia

[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Urban Academy: Reggio Emilia

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

[Show: About Reggio Emilia?]

Our Kids definition: Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.

Compare Urban Academy's Preschool/K Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Reggio emilia - 7%
  Play-based - 20%
  Montessori - 29%
  Waldorf - 2%
  Academic - 42%

What Urban Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

Inspired by the internationally acclaimed Reggio-Emilia teaching philosophy, Urban Academy's Junior Kindergarten (JK) program is tailored for pre-kindergarten children. Numerous international awards have helped recognize Reggio-Emilia as the best teaching environment for a child's first out-of-home learning experience. It encourages young children and their teachers to explore, question, and discover in a stimulating environment. The student is the communicator, the teacher is the guide, the parent is the partner and the environment is the third teacher. As a result, there is a significant focus on bringing the outside world in, and learning through all that nature has to offer.

Language English

Learn about Urban Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Urban Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English

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.

Curriculum Pace approach at Urban Academy: Standard-enriched

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

[Show: About Standard-enriched?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Urban Academy's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Standard-enriched - 54%
  Accelerated - 18%
  Student-paced - 28%

What Urban Academy says about their curriculum pace:

In many subjects, rubrics (a set of criteria and standards linked to learning objectives) are used. By clearly defining and setting out parameters that students can work towards, they are able to develop their skills and assess their own opportunities to grow and be challenged.


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 Urban Academy says about their flexible pacing:

Children are tested and assessed on a regular basis to ensure they are being appropriately challenged as well as to identify any gaps that may exist.

Academic Culture Rigorous

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

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

Academic Culture approach at Urban Academy: Rigorous

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

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: 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”.

Compare Urban Academy's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 51%
  Supportive - 49%

What Urban Academy says about their academic culture:

This information is not currently available.

Developmental priorities Balanced

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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 Urban Academy says about their developmental priorities:

Urban Academy works hard to ensure that students are supported to fully develop into their best selves and be positioned for success in their post secondary educational careers. With exposure to the arts, mentorship opportunities and community service we aim to instil confidence and help students learn more about the community and world in which they live. A strong academic background will allow them to pursue their dreams and have a positive impact in their communities.

Special needs support Withdrawal Assistance

[Show definition of Special needs support]

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

Urban Academy 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.

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


Academic support

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

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

What Urban Academy says:

This information is not currently available.


Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support No Support

[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.

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 Urban Academy says about their gifted learner support:

This information is not currently available.

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

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

Nightly homework

In grade Gr. 12, Urban Academy students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.

JKSK123456789101112
Urban Academy0 mins0 mins15 mins15 mins30 mins30 mins30 mins45 mins45 mins60 mins60 mins90 mins90 mins90 mins
Site Average6 mins7 mins16 mins19 mins26 mins31 mins37 mins44 mins56 mins60 mins75 mins84 mins100 mins107 mins

What Urban Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:

This information is not currently available.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 10 to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackJK to Gr. 12
Academic achievement reportingJK to Gr. 12
Habits and behaviour reportingJK to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsJK to Gr. 12
 

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