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Vincent Massey Academy:
The Our Kids Report > Academics
Grades Nursery/Toddler TO Gr. 6 — Etobicoke, ON (Map)
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Vincent Massey Academy:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Vincent Massey Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS


Curriculum Progressive

[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 Vincent Massey Academy: Progressive

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

[Show: About Progressive?]

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 Vincent Massey Academy's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Progressive - 34%
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 14%
  Montessori - 11%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 1%

What Vincent Massey Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:

The development of each student to reach their individual potential is the basis of all programs at Vincent Massey. We believe that a child’s potential is best met by setting a foundation that prepares them for all aspects of life, not just academia. The development of the whole child widens the scope of learning and provides a diverse, well-rounded education in social, physical, and emotional aspects of life. Learning is made approachable and engaging by our teachers who specialize in facilitating learning environments that meet the needs of all our students. Teachers develop lessons based on the interests, needs, and development levels of the students in their classroom, ensuring a well-balanced education for everyone. Our balanced approach to education is facilitated through experiential- and inquiry-based curriculum, cultural and character education, and enrichment programs, to ensure that success is felt throughout all avenues of life. Our programs still use a specific scope and sequence for learning literacy and math skills.


Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Traditional Math

    Mathematics approach at Vincent Massey Academy: Traditional Math

    Vincent Massey Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional Math?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Vincent Massey Academy's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Traditional math - 25%
      Discovery math - 5%
      Equal balance - 70%

    What Vincent Massey Academy says:

    Our Math Program follows the Ontario Curriculum. VMA tailors each student’s math learning to the individual student. Through observations and assessments, each child is met at their level to ensure they are being challenged daily. We use a mastery approach to math to ensure students completely comprehend a concept before advancing. This approach allows students to advance through these concepts at their own pace, never capping the grade level curricular expectations that they are working at. In small groups and/or individually, teachers are able to work along side students to reach their individual potential.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Early Reading

    Phonics-intensive

    Early Reading approach at Vincent Massey Academy: Phonics-intensive

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

    [Show: About Phonics-intensive?]

    Our Kids definition: Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

    Compare Vincent Massey Academy's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Phonics-intensive - 44%
      Whole language - 2%
      Balanced literacy - 54%

    What Vincent Massey Academy says:

    Our Literacy Program follows the Ontario Curriculum. VMA tailors each student’s literacy learning to the individual student. Through observations and assessments, each child is met at their level to ensure they are being challenged daily. Our teachers are trained in the Science of Reading approach to literacy. This approach is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. In small groups and/or individually, teachers are able to work alongside students to reach their individual potential.

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

    What Vincent Massey Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Equal balance

    Writing approach at Vincent Massey Academy: Equal balance

    Vincent Massey 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 Vincent Massey Academy's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 79%
      Systematic approach - 9%
      Process approach - 12%

    What Vincent Massey Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Inquiry

    Science approach at Vincent Massey Academy: Inquiry

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

    [Show: About Inquiry?]

    Our Kids definition: Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

    Compare Vincent Massey Academy's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Inquiry - 27%
      Expository - 5%
      Equal balance - 68%

    Teaching approach:

    Reggio-inspired learning puts the interests and inquiries of the children at the heart of the learning that takes place in all our classrooms. The goal of our Investigative Research/science block is to build knowledge as a class in real, authentic problems they see around them. This learning block is designed to be collaborative, exploratory, and cross-curricular. The process of this exploration allows our students to guide their learning, deepen their thinking, and take risks and allows every student to be a valued contributor to the knowledge we build as a classroom.


    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

    What Vincent Massey 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

    Expanding Communities

    Social Studies approach at Vincent Massey Academy: Expanding Communities

    Vincent Massey Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

    Our Kids definition: The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

    Compare Vincent Massey Academy's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Expanding communities - 29%
      Core knowledge - 38%
      Thematic - 33%

    What Vincent Massey Academy says:

    Our Investigative Research blocks allow our students to ask real questions about the world around them. Our programs focus on higher-order thinking to improve their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Students will be directed to focus on understanding and applying knowledge to analyze, evaluate, and create knowledge.

  • Foreign Languages

    Communicative

    Foreign Languages approach at Vincent Massey Academy: Communicative

    Vincent Massey Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    Our Kids definition: The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

    Compare Vincent Massey Academy's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Communicative - 33%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Equal balance - 65%

    What Vincent Massey 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

    Equal Balance

    Fine Arts approach at Vincent Massey Academy: Equal Balance

    Vincent Massey Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Compare Vincent Massey Academy's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 65%
      Receptive - 2%
      Creative - 33%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Vincent Massey Academy says:

    Dance, drama, and artistic expression are critical vehicles for learning in a Reggio-inspired classroom. They are used to allow our students to interpret experiences on their own and express their understanding in a personal manner. VMA incorporates the arts in many of our investigative research projects and explorations. Students receive a minimum of one art exploration a week but often have much more opportunity for art, particularly in our Kindergarten classrooms Throughout the school year, VMA highlights different communities of artists through a school-wide artist study. Classrooms have studied Indigenous artists in the month of October, Black artists during Black History Month, and LGBTQ++ artists during Pride month. VMA's art program is also extended with programs throughout the year with specialized learning experiences. Such as improv classes, and African Fusion Dance.

  • Computers and Technology

    Light integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Vincent Massey Academy: Light integration

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

    [Show: About Light integration?]

    Our Kids definition: Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

    Compare Vincent Massey Academy's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Light integration - 18%
      Heavy integration - 30%
      Medium integration - 52%

    What Vincent Massey Academy says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Vincent Massey Academy says:

    In part of our approach to developing the whole child, we seek to ensure that our students take time to care for themselves throughout the day. On a daily basis, students are provided with time for meditation and are supported with ongoing conversations about taking care of our bodies and our minds. As a part of our physical education curriculum, VMA offers a minimum of 3 specialized sports programs for 4-8 week sessions. Specialized coaches from outside of VMA teach these programs. Sports may include but are not limited to karate, skating, soccer, basketball, and gymnastics. VMA's physical education program also extends into the community to participate in baseball, tennis, cross country, and tobogganing. VMA also has regular access to Franklin Horner community centers gym for indoor sports days such as Floor Hockey Day and Basketball Day.

  • Sex and health education

    What Vincent Massey 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 Vincent Massey Academy: Reggio Emilia

Vincent Massey 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 Vincent Massey Academy's Preschool/K Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Reggio emilia - 7%
  Play-based - 24%
  Montessori - 26%
  Waldorf - 2%
  Academic - 41%

What Vincent Massey Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

Our balanced approach to education ensures that success is felt throughout all avenues of life. We believe by equipping our students with the tools to succeed not just academically - but emotionally, socially, and physically - we equip students with the skills necessary to navigate all aspects of life. On a daily basis we provide leaders of the future with the opportunity to test and develop critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and innovation skills. We encourage them to ask questions, take risks, and collaborate with peers to help them in building a growth mindset and take agency over their learning.

Language English

Learn about Vincent Massey Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Vincent Massey Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Student-paced

[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 Vincent Massey Academy: Student-paced

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

[Show: About Student-paced?]

Our Kids definition: The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

Compare Vincent Massey Academy's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Student-paced - 26%
  Standard-enriched - 56%
  Accelerated - 18%

What Vincent Massey Academy says about their curriculum pace:

Our curriculum allows teachers to assess and extend learning to ensure children are challenged daily. With this, teachers are able to help students work ahead in areas where they are excelling, and receive support with skills they have not mastered yet.


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 Vincent Massey Academy says about their flexible pacing:

Students generally keep pace with the Ontario curriculum, but our programs aim to ensure students are being met on an individual level. Students regularly engage in working 1:1 with their classroom teacher in literacy and math concepts.

Academic Culture Supportive

[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 Vincent Massey Academy: Supportive

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

[Show: About Supportive?]

Our Kids definition: A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

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

What Vincent Massey Academy says about their academic culture:

The first few years set the foundation for learning for the rest of a child’s life. VMA provides an inquiry-based, cross- curricular education in which students are presented with the opportunity to explore many different avenues of learning. Vincent Massey promotes confident, curious, resourceful learners who respect and value the individual differences of their peers.

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 Vincent Massey Academy says about their developmental priorities:

The environment we created for our students at VMA is used to mirror real life, while simultaneously providing them with skills and strategies to navigate the unexpected bumps along the road. Students are given opportunities to discover themselves and their interests in a safe and accepting space and encouraged to make mistakes along the way.

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.

Vincent Massey Academy offers No support

Vincent Massey Academy offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

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

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: This information is not currently available.

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 Vincent Massey 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. 6, Vincent Massey Academy students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.

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Vincent Massey Academy0 mins0 mins0 mins0 mins15 mins15 mins15 mins30 mins30 mins30 mins
Site Average0 mins2 mins6 mins7 mins15 mins18 mins24 mins30 mins35 mins42 mins

What Vincent Massey 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. 1 to Gr. 6
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackJK to Gr. 6
Academic achievement reportingJK to Gr. 6
Habits and behaviour reportingJK to Gr. 6
Parent-teacher meetingsJK to Gr. 6

Extracurricular Activities

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.

Sports offered

Vincent Massey Academy offers 0 competitive sports and 7 recreational sports.

  Competitive offered          Recreational offered
all sports]
  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Ultimate
  • 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

Vincent Massey Academy offers 12 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  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

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Vincent Massey Academy

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