Waldorf Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Waldorf Academy: Waldorf
Waldorf Academy has a Waldorf approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia approach).
What Waldorf Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
The essence of Waldorf can be thought of as follows: The use of art and creative play across the spectrum of subject areas brings out a child’s imagination and the joy of learning. Our interdisciplinary approach to mastering subject areas across the academic spectrum encourages children to make connections and deepen learning. Waldorf Academy’s E.Q. approach is designed to enhance a child’s sense of connection to the world and to grow spiritually. We stress hands-on, experiential, inquiry-based learning that carries with it the ability to take risks, reach beyond our comfort zones and test our mettle. We work with a child’s natural tendencies to encourage their curiosity and figure out answers their own way. Sometimes they fail the first time, but then they learn how to get back up and see it through.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
What Waldorf Academy says:
Making Math More Meaningful - A Waldorf curriculum guide. Middle school math specialist
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
What Waldorf Academy says:
Combination of approaches. Grade 2 reading assessment. Nelson Literacy Reading program combined with Waldorf curriculum.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Waldorf Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Waldorf Academy: Equal balance
Waldorf Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Waldorf Academy says:
Lower school literacy is supported by the Nelson Literacy program and Waldorf curriculum.
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Science
Science approach at Waldorf Academy: Inquiry
Waldorf Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Science is based on a phenomenological approach.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Waldorf Academy: Equal Balance
Waldorf Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Waldorf Academy says:
The first Waldorf school that opened in 1919 was based on social justice. Social Justice is embedded in the curriculum and the school structure. It is important to note that we build meaningful relationships with cultures when the children are younger through implicit strategies and then look at it critically in the middle school.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Waldorf Academy: Thematic
Waldorf Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Waldorf Academy says:
Social studies program is based on child development and is matched with historical themes.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Waldorf Academy: Equal Balance
Waldorf Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Waldorf Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Waldorf Academy: Equal Balance
Waldorf Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Waldorf Academy says:
French is offered from grade 1 to 8
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Waldorf Academy: Equal Balance
Waldorf Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Waldorf Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Waldorf Academy: Light integration
Waldorf Academy has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Waldorf Academy says:
We offer cyber civics in middle school. We teach the base number system in grade 8 and students build a basic computer using the binary code.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Waldorf Academy says:
Grades 1-2 Developmental movement and games Grades 1-3 Games and Circus Arts Grades 4-8 physical ed program Grades 6-8 Health curriculum
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Waldorf Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
Waldorf Academy has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Waldorf Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Waldorf Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Waldorf Academy: Waldorf
Waldorf Academy has a Waldorf approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What Waldorf Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Early childhood programs are based on child development and imitation. Science, numeracy and literacy are fostered through real experiences in cooking, nature walks, building and art as well as storytelling, poetry, singing and recitation. Movement and self directed play as well as emotional intelligence are high priorities. There are group activities as well as small group and individual activities. Healthy physical development of the child is a critical prerequisite for proper mathematical and scientific education. Self directed play promotes questioning, problem solving, higher level thinking skills, discovery, self-directed activity and speech.
Language
Learn about Waldorf Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Waldorf Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Waldorf Academy: Standard-enriched
Waldorf Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Waldorf Academy says about their curriculum pace:
We do not follow the Ontario curriculum. Waldorf pedagogy is based on child development and can be applied universally regardless of where you live. The Waldorf curriculum is accredited through the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 Waldorf Academy says about their flexible pacing:
The elementary class teacher travels with one cohort through the grades for many years. This allows the teacher to understand how each child is learning and to ensure their needs are met.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Waldorf Academy: Supportive
Waldorf Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Waldorf Academy says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
What Waldorf Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Waldorf Academy offers Resource Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.
What Waldorf Academy says about their special need support:
All applicants are considered based upon the capacity of the class as a whole and the capacity of the teacher.
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
Type | Offered |
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Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
Type | Offered |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
What Waldorf Academy says:
We assess each child on an individual basis. We do not have EA's the class so we determine a balance in the class and the capacity of the teacher. We can offer two sessions of resource support a week for a limited number of students.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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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 Waldorf Academy says about their gifted learner support:
The students create their own text books and as a result are encouraged to deepen the content. Through independent projects they are also guided to deepen their scope. Often gifted children require strengthening in other areas such as movement, social skills and the arts. Here, at Waldorf Academy the focus is to provide a well rounded educational experience that ensures healthy relationships as well as academic rigour.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Waldorf Academy students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
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Waldorf Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 29 mins | 35 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 59 mins |
What Waldorf Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 6 to Gr. 8 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 6 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
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
Waldorf Academy offers 4 competitive sports and 8 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cross-country skiing
- Field Hockey
- Running
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Waldorf Academy offers 6 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Waldorf Academy says about their extracurricular activities:
- Aftercare Program: This program focuses on meaningful social engagement, outdoor and artistic activities, quiet focused time and occasional guest programming/visits. Programming balances rhythm to ensure that children have an opportunity to rest and digest their school day. Outdoor activities include outdoor play and camp skills Indoor activities include chess and board games, reading, instrument practice, painting, woodwork, and crafts.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Waldorf Academy
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