Indirect Support:
Wildwood Academy is a unique private school for children who require academic upgrading or simply benefit from a different type of instruction. We offer small class sizes, provide Direct Instruction programs and specialize in teaching students with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. Math and language arts programs match our students' academic levels. Learning is a positive experience and students achieve significant academic gains and increased self-confidence.
Wildwood was founded in 2002 in order to serve primary and middle-grade learners who require more support than they would find within a traditional classroom. The environment—both physically and pedagogically—was designed to address the needs of students with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, dyslexia, and autism Spectrum Disorder. In some senses, that describes quite a range of students and abilities, including those who may function both above and below their peers. While the classroom setting and extra-curricular activities provide opportunities for social development, the pace of instruction is individualized. The intention is to prepare students for high school, developing a personalized suite of strategies and skills necessary for them to make the most of academic life once they leave Wildwood after grade 8.
Additional notes: No busing available.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Wildwood Academy.
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| Flexible pacing style | offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)
| 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) |
In grade Gr. 8, Wildwood Academy students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood Academy | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 17 mins | 22 mins | 29 mins | 34 mins | 40 mins | 52 mins | 56 mins |
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Running | ||
| Skateboarding | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Outdoor Club |
| Outdoor Education |
| Photography |
| Science Club |
| Student Council |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Art Club |
| Chess Club |
| Community Service |
| Computer Club |
| Dance Club |
| Drama Club |
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| Day | $26,000 | ||||||
Discounts
| Discount Type | Enrollment Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Full payment | all students | $500 |
| 2nd child (sibling) | all students | 10% |
This information is not currently available.
This information is not currently available.
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 | Coed | Day | 60 |
| Total enrollment | 60 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 9 |
| Average class size | 4 to 10 |
| Gender (grades) | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 (Coed) |
| Boarding offered | No |
| Percentage of students are international students | |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | 2 - 8 | |
| SSAT | ||
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | ||
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: Rolling
Student Entry Points
| Student Type | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Below, find stories and testimonials about Wildwood Academy.
There is one rule at Wildwood Academy - Every Child Can Learn!
The first impression before entering the building is, “This is a school?” And then once through the front doors, it changes to, “This is a school! Awesome!”
The truth is, most educational systems accommodate for round pegs to fit into round holes. Valiant attempts are made to work with other shapes, but all with the goal of eventually fitting into the round holes. If you do not fit, parents and children are made to believe something is wrong.
At Wildwood, we celebrate and cherish the variety of shapes in our world. It is through accepting and nurturing these individual strengths that students can figure out how they best “fit”.
At Wildwood Academy, we approach the learning of each of our students not as an exception, but as the rule. The rule that - every child can learn.
The Wildwood community is different because it wants to be. It thrives on these differences. It is through these differences that the students come to recognize themselves in those around them. It instills a desire to grow and an understanding that their growth depends on the growth of others, creating an empathetic learning environment where students are excited for school. If children are excited - really excited? Then… the sky is the limit. ...
In 2012, Lauren Edwards, manager of the Tim Hortons at 2960 South Sheridan Way teamed up with Wildwood Academy in an effort to give students a new experience. The pilot project was so successful that Wildwood Academy now has four student employees enjoying their work placement experience at this location four afternoons a week. Thanks to the efforts of Lauren and Tim Hortons, these students have been given the chance to experience life in the workplace.
This opportunity was a first for the school, and one that has worked exceptionally well for the students and for the employer. “The students get such great pleasure out of coming to work. They’re so reliable, never come in late or call in sick, and they work just as hard as everybody else,” said Edwards. “They bring such a positive morale to everybody here, from the other staff to the guests.”
Students in the senior classes at Wildwood Academy are given the opportunity to participate in this highly valuable initiative. Social skill building, responsibility, money management, safety and cooperation are just a few of the skill sets that these young adults utilize while on the job at Tim Hortons.
The workshop, where our young apprentices hone their carpentry skills, is nothing short of spectacular.
What was once a “catch all” room used to house the garbage bins and items to be mended has been transformed into a fully functional work space, complete with work benches, a full array of tools, eye wash station and first aid kit.
Most of the items were donated by family and friends of the Wildwood Community, as well as local businesses such as Rona and Home Depot.
The workshop was designed and constructed by the students, with the help of their teacher. The students patched, primed and painted the space from top to bottom. They utilized their math skills to measure the space, budget for the materials and purchase the required supplies.
Since the grand opening ceremony in June 2013, the workshop team has constructed six picnic tables and 14 Muskoka chairs. The chairs were beautifully crafted and quickly sold by the students. They have also built a storage shed for our play yard, and they frequently aid in the completion of minor building repairs.
Our goal is to develop well-balanced students who embrace learning and demonstrate strong character. Wildwood Academy encourages children to become the best they can be by promoting academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for the students in grades five and up to participate in an annual two night team building trip at the YMCA Cedar Glen every October.
The students are exposed to multi-level challenge courses which is an excellent environment for groups to work together, build trust and develop communication skills in a safe setting that promotes personal growth. Along with the YMCA Staff, Wildwood Academy teachers and students are actively engaged in an outdoor education program which encourages positive values and character education. Orienteering, fire and shelter building, high and low ropes, archery, and nature hikes are just a few of the activities which the students participate in during their time at Cedar Glen.
The staff and students return from this experience with new and stronger friendships, newly acquired skills, and a solid bond that sets the stage for a positive school year.
The Reading Buddies Program is in full swing at Wildwood!
Every year, the students in the senior grades are “buddied- up” with students in the younger classes to create lasting friendships through literacy. With the opportunity for cross-age partnerships, the students improve their reading and fluency skills, as well as reaping some very rewarding leadership and social skills.
Once a week, the students cozy up on the couches and read to each other. They may share favourite stories, poems, comics, and word games – anything goes – as long as there are words!
This experience goes beyond reading. After one Reading Buddy session, a Big Buddy asked his teacher, “What do I do if my Little Buddy isn’t focussed? What should I do?” What an amazing opportunity to offer guidance and suggestions on how to become a leader as well as to understand how important teachers are. The Big Buddies gain skills and strategies for helping their Little Buddies stay on task, resulting in increased leadership qualities and improved self-esteem. The Little Buddies begin to look to their Big Buddies as role models and as a source of encouragement. Though they might be shy at first, the Little Buddies are soon bursting with confidence and excited for the next Reading Buddy day.
At Wildwood, we believe that all children can learn when they are taught effectively. As a means of upholding this belief, all of our teachers are trained in effective teaching practices and positive behaviour management techniques. As well, all staff members receive on-going professional development, monitoring and coaching to ensure that they regularly upgrade their skills. Following the placement of students in appropriate skill-based groups, teachers adeptly lead children through the learning process. Instructors first model skills, and then students are guided through repeated practice. Once learned and mastered, skills and knowledge are built upon systematically. Ongoing cumulative review allows students to complete and understand increasingly complex tasks. Active teaching and learning methods enable students to remain engaged in their lessons. As a result of these practices, students achieve success and feel good about themselves.
...Methods & Materials
The academic goals of Wildwood Academy are achieved using teaching methods and materials that are proven to be successful with elementary students of all ages and abilities. Direct Instruction programs are a large component of our core curriculum. These well-designed programs are part of a large, ongoing research and development project conducted by Dr. Siegfried Engelmann and his associates at the University of Oregon. Extensive studies have shown that Direct Instruction programs are highly effective at teaching language and math skills, and developing self-esteem. Successful results are achieved within each program through the presentation of material that systematically builds new skills and knowledge. All selected programs focus on skill development through modeling, repetition, mastery, ongoing review and application. Children are able to begin working at their own level and achieve excellent results quickly.
...Wildwood Academy is devoted to accelerating the academic achievement of all students. Programs are individualized to allow each child to work to his or her potential. Structured lessons emphasize the basic skills of speaking, reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, reasoning and comprehension. Academic pursuits are balanced with instruction in social studies, health & fitness, computer studies, music & drama, science and art. Practical self-management skills and effective study habits are taught to ensure success in all subject areas. The importance of positive social interactions and ethical integrity are also taught within the classroom setting and during extra-curricular activities. Clubs are carried out during school hours to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. It is our goal to help our students thrive academically and become well-respected citizens. In order to allow students to quickly and effectively upgrade their academic skills, Wildwood Academy has adopted specialized programs and learning schedules. The methods and materials used in our core subjects have been chosen for their measurable superiority as demonstrated in extensive research and field study. As well, we optimize student learning opportunities by extending daily in-school hours and decreasing between-task transition time. Field trips are also scheduled in a manner that is the least disruptive to classroom programs. We also ensure that our students are receiving ongoing intensive instruction by grouping according to skill level and teaching in small groups. In core subjects, students are taught in groups comprised of no more than eight students. This allows teachers to maintain a high level of student mastery while keeping an accurate record of each child's progress. Scheduling our students to work closely with similarly skilled peers and well-trained staff enables all of our children to maximize their academic achievement. At Wildwood Academy, we strive to make education a positive experience and provide each student with the tools needed to engage in a lifetime of learning. ...
At Wildwood Academy, a dedicated group of highly trained and certified teachers believe that every child can learn.
Our warm and nurturing environment, blended with specialized programming, ensures that all types of learners have the opportunity to succeed.
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