AVRO Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at AVRO Academy: Progressive
AVRO Academy has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What AVRO Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We provide programming and resources for students with exceptional and special needs. We encourage students to work with us to design their program so that it engages both their strengths and interests. We also encourage students to connect their learning to the environment.
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
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Academic | Gifted, Special needs , Troubled Teens |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at AVRO Academy: Equal Balance
AVRO Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What AVRO 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.
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Science
Science approach at AVRO Academy: Equal Balance
AVRO Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at AVRO Academy: Equal Balance
AVRO Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What AVRO Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at AVRO Academy: Equal Balance
AVRO Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What AVRO Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at AVRO Academy: Equal Balance
AVRO Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What AVRO Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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 AVRO Academy: Equal Balance
AVRO 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 AVRO Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at AVRO Academy: Medium integration
AVRO Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What AVRO Academy says:
Our approach to computer science is to make it an accessible subject for all students, and to teach students the basics of programming through a series of "hands-on" classes that are also available online.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What AVRO Academy says:
Many of our physical education programs are offered out of doors. We run an annual summer canoe trip, and have offered march break programs in Costa Rica, and Thailand. In Toronto we use the JCC as our location for our physical education courses. We also regularly do outdoor acctivities.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at AVRO Academy: Ontario curriculum
AVRO Academy has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
AVRO Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What AVRO Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about AVRO Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
AVRO Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
AVRO Academy's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
AVRO Academy offers online courses to students.
Course schedule
Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
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Fall | 9 to 12 | 2 | Sep 12, 2022 — Nov 04, 2022 |
Course format
Type | Offered |
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Distance | |
Asynchronous | |
Synchronous |
Academic support and services
Type | Offered |
---|---|
Dedicated teacher per course | |
Exam proctoring | |
Student progress tracker | |
Regular office hours | |
Additional support | |
Study groups | |
Special needs support |
What AVRO Academy says about their academic support and services:
Student progress tracker: Our teachers use a dynamic IEP and establish course requirements and deadlines for every student.
Additional support: Student supports include on-site teaching assistants, tutors and our Therapeutic Program option which provides individual counselling for students.
Study groups: Our students are encouraged to practice peer study and assistance. Many of our senior students support our junior students with their work between and after classes.
Special needs support: AVRO’s Therapeutic Program provides students and parents regular, on-site professional support for both academic and emotional challenges. Our aim is to support the psycho-social needs of our students, in addition to their education.
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at AVRO Academy: Student-paced
AVRO Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What AVRO Academy says about their curriculum pace:
We work with students to create an educational plan that works with their learning syle, and their learning goals.
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 AVRO Academy says about their flexible pacing:
While our credit structure offers 2 courses per term, and 4 terms per year, some students choose to take longer to complete a particular course.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at AVRO Academy: Supportive
AVRO Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What AVRO Academy says about their academic culture:
We support students to work at a pace that works for them. We encourage them to discuss their progress, and challenge them to overcome personal boundaries and habits that get in the way of their learning.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What AVRO Academy says about their developmental priorities:
We support students through our strong counselling team to overome their own personal emotional and learning challenges.
Special needs support
AVRO Academy is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
What AVRO Academy says about their special need support:
We provide appropriate programming and resources for students with exceptional and special needs. We provide programming to meet specialized needs of students with: Autism Spectrum, Cognitive/Developmental Disabilities, Giftedness, Learning Disabilities and other social/emotional/behavioural challenges.
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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 AVRO Academy says:
AVRO is a school that specializes in working with students who have diagnosed Learning Disabilities. We provide an array of assessments to determine each student's specific strengths and weaknesses and provide a variety of resources to help students achieve academic success. Our teachers work closely with an educational social worker who is on-site. We provide all the accommodations and modifications required while preparing students for being able to implement the tools and skills needed to achieve post-secondary success.
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.
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 AVRO Academy says about their gifted learner support:
We offer gifted learners to determine the pace of their studies as well as ample options to enhance their curriculum so that they remain engaged and challenged. Our team includes support teachers who assist with one on one work between or after classes.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, AVRO Academy students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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AVRO Academy | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins |
Site Average | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 112 mins |
What AVRO 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. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
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
AVRO Academy offers 0 competitive sports and 0 recreational sports.
Clubs offered
AVRO Academy offers 12 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What AVRO Academy says about their extracurricular activities:
- Travel for Credit Summer Canoe Trip / Winter International Trip
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