1367 Altona Rd, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1M2, Canada
1484 Cornwall Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 7W5, Canada
2014
1970
75
120
Nursery/Toddler to 6
7 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
French
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Traditional
5 to 18
8 to 10
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Dedicated gifted school
$8,400 to $17,000
No
Yes
0%
10%
None
7 to 12
$0
$5,000
7
20
0%
0%
0%
40%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 2 - 6
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
No
information not available
“[Chisholm Academy] provides an individualized, structured education in a highly supportive environment designed to rebuild students’ confidence and nurture their abilities.”
“The wide variety of inclusive extracurricular activities are part of the school’s broad efforts to cultivate emotional resilience and self-esteem in students—and to show kids who have previously had a negative school experiences that school can be joyful.”
“It was obvious to us that Chisholm parents can rely on the school to go the extra mile for them and their children.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Chisholm Academy
The French immersion programs that Canadians are most familiar with were born out of the multicultural movement of the 1970s, and to some extent, they continue to reflect their age. The public school immersion programs begin, most typically, with Grade 1. Which is strange, given what we know about language acquisition, including uptake as well as the overall academic benefits of leering a second language. Ecole Montessori offers a rich program that addresses precisely that, providing an early and authentically immersive French-language program. Given what we know about what learning languages can do for cognition, confidence, and just general academic engagement, the question isn’t “should we enroll in immersion?” but “why not?” The Ecole Montessori program has a lot to offer, including a strong basis for children to advance to immersion programs in the primary years. Class sizes are small, allow for a high level of student-teacher engagement. The summer camp programs offer a nice opportunity for students to continue in a familiar environment outside the standard academic year.
View full reportChisholm was created to address the needs of the kinds of learners who are prone to falling through the cracks of a traditional education. Special needs is the term we might use, though the definition used at Chisholm admits a broader understanding than we typically grant, including students from across the entire academic spectrum. What they share is a need for a more structured academic experience. The school is headed by Dr. Howard Bernstein and Dr. Shirley Bryntwick, both clinical psychologists. The ideal student is one who requires more than they are able to get from a traditional academic setting, and who benefits from a very structured, personal, planned approach to their education. A robust interface between parents and the school is encouraged, and close communication is ongoing throughout the academic year.
View full report
"The other students were also very helpful towards her and helped her to speak and read French."
Sutha Ananthakumar - Parent (Sep 15, 2021)
My child’s experience at Ecole Montessori is great. She entered the school with no knowledge in Fr...
View full review
"...the teacher took our feedback to work with our daughter to develop her leadership skills."
Dianne Tamburro - Parent (Sep 21, 2021)
Our daughter loved her first year at Ecole Montessori. She loved everything from the curriculum to t...
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"My daughter likes the smaller class sizes and the attention she receives from the teachers."
Tina Cox - Parent (Aug 05, 2022)
My daughter started attending École Montessori in grade 2 during the Fall of 2020 and has now compl...
View full review
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"F4T École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French Montessori and private school for students aged 2.5 to 12. École Montessori students master French while balancing an academically enriched environment. Our students are given freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections in all the academic avenues in the classroom. Our students are confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners who seek knowledge and understanding of the world around them."
"Our students have learning disabilities, ADHD, and anxiety but they're also regular kids who have struggled in school and who deserve to learn in an environment where they feel understood, respected, and heard. Chisholm Academy assists students reach their potential and gain confidence through a structured and supportive teaching style. The multi-disciplinary staff includes special education trained Ontario certified teachers, teaching assistants, child and youth workers, and a consulting psychology practice."
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"Chisholm Academy (1971) is the first specialized school in Ontario for students with learning or personal concerns. We created a "typical" school for those who require individual educational plans, taught in small groups. While we do not accept students with behavioural issues, we are plaesed to accept studenst with LD, ADHD, anxiety or depression. 100% of our students attend post secondary institutions. Our relationships with our students and parents is always supportive and long-lasting."
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"The Executive Director is a doctoral psychologist with expertise in clinical & educational psychology. Our principal & vice-principals hold specialist degrees & teaching staff are required to complete special education training. We employ counsellors, child & youth workers, recreation leadership staff and specialists in art & drama. There is very little staff turn over, which attests to the atmosphere. At Chisholm, comfort, personal growth & development, are as important as curriculum."
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"No one is bullied at Chisholm. Some of our kids had difficulty in previous schools. We facilitate personal relationships & activities to ensure all students are accepted. Our staff is committed to extra-curricular activities & we required that every student participates in at least 2 acticities. As students make friends & become increasingly confident, learning becomes easier. Our guidance department ensures post-secondary choices are appropriate & we consult with each student's new school."
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"The "normalized" environment we create, allows us to function as a traditional school yet employ all the aspects of individual educational plans. New students are immediately accepted and feel part of our family within days of starting at Chisholm. Our kids are are regular students who need that extra support in order to go on to college or university & lead successful independent lives. Moms & Dads quickly understand that their input is encouraged and appreciated."
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At École Montessori, our highest dream is that every single child who passes through our school doors will be inspired and become so courageous to follow the highest calling in their lives. We desire that every student will dream impossible dreams and be so audacious as to know that they can achieve them.
It is incredibly satisfying to know that we created Chisholm Academy with the help of thousands of parents, students and staff. I believe that we are the premier private school, for students who need support based on their learning or emotional needs. Success has been demonstarted in the amount of time that our staff stays with our school, the acceptance rate into college and university and our students success in the work force and with their family. You can only imagine the joy we all feel when students visit Chisholm Acaedemy, to "show off" their success and their families with young children. Parents "lend us" the children with the hope and excectation that we will nurture them and teach them the lessons they require academically and to ensure they are the fine citizens that we want our chidren to become. It continues to ne an honour to lead Chisholm Academy with the help of so many supporters. Best wishes, Dr. B.
Traditional
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Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
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The fundamental principle of Maria Montessori’s method is to value a child’s naturally inquisitive and developing mind to foster learning in an intuitive and natural way. In our school, children learn and socialize with older children, while the older students help solidify concepts and ideas by teaching them to younger students. This way, no child is limited by his or her age group, and every student has opportunities to learn. Gifted children are curious and ask a lot of questions, they take their own approach to assignments, they have a large vocabulary and enjoy interacting with older students, they have original ideas, they are cognitively advanced and are able to self-teach new skills and they are sensitive to their environment. Montessori education is tailored to create critical thinkers
Chisholm Academy, as the IEP school, writes individual education plans for every student. Academy staff always follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum but are able to accommodate students as according to their individual plans. This approach allows all students to move towards reaching a level playing field with those students not experiencing learning difficulties. Extra support is always available in a kind and supportive manner. We attempt to provide many alternatives to mastering the Ontario curriculum. In addition, with help to minimize multiple test and assignments at the same time. Students are allowed to repeats assignmenst and tests for issues related to their IEP.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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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.
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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.
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Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Ecology
Not applicable
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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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.
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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.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Not applicable
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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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.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
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At F4T École Montessori we offer an education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In our classrooms, children make creative choices in their learning. Our teachers offer age-appropriate activities to guide each student in their learning. Children work in groups and individually in order to discover and explore the world around them.
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Student-paced
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
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.
Each classroom is different and depends on its students. Depending on the activities, students are paired according to their strengths and weaknesses.
All students learn differently so it is our goal to taech differently. Our teachers thoroughly know the IEP of each student and pace them accordingly to their needs.
Supportive
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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.
We have benchmarks that we have set for our students; however, as a classroom is made of up a of many different types of learners and we understand that not all students will reach the same benchmarks at the same time. In the early years of education, the learning process is most important. The love of learning is what will ensure future success. Informal activities are given during the year to see where students are in their comprehension. Observations are shared with parents.
Without question, Chisholm Academy is one of the most supportive environments for students with learning weaknesses or emotional concerns. We expect all students to do their best but we minimize cempetition. Awards are given for academic performance but also for determination, working with others, sports, drama, art etc. When kids feel good, they learn better!
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Students who have social awareness can empathize with others and will become great citizens of the world and agents of change.
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FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
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.
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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. |
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
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Chisholm Academy is known as, and is proud to call itself, the IEP School. Individual Education Plans are written for every single student who attends our school. The Academy is equipped with Smart Boards in all classrooms, assisstive technology, laptops for all students, and teachers with special education training.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
7 - 12
0%
10%
$0
$5,000
0%
40%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 2 - 6
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Students entering the second year of the elementary program must have prior French knowledge.