325 Sandhill Road, Kanata, Ontario, K2K 1X7, Canada
10 Elm Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1N4, Canada
2003
1903
32
900
1 to 8
JK to 12
Coed
Girls
Day
Boarding, Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
6 to 10
16 to 22
Learning, Developmental
Learning
In-class adaptations
$16,000
$38,990 to $42,490
$75,100 to $78,600
No
Yes
0%
5%
None
7 to 12
$0
$0
4
60
0%
6%
0%
30%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
Yes: grades 9 - 11
information not available
Clans and tartans, prefects and polo shirts—the initial gestalt is very traditional. Some of the buildings on campus are heritage buildings, which adds to the luster, though they pre-date the founding of the school. Still, the spirit of the school is strikingly modern. The IB program starts early, as does the view to globalism. Branksome has a sister campus in South Korea, offering a hint of the dedication to an international gaze. Lists of notable alumni don't always reflect the work of the school—princes, for example, appear on those lists no matter what they achieve at school or afterward—though Branksome might prove the exception, in part because of the consistency of the achievement it demonstrates. Arts, letters, philanthropy, and leadership are all well represented in the list of notable alumni, just as they are within the school itself. Branksome Hall sets its sights very high, to be sure, and the ideal student is one who shares the core vision and is able to function in a very diverse, challenging, expansive environment.
Read The Our Kids Review of Branksome Hall
A small, dedicated school, March Academy is of particular interest to families of students who have had trouble assimilating or accessing a conventionally delivered curriculum within a conventional teaching environment. Teachers are adept at helping students find a place within the social network of the school, feeling involved and valued, as well as supporting a range of learning differences. The program begins with empowering students, helping them become aware of their talents, and encouraging them to employ them within a group learning setting. Parents report a high level of satisfaction, and a common regret perhaps is not turning to the school sooner. Frequent, open commination between faculty and families is also prized.
View full reportClans and tartans, prefects and polo shirts—the initial gestalt is very traditional. Some of the buildings on campus are heritage buildings, which adds to the luster, though they pre-date the founding of the school. Still, the spirit of the school is strikingly modern. The IB program starts early, as does the view to globalism. Branksome has a sister campus in South Korea, offering a hint of the dedication to an international gaze. Lists of notable alumni don't always reflect the work of the school—princes, for example, appear on those lists no matter what they achieve at school or afterward—though Branksome might prove the exception, in part because of the consistency of the achievement it demonstrates. Arts, letters, philanthropy, and leadership are all well represented in the list of notable alumni, just as they are within the school itself. Branksome Hall sets its sights very high, to be sure, and the ideal student is one who shares the core vision and is able to function in a very diverse, challenging, expansive environment.
View full report
" ... the epitome of what schools should be ... "
Christine Deugo - Parent (Jun 13, 2019)
March Academy is the epitome of what schools should be. My son has flourished since he began attend...
View full review
" ... she is thriving ... she feels she matters"
Claudia Gongora - Parent (Jun 13, 2019)
Our eldest daughter completed JK-trough grade 1 in the public school system and it was painful to se...
View full review
" ... a small, quaint and loving school"
lisa o'kane - Parent (Jun 13, 2019)
March Academy has completely changed my child and his outlook on school. It is now a place he looks ...
View full review
"The teachers are dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate about fostering a nurturing learning environment."
Shelly Huang - Parent (Oct 23, 2023)
My daughter loves Branksome Hall so much, I remember clearly she told me Branksome Hall and the teac...
View full review
"My experience at Branksome Hall overall was wonderful."
Sara Akbari - Alumnus (Jan 24, 2024)
My experience at Branksome Hall overall was wonderful. I had many supportive teachers throughout the...
View full review
"I was very happy with the quality of instructors and teachers at Branksome."
Deniz Mutlu - Alumnus (Feb 28, 2024)
I had a wonderful experience at Branksome. I joined Branksome in the 3rd grade and continued until m...
View full review
"March Academy is a dynamic learning environment that celebrates individual difference and teaches students to use their strengths to be effective learners. Small class sizes and experienced teachers create an environment that provides support and challenges students to achieve their true potential. Music, arts, nature, and daily physical activities are integral to educating the whole child. Through high expectations, recognizing learning styles and emphasizing the positive, we give each student a chance to shine."
"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls (JK-12). Our IB Advantage for Girls sparks students’ curiosity and passion for new challenges through our unique combination of outstanding academics, well-being, international mindedness and strong focus on innovation. Our inquiry-based Liberal Arts curriculum is enriched by our four core values: sense of community, inclusiveness, creativity and making a difference. An independent school, Branksome Hall educates 900 students on our 13-acre campus, nestled in the heart of the Rosedale neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, within walking distance of the University of Toronto, public transit, libraries, theatres and the vibrant intersection of Yonge and Bloor Streets. Our state-of-the-art facilities include an Athletics and Wellness Centre, STEAM Studio, Innovation Hub, Makerspaces and flexible learning environments. We offer a Boarding Program for Grades 7-12 and an immersive Study Abroad Program with our sister school, Branksome Hall Asia on Jeju Island, South Korea. Our graduates are welcomed by leading universities in Canada, the U.S. and around the world, most with scholarships. More than $1.4 million in student financial assistance is provided each year. Discover more at www.branksome.on.ca."
"March Academy is a dynamic learning environment that celebrates individual difference and gives students the confidence to advocate for themselves and use their strengths to be effective learners. Our environment provides support and challenges students to achieve their true potential. Music, arts, nature, and daily physical activities are integral to educating the whole child. High expectations, recognizing learning styles and emphasizing the positive, give students a chance to shine."
"As the only independent day and boarding school for girls in Toronto to offer the International Baccalaureate programs (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme), Branksome students are empowered to discover their passions, find their voice and actively shape positive change. The school has broken ground on a new Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST) for the arts and STEM, a first-of-its-kind facility for any JK-Grade 12 institution in Canada."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Families choose March Academy for our small setting, highly experienced educators, and enriched programming. Graduates report that March Academy helped them to better understand their strengths and needs as learners which gave them the confidence to be effective advocates for their learning in high school. Students appreciate and are prepared to embrace life-long learning."
"Branksome's enriched liberal arts program is viewed as the gold standard by universities worldwide. Our excellent location and amazing facilities attract families from all areas of the city, and the world, creating a diverse environment where everyone feels included. The breadth of extra-curricular and leadership opportunities ensure students feel connected to and empowered by our community. Student well-being and social-emotional learning are prioritized to foster healthy relationships."
Information not available
Information not available
"The program at March Academy has been carefully curated to enrich the whole child by including weekly opportunities for subjects such as Yoga, TaeKwonDo and Music which support the more academic areas such as Math and Language. Despite the attention and support for individual student needs, our emphasis on working in and as part of a group of learners is critical to student development. All experiences complement each other for the benefit of overall learning."
"The IB is not just about a comprehensive academic experience. The IB curriculum is adaptable and flexible, providing students the opportunity to personalize their educational experiences by selecting subjects that are a good fit for both their interests and their skill development. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, IB teaches students – at every age – to become critical thinkers and effective communicators of their ideas and opinions. As a result, they develop habits that last a lifetime."
"Families are often surprised by how much their child enjoys coming to school every day and what their child is capable of learning and doing. Parents are often delighted to report, "We have finally gotten our child back". Children rise and often surpass the expectations set out for them. Families come to realize and appreciate that teachers at March Academy have clear, specific, just-right expectations which reflect in the self-confidence they see in their children."
"New families to Branksome often comment on the welcoming and caring environment they experience once they join the community. Our inspiring and supportive faculty make learning fun and help students to develop a growth mindset. Students love learning in Branksome's state-of-the-art facilities, including an Athletics and Wellness Centre, STEAM Studio, Innovation Hub, indoor rock-climbing wall, playgrounds, tennis courts, Makerspaces, and through our business incubator program, Noodle."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
An underlying tenet at March Academy is that education should provide children with a compass to guide them and support their ability to find their way, rather than a single road map that everyone must follow.
For 20 years, March Academy has worked to empower elementary aged students by helping them to understand how to find their way in a group learning environment. It challenges them and helps them grow, primarily by teaching them how to learn, while at the same time, helping them to respect and work with their peers.
March Academy celebrates individual difference, recognizes strengths and teaches students to use their strengths to be effective learners. Through high, reasonable expectations, by incorporating individual learning styles, by emphasizing the positive, and by teaching co-operation, we give each student a chance to shine and express their true potential.
Our students are excited, engaged, positive students. They develop qualities that allow them to become confident life long learners. We are extremely proud of our graduates, their growth and successes. We look forward to making you and yours part of our March Academy family.
“Branksome Hall will change your life.”
This is something I've told new students and families countless times over my more than two decades serving as Branksome’s Principal.
Since our founding in 1903, thousands of great women have walked our halls as Branksome students. They have been routinely welcomed into the finest colleges and universities around the world, with many receiving scholarships. Branksome alumnae have gone on to make a difference in just about any and every imaginable field and endeavour. I can't help but be awed by the impact they have had, and continue to have, on the world around us.
But I shouldn’t be surprised. Our alumnae's inspiring achievements are, in many ways, a direct reflection of their Branksome experience. Everything we do is guided by our powerful mission: each day, we challenge and inspire girls to love learning and shape a better world.
Branksome is a unique school. As Toronto’s only all girls, all years IB World School, we offer our students an academically excellent program in tandem with unmatched commitments to global engagement and well-being. At Branksome, girls are taught the skills they need to thrive in our changing world. They learn how to find their own strong voices and develop as lifelong learners.
As you read through this website, you’ll discover more about the Branksome difference and what sets us apart. When you’re ready to learn more, drop by our campus for an Open House or reach out to our Admission team. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing more about what makes our school so very, truly remarkable.
Sincerely,
Karen L. Jurjevich
Principal
Liberal Arts
International Baccalaureate
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
March Academy uses a multifaceted, eclectic approach to build and re-teach core skills or to provide academic challenges to students, where and when necessary. Small class sizes with a low teacher-student ratio allows for more individualized attention and flexibility in curriculum delivery, as well as providing support for social skills development, school anxiety and navigating the underlying hidden school curriculum. Providing the learner with an understanding of their part in the learning process and helping them to become advocates in their own learning is emphasized. Music, art, daily physical education, and nature studies are seen as critical elements of the program to entice and excite all learners.
Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. Our IB Advantage sparks students’ curiosity and passion for new challenges through our unique combination of outstanding academics, well-being, international mindedness and strong focus on innovation. Our inquiry-based Liberal Arts curriculum is enriched by our four core values: sense of community, inclusiveness, creativity and making a difference. A Kindergarten to Grade 12 independent school, Branksome Hall educates 900 girls on our 13-acre campus in downtown Toronto. Our state-of-the art facilities include an Athletics and Wellness Centre with two saltwater pools, STEAM Studio, Makerspaces and numerous flexible learning environments. We offer a Boarding Program and an immersive Study Abroad Program with our sister school, Branksome Hall Asia in South Korea. Our graduates are welcomed by leading universities in Canada and around the world, most with scholarships. More than $1.4 million in student financial assistance is provided each year. Branksome continues to set the pace for innovation in girls’ education, ensuring today’s students are well-prepared to solve tomorrow’s complex problems.
Traditional Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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.
The teaching of math is delivered in multi-aged groupings with similarly skilled students. Lessons are augmented to support individual student needs and skill level, and an altered pace and reteaching in different formats is offered when necessary. Math manipulative materials and various strategies are offered to solidify comprehension of the concepts. Students practice and apply their understanding on a weekly basis with their peers by solving assigned real-life problems with a 'math buddy'.
The Mathematics program at Branksome provides opportunities for university-bound students to develop a strong understanding of mathematics; practise strategies for applying knowledge and skills to solve complex problems in both real-life and abstract situations; communicate reasoning using mathematical conventions and terminology; and become proficient in using graphing calculators and relevant computer software. Students will learn new mathematical concepts and skills through class discussion, group work and individual practice. In all grades, students will be encouraged to develop specific study strategies that can promote academic success here at Branksome and later at university.
An eclectic teaching approach is taken for the teaching of math using resources such as Nelson mathematics, Jumpmath and other commercial programs to augment main lessons.
Information not available
Students are expected to learn math facts and are taught strategies on how to learn and find the facts. How to use calculators is taught as part of some lessons. Calculators may used for some lessons to confirm facts and in different math strands.
Information not available
Phonics-intensive
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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.
March Academy uses an eclectic approach to language teaching depending upon individual student need. In the primary grades an emphasis on letter sounds and phonetics is given in conjunction with the teaching of comprehension strategies, grammatical structures and vocabulary development. In the higher grades a greater emphasis on comprehension strategies, inferencing and vocabulary and grammatical development dominates the lessons.
Reading instruction in the early years is both explicit and systematic. Teachers in the early grades focus on essential early literacy skills through structured literacy lessons. Important skills include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. This instruction may take place in a whole class and small differentiated groups. Unit of Inquiry provides students with an opportunity to utilize newly learned skills during content area instruction. A variety of assessment practices and measures are used to gather data to support instruction and goal setting from benchmark assessments to diagnostic tasks, progress monitoring to outcomes evaluation assessments.
Equal balance
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.
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.
The teaching of writing is through a balanced systematic and process approach. Direct teaching of writing skills is taught both in small group lessons and on an individual basis as needed. Students are asked to write for a specific task or assignment to improve grammar and sentence structure, or to practice a specific type of writing. Time is also provided for personal and creative writing to both practice and apply the skills that have been taught and to foster a love of writing for different purposes. Formal lessons in both printing and cursive writing are given on a weekly basis.
Information not available
Inquiry
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.
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.
Science lessons are based on a school-wide theme each month in the form of Integrated Studies. Topics are taught through both direct lessons about the theme and through inquiry-based, team and partnered assignments. Special emphasis is place on aspects of nature, wildlife and the environment through targeted lessons each week in the form of nature journals. In Grades 7 and 8, specific topics are explored in more depth.
Information not available
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
Physics
Not applicable
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Not applicable
At an elementary school level, Literature is explored and appreciated both in terms of how it is written and in what it means to an individual. Students are asked to reflect and relate to text as it impacts them and as it impacts society as a whole.
Information not available
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
Not applicable
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
Not applicable
Social Studies lessons are based on a school-wide theme each month in the form of Integrated Studies. Topics are taught through both direct lessons about the theme and through inquiry-based, team and partnered assignments.
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
History and Geography lessons are taught through both direct lessons about the topic and through inquiry-based, team and partnered assignments.
Information not available
Communicative
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.
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.
A core French program is offered at March Academy.
Information not available
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
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
March Academy students engage in music lessons which take the form of an individual piano lesson, a music theory lessons and a group choir session each week. Visual arts lessons are also provided on a weekly basis. Dance and drama lessons may be integrated into physical education, language, or integrated studies classes dependent on the monthly theme.
Information not available
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
Technology is used to enhance or build upon concepts or themes in the classroom. Time is spent teaching students how to navigate specific programs to be used as tools in learning.
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
A large emphasis is placed on physical education. Classes are held on a daily basis and include both indoor and outdoor traditional games and activities as well as weekly sessions of TaeKwonDo and yoga.
Information not available
Play-based
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
The Junior School sparks a joy and interest in learning that will stay with a student for life. Caring teachers stimulate natural curiosity. Small classes allow for the personal attention that helps a young girl thrive and develop her self-esteem. Students follow a curriculum that provides a solid grounding in basic skills and promotes good study habits. From the earliest age, girls learn to express themselves as competent communicators and to develop self reliance. Students learn through inquiry-based instruction within a variety of subject disciplines, including English and French, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and Physical Education.
Standard-enriched
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.
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.
Information not available
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.
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”.
March Academy celebrates student success in all areas of the program. Without the emphasis on letter or number grades, students are made fully aware of their needs and successes through constant feedback and supported to ensure they are able to achieve their goals to a standard that they are capable of.
Information not available
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Information not available
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
The goal at March Academy is to encourage the development of the whole person. Students who are confident in themselves and who can advocate for their needs as learners are successful and can offer more to their communities.
Information not available
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
| ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
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.
| ||||
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
Accommodations
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
March Academy's program supports children who struggle with a learning challenge. Accommodations and modifications are integrated into the program and any remediation is a regular part of the delivery of the content when and where necessary. Time and space can sometimes be accommodated for extra support services engaged by families such as occupational, physiotherapy or speech therapy.
As Branksome Hall is an independent school with a rigorous admissions process, our students with identified learning needs are generally high-functioning students. They have formal, individual, written plans based on a psycho-educational assessment, medical documentation or social emotional documentation. Provincial funding is not available for our Learning Strategies program. For this reason, Branksome is unable to support students whose learning needs exceed the inclusive classroom.
Students who have been diagnosed with a learning disability can be accommodated at March Academy.
Branksome Hall follows an inclusion and Learning Diversity Policy where every student is the responsibility of every classroom teacher and where our teachers take ownership of the special learning needes of students in their classroom and differentiate their instruction to meet those needs.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
||||
Archery |
||||
Curling |
||||
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%
5%
$0
$0
0%
30%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
Yes: grades 9 - 11
No
Yes: grades 7 - 11
No
No
No
No
No
No
March Academy is suited for families who seek a smaller academic setting. The environment is suitable for students who, despite best efforts, are not experiencing success at their current school placement. Students may be identified as learning disabled or gifted, be experiencing school anxiety, be 'late bloomers', or be students who enjoy more teacher-student interaction. The smaller setting for learning combined with the supports that that March Academy can provide may also provide a renewed spark for learning in the student.
Students who thrive at Branksome Hall are thoughtful learners who seek knowledge and think critically. Even at a young age, Branksome Hall students are comfortable with differing points of view and they ask challenging questions and solve complex problems. It is important that students are interested in engaging with the school, their community and the world around us. Some key words that describe the Branksome Hall student include risk-taker, communicator, thinker, inquirer, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced, reflective, spirited and awe-inspiring.
Parents are asked to contact the school for a tour and to meet with the staff regarding the learning needs of their child. Students are then asked to spend a day or more at the school to join a class and to follow the school day. Following the visit, school staff and parents will meet to discuss the school-student fit and suitability. If in agreement, students will be allowed to enrol at March Academy at a mutually decided date.