Lycée Français de Toronto ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at LFT: Traditional
LFT has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at LFT: French National Curriculum, Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What LFT says about their overall curriculum and approach:
The Lycée Français is the only French school in Toronto recognized by the French Ministry of National Education from pre-K to Grade 12. As a member of the network of the "Agency for French Education Abroad" with more than 496 institutions around the world, being deeply rooted in Toronto life and Canadian culture, our school offers our students the best of both cultures: academic excellence in French and a strong focus on personal development and striving to reach one’s full potential. Based on the French curriculum, our innovative pedagogical approach places special emphasis on languages, sciences and sports. With a complete mastery of 3 to 4 languages in Grade 12 and the recognition of the Baccalauréat, our students integrate well into the leading North American and European universities such as Harvard, UofT, McGill University, Columbia, Dauphine and SciencesPo. With a wealth of 550 students from more than 30 different nationalities, our community is united, respectful and caring. The values of fraternity, equality and living together are at the heart of our identity and teaching philosophy.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at LFT: Traditional Math
LFT has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What LFT 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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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at LFT: Balanced Literacy
LFT has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at LFT: Equal balance
LFT has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at LFT: Equal Balance
LFT 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 LFT: Traditional
LFT has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What LFT 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 Social Studies
Social Studies approach at LFT: Core Knowledge
LFT has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at LFT: Equal Balance
LFT has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at LFT: Communicative
LFT has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What LFT 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 LFT: Equal Balance
LFT 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 LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at LFT: Light integration
LFT has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at LFT: Not Ontario curriculum
LFT has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
LFT has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What LFT says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at LFT: Academic
LFT has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What LFT says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Giving each child the keys to knowledge and the benchmarks of the society in which he/she grows is the only ambition of the primary school. In kindergarten (Pre K - SK), learning is articulated around 5 themes (communicating and developing language in French and English, growing and moving, expressing oneself through artistic activities, learning to structure one's thoughts, exploring the world). LFT teachers are committed to providing each child with an environment and a choice of activities that promote the development of their independence and prepare them for entry into CP (Grade 1).
Language
Learn about Lycée Français de Toronto's languages of instruction and enrolment.
LFT is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
English - 20% | French - 80% |
Language of enrolment include: English, French
Language immersion include: French immersion
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at LFT: Standard-enriched
LFT has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What LFT says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
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 LFT says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at LFT: Rigorous
LFT has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What LFT says about their academic culture:
Our program is designed to provide students with a structured body of general knowledge while encouraging the development of analytical and critical thinking skills. The curriculum is based on the French national curriculum, and augmented by a strong English program ; the curriculum exceeds all requirements set by France, preparing our students to enter and thrive at both North American and European colleges and universities.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What LFT says about their developmental priorities:
Our approach is based on plurilingual and pluricultural education. Our students learn and interact with multiple languages and cultures. Each student has the opportunity to choose a language course that is best suited to their personal project. The LFT is the privileged place that allows both to enrich and enhance the knowledge of these languages and cultures. Mathematics, technology and experimental science make it possible to represent the world and better understand its environment. Our teachers (specialized in biology & geology, physics & chemistry, technology and mathematics) inculcate our students the scientific and technological culture, based on a knowledge of the principles and purposes of scientific reasoning, a practice of the scientific process and an understanding of common techniques.
Special needs support
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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 |
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
Program | Offered |
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Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What LFT says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, LFT students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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LFT | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 160 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 29 mins | 35 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 112 mins |
What LFT 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. 8 to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 5 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool 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
Lycée Français de Toronto offers 10 competitive sports and 2 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Ice Skating
- Rugby
- Running
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Lycée Français de Toronto offers 15 clubs and extracurricular programs.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Lycée Français de Toronto
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