Northmount School

• Curriculum Liberal Arts
  [Show definition of Curriculum]

  Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

  ---

  Curriculum approach at Northmount School: Liberal Arts

  Northmount School has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

  [Show: About Liberal Arts?]

  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.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Liberal arts - 15%
    Traditional - 43%
    Progressive - 28%
    Montessori - 12%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  What Northmount School says: Northmount School is an independent boys preparatory school (JK-8) grounded in the Catholic tradition. It helps students achieve their greatest academic potential in a supportive environment which emphasizes character development, values and service, leading to a meaningful, balanced and fulfilling life.

  Approach:

  Focus	Religious-based
  Academic	Christian (Roman Catholic)

  If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
  If you want to learn more about Christian education, check out our comprehensive guide.
  If you want to learn more about Catholic education, check out our comprehensive guide.

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Traditional Math
    Mathematics approach at Northmount School: Traditional Math

    Northmount School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional Math?]

    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.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional math - 29%
      Discovery math - 5%
      Equal balance - 66%
    

    What Northmount School says: Northmount School for Boys uses the Saxon Math program that works on building, reviewing and learning new challenging math skills in a modern context that is focused on boys learning.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: Saxon Math

    Calculator policy: Scientific calculators are introduced to boys in grades seven and eight.

  • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
    Early Reading approach at Northmount School: Balanced Literacy

    Northmount School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    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.

    Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

      Balanced literacy - 56%
      Phonics-intensive - 42%
      Whole language - 2%
    

    What Northmount School says: Reading is taught from the K level through the primary program. Focused is on engendering a love of reading. Phonics decoding and comprehension skills are the focus of the primary division. Literature studies are central to the rest of the grades.

    DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What Northmount School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Writing Equal balance
    Writing approach at Northmount School: Equal balance

    Northmount School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

    [Show: About 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.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 79%
      Systematic approach - 10%
      Process approach - 11%
    

    What Northmount School says: Students are taught to write by the exposure to good literature, the scaffolded structure of assignments and the exposure to age appropriate exemplars.

  • Science Equal Balance
    Science approach at Northmount School: Equal Balance

    Northmount School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    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.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 70%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 25%
    

    Teaching approach: The boy scientific education is taught through both the teaching of theory and the inquiry based hands-on experimentation in a lab setting.

    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 Equal Balance
    Literature approach at Northmount School: Equal Balance

    Northmount School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 23%
      Social justice - 4%
    

    What Northmount School says: The boys are exposed to a wide variety of literature from a wide variety of sources. We offer a wide variety of sources that is boy- centric. Our literature program is cross curricular integrated with our social studies program.

  • Social Studies Core Knowledge
    Social Studies approach at Northmount School: Core Knowledge

    Northmount School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities , Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Core Knowledge?]

    Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Core knowledge - 43%
      Expanding communities - 26%
      Thematic - 31%
    

    What Northmount School says: The basis of our program is a core knowledge but is organized with themes running through it that is co-ordinated with our literature program. Social justice is a key focus of the school and is not relegated to our social studies program.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Perennialism
    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Northmount School: Perennialism

    Northmount School has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Perennialism?]

    Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Perennialism - 9%
      Pragmatism - 8%
      Equal balance - 83%
    

    What Northmount School says: Northmount students enjoy learning about the history and geography of the world around them. In the Senior Division, students will learn about exciting and important world issues, politics, and economics. They will learn about the important events that shaped modern day Canada, from First contact with European settlers through to New France, British North America and then Confederation. This journey is filled with inquiry, discovery, and interactive learning experiences. With the study of important and relevant historical events, as well as of current economic and political issues, students begin to learn valuable lessons and skills of how to be positive contributors of Canadian society. Field trips also form an integral part of the course – boys get to explore the real world as they learn the theory in the classroom.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
    Foreign Languages approach at Northmount School: Equal Balance

    Northmount School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 63%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 35%
    

    What Northmount School says: Our French program emphasis listening, interpreting, writing, and producing original French works.

  • Fine Arts Equal Balance
    Fine Arts approach at Northmount School: Equal Balance

    Northmount School has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 60%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 39%
    

    Program offers:

    Subject	offered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Northmount School says: Our visual arts begins on the expressive scale and develops into a more disciplined approach as the student matures.

  • Computers and Technology Light integration
    Computers and Technology approach at Northmount School: Light integration

    Northmount School has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration , Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Light integration?]

    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.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Light integration - 20%
      Heavy integration - 32%
      Medium integration - 48%
    

    What Northmount School says: Technology is scene as a tool to enhance learning in the curriculum rather than a discipline rather than itself.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Northmount School says: We believe strongly that the boys have daily physical education classes, with skill development, co-operative play and personal fitness as highlights.

  • Religious Education 11 to 25% of curriculum

    What Northmount School says: We deliver our school program through the Images of God Series( K-5), Faith and Life Series (6&7), Pure Manhood (Gr. 8) and Theology of the Body. We reinforce our values and religious traditions through daily assemblies and weekly mass, a school wide mentoring program.

  • Sex and health education Not Ontario curriculum
    Sex and health education approach at Northmount School: Not Ontario curriculum

    Northmount School has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

    [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

    The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

    Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 46%
      Follows provincial curriculum - 54%
    

    Approach to sex and health education:

    Northmount School has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).

    [Show: About Fairly value-based?]

    Sex is sometimes taught from a particular moral or ethical standpoint. Sometimes particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) are invoked when teaching sex and related issues .

    Northmount School has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    This includes a range of positions. A traditional approach might, for example, go as far as emphasizing the nuclear family and complete abstinence from sex before marriage. Alternatively, this approach might simply involve placing less emphasis on sex outside of the context of marriage and more emphasis on abstinence. Or finally, it might just involve focusing less on sex outside of the context of marriage.

    Northmount School's approach to sex-ed: Northmount School recognizes the sensitivity that comes with many of the health and sex education topics. The school has developed age appropriate health units as part of its Physical Health and Education Program.With regards to sexuality, the school works closely with parents to educate the boys appropriately and to have a healthy perspective of love and relationships in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Theology of the Body program is a key resource for this curriculum.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Early Reading

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Religious Education

  • Sex and health education
• Preschool/K Curriculum Academic
  [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

  Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

  ---

  Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Northmount School: Academic

  Northmount School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).

  [Show: About Academic?]

  Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

  Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Academic - 43%
    Play-based - 20%
    Montessori - 29%
    Waldorf - 2%
    Reggio emilia - 6%
  

  What Northmount School says: The main focus of the Kindergarten program is for boys to develop a love of learning. Furthermore, the boys are given an excellent academic, athletic, artistic, social, and spiritual foundation. Northmount has an energetic and talented group of teachers that strives to individualize its instruction and programs. Teachers enrich student learning as well as provide additional help and encouragement when needed. It is so well developed that by the end of senior kindergarten our boys read, write and do mathematics at a Grade 1 standard, which sets them well on the path towards academic success.

• Curriculum Pace Accelerated
  [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

  This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

  ---

  Curriculum Pace approach at Northmount School: Accelerated

  Northmount School has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).

  [Show: About Accelerated?]

  The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Accelerated - 16%
    Standard-enriched - 57%
    Student-paced - 27%
  

  What Northmount School says: Kindergarten are taught to read, write, and do mathematics at a Grade 1 level. Throughout the grades, math and science courses are a grade level ahead. Recognizing that students come to Northmount with different backgrounds, our individualized instruction allows each boy to achieve their greatest potential within this accelerated setting.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	offered
  Subject-streaming (tracking)
  Multi-age classrooms as standard
  Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
  Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
  Regular guided independent study opportunities
  Differentiated assessment

  What Northmount School says about flexible pacing: Northmount's CASTLE Program is there to increase the stride in a students' learning pace. The CASTLE Program is an individualized instruction which allows each boy to achieve their greatest potential within our enriched and accelerated academic setting.

• Academic Culture Rigorous
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

  Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

  ---

  Academic Culture approach at Northmount School: Rigorous

  Northmount School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

  [Show: About Rigorous?]

  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”.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Rigorous - 48%
    Supportive - 52%
  

  What Northmount School says: At Northmount School for Boys, the key to mastery of fundamental skills stems from the ability to tailor the curriculum so that it is personally relevant and engaging. We recognize that each student comes to us from a different background and as such our individualized instruction allows each boy to achieve their greatest potential within our enriched and accelerated academic setting.

• Developmental priorities Intellectual
  [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

  Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

  ---

  Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

  The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Spiritual

  The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

  What Northmount School says: We offer an advanced curriculum rooted in the Catholic tradition. Our students will become men who are competent and confident leaders; strong in both mind and body. They develop into contributing citizens with a moral conscience.

• Special needs support No support
  [Show definition of Special needs support]

  Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

  ---

  Northmount School offers No support

  Northmount School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  What Northmount School says about their special need support: Northmount school makes every effort to support a boy through his educational journey. Moderate individualization of instruction allows us to make some accommodation. We recognize the diverse learning needs of our community. For that reason, we proudly offer the CASTLE Program: a center of enrichment and support. The CASTLE Program is truly essential for Northmount as it helps students achieve their full potential.

  Academic Support:

  Subject Type	offered
  Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
  Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Type	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

  ---

  Summary: At Northmount School for Boys, we recognize the diverse learning needs of our community. For that reason, we proudly offer the CASTLE Program: a centre of enrichment and support. The acronym, CASTLE, stands for: Character, Academics, Athletics, Arts, Strengths (social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual), Toward, Leadership and Excellence. These are all traits that we hold in the highest of regard and truly believe that every one of the students in our charge can reach his greatest potential in each and every one of these areas. Sometimes though, we know additional help and resources may be needed; hence we have the CASTLE Program! The CASTLE Program is truly essential for Northmount as it helps address the needs of our students who are gifted, underachieving, ESL, or have other unique learning styles.

  A - Forms of Support

  Accommodation:

  Modification:

  Remediation:

  B - Environments

  Indirect Support:

  Resource Assistance:

  Withdrawal Assistance:

  Partial Integration:

  Full-Time Class:

  
  

  Special NeedNeed

  Forms of SupportA

  EnvironmentsB

  ADHD

  • 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.

  Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

• Gifted learner support Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

  Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

  ---

  Dedicated gifted programs:

  Program	offered
  Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
  Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

  Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)

  In-class adaptations:

  Program	offered
  Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
  Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
  Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
  Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
  Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
  Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
  Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
  Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
  Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

  What Northmount School says: This information is not currently available.

• Language English
  Northmount School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• Homework Policy
  [Show definition of Homework Policy]

  Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

  ---

  In grade Gr. 8, Northmount School students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
  Northmount School	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	45 mins	60 mins	90 mins	120 mins
  Site Average	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	30 mins	35 mins	41 mins	52 mins	56 mins

  This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).

  What Northmount School says about their flipped classroom policy: Staff are encouraged to flip there class rooms as is co-ordinates with the topic being taught.

• Report Card Policy
  [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

  While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

  ---

  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	JK to Gr. 8
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	JK to Gr. 8
  Academic achievement reporting	JK to Gr. 8
  Habits and behaviour reporting	JK to Gr. 8
  Parent-teacher meetings	JK to Gr. 8

I am delighted to welcome you to Northmount’s Website on the Our Kids Network and I hope that you will soon visit the school if you have not done so already. Northmount is a unique place where boys are encouraged to learn and grow in a character-driven context that places a premium on our stated goal of bringing the boys along the road to honourable manhood. As parents you are your son’s first, and, most important teachers. Each boy is respected for the individual he is and his parents are very involved partners in his “school life.” The preparation for his future started at home but Northmount will continue and enhance the work you are doing as parents in an academically supportive environment. Your son will be known and mentored by his teachers and advisors. He will be understood and embraced in this community that understands and loves boys for what they really are. As a school we take great pride in our Catholic heritage. This continues to be the fundamental base in Northmount’s Character Education Program. Our student population is representative of many faith backgrounds coming from a community of families that endorse and advance the values that define Northmount School. The face of Northmount is the face of Toronto. We have tried to strike an appropriate balance for each boy in the three “A’s” of his education: academics, athletics and the arts. Boys learn best in a single sex environment. The evidence on this is overwhelming and incontrovertible. The heavy emphasis placed on girl’s education since the late 70’s has not been kind to boy’s education in general and has given rise to the myth that boys will get along regardless of curriculum and pedagogy. This is demonstrably wrong. In Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan, high-school drop out rates for boys age 16 and over is higher than 40%. We have seen women’s enrollment in university significantly surpass men’s university enrollment across the western world. If current trends continue, one source calculates, the last boy will graduate from “a” North American University in 2076. Some co-educational schools admit, candidly, that they have not had a boy qualify as valedictorian for a graduating class over the past ten years. At Northmount we consider this a very serious state of affairs. We at Northmount base the character and education of the boys on firm ground born of the rock of ages making us much less inclined to faddism or novelty. Your son’s education is too important to be a trial case study in the latest educational ”experiment.” As I watch the boys at play each day I am struck by how quickly they become physically strong but restrain themselves as they play with, or near, the younger ones. These emerging young men can also turn around and play a song or paint a picture that, on occasion, will make one stop in his tracks. Their work can belie an emotional depth that the boy’s verbal communication does not. Competitive, active boys will be drawn to academics if put in an environment that champions the challenge of academics balanced with the athletic and artistic prowess as it springs from these young men of virtue. Years after the Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo he was asked how this great victory was possible. He harkened back to the virtues and values his men had taken to heart while boys at school. He stated flatly, “The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton.” Northmount is such a school. We look forward to welcoming you and your son. Glenn C. Domina Headmaster