Ridley College

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
    • Mathematics: Equal Balance
    • Early Reading:
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Inquiry
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Social Studies :
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Equal Balance
    • Computers and Technology: Heavy integration
    • Physical Education:
    • IB Diploma courses: 37 courses
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education: Ontario curriculum
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Academic
  • Curriculum Pace: Accelerated
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Balanced
  • Special needs support: Withdrawal Assistance
  • Gifted learner support: Accelerated curriculum
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Progressive, International Baccalaureate
    [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.

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    Curriculum approach at Ridley College: Progressive, International Baccalaureate

    Ridley College has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]

    Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Progressive - 100%
      Traditional - 100%
      Liberal arts - 100%
      Montessori - 100%
      Reggio Emilia - 100%
      Waldorf - 100%
    

    Ridley College has a International Baccalaureate approach to secondary curriculum.

    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.

    What Ridley College says: A ticket to the world in your hand, the keys to knowledge in your pocket, true friends by your side, and the resources of a legacy at your back. Ridley College is a school of the world that prepares students for the world. Co-educational, Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 with a Post-Graduate option and boarding beginning in Grade 5, Ridley College is certified in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, making Ridley one of 15 International Baccalaureate continuum schools in Canada and the only co-educational boarding school in Canada with this distinction. A Canadian school born of the new world yet built on classical British boarding school roots, Ridley offers students a forward-looking and rigorous university preparatory education relevant to the most selective colleges and universities around the globe.\n\n

    International Baccalaureate offered:

    Program	offered
    Primary Years
    Middle Years
    Diploma program
    Career-related program

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Equal Balance
      Mathematics approach at Ridley College: Equal Balance

      Ridley College has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 100%
        Traditional math - 100%
        Discovery math - 100%
      

      What Ridley College 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.

    • Early Reading

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

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

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at Ridley College: Equal balance

      Ridley College 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 - 100%
        Systematic approach - 100%
        Process approach - 100%
      

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

    • Science Inquiry
      Science approach at Ridley College: Inquiry

      Ridley College has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Inquiry?]

      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 at schools on OurKids.net

        Inquiry - 23%
        Expository - 100%
        Equal balance - 100%
      

      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 Equal Balance
      Literature approach at Ridley College: Equal Balance

      Ridley College 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 - 100%
        Traditional - 100%
        Social justice - 4%
      

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

    • Social Studies

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Ridley College: Equal Balance

      Ridley College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 100%
        Perennialism - 100%
        Pragmatism - 10%
      

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at Ridley College: Equal Balance

      Ridley College 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 - 65%
        Audio-lingual - 100%
        Communicative - 100%
      

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Equal Balance
      Fine Arts approach at Ridley College: Equal Balance

      Ridley College 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 - 100%
        Receptive - 100%
        Creative - 100%
      

      Program offers:

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

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What Ridley College says: Teaching the Visual Arts at Ridley College is a unique privilege as the school offers world class studio resources and a student body that brings to the learning experience a diverse range of cultural perspectives. The first key role of art education is to facilitate the development of fundamental skills that enhance a student’s capacity to engage with tasks involving refined hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning and fine motor control. Through the careful observation required for various drawing, painting and sculpting exercises, students enhance their visual acuity and sensitivity to the complexity of the visual world. The second key role of art education is the development of an awareness of art as an essential component of civilization. Most importantly, students gain an understanding of why creativity, self-expression and the pursuit of aesthetic form are fundamental aspects of life.

    • Computers and Technology Heavy integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Ridley College: Heavy integration

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

      [Show: About Heavy integration?]

      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.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Heavy integration - 100%
        Light integration - 100%
        Medium integration - 100%
      

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

    • IB Diploma courses 37 courses
      Group 1 (Language A)

      • English Literature SL

      • English Literature HL

      Group 2 (Language B)

      • Spanish SL

      • Spanish HL

      • Spanish ab initio SL

      • German ab initio SL

      • Mandarin ab initio SL

      Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

      • Business and Management SL

      • Business and Management HL

      • Economics SL

      • Economics HL

      • Geography SL

      • Geography HL

      • History SL

      • History HL

      • Psychology SL

      • Psychology HL

      Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

      • Chemistry SL

      • Chemistry HL

      • Biology SL

      • Biology HL

      • Physics SL

      • Physics HL

      • Design Technology SL

      • Design Technology HL

      • Computer Science SL

      • Computer Science HL

      • Environmental Systems SL

      Group 5 (Mathematics)

      • Mathematical Studies SL

      • Mathematics SL

      • Mathematics HL

      Group 6 (The Arts)

      • Theatre SL

      • Theatre HL

      • Visual Arts SL

      • Visual Arts HL

      • Film SL

      • Film HL
    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at Ridley College: Ontario curriculum

      Ridley College has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

      [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

      The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 100%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      Ridley College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

      What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • IB Diploma courses

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • 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)

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    Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Ridley College: Academic

    Ridley College 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 - 41%
      Play-based - 23%
      Montessori - 25%
      Waldorf - 100%
      Reggio emilia - 8%
    

    What Ridley College says: The Kindergarten programme at Ridley College provides a rich and stimulating inquiry and play-based learning environment that enables students to develop a sense of curiosity and an understanding of the world around them. Classroom materials and artifacts are carefully selected to support student learning and spark creativity. The Kindergarten programme at Ridley College not only supports holistic development of the child - cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development - it provides learning opportunities that instill growth-mindset and support overall well-being, mental health, and resiliency in each child.

  • 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.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at Ridley College: Accelerated

    Ridley College 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 - 17%
      Standard-enriched - 100%
      Student-paced - 24%
    

    What Ridley College says: A forward-looking and rigorous programme that prepares students for a university education and a bright future. Ridley offers the IB programme, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and a variety of summer programmes. Ridley offers a robust co-curricular programme in residential life, the arts, athletics, leadership, and community service.

    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 Ridley College says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • 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.

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    Academic Culture approach at Ridley College: Rigorous

    Ridley College 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 - 100%
      Supportive - 100%
    

    What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

  • Developmental priorities Balanced
    [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.

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    Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

    "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional

    The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and con?dent individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."

    What Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

  • Special needs 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.

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    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

    ---

    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 Accelerated curriculum
    [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.

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    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: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)

    In-class adaptations:

    Program	offered
    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 Ridley College says: This information is not currently available.

  • Language English
    Ridley College offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English, Spanish, Mandarin
  • 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. 12, Ridley College students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
    Ridley College	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	120 mins	120 mins	160 mins	160 mins
    Site Average	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	29 mins	34 mins	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins	69 mins	81 mins	98 mins	107 mins

    What Ridley College says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

  • 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.

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    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	JK to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	JK to Gr. 12
    Habits and behaviour reporting	JK to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetings	JK to Gr. 12

• Extracurriculars
  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  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.

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  What Ridley College says:

  • First Nations Advocacy Committee
  • Model U.N.
  • Days for Girls
  • Postive Spaces Group
  • Amnesty International
  • Cappies Review

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 15
  Recreational sports: 15

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • 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

  ---

  Clubs offered

  Ridley College offers 25 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  
• Tuition & Financial Aid
  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

  ---

  Day Boarding (Domestic) Boarding (International)

   

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$20,910		$21,930				$26,010		$31,210		$36,670
  Boarding (Domestic)							$66,950				$63,950
  Boarding (International)							$76,755				$73,695

  
  

  What Ridley College says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	5 to 12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	18%
  Average aid package size	$16,000
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	16%
  Total aid available	$1,000,000

  Application Deadline:

  Rolling deadline

  More information:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEOsMo8vBf4

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  In order for Ridley to review a family's request for need-based aid via Apple Financial Services, the admissions process must be complete and an offer of admission must be granted.

  ---

  Merit based Scholarships

  • Merit ScholarshipAcademic
    Amount: $15,000

    Deadline: Rolling

    ---

    Eligibility Details: Students grade 5 to 12—

    Through the generosity of donors and benefactors, Ridley is able to offer merit-based scholarship to students with exceptional potential.  These funds are dedicated to the recruitment of new students of the highest caliber and potential.

    Scholarship consideration is based on the following three criteria:

    1. a student’s record of academic success, as measured by their transcript and confidential report
    2. a student’s academic potential, as measured by results of taking the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
    3. a student’s perceived special talents or potential to make contributions to the life of the College, as determined by the Tuition Assistance Committee

    There is no separate application for the scholarship programme.  Necessary materials are obtained from the student’s application for admission.

    Each applicant must sit for an administration of the SSAT examination. The examination may be taken at Ridley (see our website for dates) or any authorized SSAT test location. Test registration is required at www.ssat.org. 

    Students that score in the top 50th percentile on the SSAT may qualify to receive a scholarship. Possible scholarship amounts vary by grade. For example:

    * day students entering Grade 5 or 6 can earn a maximum award of $5,000

    * day students entering Grade 7 or 8 can earn a maximum award of $7,500

    * day students entering the Upper School (i.e., Grades 9 to 12) can earn a maximum award of $10,000

    * domestic and international boarding students are eligible to earn a maximum award of $15,000

    ---

    Application Details:

    There is no separate application for the scholarship programme.  Necessary materials are obtained from the student’s application for admission.

    Each applicant must sit for an administration of the SSAT examination and list Ridley as a 'score recipient' through the SSAT website. The examination may be taken at Ridley or any authorized SSAT test location. Test registration is required at www.ssat.org. 

    For more details, visit:www.ridleycollege.com/podium/default.aspx?t=137010
    
• Enrolment
  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

  ---

  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	JK to Gr. 12	Coed	Day	311
  Group 2	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12	Coed	Boarding	379

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	690
  Average class size	17
  % of international students (total enrolment)	35%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	62
  Five-day boarding program offered	No
  % in boarding (grade-eligible)	59%

  Student Distribution:

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	9	9	10	15	18	15	24	25	24	35	35	34	65	36
  Boarding Enrollment							2	N/A	7	21	54	82	106	91

• Admission
  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

  ---

  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		JK - 12
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay		4 - 12

  Day students: Rolling
  Boarding students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: No

  Fees:

  Application fee: $100
  Registration fee: $3,500
  Deposit: N/A

  What Ridley College says:

  The SSAT is only a requirement for those students applying for a merit-based scholarship. 

  Registration Fee for Domestic Boarders: $3500 and International Boarders $4000

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 61%

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Day Boarding
  

  ---

  Student Entry Points

  This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.

  
  

  Student Type	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
  Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate)							0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

  Type of student Ridley College is looking for:
  The Ridley Admissions Committee looks for students who are engaged and motivated individuals. The Committee looks for students who demonstrate potential to make a positive contribution to the Ridley community and who will take advantage of the many opportunities available at the school - in the classroom and boarding houses, as well as in the arts, athletics, leadership, and community service activities. Students who are well-rounded, open-minded, enthusiastic, and academically-focused are encouraged to apply.
• University Placement
  [Show definition of University Placement]

  Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

  ---

  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	150
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	100%

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	29%
  Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)	6

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  
  

  • Canada 45 universities
    • Algoma University
    • Bishop's University
    • Brescia University College
    • Brock University
    • Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology
    • Capilano University
    • Carleton University
    • Concordia University
    • Dalhousie University
    • Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology
    • Fleming College
    • George Brown College
    • Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology
    • Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
    • Huron University College
    • Laurentian University
    • McGill University
    • McMaster University
    • Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
    • Mount Allison University
    • Niagara College
    • Nipissing University
    • OCAD University
    • Queen's University
    • Ryerson University
    • Saint Mary's University
    • Simon Fraser University
    • St. Francis Xavier University
    • The King's University College
    • Trent University
    • University of British Columbia
    • University of Calgary
    • University of Guelph
    • University of King's College
    • University of Lethbridge
    • University of New Brunswick
    • University of Ottawa
    • University of Regina
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Victoria
    • University of Waterloo
    • University of Windsor
    • Western University
    • Wilfrid Laurier University
    • York University
  • United States 40 universities
    • American University
    • Babson College
    • Boston University
    • Brigham Young University
    • Brown University
    • Carnegie Mellon University
    • Colby College
    • Connecticut College
    • Florida Institute of Technology
    • Georgia Institute of Technology
    • Harvey Mudd College
    • Indiana University, Bloomington
    • Johns Hopkins University
    • Lynn University
    • Miami University (OH)
    • New York University
    • Northeastern University
    • Nova Southeastern University
    • Oberlin College
    • Pratt Institute
    • Princeton University
    • Purdue University
    • Stanford University
    • Texas A&M University, College Station
    • Union College (NY)
    • University at Buffalo (SUNY)
    • University of California, Berkeley
    • University of California, Davis
    • University of California, Los Angeles
    • University of Colorado, Boulder
    • University of Connecticut
    • University of Illinois, Chicago
    • University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
    • University of Iowa
    • University of Kentucky
    • University of Notre Dame
    • University of Pennsylvania
    • University of Southern California
    • University of Wisconsin, Madison
    • Wentworth Institute of Technology
  • International 13 universities
    • Bond University
    • Durham University
    • Imperial College London
    • King's College London
    • Kingston University
    • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    • University College Cork
    • University of Bristol
    • University of Edinburgh
    • University of Lausanne
    • University of Manchester
    • University of Warwick
    • University of Western Australia

  
  

  Areas of Study

  • Ridley College
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  Ridley College Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

  This information is not currently available.

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    24% - Business/Commerce
    4% - Fine and Performing Arts
    14% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships

  Mentorship Program	N/A
  University counseling	N/A

  What Ridley College says:

  • Loran Scholarship awarded
  • University of Cambridge enrolment
  • Direct entry medicine at Queen’s University
  • Chancellor’s Scholarship at Queen’s
• Notable Alumni
  [Show definition of Notable Alumni]

  Many private schools in Canada have numerous graduates who have gone on to great things. Learn about a school’s most influential, important, successful, and famous alumni.

  ---

  Alumnus	Grad Year	Accomplishment
  Irving Bell	1971	Founder of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics[10]
  Colm Feore	1977	Feore honed his skills as a member of the Stratford Festival of Canada, has had notable roles on series, such as House of Cards, and has on performed on Broadway.
  Duncan Coutts	1988	He joined the alternative rock band Our Lady Peace. Our Lady Peace has won four Juno Awards and ten MuchMusic Video Awards.
  Darcy McKeough	1951	Darcy is the former CEO of Union Gas and former Treasurer of the Province of Ontario. He has also been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
  Greg Stremlaw	1990	Greg has had a record-setting career in public and private sport, and is now the Head of CBC Sports as well as General Manager of the Olympics for Canada.
  Georgina Black	1985	Ridley’s Chair of the Board of Governors and Old Ridleian, was recently and unequivocally named one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2016

• Principal's Message
  J. Edward Kidd, Headmaster

  Welcome to Ridley!

   

  One of the favourite times of my day is the opportunity to walk the halls of Ridley College, drop in on classrooms and watch active learning in action. At Ridley College, you will find that students are engaged in exploring new ideas, debating eternal questions and solving relevant problems. Learning is student centered and exciting to witness!

   

  In our Lower School, you will discover inquiry-based learning in all classrooms from kindergarten to grade 8. Students engage with ‘big ideas’ and pursue essential and enduring questions – ‘what is an economy and how does it impact the human experience?” You’ll see students Skype interviewing an anthropologist from Kansas. You’ll hear the excitement of innovation in the robotics lab. 

   

  In our Upper School, you will meet young adults who confidently pursue their passions – academic inquiry, athletic endeavor, or artistic expression. You will see focused and disciplined students leading a Socratic seminar in a literature class, singing a solo in chapel or persevering through a 2 kilometer time trial in our indoor rowing tank.

   

  Cultivating the full potential in each student requires a caring, committed and world-class faculty. The task also requires intimate relationships that are built day by day, year after year. At Ridley, you’ll find a community of adults who are excited to build those relationships. As a boarding school, Ridley provides students with a 24/7 experience that will help you cultivate those lifelong  bonds with peers and adults alike – in the classroom, in the House, on the ice or in the theatre.

   

  The reality is that one cannot be certain what children and young adults can do until we challenge them to be their best. At Ridley, students are surrounded by peers who share their sense of purpose, who believe in the value of hard work and who are building the courage to pursue their dreams. Add to this the experience and care of a community of adults who are dedicated to nurturing their potential, and you have the Ridley formula.

   

  I hope that our website offers you a glimpse into the life of our unique community of learners and that you are inspired to look deeper into the Ridley experience. Check out our Youtube channel to get a real glimpse into the Ridley difference. Better yet, I invite you to visit the School, to soak in its idyllic setting, to experience classes in action, to meet teachers and Head of Houses' and to talk with students. We warmly welcome you and your family to Ridley. 

   

  I look forward to greeting you on campus in the near future.

   

  Come experience the legacy that is a Ridley education.

   

  J. Edward Kidd

  Headmaster

  
• Associations
  

  

  

  
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