Robert Land Academy

The Our Kids Review

From the review: Some students thrive in environments where they have lots of latitude to be independent and self-motivating. Others thrive in the opposite: an environment that is structured and ordered, with very clear limits and recognizable boundaries. Robert Land, truly, is for them. The daily routine is regimented, and discipline is enforced. And the results are consistently astonishing. This is a school that prides itself on its ability to turn lives around, and that pride is

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• Curriculum Traditional
  [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 Robert Land Academy : Traditional

  Robert Land Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

  [Show: About Traditional?]

  Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Traditional - 44%
    Liberal arts - 15%
    Progressive - 27%
    Montessori - 13%
    Reggio Emilia - 0%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  What Robert Land Academy says: Robert Land Academy boarding school offers a unique and highly structured learning and living environment in which many of the distractions responsible for boys not achieving marks in keeping with their potential are eliminated. Emphasis is placed upon the development of habits conducive to the development of self-care and routine, and the academic skills required for success in post-secondary environments. Small class sizes and extensive provision for remediation in numeracy and literacy skills combine with a coaching philosophy of teaching designed to elicit from boys their personal best. The Academy’s program invariably results in dramatic academic improvements and measurable success. A healthy diet, regular exercise and monitored study halls combine with a rigorous academic program to provide challenge, encouragement and academic self-direction.

  Approach:

  Focus	Special needs
  Military	Special needs , Troubled Teens

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Traditional Math
    Mathematics approach at Robert Land Academy : Traditional Math

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 28%
      Discovery math - 5%
      Equal balance - 67%
    

    What Robert Land Academy says: At Robert Land Academy, foundational courses target core areas of literacy and numeracy. Through the identification of actual grade level performance and diagnostic testing, academic remediation and upgrading, and specific individualized programs, boys can master the academic requirements necessary for the successful completion of their courses of study. At Robert Land Academy, foundational courses target core areas of literacy and numeracy. Through the identification of actual grade level performance and diagnostic testing, academic remediation and upgrading, and specific individualized programs, boys can master the academic requirements necessary for the successful completion of their courses of study. Remediation includes computer based instructional instruments such as Kahn Academy and the JUMP program for elementary grades.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy: The use of calculators is restricted until such time as curriculum expectations require them. They are not employed in junior grades in order to ensure mastery of basic math skill sets.

  • Writing Equal balance
    Writing approach at Robert Land Academy : Equal balance

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 80%
      Systematic approach - 9%
      Process approach - 11%
    

    What Robert Land Academy says: At Robert Land Academy, foundational courses target core areas of literacy and numeracy. Through the identification of actual grade level performance and diagnostic testing, academic remediation and upgrading, and specific individualized programs, boys can master the academic requirements necessary for the successful completion of their courses of study.

  • Science Equal Balance
    Science approach at Robert Land Academy : Equal Balance

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 69%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 26%
    

    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 Robert Land Academy : Equal Balance

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 74%
      Traditional - 22%
      Social justice - 4%
    

    What Robert Land Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  • Social Studies Core Knowledge
    Social Studies approach at Robert Land Academy : Core Knowledge

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 44%
      Expanding communities - 25%
      Thematic - 31%
    

    What Robert Land Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Robert Land Academy : Equal Balance

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 82%
      Perennialism - 9%
      Pragmatism - 9%
    

    What Robert Land Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
    Foreign Languages approach at Robert Land Academy : Equal Balance

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 62%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 36%
    

    What Robert Land Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  • Fine Arts Equal Balance
    Fine Arts approach at Robert Land Academy : Equal Balance

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 59%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 40%
    

    Program offers:

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

    What Robert Land Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology Light integration
    Computers and Technology approach at Robert Land Academy : Light integration

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 21%
      Heavy integration - 31%
      Medium integration - 48%
    

    What Robert Land Academy says: Computers are provided together with monitored and restricted internet access. Personal computers and electronic devices are not allowed so as to remove potential sources of distraction.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Robert Land Academy says: Physical education is an integral part of the school's overall program and is seen as a means to promote both mental and physical health.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.
  • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
    Sex and health education approach at Robert Land Academy : Ontario curriculum

    Robert Land Academy 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 - 54%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 46%
    

    Approach to sex and health education:

    Robert Land Academy 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.

    Robert Land Academy 's approach to sex-ed: Compliance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements is in place.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
  [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 Robert Land Academy : Standard-enriched

  Robert Land Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 58%
    Accelerated - 15%
    Student-paced - 27%
  

  What Robert Land Academy says: Specific programming is provided to help students address the situation where they find themselves behind academically or previously placed in streams precluding university or college admission.

  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 Robert Land Academy says about flexible pacing: Specific programming is provided to help students address the situation where they find themselves behind academically or previously placed in streams precluding university or college admission.

• 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 Robert Land Academy : Rigorous

  Robert Land Academy 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 Robert Land Academy says: Senior academic years are focused upon post-secondary options and being able to be in a position by the end of high school where options and range of choice can be maximized.

• 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: Intellectual

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

  What Robert Land Academy says: This information is not currently available.

• Special needs support Special needs school
  [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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  Robert Land Academy is a Special needs school

  Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.

  What Robert Land Academy says about their special need support: Many applicants to the school have been identified with a learning disability. The admission's process involves an interview and screening model to assess suitability of students to the program offered.

  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: The school's high level of structure and reduction of distractions combined with an inclusive philosophy whereby special needs students can be incorporated with smaller regular classes has proven to be effective. The Academy's standard program represents in itself an overall accommodation to many boys' needs and learning priorities.

  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 No Support
  [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: 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 Robert Land Academy says: This information is not currently available.

• Language English
  Robert Land Academy 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. 12, Robert Land Academy students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Robert Land Academy	30 mins	30 mins	30 mins	90 mins	90 mins	160 mins	160 mins
  Site Average	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins	68 mins	80 mins	96 mins	109 mins

  What Robert Land Academy 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:

  Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12
  Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12

Robert Land Academy is a dynamic living and learning environment intended to resonate with the needs of adolescent males and encourage them to explore their potential.

Despite many changes since its founding in 1978, the Academy has stayed true to its central mission of serving boys and their families and helping them to steer a course to a productive adulthood and future.

The military theme has served the students well in providing the structure and accountability now so lacking in many educational environments and so desperately needed by so many young men. Central to our program has been the belief that encouraging boys to confront and overcome challenges is the only way to stimulate real emotional growth and intellectual development.

Respectfully Yours,

Kevin Wendling
Headmaster