St. Clement's 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.

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  Curriculum approach at St. Clement's School: Liberal Arts

  St. Clement's 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 - 16%
    Traditional - 43%
    Progressive - 27%
    Montessori - 12%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  What St. Clement's School says: Our commitment to excellence in learning means being in tune with the world around us, and always looking ahead. In today's changing, complicated, and ever-more-connected world, our girls can be successful in learning and in life only if they are able to think critically, be creative, make connections across subject areas, wrestle with complex issues and problems, and collaborate with many people of differing views. The St. Clement's experience supports and encourages this learning, preparing our girls for the future.

  Approach:

  Focus
  Academic

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Equal Balance
    Mathematics approach at St. Clement's School: Equal Balance

    St. Clement's School 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 - 66%
      Traditional math - 30%
      Discovery math - 4%
    

    What St. Clement's School 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 Balanced Literacy
    Early Reading approach at St. Clement's School: Balanced Literacy

    St. Clement's 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 - 54%
      Phonics-intensive - 44%
      Whole language - 2%
    

    What St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

    DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Writing Equal balance
    Writing approach at St. Clement's School: Equal balance

    St. Clement's 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 - 81%
      Systematic approach - 9%
      Process approach - 10%
    

    What St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Science Equal Balance
    Science approach at St. Clement's School: Equal Balance

    St. Clement's 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 - 69%
      Expository - 6%
      Inquiry - 25%
    

    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 St. Clement's School: Equal Balance

    St. Clement's 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 St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Social Studies Thematic
    Social Studies approach at St. Clement's School: Thematic

    St. Clement's School has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Expanding Communities approach).

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Thematic - 30%
      Core knowledge - 42%
      Expanding communities - 28%
    

    What St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at St. Clement's School: Equal Balance

    St. Clement's School 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 St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
    Foreign Languages approach at St. Clement's School: Equal Balance

    St. Clement's 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 - 64%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 34%
    

    What St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Fine Arts Equal Balance
    Fine Arts approach at St. Clement's School: Equal Balance

    St. Clement's 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 - 59%
      Receptive - 2%
      Creative - 39%
    

    Program offers:

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

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology Medium integration
    Computers and Technology approach at St. Clement's School: Medium integration

    St. Clement's School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Medium integration - 47%
      Light integration - 22%
      Heavy integration - 31%
    

    What St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What St. Clement's School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    AP Physics 1

    AP Physics 2

    AP Research (Second part of the AP Capstone program)

    AP Seminar (First part of the AP Capstone program)

    AP Statistics

    AP Spanish Language

    AP Studio Art: 2-D Design

    AP Studio Art: 3-D Design

    AP Studio Art: Drawing

    AP Biology

    AP Calculus AB

    AP Chemistry

    AP Computer Science A

    AP English Language and Composition

    AP English Literature and Composition

    AP European History

    AP French Language

    AP Human Geography

    AP Macroeconomics

    AP Microeconomics
  • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
    Sex and health education approach at St. Clement's School: Ontario curriculum

    St. Clement's School 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:

    St. Clement's School 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.

    St. Clement's School's approach to sex-ed: 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

  • 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 St. Clement's School: Standard-enriched

  St. Clement's School 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 - 56%
    Accelerated - 16%
    Student-paced - 28%
  

  What St. Clement's School says: SCS is a community of life-long learners who are engaged in innovative and interactive ways. We begin in Junior School by building a strong foundation, and continue through developing independent learners in Middle School. Senior School provides academic challenges and specialized courses to ensure our graduates are well prepared.

  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 St. Clement's School 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 St. Clement's School: Rigorous

  St. Clement's 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 St. Clement's School says: Our commitment to academic rigour and excellence has defined the SCS experience for over a century. Here, academic rigour refers to what is taught, how it is taught, and how it is assessed. Our academic program challenges every one of our girls to think critically and creatively, and to problem solve both independently and collaboratively.

• 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.

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  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: Social

  The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

  What St. Clement's School says: At St. Clement’s School, we believe that education is not just about teaching students; it’s about developing them into confident, resilient leaders. Our pioneering, highly regarded LINCWell program does just that. This comprehensive program is far more than guidance counselling. LINCWell programming is woven through the entire curriculum at St. Clement’s, from Grade 1-12 – meaning that from the time they arrive at SCS, our girls are developing critical learning skills, leadership capabilities, and life skills. This provides the foundation to help our girls realize high levels of academic, co-curricular, and personal achievement within a supportive, small school environment.

• 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.

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  St. Clement's School offers No support

  St. Clement's School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  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

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  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 St. Clement's School says: St. Clement’s School offers high achieving students differentiated opportunities, enriched programming, and opportunities for acceleration to encourage their academic growth and prepare them for our unrivaled Advanced Placement program.

• Language English
  St. Clement's School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• 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	Gr. 1 to Gr. 12
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 1 to Gr. 12
  Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 1 to Gr. 12

Welcome! I am thrilled that you are interested in learning more about St. Clement’s School for your daughter. Beyond the strong tradition of academic excellence, there is a tangible sense of community spirit and pride at SCS that you can feel the moment you walk into our building.

Our mission is to develop outstanding women who are intellectually curious, courageous, and compassionate, and we believe that this is done by guiding our girls to seek their own paths of discovery. We also believe that there is merit in learning from occasionally taking a divergent path – one that may challenge our girls, and tasks them with learning from stumbles and mistakes. As we like to say: the best path is rarely a straight line.

Choosing a school for your daughter is a very important decision. It is my hope that as you read this online profile, you will get a little sense of who we are and will be inspired to take the next step to venturing in to meet our community – one that reflects relentless passion, courage, and curiosity in learning.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing more about St. Clement’s School. .

Warmest regards,

Martha Perry ’85

Principal