St. Jude's Academy

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Traditional, International Baccalaureate
    • Mathematics: Equal Balance
    • Early Reading: Balanced Literacy
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Inquiry
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Social Studies : Expanding Communities
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Creative
    • Computers and Technology: Medium integration
    • Physical Education:
    • IB Diploma courses: 28 courses
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education: Not Ontario curriculum
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Academic
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture: Supportive
  • Developmental priorities: Balanced
  • Special needs support: Withdrawal Assistance
  • Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Traditional, 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 St. Jude's Academy: Traditional, International Baccalaureate

    St. Jude's Academy has a Traditional, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Traditional, International Baccalaureate?]

    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 - 43%
      Liberal arts - 18%
      Progressive - 27%
      Montessori - 10%
      Reggio Emilia - 1%
      Waldorf - 1%
    

    St. Jude's Academy 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 St. Jude's Academy says: The aim of all International Baccalaureate Programmes is to develop "inquiring, knowledgeable and caring" internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

    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 St. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance

      St. Jude's Academy 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 - 68%
        Traditional math - 28%
        Discovery math - 4%
      

      What St. Jude's Academy says: At SJA, we believe that the best learning in mathematics comes from creative exploration. However, we still see the value in some traditional approaches in math. We ensure that the most useful traditional methods are carried forward into our discovery model. With this blended model, we have seen the greatest increase in mathematical ability and retention. For our Lower School math curriculum, we use Math Makes Sense workbooks and textbooks. We effectively combine an inquiry approach with a practical approach. Our students memorize addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts as required by their grade-level specific math curriculum.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: We use Math Makes Sense workbooks and textbooks for Lower School (JK to Grade 6) students.

      Calculator policy: Specific to each grade level, as per IB policies.

    • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
      Early Reading approach at St. Jude's Academy: Balanced Literacy

      St. Jude's Academy 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 - 55%
        Phonics-intensive - 43%
        Whole language - 2%
      

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

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

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at St. Jude's Academy: Equal balance

      St. Jude's 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 - 82%
        Systematic approach - 10%
        Process approach - 8%
      

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Science Inquiry
      Science approach at St. Jude's Academy: Inquiry

      St. Jude's Academy 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 - 22%
        Expository - 5%
        Equal balance - 73%
      

      Teaching approach: Our teaching approach to Science follows the IB approach, specific to each grade level.

      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. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance

      St. Jude's 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 - 78%
        Traditional - 19%
        Social justice - 3%
      

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Social Studies Expanding Communities
      Social Studies approach at St. Jude's Academy: Expanding Communities

      St. Jude's Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Thematic approach).

      [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

      The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Expanding communities - 27%
        Core knowledge - 42%
        Thematic - 31%
      

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at St. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance

      St. Jude's 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 - 85%
        Perennialism - 6%
        Pragmatism - 9%
      

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at St. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance

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

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Creative
      Fine Arts approach at St. Jude's Academy: Creative

      St. Jude's Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Creative?]

      Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Creative - 37%
        Receptive - 2%
        Equal balance - 61%
      

      Program offers:

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

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    • Computers and Technology Medium integration
      Computers and Technology approach at St. Jude's Academy: Medium integration

      St. Jude's Academy 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 - 48%
        Light integration - 18%
        Heavy integration - 34%
      

      What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What St. Jude's Academy says: Learn about our Physical Education program for Lower School (JK-6) students by copying and pasting this link: https://stjudesacademy.com/student-life/lower-school-jk-6/athletics/ and learn about Physical Education for Upper School students (Grades 7-12) by copying and pasting this link: https://stjudesacademy.com/student-life/upper-school-7-12/athletics/

    • IB Diploma courses 28 courses
      Group 1 (Language A)

      • English Literature SL

      • English Literature HL

      Group 2 (Language B)

      • French SL

      • French HL

      Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

      • Business and Management SL

      • Business and Management HL

      • Economics SL

      • Geography SL

      • History SL

      • History HL

      • Information Technology in a Global Society SL

      • Information Technology in a Global Society HL

      • Philosophy SL

      • Philosophy HL

      Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

      • Chemistry SL

      • Chemistry HL

      • Biology SL

      • Biology HL

      • Physics SL

      • Physics HL

      • Design Technology SL

      • Sports, Exercise and Health Science SL

      Group 5 (Mathematics)

      • Mathematical Studies SL

      • Mathematics SL

      • Mathematics HL

      • Further Mathematics HL

      Group 6 (The Arts)

      • Theatre SL

      • Visual Arts SL
    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education Not Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at St. Jude's Academy: Not Ontario curriculum

      St. Jude's Academy has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

      [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

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

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      St. Jude's 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.

      What St. Jude's Academy says: We take a simplistic, biological approach to the matter of human sexuality.

    
    

    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 St. Jude's Academy: Academic

    St. Jude's Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).

    [Show: About Academic?]

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

    Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Academic - 43%
      Play-based - 23%
      Montessori - 26%
      Waldorf - 2%
      Reggio emilia - 6%
    

    What St. Jude's Academy says: The SJA Kindergarten Program provides a solid academic foundation of reading, writing and math. Our students are introduced to French daily for 30 minutes. JK and SK students also enjoy daily Music and Art. Our Kindergarten students also benefit from: reciting poems an in-school science fair & contest in-school spelling bee an oral competition Show n' Share presentations From an early age, SJA students begin to discover that the world is a fascinating place. Field trips, performances, and community service are creatively integrated into the academic curriculum at every level.

  • 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. Jude's Academy: Standard-enriched

    St. Jude's 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 - 59%
      Accelerated - 17%
      Student-paced - 24%
    

    What St. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

    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. Jude's Academy says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture Supportive
    [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. Jude's Academy: Supportive

    St. Jude's Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

    [Show: About Supportive?]

    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Supportive - 49%
      Rigorous - 51%
    

    What St. Jude's Academy says: We believe that all students can learn and thrive within the IB model. The focus on fundamentals and individualized approach ensures student success.

  • 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 St. Jude's Academy says: Equal attention is paid to a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social, and physical.The focus on fundamentals and individualized approach ensures student success while our Phys. Ed, Arts, and language specialists nurture the whole student.

  • 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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    What St. Jude's Academy says about their special need support: SJA has partnered with Oakwood Academy, an individualized education school, to offer private school for students who have learning difficulties. Please see Oakwood Academy for further information.

    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 In-class adaptations
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

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

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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: This information is not currently available.

    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. Jude's Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  • Language English
    St. Jude's 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.

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    In grade Gr. 12, St. Jude's Academy students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
    St. Jude's Academy	15 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	45 mins	60 mins	60 mins	90 mins	90 mins	90 mins	90 mins
    Site Average	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	24 mins	30 mins	35 mins	40 mins	53 mins	57 mins	69 mins	81 mins	97 mins	107 mins

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

    What St. Jude's 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:

    Lettered or numbered grades	JK to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	JK to Gr. 12
    Academic achievement reporting	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 St. Jude's Academy says:

  • St. Jude's Academy now has the distinction of having an Ontario Recognized Academy program for soccer as St. Jude's FC. We are committed to offering an elite soccer program for your child at St. Jude's.

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 16
  Recreational sports: 16

  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

  St. Jude's Academy 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

   

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$9,365		$13,795

  
  

  What St. Jude's Academy says about their tuition: We offer Full, Quarter and Monthly payment schedules. Our siblings tuition discount is 20% for JK to SK students and 25% for Grade 1 to 12 students. Please visit our website for additional information and detailed information by level.

  ---

  Discounts

  Discount Type	Enrolment Type	Amount
  2nd child (sibling)	Day	25%
  3rd child (sibling)	Day	25%
  4th child (sibling)	Day	25%

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  St. Jude's Academy does not offer need-based financial aid.

  ---

  Merit based Scholarships

  St. Jude's Academy does not offer merit-based financial awards.
• 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	560

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	560
  Average class size	16 to 18
  % of international students (total enrolment)	10%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	N/A

  Student Distribution:

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	48	36	36	36	36	36	36	36	36	36	36	36	36	36

• 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.

  ---

  Application

  Admissions Assessments:

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		1 - 12
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)		1 - 12
  Entrance Essay

  Application Deadlines:

  Day students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  ---

  Fees:

  Application fee: N/A
  Registration fee: $600
  Deposit: N/A

  What St. Jude's Academy says:

  • STEP 1: THE SCHOOL TOUR/ ZOOM Session

    Contact our Admissions Team to set up a school tour.  This is an opportunity to find out more about our programs, tour our facility, and see us in action!

  • During COVID-19 We are conducting virtual tours via Zoom so that we can introduce you to our school and answer your questions remotely and safely.

  • STEP 2: THE ASSESSMENT

    For students in Grades 1 to 8, applicants complete one day of assessments in reading, writing and math, to give us a better understanding of their strengths and opportunities. However, due to the current COVID-19 school closures, we are unable to offer onsite assessments in Reading, Writing and Math for students in Grades 1 to 8. 

    We also ask for the following:

    1. For Upper School students (Grades 7 to 12): English, Science or Social Studies teacher reference

    A form (https://stjudesacademy.com/admissions/application-process/) is to be completed by the student’s current English, Science or Social Studies teacher.

    2. For Upper School students (Grades 7 to 12): Math teacher reference

    A form (https://stjudesacademy.com/admissions/application-process/) is to be completed by the student’s current Math teacher.

    3. Report Cards for SK – Grade 8

    Please scan (or take clear pictures with your phone) the two most recent Report Cards for your child.

    Upper School (Grades 7 to 12) students’ Teacher Reference forms must be submitted from the teachers to the Admissions Office email ([email protected]) directly. Please submit supporting documents by emailing them to our Admissions Team at [email protected]

  • STEP 3: THE DECISION

    Admission decisions are made based on a careful review of the applicant’s report cards, academic potential, extracurricular accomplishments, character and overall suitability for the IB St. Jude’s Academy experience.

    Please let us know if your child has any academic, social or behavioural concerns. Learning support is available. Our Guidance Counsellor continues to assess student cases as needed.

  • STEP 4: THE FINAL STEP - REGISTRATION FORMS

    Once your Report Cards are assessed, and we believe that your child would be a good fit for St. Jude’s Academy, we will invite you to complete and submit our Registration Package electronically. This package is available on our website by grade on our Tuition and Fees page, linked below, and can also be sent to you by email.

    Due to the current school closures, completed packages with all supporting documents and payments must be received by email in order to process new students. Detailed payment options are in the Registration Package.

    THE FOLLOWING MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION:
     
    • $600 Application Fee
    • Tuition deposit
    • A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate or passport 
    • A copy of the applicant’s most recent immunization records
    • Void cheque or pre-authorized payment information (please refer to Fees for tuition breakdown)
    • Please note that international student fees may be applicable

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 40%

  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
  

  ---

  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)	36 (25%)	5 - 10 (25%)	1 - 5 (25%)	1 - 5 (25%)	1 - 5 (25%)	5 - 10 (25%)	5 - 10 (25%)	5 - 10 (25%)	5 - 10 (40%)	5 - 10 (40%)	5 - 10 (50%)	5 - 10 (50%)	5 - 10 (50%)	5 - 10 (50%)

  Type of student St. Jude's Academy is looking for:
  Welcome! We are delighted that you are considering St. Jude’s Academy. This application package is an integral part of our admissions process. Please be assured that none of the questions are intended to prevent students from being invited to attend our school. We are trying to gain as much information about students and their families as possible so that all parties involved have a solid foundation for a rich and engaging personal interview. We admit students for the following September on a continuous basis throughout the year. Admission to St. Jude’s Academy is competitive; thus, to avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
• 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	18
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	N/A

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	N/A
  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)	N/A

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  
  

  • Canada 7 universities
    • King's University College at Western University
    • McMaster University
    • Queen's University
    • Simon Fraser University
    • St. Francis Xavier University
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Waterloo
  • International 4 universities
    • City, University of London
    • Soas, University of London
    • University of Melbourne
    • University of Sydney

  
  

  Areas of Study

  • St. Jude's Academy
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  St. Jude's Academy Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    10% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    30% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    30% - Business/Commerce
    0% - Fine and Performing Arts
    30% - Applied Health Sciences
    0% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    0% - Other
  

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    25% - Business/Commerce
    5% - Fine and Performing Arts
    13% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships	N/A

  Mentorship Program
  University counseling

  What St. Jude's Academy says:

  • A recent graduate, Kyle Tyborski, was accepted to UOIT (networking and info technology program). During his first semester, he created an in-class project that attracted the attention of Rogers Communications. Rogers contacted Kyle and offered him a full-time job based on that in-class project during his first semester of university. Kyle attributes a great deal of his success at university to his time at St. Jude's Academy.
• 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.

  ---

  Alumni Highlights

  • A recent graduate, Kyle Tyborski, was accepted to UOIT (networking and info technology program). During his first semester, he created an in-class project that attracted the attention of Rogers Communications. Rogers contacted Kyle and offered him a full-time job based on that in-class project during his first semester of university. Kyle attributes a great deal of his success at university to his time at St. Jude's Academy.
• Principal's Message
  Aaron Sawatsky, Head of School

  St. Jude's Academy is distinctive due to the weight we place on achieving fluency in language and effectiveness in numeracy; we instil in all our students a firm practical, cultural and artistic framework which reinforces all academic studies. Our students have confidence to express themselves effectively in both their public and private lives. I encourage parents to come check out our school and see the difference a caring atmosphere can make.

  
• In the News
  

  February 25, 2021
  Attend Our Virtual Open House: Saturday, April 24, 2021!

  We welcome you to learn more about St. Jude's Academy at our Virtual Open House—meet our faculty and have all of your questions answered!
  Read full article

  

  September 24, 2020
  Virtual Open House on Saturday, November 21, 2020

  Our Virtual Open House is on Saturday, November 21, 2020 from 10:00am to 1:00pm EST. Email [email protected] to learn more.
  Read full article

  

  June 25, 2020
  SJA Families Enjoy Our First Virtual Arts Showcase: Imaginarium!

  On June 24, 2020, St. Jude's Academy launched the website for our first JK to Grade 12 Virtual Arts Showcase: Imaginarium.
  Read full article

  
  

  Read more school news
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