Indirect Support:
The Linden School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Linden School: Progressive
Linden School has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
International curriculum & programs at Linden School: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Linden School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We are the only school in Canada specifically created to incorporate innovative research on girls’ educational needs. Our speciality is applying feminist pedagogy through a social justice and interdisciplinary lens to inspire and engage girls. We balance the Ontario Ministry of Education requirements with best practices in girls’ education. Research supports what we know from experience—that girls thrive academically and socially in single-sex environments. Girls are more engaged in their studies when they are empowered to ask questions, debate with each other and their teachers, collaborate in groups, and analyze their course material with a critical lens. This is why we supplement the Ontario Ministry of Education’s curriculum by enriching our courses with relevant and interdisciplinary topics that girls find more meaningful and engaging.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Linden School: Equal Balance
Linden School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Linden School says:
Math specialists teach our elementary students as well as high school students. All Linden students select math in high school and a majority of our alumnae select STEM subjects in their post-secondary studies. Our teachers inspire students to exceed their academic expectations; students who come to Linden and have feared math in the past end up excelling in the subject and taking more than the necessary number of math courses in high school. We excel in connecting students' learning with finding solutions to real-world problems facing their local and global communities.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Our program draws from diverse resources based on current research and the needs of our students.
Calculator policy:
Although there are sometimes rich learning opportunities using calculators, students in Grades 1-8 usually perform calculations without calculators. Students with math-based exceptionalities may use calculators. High school students use calculators for most math-based problem solving.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Linden School: Balanced Literacy
Linden School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Linden School says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Linden School says:
Based on small class sizes that allow deep understanding of individual student needs, we use a variety of assessments.
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Writing
Writing approach at Linden School: Equal balance
Linden School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Linden School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Linden School: Equal Balance
Linden School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
We know that engaging girls in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from an early age directly influences their choice of post-secondary education and career paths. Girls who have confidence in their ability in these fields are more likely to perform well in math and science courses. Improving girls’ belief in their abilities is essential as they move from elementary school into middle and high school. Girls are more engaged when taught math and science concepts in the context of real-world phenomena, using real materials to make connections between mathematic and scientific theory, technology, and their everyday lives. This is why even our youngest students conduct experiments in our science lab, participate in math fairs, and learn computer programming. As a result of our engaging pedagogical approach to STEM subjects, every Linden high school student chooses more than the required number of courses in math and science.
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
Literature approach at Linden School: Equal Balance
Linden School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Linden School says:
Research shows that learning improves when girls construct their own understanding of concepts by asking questions, and through discussion and experience rather than by memorizing rules or definitions. We offer a safe environment where our students are encouraged to influence class discussions, to take risks, and to ask questions without fear of failure. We encourage even our youngest students to pose challenging questions and to share their answers courageously. As a result, our students learn to love inquiry. Whether examining media or traditional curriculum materials, our girls ask, “Where is the girl or woman in this story? Who speaks? Who is spoken about? Who benefits? Who loses?” By encouraging students towards intellectual risk-taking and questioning the status quo, we go beyond traditional all-girls schools to incorporate the values of equity, diversity, and social responsibility within our curriculum.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Linden School: Thematic
Linden School has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Linden School says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Linden School: Equal Balance
Linden School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Linden School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Linden School: Communicative
Linden School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Linden School says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Linden School: Creative
Linden School has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Linden School says:
We encourage creative experimentation and ensure that student artwork is exhibited and celebrated throughout the school on an ongoing basis. Students also become art appreciators and critics by being introduced to the major periods in art history. Linden’s music program teaches students not only to play music, but to analyze and appreciate it as well. Our small classes allow teachers to help each student with playing and singing. Once a girl becomes comfortable on stage, she becomes even more confident using her voice in all areas of her life. This is especially true for our drama program where developing confidence in one’s voice is a critical component. Girls perform and write a wide variety of pieces, including monologues, movement pieces and short plays, culminating in highly successful public performances.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Linden School: Heavy integration
Linden School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Linden School says:
Bridging the Gender Gap in Computer-Related Fields: Girls and women continue to be under-represented in technology-related fields. Our program gives girls the encouragement, motivation, and skills needed to pursue opportunities in these areas. From the earliest grades, Linden girls are taught to use technology in safe, ethical, and creative ways, and are encouraged to view themselves as producers of technology, not just consumers or end users. Therefore, girls learn programming skills in each grade. We begin with basic logic that explains how computers “think,” and progress toward creating programs using user-friendly interfaces that allow girls to build code, and finally work toward text-based code (such as the Python language) in the middle years. Media literacy is also an important part of the computer studies program and students learn to use a variety of digital tools including word processing software, design and layout tools, spreadsheets, slide-shows, audio-editing software, and movie-making programs.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Linden School says:
Athletics at Linden is a well-rounded curriculum of physical education, health class, and daily physical activity. Our athletics program is recognized for innovative instruction and student engagement. Smiles, sweat, and self-confidence are the products of team training and phys-ed classes at Linden! Linden students have the opportunity to participate in sports such as soccer, ball hockey, basketball and track and field. Joining a sports team does not require tryouts. No one is cut from an after school sports team or judged on their beginning skill level. This unique environment allows students to improve their technique. Breeding self-esteem and a strong sense of self is our way of using sports to empower our students.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP French Language
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Linden School: Ontario curriculum
Linden School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Linden School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Linden School says:
Our health education program is based on the most-recent and credible research about what is best for girls and young women. We follow the Ontario sex education curriculum - we have been implementing its core values for more than a decade.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Linden School: Play-based
Linden School has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
What Linden School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
The Linden School offers a girl-centred, full-day Kindergarten program for children 5 years of age and up. Our program helps establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years within a safe and caring play and inquiry-based environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all children. Our program consists of a balance of exploration and investigation, play, guided instruction, and explicit instruction. Inquiry-based learning allows children to actively participate in their own learning by asking questions and sharing ideas. To learn more, click here.
Language
Learn about The Linden School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Linden School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Linden School: Standard-enriched
Linden School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Linden School says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | 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 Linden School says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Linden School: Rigorous
Linden School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Linden School says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
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: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Linden School says about their developmental priorities:
The Globe and Mail recently featured an opinion piece by Associate Principal and STEM Curriculum Leader Beth Alexander, in which she discusses educating with and without screens, students' mental health post-pandemic, AI, and her STEM classroom which she describes as a "joyful mess"! You can read it here.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
What Linden School says about their special need support:
The Linden School views accommodations for students as a partnership with families. We expect families to provide medical, social-emotional, and academic support outside of school as needed.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (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.DyscalculiaThis 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.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis 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 DeficitA 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.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers 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 SyndromeOn 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 syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis 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 syndromeThis 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.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled 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 DepressionThis 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 anxietyThis 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 thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis 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.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis 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 palsyhis 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 dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis 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.BlindnessVisual 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."DeafnessHearing 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 FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Linden School says:
We provide a variety of supports for students with many different learning needs according to their IEPs (Individual Education Plans). We are not currently able to modify the expectations of the Ontario curriculum. Although our teachers are trained in accommodating different needs, we do not offer withdrawal support to a specialized special education classroom. Our smaller class sizes allow teachers to help students overcome challenges through encouragement and greater attention in specific areas of need. Girls are encouraged to ask questions and are mentored to develop their own learning and coping strategies.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
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 Linden School says about their gifted learner support:
Gifted girls who need more challenge and intellectual engagement flourish in our inquiry-based classes. They work with caring and dynamic teachers in a warm community-based environment. We enrich the Ontario curriculum by providing a broader selection of topics, more in-depth analysis, and greater expectation of our students to ask questions, be creative, and stretch their intellectual abilities. Linden students are university-bound, and our graduates are leaders and innovators in a wide range of disciplines.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Linden School students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linden School | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 59 mins | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 112 mins |
What Linden School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 2 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 |
Extracurricular Activities
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.
Sports offered
The Linden School offers 6 competitive sports and 11 recreational sports.
Competitive offered Recreational offered
all sports]
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Football
- Martial Arts
- Rugby
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
The Linden School offers 22 clubs and extracurricular programs.
Clubs offered Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
Foreign Language Club
Math Club
Outdoor Club
Outdoor Education
Photography
Poetry/Literature club
Robotics club
Science Club
Yearbook
Yoga
Animation
Art Club
Audiovisual Club
Band
Chess Club
Choir
Community Service
Computer Club
Dance Club
Debate Club
Drama Club
Environmental Club
What Linden School says about their extracurricular activities:
- Our wide range of co-curricular activities nurture leadership development and intellectual growth. Students are encouraged to create clubs that meet their interests and showcase their talents. Leadership in civic engagement and community building is an inherent part of our school culture and Linden students actively initiate and organize community service projects.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: The Linden School
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