Walden International School - Oakville

User-submitted reviews   (none submitted)

School Busing:

• Oakville
• Brampton
• Mississauga
• Burlington

Additional notes: Transportation to and from school is available. Please contact the school office fee schedules, routes and frequency. Shuttle service from and to Walden Brampton Campus included in costs of tuition.

Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Walden International School - Oakville.

School Facilities Gallery

Photo-tour of facilities

---

• Athletics facilities
• Arts facilities
• Campus
• Classrooms
• Science facilities
• Instructional resources
• Shared spaces

Athletics facilities

---

Younger students enjoy Play Day games and activities.

---

Students enjoy the early morning practices in preparation for the Spring OIS Track and Field Competitions.

---

At recess, students like to take time to practice a few baskets with some friends.

---

Arts facilities

---

Students enjoy performing music, song and dance for our June end Talent Show.

---

Glenburnie is recognized in the community for its exceptional Drama and Theatre studies. Each Spring Glenburnie students look forward to participating in full stage musical productions..

---

Students in the Concert Band enjoy performing during Assemblies or travelling to Competitions.

---

Campus

---

Glenburnie School, located in east Oakville, provides large classrooms and specialty Arts studios, full spectrum overhead lighting, acoustical considerations, large open air windows, organic garden and greenhouse and outdoor playgrounds and sports fields.

---

Glenburnie students look forward to each school day and call Glenburnie - a home away from home!

---

Students work together to support children who are less fortunate and in need.

---

Classrooms

---

From class lessons, to group activities, and one to one support, students thrive at Glenburnie.

---

Students develop leadership experience working together in exploratory activities.

---

Students experience many opportunities to practice their public speaking, debating and presentation skills, which will be invaluable in their future career choices.

---

Science facilities

---

Students enjoy creating innovations during their STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths).

---

Field and Stream studies are held in nearby Joshua Creek. Students examine water, plant and soil samples back in their Science Lab.

---

Grade 8 students are examining worms to better understand their digestive system.

---

Instructional resources

---

Students enjoy working with the Smart Board technology which enhances their lessons.

---

Students work together planting their seedlings in the organic garden. They maintain the garden through to Fall Harvest time.

---

Students and teachers appreciate the Outdoor Classroom for both lessons and informal meeting areas.

---

Shared spaces

---

Students enjoy integrating Science and Math concepts when investigating the properties of combined materials.

---

Glenburnie students are supportive of each other and are welcoming towards new students.

---

Students enjoy the monthly Assemblies students and visitor presentations.

---

×

Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Walden International School - Oakville.

• Curriculum Liberal Arts, 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.

  ---

  Curriculum approach at Walden International: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate

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

  [Show: About Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate?]

  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 - 13%
    Reggio Emilia - 0%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  Walden International 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 Walden International says: Walden International School is an authorized IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and is pursuing candidacy for Middle Years Programme (MYP). Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden, our school is committed to fostering independent, self-reliant learners in a nature-centric environment. Our mandate is to model for our students the merits of subscribing to an unadorned approach to living while developing a worldly view in pursuit of academic excellence. As an international school with a globally-focused curriculum, we promise to deliver a rigorous, prestigious and necessary educational programme meeting the standards and demands of the world in which we live.

  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 Walden International: Equal Balance

    Walden International 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 - 27%
      Discovery math - 5%
    

    What Walden International says: Math lessons address the learning styles of individual students: auditory, visual and tactile. At the start of each new unit of study, students receive a pretest to determine current functioning level in that specific concept and skill area. Differentiated lessons are taught accordingly to accommodate student needs regarding any remediation, review, enrichment or program extension required. Students complete an end of unit Post test to determine levels of success for each unit of study. Students have the option of retaking this post test if they wish to study for and to rewrite the test to improve their overall mark. At the end of the school year, all students write the standardized CTBS test (Canadian Test of Basic Skills) for an outside determination of concept and skill levels achieved in learning the curriculum mathematics concepts at that grade level.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: The Nelson Math texts are used as well as the JUMP program. Students are working a year ahead with the JUMP Math program of study.

    Calculator policy: Students are provided with calculators to use for speedier computation. Students must first have the computational understanding of the various operations BEFORE they use their calculators.

  • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
    Early Reading approach at Walden International: Balanced Literacy

    Walden International 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 - 56%
      Phonics-intensive - 42%
      Whole language - 2%
    

    What Walden International says: At Glenburnie School our early reading program consists of three components: Phonics training, development of a sight word vocabulary, and the story outline using the visual cues on each page. Classroom reading material include class chart stories, phonetic based story books, general story books and guided readers. Students also collect their own stories into a story book format which they use for their reading practices as well.

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

    What Walden International says: There are ongoing reading assessment to ensure that consistent progress is being made.

  • Writing Process approach
    Writing approach at Walden International: Process approach

    Walden International has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Equal balance approach).

    [Show: About Process approach?]

    The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Process approach - 12%
      Systematic approach - 8%
      Equal balance - 80%
    

    What Walden International says: Writing is particularly effective when there is a real life purpose to the writing activity. Students are often required to record their observations and discoveries in math and science activities. Other times writing is for sharing and for fun! Writing can be in the form of creative stories, poetry, riddles and games. Phonetic based spelling is welcomed for the younger students, with the teacher identifying the correct spelling below the incorrect attempt. Over time, these challenging words become a part of the classroom word walls and spelling practices.

  • Science Equal Balance
    Science approach at Walden International: Equal Balance

    Walden International has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 69%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 26%
    

    Teaching approach: At Glenburnie we follow the Ontario Ministry of Education Science curriculum. Emphasis is on real life applications using these various concepts and skills. Social Science and Science are taught in a hands-on approach whenever possible, integrating this new information into a range of other subject areas i.e. Language Arts, Maths, Reading,Visual and Theatre arts, IT research activities, and school trips. Students are encouraged to question and challenge what they are learning. Students also work in the STEM rooms to integrate their knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to solve "What if" situations and challenges.

    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 Walden International: Equal Balance

    Walden International has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 74%
      Traditional - 22%
      Social justice - 4%
    

    What Walden International says: Emphasis on student literature is to integrate this with other subject areas of study to further reinforce new concepts. Students are provided with flexibility in their choice of literature,and degree of challenge they wish to experience.

  • Social Studies Thematic
    Social Studies approach at Walden International: Thematic

    Walden International 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 - 31%
      Core knowledge - 44%
      Expanding communities - 25%
    

    What Walden International says: The objective of the thematic approach in Social Studies is to better understand the choices and outcomes of decisions made by our earlier ancestors. It is expected that the Social Studies unit of study would be integrated with other subject areas so students can better understand the many different ways of looking at a situation.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Pragmatism
    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Walden International: Pragmatism

    Walden International has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Pragmatism?]

    Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Pragmatism - 9%
      Perennialism - 9%
      Equal balance - 82%
    

    What Walden International says: The integration of subject areas is important for students to appreciate the many facets of those areas of study.

  • Foreign Languages Communicative
    Foreign Languages approach at Walden International: Communicative

    Walden International has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Communicative - 36%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Equal balance - 62%
    

    What Walden International says: Foreign languages are living languages. To this end, we have adopted the AIM approach where younger students take part in dramatic role playing to develop new vocabulary and increased clarity. Our grads continually tell us how very prepared they have been in their Glenburnie studies for the challenges of French at the high school levels.

  • Fine Arts Creative
    Fine Arts approach at Walden International: Creative

    Walden International 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 - 39%
      Receptive - 1%
      Equal balance - 60%
    

    Program offers:

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

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Walden International says: Glenburnie places a strong emphasis on 'the Arts' - Visual Arts, Music and Drama. Students are encouraged to risk-take in these activities and to do their personal best. Students work with a wide variety of arts materials to create 2 and 3 dimensional creative works. Our Drama and Theatre Arts programs, like the Visual Arts, are exceptional. Students are drawn to Glenburnie because of our excellent ARTS activities. A significant portion of our graduates go onto Cawthra Secondary School and Etobicoke School for the Arts. Music classes start with the Orff Training, to singing/Choirs, Recorders, Instrumental Music and Band presentations.

  • Computers and Technology Light integration
    Computers and Technology approach at Walden International: Light integration

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

    [Show: About Light integration?]

    Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Light integration - 21%
      Heavy integration - 31%
      Medium integration - 48%
    

    What Walden International says: Glenburnie provides a balanced approach to computer use. Students at all grade levels receive formal CT classes in digital literacy which often are integrated with curriculum concepts being studied. Teachers enhance lessons with Smart Boards, laptops, Chrome books and classroom computers or can work on whole class activities at one of the 3 computer labs. The school is also proactive with EMF protection throughout the school.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Walden International says: Physical Education classes are regularly scheduled and teachers are free to use the gym for extra physical activity. Intramural games are offered over the lunch hour and Glenburnie students are actively involved in the PSAA Varsity Sports program, competing against other private schools in the wider community. Wellness days and movement activities are scheduled. Students and staff regularly participate in the Terry Fox and other community running events.

  • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
    Sex and health education approach at Walden International: Ontario curriculum

    Walden International 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:

    Walden International 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.

    Walden International's approach to sex-ed: Glenburnie follows the Ontario Ministry sex-ed curriculum. As with all curriculum expectations, teachers adjust accordingly to meet the specific needs of their students.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Early Reading

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • 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)

  ---

  Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Walden International: Academic

  Walden International 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 - 42%
    Play-based - 20%
    Montessori - 30%
    Waldorf - 2%
    Reggio emilia - 6%
  

  What Walden International says: Early learning in the PYP is a holistic experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development. Very young learners need stimulating, supportive interactions with their peers and teachers and the effective use of curricula. In the PYP classroom, learning takes place in dynamic environments that promote inquiry, discovery and exploration.

• Curriculum Pace Student-paced
  [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.

  ---

  Curriculum Pace approach at Walden International: Student-paced

  Walden International has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).

  [Show: About Student-paced?]

  The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

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

  What Walden International says: We believe that all learners are intelligent, resourceful and creative individuals who grow, develop and learn at different rates. They explore their environment and learn about their world through inquiry, critical thinking, and application. Collaboration skills are nurtured through the encouragement of positive relationships with peers and teachers.

  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 Walden International 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.

  ---

  Academic Culture approach at Walden International: Rigorous

  Walden International 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 - 49%
    Supportive - 51%
  

  What Walden International says: While we value rigour in academics, we promote a caring and student-centred learning culture that focuses equally on process and final product. We celebrate the whole child and instill a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

• 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.

  ---

  Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

  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 Walden International says: Walden International School is dedicated to cultivating and preparing principled, compassionate and confident young people who will become globally responsible citizens. Walden students’ interaction with others is genuinely different. It is giving, curious and good. At Walden, we make good people in the knowledge that from goodness arises greatness.

• Special needs support Resource Assistance
  [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.

  ---

  Walden International offers Resource Assistance

  Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.

  What Walden International says about their special need support: While we are not formally resourced to support students with clinically diagnosed learning disabilities, our mandate is to provide an inclusive learning environment that promotes confidence in all students. Teachers will work with students with observed academic and behavioural difficulties through providing the necessary accommodations that best support the student. The school will work collaboratively with parents to encourage the success of their child.

  Academic Support:

  Subject Type	offered
  Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
  Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Type	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

  ---

  Summary: This information is not currently available.

  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.

  ---

  Dedicated gifted programs:

  Program	offered
  Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
  Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

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

  In-class adaptations:

  Program	offered
  Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
  Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
  Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
  Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
  Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
  Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
  Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
  Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
  Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

  What Walden International says: Individual support will be provided on a needs basis.

• Language English
  Walden International offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• Homework Policy
  [Show definition of Homework Policy]

  Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

  ---

  In grade Gr. 8, Walden International students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
  Walden International	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	45 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins
  Site Average	2 mins	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	22 mins	29 mins	34 mins	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins

  What Walden International 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.

  ---

  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	Preschool to Gr. 8
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Preschool to Gr. 8
  Academic achievement reporting	Preschool to Gr. 8
  Habits and behaviour reporting	Preschool to Gr. 8
  Parent-teacher meetings	Preschool to Gr. 8

“Welcome to Walden. Our motto, Imagine Explore Achieve, speaks to the potential that we seek in our students. We inspire even the youngest students in our Early Years classroom to reach beyond what they know through inquiry and reflection. And, by embracing daily challenges they learn resilience and gain confidence, both hallmarks of success.

“What ultimately sets our standards at Walden is our team of dedicated faculty and staff who never cease to amaze me with their innovation, patience, and professionalism. They are educators who feel that every child is deserving of the very best, who are committed to delivering the very best, and who are not apologetic for demanding the very best.

“We look forward to your visit to Walden. We are eager to share with you our promise of a quality education.”

DAPHNE PERUGINI - BSc, MSEd, OCT

Daphne Perugini was a teacher and Vice-Principal with the Peel District School Board for nearly two decades. She has had experience leading a comprehensive network of educators in Gifted Learning, Alternative Education, and the International Baccalaureate. Like many in the field who have inspired her, Ms. Perugini believes that education needs to be transformed.