Wildwood Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Wildwood Academy: Traditional
Wildwood Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Wildwood Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Wildwood Academy is an academic school. We provide very substantive support for students with special needs and learning challenges.
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
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Academic | Special needs |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Wildwood Academy: Traditional Math
Wildwood Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Wildwood Academy says:
Students are taught using Direct Instruction Programs, which explicitly teaches concepts and links existing knowledge to new concepts.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
DISTAR Math Programs, Connecting Math Concepts, Saxon Math, Jump Math *Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and programs are chosen based upon student need.
Calculator policy:
Calculators can be a valuable life skill should students require them.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Wildwood Academy: Phonics-intensive
Wildwood Academy has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Wildwood Academy says:
Using our Direct Instruction programs, students are taught sound-symbol correspondence, as well as important blends that are necessary to effective decoding. Mastered words are integrated into stories, where students are required to answer related comprehension questions. Tests are administered regularly to ensure mastery.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Wildwood Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Wildwood Academy: Equal balance
Wildwood Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Wildwood Academy says:
Emphasis is placed on giving students ample opportunities to write, while providing explicit instruction in grammar, parts of speech, and various learning strategies. Tests are administered regularly to ensure mastery. Students participate in Direct Instruction Programs, but have opportunities to be creative as well.
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Science
Science approach at Wildwood Academy: Equal Balance
Wildwood Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Programs balance expository and inquiry-based learning. Many hands-on opportunities are provided.
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 Wildwood Academy: Equal Balance
Wildwood Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Wildwood Academy says:
Novel studies and literature are selected based on student interest and ability level.
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 Wildwood Academy: Core Knowledge
Wildwood Academy has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Wildwood Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Wildwood Academy: Equal Balance
Wildwood Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Wildwood Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
What Wildwood Academy 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 Wildwood Academy: Equal Balance
Wildwood Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Wildwood Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Wildwood Academy: Medium integration
Wildwood Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Wildwood Academy says:
Each student has their own Chromebook to utilize in class, however there is still an importance placed on writing skills and paper and and pencils are used.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Wildwood Academy says:
While there is an emphasis on skill, students are taught activities with the goal of understanding in mind. We focus on functional movement skills and participation. We want our students to love being active so that they are healthy in their future.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Wildwood Academy: Ontario curriculum
Wildwood Academy 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:
Wildwood Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Wildwood Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Wildwood Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Wildwood Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Wildwood Academy: Student-paced
Wildwood Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Wildwood Academy says about their curriculum pace:
We program based on each student's need. Students are grouped age-appropriately for home room and rotary subjects; however, they learn math, reading, writing and spelling at the academic level in that subject area.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 Wildwood Academy says about their flexible pacing:
Students are grouped based on academic level for Math, Reading, Writing and Spelling.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Wildwood Academy: Supportive
Wildwood Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Wildwood Academy says about their academic culture:
Core academic skills are the focus, in a supportive and caring environment.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Wildwood Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Wildwood Academy is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
What Wildwood Academy says about their special need support:
Wildwood Academy is designed to help students with special needs and learning difficulties. Our whole school runs based on the philosophy that each child is unique, and so their learning plan should also be unique.
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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 |
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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 |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
What Wildwood Academy says:
Wildwood is specifically designed to support students with learning disabilities. With small class sizes, grouping based on ability, additional support, repetition, review, and specialized strategies, we help students with learning difficulties.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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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 Wildwood Academy says about their gifted learner support:
Wildwood groups students based on ability level, and can meet the curriculum needs of gifted learners by allowing them to work at higher grade levels, and in classes that meet their needs.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Wildwood Academy students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
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Wildwood Academy | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins |
What Wildwood Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 2 to Gr. 8 |
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
Wildwood Academy offers 4 competitive sports and 14 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Football
- Ice Skating
- Running
- Skateboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Wildwood Academy offers 17 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Wildwood Academy says about their extracurricular activities:
- Wildwood runs social skills clubs often called "board games" or "social" clubs, where trained staff help students regulate and work on social skills in real time.
- Wildwood has 3 club blocks per week built into the schedule during the day. Students choose from a variety of clubs.
- Wildwood is part of the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA) and competes against other private schools in the area.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Wildwood Academy
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