Where do the graduates go to High School?

Large and small independent schools, as well as public schools. Our Vice-Principal starts working with families in Grade 7 to find the right school for Grade 9. We will also help to navigate the application process for the schools you are interested in.   

 

How often do students have Health and Physical Education?

All grades have gym every day.  Students are also invited to join daily clubs and teams offered at lunch time and before and after school. All students also have two 30-minute recess periods each day as well as a 90-minute Outdoor Education period once every two weeks.

 

What are the programs Junior Academy uses for reading, writing and math?

Junior Academy uses a variety of programs and strategies for reading, writing and math programs.  We have the Fountas and Pinnell levelled reading system and ‘Words Their Way’ for spelling and writing.  Teachers instruct with novel studies, fiction, poetry and non-fiction reading and writing units designed to meet the needs and interests of their learners.  Junior Academy uses the JUMP Math program including supplementary materials and IXL math.

 

Do we follow the Ontario Curriculum?

Yes.

 

Do we have before and after school care?

Before school care begins at 7:30am and after school care is available until 5:30pm.  Regular drop off in the morning begins at 8:10am, with classes beginning at 8:30am.  Dismissal is between 3:00 and 3:30 depending on grade level. 

 

What is the average class size?

Class size varies depending on the age and dynamics in the classroom.  On average, homeroom class sizes are between 10-14 students.

What does teacher / parent communication look like? 

Monthly teacher ‘check-ins’ are standard at Junior Academy and teachers email their parents with a class update once a week with news about what is happening. Students in Grades 1-8 receive three report cards a year, and we hold Parent/Teacher interviews twice a year. Our school uses ‘Edsby’ an online education platform where teachers will have ‘Home Pages’ to share information with families. In addition, parents can speak to staff directly to learn what is happening in class and what assignments/ homework are required.  

 

What is your Homework Policy?

The Homework Policy is 10 minutes/Grade/Night, as per Ministry of Education Guidelines (including test planning and projects).  Homework is not issued on Long Weekends or Holidays.  Students who struggle with homework should see their homeroom teacher before school the following day for additional help. 

 

Can Junior Academy provide opportunities for social skills development?
Yes, Junior Academy has social and emotional development programs lead by teachers and our on-site Occupational Therapist. These periods happen during regular class time or through private sessions with an individual student. 

 

Does Junior Academy accept students who are autistic?
Yes, Junior Academy accepts students on the autism spectrum. We also accept students with different learning profiles. Each student is assessed on an individual basis to see if our school is the right fit. 

 

Does Junior Academy accommodate students with ADHD?
Yes, Junior Academy accommodates students with ADHD in the regular classroom setting. Additional support is available to students that require more attention. Alternative programs within the school may be recommend to help support students needs.   

Can Junior Academy meet the needs of students with language-based learning disabilities?
Yes, Junior Academy provides remedial reading/writing programs such as Reading Mastery and Orton Gillingham. Tutoring by specialists is provided on an individual basis. Tutoring sessions are paid for separately by parents.

 

Does Junior Academy offer Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy Services?

We have an in house Occupational Therapist who works with students during the course of the school day. Services include sensory integration therapy, gross and fine motor assistance and social skills training.  Initial sessions may be funded by LHIN, if approved. Our Occupational Therapist has developed our FLEX program, wherein the entire school population benefits from classes on Friendship, Learning Skills and Executive Functioning Skills. 

 

A Speech Language pathologist visits the school to provide speech therapy to students. Initial sessions may also be funded by LHIN if approved. 

Please note, individual sessions with our OT and SLP professional are not included in tuition and are an additional cost.