Annual Guide to Schools 2012 Edition by AnnualGuidetoSchools

Vol.7

PRIVATE / INDEPENDENT

CHARTER

FAITH-BASED

SPECIAL NEEDS

Make Fitness a Family Affair Get the Whole Family Moving and Find the Fun in Fitness

Feeding the Way to Better Grades Proper Nutrition is Important for Both Physical and Mental Development

Dealing With a Child Struggling in School It’s Not Only Diagnosed Learning Disabilities That Require Your Attention

LANGUAGE-BASED

OUT OF AREA

www.deltawestacademy.ca

Telephone 403-290-0767

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We believe that great things come in small packages … and schools are no different. Average of 10:1 Student to Teacher Ratio • Pre-K to Grade 12 • Provincial Achievement Test Excellence • 98% of Graduates Attend University and Colleges of Choice In our small school, all of the teachers know all of the students. Pro-social communication and interaction is actively taught and reinforced which greatly increases school harmony in the classroom and in the hallways. Less time spent on behavior issues is more time spent learning. In our small school, all of the students know each other. They are accepting of each other, more true to their personalities especially as teens, and welcoming of diversity. Being able to trust your peers and a whole school community is the ultimate feeling of safety.

In our small school, the student to teacher ratio is an average 10 to 1. It provides an interesting, stimulating and interactive learning context because consistent student participation is the best way to develop critical thinking, creative problem solving and increased achievement. It forms the foundation of academic challenge and extends to French & Spanish, Fine and Performing Arts, Athletics, Community Service and International Travel experiences. Our students are on a dynamic educational journey focused on academic excellence, social intelligence, and global citizenship in the 21 century. It is a rewarding journey shared by parents who have greater opportunity for involvement and communication. It is a collaborative journey set in a small, caring school community. It is the DWA journey.

Decide on a bright future for your child…at Delta West Academy. Contact Amanda Dennis, Director of Admissions, and discover the DWA difference.

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West Island College

30 years of excellence

Inspiring our students to pursue excellence in academics, leadership, athletics and global awareness; preparing them for success in the 21st century.

University Preparatory Independent School for students in Grades 7 through 12 Continuing French Immersion programme and Enriched French programme

An established Advanced Placement (AP) programme Exceptional programmes such as fine and performing arts, international studies, outdoor education, athletics and a business institute Extensive selection of extracurricular activities

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the pursuit of excellence

WIC

French or Spanish as second language courses

Our Back Country

is Your

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4 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

Amenities &

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Annual Guide to Schools 2012 5

exceptional education by design: a balanced approach between academics and life beyond the classroom At Rundle, your child will thrive in one of the best university preparatory programs in Canada. Our small class size promotes individual attention and helps develop strong work ethic and a passion for learning. Our extensive extracurricular programs provide numerous opportunities for your son or daughter to discover their full potential in athletics and the arts. Humanitarian and volunteer programs, both locally and globally, provide character building experiences and leadership training opportunities that help our students become well rounded citizens. Our Rundle Academy program proudly offers an outstanding academic program for students in grades 4-12 with diagnosed learning disabilities. For Kindergarten - Grade 12 admissions contact the Admissions Office Phone: 403-291-3866 For Academy admissions, contact Jason Rogers Phone: 403-250-2965 Email: rogers@rundle.ab.ca

RUNDLE COLLEGE SOCIETY PreK-12, Co-ed, Independent Day School Calgary, Alberta Canada

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contents

fwd: foreword

fyi: educating yourself

schools: full listing

11 A Note from the Editor in Chief

21 Feeding the Way to Better Grades

32 Private/Independent Schools

abc: the basics 12 Fostering Your Child’s Drive to Succeed Encourage your Child’s Desire to be Successful With These Tips

13 Make Fitness a Family Affair Get the Whole Family Moving and Find the Fun in Fitness

14 Help Your Children Develop Social Skills Make Your Child’s Life Easier by Helping Them Make Friends Now

17 Is Your Child’s Mental Health on Your Radar? The Number of Children Diagnosed With Mental Health Issues is Rising – Should You be Concerned?

18 Dealing With a Child Struggling

Proper Nutrition is Important for Both Physical and Mental Development

24 A Book To Be Read Three Books That Your Child is Sure to Read

25 Sexting 101 Explicit Coded Messages Exposed

28 Nature-Deficit Disorder Experiencing the Great Outdoors

29 New Tax Credits for Parents Are You Eligible for These Tax Deductions?

30 Teaching Your Kids the ABC’s of Financial Planning The Fundamentals of Cash Flow

42 Charter Schools 48 Faith-Based Schools 56 Special Needs Schools 62 Language-Based Schools 68 Out of Area Schools

xyz: appendix 74 Talk the Talk Commonly Used Educational Terms Defined

76 School Index Quick Reference

map of schools: 77 Area Map of Schools

in School It’s Not Only Diagnosed Learning Disabilities That Require Your Attention

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 9

Would you tell your child HOW to dream?

EDITORIAL PUBLISHER New Wave Media EDITOR IN CHIEF Ashley Feist | ashley@guidetoschools.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Leanne Cameron; Benson Clegghorn; Amanda McNair; Josephine Cruz; Britney Bresciani; Lindsay McPherson; Sophie Blais-Yalbir; Michael Lepitre

ART & DESIGN ART DIRECTION/PRODUCTION Emanuel Gagnon | artwork@guidetoschools.ca WEBSITE MANAGER Aaron Christian

MARKETING

So why would you tell them HOW to think? Green Learning Academy

PUBLIC RELATIONS Britney Bresciani

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Amanda McNair | amanda@guidetoschools.ca SALES EXECUTIVE Ryan Josue | ryan@guidetoschools.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES New Wave Media 403.457.0919 info@new-wavemedia.com www.new-wavemedia.com

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Disticor Inc. The Globe & Mail

PUBLISHED BY NEW WAVE MEDIA PRESIDENT Tara Molina

Teaching HOW to think, not WHAT to think. Accepting year-round registration for JK to grade 10.

ph: 403.873.1966

www.greenlearning.com 10 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jonathan Molina CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Sandy McRae CORPORATE OFFICE 3003 - 23 Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 7A4 t. 403.457.0919 f. 403.457.0920

info@new-wavemedia.com www.new-wavemedia.com

New Wave Media, Annual Guide to Schools, its officers, directors, employees or agents make no recommendations as to the purchase or sale of any product, service, or other item. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of New Wave Media. All letters and their contents sent to the Annual Guide to Schools become sole property of New Wave Media and may be used and published in any manner whatsoever without limit and without obligation and without liability to the author thereof. ÂŠ 2012 Annual Guide to Schools, a New Wave Media publication. All rights reserved. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40831043 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: New Wave Media 3003 - 23 Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 7A4

Welcome to the 2012 and 7th Edition of the Annual Guide to Schools!

foreword

A Note from the Editor in Chief

ver the past year we have been sent numerous emails about one specific topic, and we only felt it necessary to discuss the subject right within our Editor’s note. Each year the Internet (in particular the idea of monitoring or learning how to protect our children from the dangers seen throughout) is a topic that is increasingly brought to our attention. The Internet needs your attention, 100%. It seems there was an overnight world for children—and for you as a parent. If your child is not “online” already, he or she may soon join the 10+ million children who are already utilizing the Internet. The good news is that the online world offers children experiences that are educational and rewarding. In addition, being able to use the Internet effectively may increase a child’s performance in school and future job potential. However, this new medium can also present unsafe situations. Just as you would not allow your child to wander alone in unknown territory, you also would not want him or her to interact on the Internet without parental guidance and supervision. Ironically, a large amount of information can be found online to assist parents. Moreover, there are now new programs being developed in Alberta that teach parents about the Internet and, in turn, provide parents with the necessary educational tools to begin establishing proper lines of communication with their children about the benefits and dangers of online activity. Below we have pointed out a few helpful tips and strategies for a responsible and safer online life: Visit age-appropriate sites. Find websites that promote learning and creativity; ones that deepen your kids’ interests. Also, check our popular sites before your kids visit them (despite what your children might tell you, social networks including Facebook, Twitter or YouTube can create harmful online activity).

Minimize chatting with strangers. Ensure your kids understand that people aren’t always who they say they are on the Internet. Anyone can pose as a “buddy of a buddy”. If your child is playing online games with people they don’t personally know, make sure you tell them to be careful and not to disclose anything personal. Help kids think critically about what they find online. Young people need to know that not everything they see is true. You may wish to use safe-search settings, or filtering software, for younger kids. You can also check browser histories to see where your kids have been. If they wouldn’t do it in real life, they shouldn’t do it online. Remind your kids: Don’t say mean things, and don’t cheat in games or at school. Have some rules about time and place. Set limits on the amount of time your kids spend online. Don’t let them Instant Message (IM) while doing homework (social networking sites have now adopted IM platforms). Restrict time and sites for online gaming. Agree on downloads. What music is okay? Which video sites? Don’t just hand out your credit card information to your kids. If they need to buy something, you should be involved. Talk about privacy. Remind your kids that when they post something online, they lose control of it. It can be cut and pasted, and sent around the Web. Show kids where privacy settings are on their favorite sites and help them think about the settings they should use. Make sure kids feel safe reporting bad behavior. It doesn’t have to be you, but if anything suspicious, mean, or scary happens, they need to know they won’t get in trouble if they tell a trusted adult. Be involved and view your own habits carefully. Parents, you are your child’s role model- for safe and smart use. Enjoy the good stuff together! We know and understand that the topics

fwd

discussed above are much easier said then done. It is our hope at the Annual Guide to Schools that we have you thinking about the possibilities, at the very least. With this, we hope you enjoy the 7th Edition of the Annual Guide to Schools. As always, we are here to listen to your thoughts and opinions on ways that we can better improve the publication for the following year. We thank you for the continued support and hope you and your children have a fantastic school year. Best Regards,

Ashley Feist Editor in Chief

*Source: Common Sense Media

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 11

abc

Fostering Your Child’s Drive to Succeed Encourage your Child’s Desire to be Successful With These Tips

hile there are some kids out there who seem naturally inclined to excel at sports or strive for their best in school, not all children are born ambitious. That’s where you as a parent might need to step in and foster your child’s drive for success. Though they might seem as though they are disinterested or lazy, perhaps they just need some encouragement in order to jumpstart their engine. Some children are naturally drawn to certain activities; they may catch a glimpse of an NHL game and decide that they want to try hockey, or might see a clip of John Mayer playing guitar and get inspired. But if your child seems more interested in video games and television, you will need to push them in

12 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

the right direction. While video games and television are fine in moderation, encourage them to develop other interests or activities. One of the easiest ways to do this is by exposing them to lots of different options. Research what types of activities are available in your town or city and compile a list of 5-10 you think they might like to try. Try as best you can to diversify them – a few sports, some dance classes and music or art lessons are a good place to start. Then leave it up to your child to pick three that they are interested in. Taking an active role in your children’s activities will also allow you to see their reaction. Ask them if they are okay with you sitting in on some classes or practices – you’ll be able to tell right away whether or not they are

having fun. Also, ask instructors or coaches about how your child is performing and fitting in when you’re not there. If you notice your child talking about or making reference to a certain activity even when you are at home or doing other things, that’s a good sign that they are enjoying themselves. Cultivating your child’s ambition also involves helping them make a connection between an activity and the positive feeling it gives them. If your son has learned a new song on the piano, or your daughter is showing off a new combination she learned at Tae Kwon Do, make sure you give them lots of praise for their hard work and achievement. This will encourage them to self-reflect and say, “Yes, I did work hard at this and I feel good.” Whereas many parents reward their children with gifts or money, doing so only makes it harder for kids to find the motivation to succeed simply because it feels good. Positive affirmation is the best reward you can give. It is also important to note areas where your child may show signs of struggle. Continue to cheer your child on through this, but also to empathize with their frustration; praise them for trying, whether or not he or she succeeds. Learning that struggle, and even failure, is a natural part of life and will teach your children the importance of resilience, and make them realize that they can get that same good feeling just from trying their best, though they may not always succeed. Also, share your own failures and feats with your children: if you landed a new position, tell them how you worked hard for it and how great it feels. If you didn’t get that promotion you were hoping for, tell them you are disappointed but you aren’t going to give up. It will help them to see that everyone goes through the same things, no matter what age you are. Boosting their confidence and fostering their ambition is one of the best things you can do for your children’s future. You already know that they are their own unique, amazing person with their own talents, but helping them to see themselves in the same way is instrumental in helping them grow into welladjusted young adults. —JOSEPHINE CRUZ

Make Fitness a Family Affair Get the Whole Family Moving and Find the Fun in Fitness

s that treadmill in your basement collecting more dust than a Dyson? Don’t feel bad – finding time to exercise in between all the other commitments is a big challenge for all of us. However, obesity rates among both adults and children are on the rise in Canada, and are a full-on epidemic in the United States. Making sure you stay fit will not only keep you in optimal shape, it will set a good example for your children as well. Why not get your children into healthy habits early by turning fitness into a family affair? Getting the whole family involved not only makes it more fun, it makes you more accountable. Why not leave the car in the garage and hit the pavement? If you are fortunate enough to live in the same neighbourhood as your children’s school, walking instead of driving is great exercise and will also give you a chance to catch up with your kids about what is happening in their lives. If the school is too far to walk, find some places in your neighbourhood that you can walk to with your children, like parks or coffee shops. Why not designate a family activity time

once or twice a week? Make sure the whole family is available, and keep it interesting by allowing a different person to pick the activity for that day. Maybe your spouse has been dying to try snowshoeing or rock climbing, or your kids have wanted to go hiking or bike riding; you could go to a family swim at the local pool, and there are even family yoga classes at many studios now. This is a good way to allow everyone to try those activities they’ve been interested in, while introducing each other to new things you may not have ever thought of. Taking a few moments out of every morning to have a family stretch is a great habit to get in to. This action increases the blood flow to your muscles, awakening them and getting them ready for the day. This can make you and your children feel more awake and energized, and best of all, it only takes about 5 minutes. There are many exercises available to follow on the internet, and you can even mix and match them to come up with your own personal routine. Find out which stretches are your kids favourite, or allow them to lead the “class” sometimes so that they feel more involved.

the basics

abc

Another great idea is to register your family for a 5 or 10 km walk/run. There are even family mini-triathlons that you could enter as a team. Not only is this a great fitness challenge, it will teach your children the value of setting a goal and then striving to achieve it. Make “training” for the event fun – let someone be the team captain for the week and make them responsible for coming up with the team exercises or training plan. Come up with a fun reward for the whole family as soon as you complete your goal, like a day at the water park or a camping trip. Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore, nor do you need expensive classes or equipment to make it possible. Once you get started, you may even find that you look forward to taking the time to unwind and blow off some steam with your loved ones. Having a family fitness routine will keep you physically and mentally healthy while strengthening those precious family bonds. —JOSEPHINE CRUZ Annual Guide to Schools 2012 13

abc

Help Your Children Develop Social Skills Make Your Child’s Life Easier by Helping Them Make Friends Now

s your children grow up they are continually surrounded by people. Teachers, babysitters, siblings and peers are constantly around and unconsciously assisting in the development of your children’s social skills. Starting at a young age it is the parents responsibility to help their child develop proper social skills. Introducing your child to other children at a young age and teaching them how to interact with others will make the process of making friends easier as they get older. Like many things, children are all different when it comes to socializing and making friends. There are some children who walk into a room and seem to draw in countless friends, while others try their hardest to interact yet don’t seem to make a single friend. The latter can be quite frustrating for parents. For some children engaging with others comes naturally, they have no problem making friends and entering large groups is exciting for them. For others, large groups are terrifying and attempts at making friends results in awkward situations and failed attempts. There are however, several ways for parents to help 14 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

improve the social skills of their children. If a child can’t be social at home it is almost definite that they won’t be social in the classroom. Children need a role model to understand the importance of communication and relationships. The easiest way to communicate this to your children is to be a positive role model yourself. When you talk to your spouse, your friends, and your family, your children are listening and learning. Either intentionally or unintentionally your children are learning communication skills from you. Be conscious of this as it will shape their future social behaviour. It’s also important to help your children develop a strong sense of self. Allow them to share their thoughts, encourage their contribution to family conversations, and show that their input and opinions are valuable and worth being shared. This will help them gain the confidence that is needed when in larger groups such as the classroom. If they feel confident with themselves it will be easier for them to socialize with their peers and communicate without having a fear of rejection.

Supporting the opinions and desires of your children is vital as well. Encouraging them to verbalize their needs and opinions teaches them to communicate effectively. This goes hand in hand with the concept of sharing and taking turns. While they may feel that their needs or thoughts are more important than anyone else’s they must be taught from a young age that listening to others and hearing what others think is also an important concept in meeting friends and building relationships. Like all things the process of communication and the process of making friends takes time and practice. While helping your children with the above tips can improve their ability to communicate, the natural personality traits of children will also play a role in how they communicate. The key is to encourage your children to be confident in themselves. If that means that they have a few close friends rather than the entire grade at their birthday party than that is what they choose and not simply what they have been dealt. —BRITNEY BRESCIANI

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Is Your Child’s Mental Health on Your Radar? The Number of Children Diagnosed With Mental Health Issues is Rising – Should You be Concerned?

he issue of children’s mental health has long been a concern for parents all across the country, but only in the latter part of the 20th century did child psychiatry establish itself into a separate field. These days, children are increasingly being diagnosed with various mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder: as many as 1 in 6 children in Canada suffer from some type of mental health problem. A child with anxiety may avoid going to school, causing them to fall behind or even fail. This will cause an added stress as they become at odds with their parents over performance. A child with some form of depression may lose their lust for life, and their friendships may start to cool as they lose touch with their peers. A child with bipolar or ADHD may find it difficult to interact and form relationships with their family, teachers and peers. While the social stigma attached to mental illness is slowly lifting – 79% of parents now recognize that mental illness is a disease, just like epilepsy or diabetes – a substantial 26% still admit that they would not want people to know if their child was diagnosed with a mental illness. While it presents an added challenge to families, there are many ways that you can ensure

things are as easy as they can be for your child should they be diagnosed with any of these, or other, mental health challenges. Experts agree that the single most important thing you can do is keep an open line of communication with your children about it. Children’s inability to explain what they are feeling, along with the fear they may have about speaking up at all, has proved to be one of the greatest challenges facing parents and experts. If you see changes in your child’s behavioural patterns, you should contact your doctor immediately and let your child know that you are there for support. Letting them know that these types of feelings are normal and something that you can deal with together will make it a lot easier on them. Early intervention is also important when it comes to your child’s mental health because if there is an imbalance in your child’s brain, the more time that passes then the more firmly imprinted it will become. The longer one goes without treatment, then the more entrenched the disorder becomes. There is the risk of both conditions and complications worsening. The following are some warning signs to look for in your children. These are by no means definite indicators of a mental illness, but are worth keeping an eye on, especially if they are pervasive or extreme in nature.

the basics

abc

Preschool age • Excessive anxiety about separation. Remember, this is very common in children at first but if this behaviour continues for months then it may be a concern • Bedwetting after potty training is complete • Fatigue, headaches or tummy aches with no explanation Elementary School age • Issues with not wanting to attend school, a dip in marks, acting disruptive or distracted in class • Fatigue, headaches or tummy aches with no explanation • Sudden and excessive outbursts of anger • Decreased interest in spending time with friends and family Junior High age • Nervousness, worrying, sadness, lethargy or not wanting to get out of bed • Sudden and excessive outbursts of anger, aggression, frustration or sadness —JOSEPHINE CRUZ

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 17

the basics

abc

hen parents first send their children into the educational world they send them with high hopes. They hope the experience will go smoothly; that their children will be educated, and that the experience will be both challenging and rewarding for them. While there is an expected number of glitches and obstacles to overcome throughout this time, much faith is left in the idea that it is part of growing up and they will overcome the poor grades or poor social life. Unfortunately, what more and more parents are seeing is disheartened children with low self esteem, a low sense of self worth and a non-existent social circle. This is hardly the experience that parents expect. In a perfect world parents send their children to school and they come home each day happy and with high grades. The feedback from their teachers is positive and they are interacting well with the other children. Unfortunately, today more parents are seeing the opposite – sad children, poor grades, negative feedback and antisocial behaviour. Obviously the reason for this can’t be linked to one specific explanation, however Dr.Richard Selznik an American psychologist and professor developed a unique term called the “shut-down

18 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

Dealing With a Child Struggling in School It’s Not Only Diagnosed Learning Disabilities That Require Your Attention

learner.” Shut down learners as described by Selznik are those who thrive by engagement, hands on activities and spatial-visual tasks but struggle in their ability to grasp core concepts in reading and writing. Many children struggle with learning. Their learning difficulties are often diagnosed as ADD, ADHD or another learning disability and then a prescription is written to correct the issue. The unfortunate fact is that if children are not diagnosed with a learning disability they are expected to learn at the same pace as the rest of the students without any further assistance. There are a large number of children that aren’t diagnosed with a disability yet they cannot keep up with the learning curve. These children are by no means less intelligent, they simply need to learn a different way. These children are considered by Selznik to be the shutdown learners. They often exhibit characteristics such; weaknesses in reading, writing, and spelling, low self esteem, increased avoidance of school tasks, anger towards school, and no motivation. Shutdown learners are students who do not necessarily struggle with learning, but struggle with the method in which they are taught. Selznik explains that, “In effect,

they are resistant or immune to traditional education.” Like children with medically diagnosed learning disabilities, shutdown learners need to be recognized as soon as possible. Shutdown learners can avoid the struggle they’ll face in traditional educational institutes by; engaging in an alternate teaching method, allowing themselves extra time to complete school work and incorporating high spatial activities into their curriculum such as building, drawing and hands on learning. Helping your child get the most out of their educational experience can be as simple as assessing how they learn and finding a school that incorporates their learning style into everyday teachings. While they may be able to tell you that they are frustrated at school it is vital to contact their teachers to fully understand their learning progress at school and assess if a new method of teaching would help them learn, or if they would better respond to a different school environment, such as a private school or arranging private tutor sessions. —BRITNEY BRESCIANI

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Feeding the Way to Better Grades

educating yourself

Proper Nutrition is Important for Both Physical and Mental Development

y nature, children tend to head towards sugary foods with little or no nutrition in them. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time are all key opportunities for your children to refuel their bodies and prepare themselves to take in new information and knowledge. Unfortunately, children often take these opportunities to fill themselves up with grease and sugar; this leaves them feeling hungry and restless within a few hours. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet recent research shows that 42% of children never eat breakfast, interestingly enough this correlates perfectly with the statistic that 40% of Canadian adults also don’t eat breakfast. Being a positive example for your children by doing something as simple as eating breakfast seems like a no-brainer, yet many children struggle through school simply because they are not educated on the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and their bodies are not properly nourished. A simple comparison to view is the glycemic index level of each meal. Children that eat a high glycemic breakfast

comprised of sugary foods like white pancakes and syrup typically have lower standardized test scores, lower attention spans and poor behaviour. With the growing epidemic of childhood obesity it is largely in the hands of the parents to educate their children on the importance of eating healthy. Unhealthy and convenient food are everywhere, but these empty calories hurt more than just their weight. Without an adequate understanding of proper nutrition and eating habits children are more inclined to be obese in their adult lives. As life gets busier the first thing many families begin forgetting about is healthy eating. With 26% of Canadians being obese today compared to 15% in 1978 it suggests that the availability of processed and nutrient lacking foods has taken a toll on Canadian children. Not all food that’s healthy and nourishing requires high preparation time or a high price tag. It really is as simple as understanding what you are eating, and what you are feeding your children. To prepare your children for their day create breakfasts that are high in protein, low in fat and prepared using

fyi

whole grains. Incorporating protein into your child’s morning routine will allow them to feel full longer, concentrate better and take in more knowledge. Common breakfast proteins such as eggs, peanut butter or cottage cheese are also low in fat which contributes to a healthy diet. A breakfast containing scrambled eggs and whole grain toast avoids highly processed foods like white bread and pastries which require high amounts of insulin to metabolize, which can result in poor focus and concentration throughout the morning. A healthy diet can be considered the main contributor to your child’s overall well being. If your child is properly nourished their body can work at its full potential, allowing your child to perform better academically and physically. With improved academic and physical performance their confidence and self satisfaction will also improve. —BRITNEY BRESCIANI

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 21

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 23

fyi

educating yourself

ear after year I find myself in a tricky situation: at the book store, mere days before a special occasion, looking for a gift for my special little man. This year, Jack is nine. These days it is next to impossible to get our children away from their computers and hand-held gaming devices to read a book. Many dollars have been wasted on what I thought were “good” books. This year, I decided to ask Jack about his three favourite books, knowing with that knowledge I will be better equipped than ever to hit the stores. Without further ado, I present the three books that Jack enjoyed most in 2011, complete with his book reviews. His favourite series right now is the Geronimo Stilton series translated from Italian. The text is written under the pseudonym of Geronimo Stilton and is published by Scholastic. Geronimo Stilton’s publications include over forty books, including several mini series. The books feature fun language, images, and 24 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

A Book To Be Read Three Books That Your Child is Sure to Read

colourful text – literally, the text is multicoloured and different fonts to highlight key words. There are also bright and colourful images within the margin, games and challenges within the pages that are pertinent to the story. Here is what Jack Michael had to say: “ ‘The Kingdom of Fantasy’ is the first book in the three part series. I like it because it’s cool when Mr. G meets the dragon in this book. In the second book of the series, it’s awesome when he makes a dive for it when he is running away from the ogres. It’s cool when he finds the heart of happiness in the star, but I haven’t read the third book yet so I don’t know how it finishes”. Next, we have “The Adventures of OOK and GLUK, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future”. This is the second graphic novel in this series by George Beard and Harold Hutchins, also known as the creators of Captain Underpants. If you haven’t read Captain Underpants, add that to your list too… it is fun and hilarious to

read with your kids. However, it’s “The Adventures of OOK and GLUK” that won this round for our young Jack Michael. Here is what he has to say about this book, and why it made his top reading list list (or as I like to say – amazing books to get a nose out of video games!): “I really like OOK and GLUK because it’s really funny. It also teaches you caveman language. It’s also funny because OOK and GLUK are friends with a dinosaur named Lily.” I find this book (and the Captain Underpants series) relatable for the young ones. It is written from the perspective of a nine year old and ten year old (Herald and George) that kids find hilarious, and they easily associate with these books. And… lets be honest, who doesn’t want to be friends with a dinosaur. Even Fred Flintstone had Dino. The downside to this book, is it’s spelling. Many words are spelt like a nine year old wrote it – but, that’s what kids love. Lastly, we have Jack Michael’s third pick. Well, technically this is his fourth pick (he had two Geronimo Stilton books, but I counted the two books from the series as one). For his final pick, he selected the classic Robert Munsch “Stephanie’s Ponytail”. There is no need to explain why Munsch is a good pick, but I will let Jack Michael explain why he loves it even at the age of nine: “It’s really funny because every time she makes a new ponytail the other kids copy her. Once she said she is going to shave her head and doesn’t actually. It is also really funny when the boys start to copy her.” There you have it. If you are trying to get your child’s nose into a book, here are a few selections that are sure to not only be read, but will get a few giggles along the way. –AMANDA MCNAIR WITH JACK MICHAEL

Sexting 101

educating yourself

Explicit Coded Messages Exposed

ow many of you parents out there have a young teenager who has a cell phone and who texts non-stop? And of you parents who have kids that have cell phones, how many of you know what your child is texting or can understand what they are texting? Probably not too many… As parents, we all want to have the peace of mind thinking we taught our children the right things, we’ve had the sex talk, and we know that with the morals that we have instilled, they are capable young adults who know how to make good decisions. However, when it comes to peer pressure and trying to impress classmates, boys, and girls – sometimes our childrens’ judgment is compromised. We hear of other kids sexting and committing inappropriate acts, and you and think, “Oh, my child would never do that.” Well, firstly as the adults, we need to be less naive. Being a parent in today’s age of endless communication it has become harder to communicate with our kids, and ensuring our moral messages are reaching our children. Even if you have an open line of communi-

cation with your child, would you be able to decipher a text that read “GNOC”? Children go to the extreme of writing their sexts in code, making it next to impossible for parents to understand what it is their children are texting. It is also hard to view or recover images that have been sent via text, whether they are funny images of cats or nude images of themselves. An interview with a fourteen-year-old teen had this insight to offer after asking him if he sends sexts “no sexting just flirting over text but lots of kids send nudes and stuff.” After further questioning if kids were sending nude pictures of themselves, he added “its only girls sending [nude pictures].” Many texts you read on your child’s phone may seem harmless enough, but are surprisingly explicit in nature. Children use acronyms and code words to communicate sexual desires or acts they want to commit. What sexting may mean to you is very different then to them. Our perceptions of sexting, and how it is utilized by tweens and teens is quite the opposite. For a list of 20 acronyms used by

fyi

many teenagers that seem harmless but are quite explicit in nature, please email us at info@guidetoschools.ca. For instance, one text can read IPN. Seems harmless, but is letting the recipient know that “I am posting naked” meaning the person responsible for such a text message is posting a self-taken nude image online. These texts are a red flag that you need to have a sincere conversation with your child about the consequences of their words and actions. It isn’t a time to be angry, but it is necessary you are frank and find out with whom and why they are having such correspondence with. It may also be a signal that you need to monitor their online behavior and to ensure that there are not any inappropriate pictures of them online and to ensure they are using the Internet in a safe manner. –AMANDA MCNAIR

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 25

E CO- F RI E N D LY F I R E P L A CE S

FIORENZO

LOT TÉ

ALLURE

PRIVÉ

Ventle ss

Por table

Conne c tion- F re e

Efficient

Clean

Smokele ss

A ffordable

Contemporary

Bioe thanol Fuel

Odourle ss

Easily installed

Indoor/Ou tdoor

C A L G A R Y S H O W R O O M 7 14 4 F I S H E R S T R E E T S E • 4 0 3 . 4 4 4 . 8 8 8 8 • I N F O @ T H E B I O F L A M E . C O M

w w w. t h e b i o f l a m e . c o m

fyi

educating yourself

ids today are among the first to experience their entire childhood in the digital landscape. With mediums such as texting, Facebook, digital classrooms, and of course the internet, children are increasingly connected to one another and the world via their fingertips. Cloaked indoors and plugged in, today’s youth are at risk of total disconnect from the natural world. Playing outdoors and exploring natural surroundings, as many of us did as kids, is a foreign concept to our kids, the aptly named “digital natives”. And that’s not a good thing. In his 2006 book Last Child in the Woods, author Richard Louv coins the term NatureDeficit Disorder, to describe the implications of a generation growing up without meaningful connections to their natural world. Drawn indoors by computers and video games, as well as parental fears that inside is safer, kids have less and less exposure to the world around them. Connections with the natural world have been shown to improve physical, mental and spiritual well-being for kids, as well as adults. Time spent outdoors together builds

28 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

Nature-Deficit Disorder Experiencing the Great Outdoors

family ties, and also serves to bond youth with the land; the result of which is good for both the child and the land. Looking back at my own childhood, the best memories aren’t indoors playing Nintendo or even family games nights, but they are of riding horses, hiking in Waterton, learning to canoe, visiting natural hot springs, and playing at the park just blocks from our home. These early connections to nature – to the type of playing my own parents did – fostered a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural treasures around me, and instilled a sense of connectedness to the natural world. Parents don’t need to fret about planning a week-long excursion into the Rockies or trek into the Amazon to have their kids make a meaningful connection to nature. There are plenty of wonderful opportunities right here in Calgary and the surrounding area. Fish Creek Provincial Park in the southwest is currently the largest urban park in Canada. There are plenty of trails for exploring flora and fauna in all four seasons, as well as an Information Centre and programs for the whole family. There

are parks in every corner of the city waiting to be discovered, offering hiking, walking, biking, bird watching, and many are Fido friendly too! Calgary sits on the threshold to some of the most amazing natural environments on the planet. Kananaskis and the Rocky Mountain national parks offer natural experiences (read: non-motorized use) for every level of outdoor enthusiast, from those looking for a scenic trail walk, to those ready to conquer towering peaks over several days. While you’re outdoors with your kids, remember to engage all of your senses. While sight and sound come easy, remember to inhale deeply and experience olfactory utopia. And don’t forget to feel. Graze your palms over long grasses, dip your toes into cool streams, sit quietly to watch wildlife from a safe distance. These moments in nature will connect your child to a world far superior to any in the digital realm. So go on and get out! Your kids will thank you for it! –LINDSAY MCPHERSON

New Tax Credits for Parents

educating yourself

Are You Eligible for These Tax Deductions?

arly this year, Canada Revenue Agency announced the launch of the Children’s Arts Tax Credit (CATC), a new non-refundable credit that was first introduced in the 2011 federal budget. Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Gail Shea said of this new tax credit: “Parents whose children participate in paid artistic, cultural, recreational, and developmental programs will now enjoy the same benefit as parents whose children participate in paid programs of physical activity.” For 2011 and subsequent years, parents like you can now claim money spent on programs that focus on fine arts, music, performing arts, outdoor wilderness training, learning a language, studying a culture, tutoring, and more, in addition to the programs covered by the children’s fitness tax credit. You can claim up to a maximum of $500 of the cost of the program per year for each of your eligible children who are: • Under 16 years of age at the beginning of the year in which the expenses are paid, or; • Under 18 years of age at the beginning of the year in which the expenses are paid if the child is eligible for the disability tax credit.

You can also claim an additional amount of $500 if at least $100 in eligible expenses has been paid for your child who is eligible for the disability tax credit. The CATC can be calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate (15% in 2011) by the eligible amount for each child. You can start claiming the CATC beginning with the 2011 personal income tax and benefit return in which a new line will be incorporated into Schedule 1 of the Federal Tax. To be eligible, a program must be supervised and suitable for your children. These programs include: • A weekly program of a minimum eight consecutive weeks duration in which a minimum of 90% of all the activities are eligible activities; • A program of a minimum five consecutive days duration in which more than 50% of the daily activities are eligible activities; • A program of a minimum eight consecutive weeks duration offered to children by a club, association or similar organization offering a variety of different activities when more than 50% of the activities offered are eligible activities or more than

fyi

50% of the time scheduled for activities offered to children is for activities that are eligible activities (if both 50% tests are not met, a prorated portion of the fees will be allowed, representing the percentage of eligible activities offered by the organization or the percentage of time scheduled for these activities by the organization); and • A membership of a minimum eight consecutive weeks duration in an organization if more than 50% of all the activities offered to children by the organization are eligible activities (if the 50% test is not met, a prorated portion of the fees will be allowed, representing the percentage of eligible activities offered to children by the organization). For the CATC to be claimed, expenses must be incurred from fees paid for the cost of registration or membership, which includes the costs of administration, instruction, and rental of facilities or equipment. –MICHAEL LEPITRE WWW.KUSTOMDESIGN.CA REFERENCE: CRA WEBSITE WWW.CRA-ARC.GC.CA

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 29

fyi

educating yourself

Teaching Your Kids the ABC’s of Financial Planning The Fundamentals of Cash Flow

hey see it and they want it. That’s the mentality of the majority of children nowadays. Once the new iPad hits the shelves - as a parent you start to feel your child tugging on your pant leg and asking, “can I have that?” For most parents it’s hard to ignore, although your child just spent their allowance on a new pair of jeans. As parents, we sometimes assume our kids are too young to learn the fundamentals of cash flow management, because at times our own saving practices are inadequate or we believe they don’t need to learn these skills until after they leave the nest. However, keep in mind, if your child has the abilities to use the latest technology better than you, they’ll understand the basics of financial planning. I know this all too well, as my 3 year old daughter can navigate through my iPad faster than I can turn the gadget on. Teaching children the ropes of financial planning, such as saving, budgeting, setting goals and paying bills will set them on a path to financial stability and long term success financially. The Canadian Task Force on Financial Literacy recommends that learning about money, the importance of saving, and managing money should be a core part of elementary and high school curriculums. It’s currently not part of most basic curriculums so that means these fundamentals need to be taught at home. Helping children understand the concept of money will enable them to appreciate that people work hard in order to earn a paycheque, and it will help them value the cost of living. It’s important they realize sooner rather than later that they cannot buy everything they desire, and it’s invaluable they comprehend that they can’t spend more than they possess. Educating children on basic saving practices is another significant aspect to financial planning. They need to understand they can’t purchase all the items they desire at once, but if they save, they can buy a bigger item that is worth the wait. Bringing your child grocery shopping will provide a firsthand learning experience about budgeting and paying bills. Another idea that will help, is to open an account for your child

30 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

educating yourself

and let them pay their cell phone bills, or online gaming costs. This will teach your child the importance of budgeting, as they will learn paying bills comes before going to the movies. Budgeting can have a boring connotation so I like to talk about cash flow management with my clients. Why? Managing cash flow means that you get to make choices about what you spend on, it doesn’t mean you are deprived. Our children need to understand this. As parents, one of the most important responsibilities we have is ensuring our chil-

dren are ready for what life will hold for them, money and managing finances are a reality. Leading by example is a great way to teach our children, however, we sometimes don’t always practice what we preach. The first step when considering your child’s financial future is ensuring you’re on the right path as well. At WealthCo Financial Advisory Services, our experienced wealth management experts will guide you on a financial journey with our proprietary 5-step Wealth Enhancer experience. Visit our website at www.wealthco.ca

fyi

–SOPHIE BLAIS-YALBIR, B.COMM, CFP, RHU PARTNER WWW.WEALTHCO.CA

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 31

private/independent schools

Learning About Private and Independent Schools Some parents will inevitably prefer that their child receives education outside of the public school system and, therefore, may decide to enrol their child in a school that follows the private system. Private and independent schools are founded, conducted and maintained by a private group rather than by the government and often charge tuition, or have other fees associated with enrollment. In Alberta there are two types of private schools: registered private schools and accredited private schools. Registered private schools, defined by the School Act, meet the basic registration requirements established by the Minister, and are not eligible for Alberta Education funding. As well, registered are not required to teach the Alberta Program of Study but are expected to have results that are uniform with The Goals and Standards Applicable to the Provisions of Basic Education in Alberta. Accredited private schools are approved by the Minister under the School Act, and request additional recognition beyond basic registration to obtain accredited character. Any private school that is non-funded is required to enroll seven or more students and from a total of two or more families.

Accredited private schools break into three different categories: • Accredited non-funded schools are predominantly language and culture schools, but some put focus on adult learning. • Accredited funded schools meet educational standards and are entitled to partial provincial funding. In accredited funded schools students are required to write provincial tests and are taught the Alberta Programs Study by Alberta certified teachers. • Designated Special Education Private Schools (DSEPS) only work with students who have special needs, and provide education services to students who are entitled to special learning programs. DSEPS’, which are approved every year by the Director of the Special Programs Branch, meet the same liability requirements for funding as public systems and receive the same special education funding rates. According to the Alberta Education, accredited private schools must employ certified teachers and must follow the Alberta Education Program of Studied, which identifies what students are expected to learn and do in all subjects and grades. Many private and independent schools follow a particular philosophy or viewpoint that is based on a careful match between school and parent values about learning. A long-term commitment is desired by private school edu-

cators in order to allow individual students to achieve the Alberta curriculum according to their own development and encourages mastery over content before moving a student to a more challenging level. Students will exercise project-based learning with specialist teachers in the core curriculum as well as in art, drama, music, language, home economics, and computer science. All of these options take a well-balanced approach and give students control over their learning. Private and independent schools focus on well-rounded integrated studies programs that will provide students the opportunity to pursue their academic interests and provide additional opportunities for students to learn hands-on skills, for example in culinary arts or a shop dedicated to maintenance. Alberta respects parental choice and upholds its educational standards, which reflects one of the reasons why the province is recognized for providing its citizens with one of the best education systems in the world. Built on a range of educational choices that provide diversity and healthy competition, independent and private schools were designed to enhance the efforts of providing excellence in education, and be an integral part to Alberta’s development of a first-rate school system.

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 33

Students to Teaching Staff

No. Guidance Counselors

Year Constructed

Average Class Size (elementary, jr. high, sr. high)

Year Established

Parent Conferences/year

Average Expenditure/student

Year Remodeled

School Population (elementary, jr. high, sr. high)

4-12

$9750

$750

$1600

190

$15000

1994

PreK-12

$323014600

1994 ongoing

16,16,16

16:1

$900

$1550

680

N/A

1969

2002

N/A

20, 20,20

8:1

Calgary Waldorf School

PreK-9

$47809050

$295-575

$2500

280

$13000

1985

2002

N/A

24, 24, N/A

12:1

Delta West Academy

PreK-12

$690012600

$680

N/A

112

N/A

1993

1921

various

10,10,10

10:1

Edelweiss Preparatory School

PreJK-K

$180265

$200

N/A

200

N/A

1989

N/A

16-20

1:81:16

Edison Private School

K-12

$55008000

N/A

$2500

184

N/A

1993

1997

2010

12,12,12

12:1

Equilibrium Senior High & ESL School

1012

$18003400

$120-340

N/A

120

$450850

1993

1960

2001

15:1

Ernest Manning High School

1012

N/A

general school fee

N/A

910

2011

N/A

Green Learning Academy

Pre-9

$250011000

2000

2004

2007

48,28, N/A

1:5

Lycée Louis Pasteur

PreK-12

$960011800

N/A

340

1982

2000

2008

max 25,25,25

9:1

Master’s Academy & College

K-12

$5300

$335-800

N/A

610

N/A

1997

1952

2000

2-3

max 22,25,25

16:1

1.5

Montessori School of Calgary

PreK-6

$48007500

N/A

100

N/A

1983

1920

2004

15:1

Mountain View Academy

PreK-12

$29008500

minimal

N/A

120

N/A

1995

N/A

2002

16:1

River Valley School

JK-6

$900011300

$225

Range

165

N/A

1983

1987

2005

N/A

12-18 Progressive 20-28 Montessori

N/A

Rundle College

PreK-12

$790013800

N/A

$17202925

1009

N/A

1985

N/A

8:1

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

1-12

$1421016950

$7501340

$2200

670

N/A

1905

1971

1999

18,20,20

9:1

Calgary Academy Collegiate Calgary French and International School

for Gr 6-12

Fundraising Required

Bursaries Available

10:1

Uniform Required

10,10,10

Busing Fees

Busing Available

N/A

One Time Bond/Mem. Fee

1930

School Fees

1979

Tuiton

N/A

Placement Assessments Performed

15,17,10

Entrance Requirements

N/A

PreK-12

Religious Affiliation

$700

Grades Offered

$775010500

Banbury Crossroads School

100

N/A

Tanbridge Academy

4-9

$9750

$3650

N/A

$15000

2007

N/A

16,16,N/A

16:1

Webber Academy

JK12

$600011800

$2300

830

N/A

1997

2000

2007

12:1

West Island College

7-12

$12410

$750

$2050

462

N/A

1982

1994

2004

N/A,20,20

17:1

34 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

private/independent schools

Length of School Day (h:mm)

7:25

N/A

Doctorate

% Building Wheelchair Accessible

% Graduates Attending Post-Secondary Institutions 96

SAT Available

100

Students to Computers

% Grade 12 Students Graduate

Programming for Giftedness

6:43

Programming for ESL

100

Programming for Learning Disabilities

N/A

Trades

N/A

Outdoor Education

7:00

IB Courses

100

AP Courses

100

Other Languages

100

German

3:1

Spanish

100

French

7:50

P-Gr 6:180 P-Gr 6:20 Gr7-12:186 Gr7-12:14

Drama

100

Art

100

Computers

100

200

Band/Music

1:1

Masters

188

Bachelor

No. Instructional Days/ school year

Library

Cafeteria

Lunchroom

Courses Offered

No. Teacher Improvement Days/school year

No. Other Extra-Curricular Activities

No. Athletic Extra-Curricular Activities

Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degrees

6:50

174

100

2:1

186

100

3:1

100

N/A

185

N/A

6:50

Yearround

10:1

6:00

188

N/A

5:10

N/A

173

N/A

184

Alloutexcept door Football Ed

N/A

100

6:55

N/A

7:00

N/A

100

N/A

6:40

N/A

173

100

N/A

7:00

varies

183

4:1

100

N/A

188

100

2:1

100

176

100

1:2:1

100

6:40

188

100

1:1

N/A

100

7:45

190

100

1:1

100

7:15

182

100

3:1

100

6:57

N/A N/A

N/A

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 35

36 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

private/independent schools Banbury Crossroads

Calgary Academy Collegiate

Calgary French and International School

Located in the historic Currie Barracks, Banbury Crossroads is a Self-Directed Learning school. One of the oldest independent schools in Calgary, and unique philosophically, it offers an individualized learning environment for children aged 3 through 18. Banbury is founded on mutual respect; thus, it enables students to achieve the academic mastery appropriate to their own interests, abilities and motivation. Character development is promoted. The combination of a low-ratio, student-paced program existing within a multi-aged setting, is most conducive to not penalizing students socially for being academically behind or ahead of their peers. Students are mentored to take responsibility for their own education through inquirybased and kinesthetic projects, and community-focussed learning. They devise their own schedules, develop intrinsic motivation, and learn skills in time management, goal setting and self-assessment. Students receive tutorial instruction in the core curriculum, and collaborate during group lessons in unusual options such as philosophy, world religions and art history. Physical Education has an extensive outdoor component, including horseback riding, skiing, archery, golf, hiking and canoeing. International travel programs are offered. Secondary students participate in contributive internships at community businesses. Students assess career options, develop meaningful and trusting relationships with adults, and cultivate altruism and communication skills. Academic learning within school walls has a living connection with the work that goes on in the world outside those walls. At Banbury Crossroads, students are not cut off from the world. Students are people worthy of dignity and the liberty to make their own choices without infringing on others’ rights. Banbury’s wellbalanced approach creates an enriching and inspiring school experience that promotes the development of autonomy and confidence. These two elements are necessary for students’ engagement in the academic, emotional and social aspects of post-secondary education and adult life. For further inquiries, call the school’s Director, Diane Swiatek, at 403-270-7787, or visit www.banburycrossroads.com.

The Collegiate Program at Calgary Academy is an independent school for students in Grades 4 through 12. With a program population of 200 students, the Collegiate Program provides a stimulating environment for students performing at or above grade level in all academic courses. The Collegiate Program provides a rigorous academic program. Dedicated teachers introduce a wide variety of learning and study strategies to their students. Teachers promote selfadvocacy and positive social skills, ensuring that all students feel valued and encouraged to take charge of their learning. Strong bonds are formed and students work in partnership with their adult mentors and peers, developing confidence for success in any school/work environment. The Collegiate Program at Calgary Academy is designed for students looking for an academic program leading to Post-Secondary, and opportunities to be involved in a school community. A well-rounded integrated studies program provides opportunities for students to pursue interests in areas of art, music, drama, dance, multi-media, and Spanish. Students in Junior High have an additional opportunity to learn hands-on skills in a shop dedicated to bicycle, snowboard and ski maintenance. All students will appreciate the low student/ teacher ratio, allowing for close connections with peers and teachers. In the Collegiate Program at Calgary Academy, opportunities abound for new students to participate, contribute and connect with their fellow students. Beginning in Grade 4, students contribute to school life by joining clubs, band, drama productions, leadership councils and other school-wide activities. Additional opportunities arise in Junior High where students learn new skills while participating in a wide variety of inclusive team sports. A hockey and a ski and snowboard program are also available for Junior High students. Senior students are encouraged to participate in the International Travel Studies program, with opportunities to connect and contribute on a global scale. For more information about the Collegiate Program at Calgary Academy, please contact admissions at 403-686-6444, info@calgaryacademy.com , or visit our website at www.calgaryacademy.com.

CFIS is a top-ranking independent educational facility offering a full Immersion education from Preschool to Grade 12. French Immersion is the basis of the programme starting in Preschool, with Spanish beginning in Grade 4 and intensive Spanish is core to the Junior & Senior High programmes. CFIS is a state-of-the art facility located in beautiful Cougar Ridge that includes two full-sized gymnasiums, three science labs, two fullystocked libraries, two band/music rooms, a stage, an art room and two cafeterias offering daily hot lunches. Our grounds include a newly resurfaced sports field, running track, new play structures and an outdoor classroom. Within a caring community, we immerse, educate and empower. Our focus on character education is the perfect compliment to the accredited Alberta curriculum taught at CFIS. Small class sizes (maximum of 16 in Preschool and 20 in Kindergarten to Grade 12) create an intimate learning environment, allowing our dedicated teaching staff to meet the needs of all students. Classroom learning is enhanced at all grade levels by use of the latest technologies such as iPads and smart boards, computers in each class (Primary and Elementary) and a laptop cart and computer lab (Junior and Senior High). In Primary and Elementary, outstanding programmes are offered in Physical Education, Art and Music. Extracurricular activities include: intramural sports, Debate Club, Student Leadership, Safety Patrols, Environment Club, Music Club, Art Club. Junior High boasts over 10 options, an excellent music program, highly competitive athletic teams and an excellent Travel Studies programme (Grades 7-12). Senior High School offers a selection of Advanced Placement courses. For more information, visit our website at www.cfis.com or contact our Director of Admissions, Karen MacPherson, at kmacpherson@cfis.com or 403-240-1500 ext. 329. Registration takes place in the fall for the next school year. Space is limited. Call today for a tour!

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 37

Delta West Academy

Edison Private School

Green Learning Academy & Foundation

Delta West Academy (DWA) is a universitypreparatory, accredited independent school which challenges average to gifted students to achieve exceptional outcomes from Jr. K-12. How is it done? DWA teachers are specialists that believe children learn and grow best in an interesting, creative and interactive learning environment. Small class sizes (average 10:1 ratio) ensure student participation for developing independent critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and dynamic achievers. Studies are enriched in all subjects and all grades, and include Spanish, French, Fine & Performing Arts, Athletics, Outdoor Education and Community Service as part of active citizenship. Delta West Academy is fully wireless with personal laptops for grades 6–12, ActivBoard classrooms for all grades and a Smartable for Kindergarten. A testament to the DWA program is the consistently excellent achievement on provincial tests, a 100% graduation rate for Grade 12’s and a 96% transition rate to top universities and colleges since DWA’s inception in 1993. Larger goals for DWA students are focused on social respect, diversity and global citizenship. The low student to teacher ratio allows for pro-active social communication especially with younger students which greatly increases the social harmony in the school. For teens usually struggling with peer and media pressure, the smaller DWA community allows students to be more true to themselves, accepting each other more generously and welcoming cultural diversity. This journey in character and culture is complemented by leadership opportunities and international travel studies from Grades 9-12. Delta West Academy has established a strong, dynamic educational program and a true sense of collaborative community in the firm belief that “a successful future starts with an excellent school experience.” To learn more about the difference Delta West Academy can make in your child’s life, contact us at 403.290.0767 or visit www.deltawestacademy.ca.

Founded in 1993, Edison School provides an alternative educational atmosphere for parents and students who understand that the development of a child requires a partnership between school and family. Leadership, integrity, and community are values that provide the foundation upon which each Edison educator builds. Tolerance and respect for the individual are core philosophies at Edison, and each student is celebrated for his or her strengths. Academic acceleration is the norm, with many students graduating with one or more Advanced Placement (AP) credits. While students are pushed academically, Edison’s small class size and nurturing community ensure each individual receives the caring and support they need to grow into a happy, successful participant in society. Leadership is imbued into each student at Edison, developed through whole-school activities and unique programs, such as the Duke of Edinburgh program, which every Upper School student is required to complete. Athletic achievement is celebrated, and students are encouraged to participate in team and individual sports as well as outdoor education. Field trips are a regular part of each curriculum, and for Middle and Upper School students may include overseas travel. Students and families are invited to attend semi-annual sailing trips through the Sail and Life Training Society (S.A.L.T.S.). The value of philanthropy is taught through volunteerism, both within the school and the outside community. Edison School is located in a rural setting near Okotoks, Alberta, and boasts a 12:1 student to teacher ratio. Excellent and caring educators support and encourage students to develop and excel within a safe environment. For more information, please visit www.edisonschool.ca or contact Mrs. Beth Chernoff, Head Mistress, at 403-938-7670.

Green Learning Academy & Foundation is an accredited private school established in the year 2000, offering Pre-school to grade 9 and blended grade 10. The fundamental difference between Green Learning and traditional schools is our innovative entrepreneurial approach to education. Green Learning utilizes the proven Student Directed-Learning program developed in 1986, by acclaimed educational pioneers; Don and Anne Green. In order for children to maintain a genuine desire to learn and remain creative, education must be relevant to them. What works for one, may not work for another. At Green Learning we don’t ask all students to read the same information, answer the same questions, and expect the same answers. A student gifted in one subject is not held back while others catch-up, and a student challenged in a subject is not told to move on, being denied the opportunity to learn skills required for success. Green Learning students are given choice on how they will learn and display the required knowledge, this is based on personalized benchmarks. The choice is never not to work, the choice is how to work. When children are empowered with the ability to make choices they inevitably acquire ownership, become responsible, and accountable, therefore fostering entrepreneurial qualities. With choice, students gain the confidence that encourages them to go beyond what is expected, allowing teachers to raise the bar, and ensuring they are continuously being challenged. Green Learning is a community of students, parents and staff, offering low studentteacher ratios and operates a four-day school week. Parent involvement is appreciated, and open communication welcomed. Optional Before / After School, Fun Friday’s and Break Camps are optional. Call 403.873.1966 or visit www.greenlearning.com to learn more about Green Learning Academy. Year-round registrations are available.

38 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

private/independent schools Lycée Louis Pasteur

Master’s Academy and College

Mountain View Academy

Our Vision: Education for participation in the global community. Our Mission: To provide challenging and stimulating bilingual education, within a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary environment. We value: • The study of French language, specifically as a foundation of academic excellence and broad cultural awareness within the bilingual nation of Canada. •The integration of the curricula and learning philosophies of Alberta and France. •Culturally diverse student and educator school population. • Sustainable academic excellence. • Student achievement fostered through independent and supportive learning. • Curriculum embedded art, music & physical education. • Community awareness and responsibility. • Teaching and learning which stimulate the growth of the whole child. Incorporated in 1982, the Lycée Louis Pasteur is a bilingual, non-denominational independent school for students from Maternelle (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten) to grade twelve. We offer a well-rounded education with high academic standards. In addition to strong art, music, and physical education programs, students are introduced to Spanish in grade six. It is fully accredited by Alberta Education and the French Ministry of Education as well as by the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger (AEFE). It is also affiliated with the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta (AISCA). The student learning experience is further enhanced by various afterschool clubs offered in such disciplines as sports, music, languages drama, and school trips. The committed staff provides a caring and supportive environment that encourages students to fully develop to their intellectual, physical, and creative potential. The Lycée Louis Pasteur provides an excellent education with a Canadian and international perspective. Centrally located in Garrison Woods, the facilities are newly renovated and include a state of the art gymnasium and stage, and science and computer labs. For more information, please contact Erlynn Gococo at 403- 243-5420 ext. 105 or admissions@lycee.ca. Visit our website at www.lycee.ca.

Master’s Academy and College, a K-12 school founded in Calgary in 1997, is an Alternative Christian School in the Palliser Regional School District. Master’s philosophy of Christian Education is to integrate a Biblical worldview into all aspects of student learning. Master’s vision is to go beyond academic excellence; to prepare its students to be FUTURE READY, to be innovators, creators and leaders of change. Master’s has gained international attention for its efforts of moving education from the Industrial Age into the 21st century. Master’s builds its FUTURE READY model of education on a foundation of academic excellence and has been a finalist four times for the Garfield Weston Award for Excellence in Education by the Fraser Institute. Presently, our world is experiencing massive change in virtually every sector. This change is being driven by human ingenuity and invention. As educators, we must ask the question, “What are we doing to prepare students for the “World of Massive Change”? In order to remain relevant, schools in today’s world must equip students with skills that go beyond the basics of academic excellence. Master’s signature is innovation and creativity, recognizing that we no longer live in an industrial age where conformity, compliance and meeting standards are the desired virtues. We now live in the creative age, where an ability to think creatively, to design innovative solutions and to see possibilities where others see impossibilities are the most sought after competencies. The i.d.School (innovation and design) is Master’s high school’s answer to the challenges posed by massive change. i.d.School is delivered in our Innovation Centre – a “one of its’ kind” center in Canada, where student’s learn critical 21st century skills through patented methods and models facilitating creativity, design-thinking, collaboration, and innovation. This is the competitive advantage our students gain by attending Master’s.

Mountain View Academy (MVA) is celebrating another year of 100% graduation and Rutherford Scholarship achievements for our grade 12 class. MVA is proving to be a leader in education, providing essential ingredients for every child’s well being, and using proven and effective techniques to help build a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. High academics and university preparatory programs are at the center of our philosophy, but what makes Mountain View Academy unique is the warm, supportive and nurturing attitude and environment. At MVA it is essential for each child to feel safe and cared for so that they enjoy school. The development of each child’s self esteem is a key component to the school’s philosophy and is therefore the pivotal point in the planning and the execution of the daily activities. By challenging the students to think outside the box and create change, be comfortable with their final decision, receive critique and be able to have an intelligent conversation about their thought, decision and conclusion will not only allow them to get into university but to also finish their program. The Academy focuses on both academic and personal growth by teaching homework/ study techniques, stress management, problem solving with adults as well as peers, even social and business etiquette in order to ensure that each child may reach their full potential. Such awareness is possible because of MVA’s class-size (a maximum of 16 students per teacher with floating aids to help where needed). Field trips, individual support and hands-on experiences enrich their learning. The students at MVA are strong, motivated learners, and their teachers empower them to achieve their highest potential! If you would like more information regarding this unique school and the programs offered, please call Colleen Pollock, Admissions Director at 403- 217-4346 or check out their web site at www.mountainviewacademy.ca.

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 39

River Valley School

Rundle College

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

At River Valley School, we believe that every child has unlimited potential. Though our accredited Montessori and inquiry-based Progressive programs, we foster unparalleled education and character development. Our individualized programs and low studentteacher ratio means that each child receives the instruction and mentorship necessary to ensure their success and development. Programs are inclusive and offered from full day Junior Kindergarten – Grade 6. We are located along the pristine Bow River in North West Calgary and offer a multitude of special programs, activities, bus service and before/after school care. We are committed to providing an environment of respect, responsibility, caring and trust so that each child’s potential may unfold and result in life-long love of learning and active global citizenship.

Rundle College is an independent school for students in preschool to Grade 12 with an enrolment of nearly 800. There are three separate campuses: the Primary School (Preschool to Grade 3), Upper Elementary School (Grades 4-6), and the Junior and Senior High School. Students of Rundle College have average to superior academic ability. Rundle College’s mission is to “create a nurturing environment and provide a sound, basic education.” They offer a strong academic program, and in addition, they focus on character development, leadership training, and good citizenship. Rundle College is accredited by Alberta Education and affiliated with SEAL (Standards in Excellence & Academic Learning) and the Independent Schools’ Athletic Association. The school nurtures the academic, social and emotional development of the students. Teachers are able to enrich the Alberta Education Curriculum, providing a wide variety of programs and activities to foster the growth of each student. Students benefit from the small class-sizes of Rundle. Teachers are able to provide individualized instruction and support; they promote students to achieve at their fullest potential. As well, the students are highly engaged in their learning, resulting in a strong understanding and academic performance. The teachers at Rundle College are dedicated and enthusiastic. There are teaching specialists for numerous subjects: such as Physical Education, French, Spanish, Drama, Visual Arts, Band, and Computers. Rundle’s goal is to promote well-rounded students, thus they have an extensive extra-curricular program. Leadership skills, independence, social skills and team building are developed through a variety of activities. The students participate in an array of athletic intra-murals and sport teams. In addition, each year there are numerous band concerts, drama productions, field trips, clubs and out-of-city school trips for students to choose from. For more information please contact Lynn Moriarity at 403-291-3866, or visit their website at www.rundle.ab.ca. Affiliated with Rundle College is Rundle Academy, which provides programming for students with coded learning problems ( For more info on the Academy look under “Special Needs School” )

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) develops well-balanced students who thrive as leaders of character and social consciousness. The School offers an integrated learning experience to their 670 students in Grades 1-12. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is the core of STS’ academic curriculum, and success in IB is well-documented as the greatest predictor of success in university. In addition to their IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12, STS is the only independent school in the Calgary area offering the IB Primary Years Programme. They are beginning to implement the IB Middle Years Programme, which will make it the only school in Calgary to offer IB throughout Grades 1to 12. On their beautiful 160 acre country campus 10 minutes south of Calgary, students have access to a diverse ecosystem where science, math, art, and the humanities are applied in real, multi-disciplinary situations. With a small lake and over 15 km of forested trails, students canoe, hike, run and ski while fostering an ethic of self-care and connection. At STS, students are supported to be internationally-minded global citizens. STS is the only Round Square School between Vancouver and Toronto: an honour that speaks to their global-minded learning options including exchanges, cultural travel and service opportunities at home and abroad. STS has over 100 teams, clubs and co-curricular options run by a skilled and enthusiastic teaching staff who have access to a progressive professional development program for teaching and coaching. In 2010, 100% of STS graduates were accepted to their university of choice to study 39 disciplines including international relations, journalism, medicine, environment, design, engineering and finance. Universities of acceptance include nearly every Canadian university and international institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, NYU, the London School of Business and San Francisco’s Academy of Art and Florida State University. STS offers financial assistance as well as Grade 10 scholarships to a select number of students. Visit www.sts.ab.ca or call Bruce Mutch at 403-938-8303.

For more information please contact us at 403.246.2275 or email us at info@rivervalleyschool.ca

40 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

private/independent schools Tanbridge Academy

West Island College

Tanbridge Academy is an independent school emphasizing academics and athletics. The daytime schedule is specialized to balance academic excellence with elite sports training. Tanbridge Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned educators teach the full Alberta curriculum, and provide guidance in leadership and character development. Founded in 2006, Tanbridge currently offers Grades 4 through 9. The student body totals 60. Tanbridge students and teachers believe success in academics and sports come from the same place. Students learn that their level of achievement is directly linked to their level of commitment. Each day our students are expected to challenge themselves academically; they are held to high expectations and learn to demand more of themselves. In turn, Tanbridge teachers create an exciting learning environment that supports the delivery of a demanding curriculum. They use the latest educational technology and methods to help students learn at home and on the road. The Tanbridge classroom is an active and hands-on environment designed to stimulate and challenge students as individual learners. Although Tanbridge Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary expectation of students is academic performance, they pursue that goal in an atmosphere of elite athletics. Tanbridge has partnerships with trainers and coaches of professional and Olympic calibre to offer instruction and competition for both boys and girls. The school offers programs in hockey, soccer and baseball as well as a flex program to accommodate individuals pursuing gymnastics, dance and figure skating. Tanbridge Academy is a private school accredited through Alberta Education. They provide a complete Alberta Education curriculum. For more information about Tanbridge Academy, please inquire at 403-259-3443, info@tanbridgeacademy.com, or visit our website at www.tanbridgeacademy.com .

West Island College is an independent day school that focuses on a university preparatory curriculum with special attention to development of the student in a global context. The spacious campus, located south of downtown Calgary at 7410 Blackfoot Trail SE, includes two buildings, an amphitheatre, playing field and band facility. The school admits eighty students each year in grade seven following entrance testing and interviews. Academic capability, leadership and potential contribution are all considered in admission selections. In its focus on the whole child, WIC strives to foster sound values, a passion for knowledge, the development of relevant skills and pursuit of excellence in the world of today and tomorrow. The school is fully accredited by CAIS and AISCA. Students benefit from an enriched and enhanced curriculum that includes the Advanced Placement program, French immersion, enriched French, Spanish and a full complement of sports. Parents and community members are invited to assist with the junior school Explorations program, thereby exposing students to a variety of short-term special interest classes, such as public speaking, cooking or yoga. Extracurricular features also contribute to development of the whole child, through programs like the model UN, speech and debate, peer support, investors club, drama productions, and athletic competition with other independent schools. WIC faculty and students are proud of their International Travel Studies program which allows students to learn about other global communities and earn credit while traveling to Mexico to build houses, to Africa to work in AIDS clinics or to Thailand to assist in community development. With this broad vision, WIC strives to prepare its students to be responsible global citizens. For more information, call 403-444-0023 or visit www.westislandcollege.ab.ca.

Other: Calgary Waldorf School Edelweiss Preparatory School Equilibrium Senior High & ESL School Ernest Manning High School Montessori School of Calgary Webber Academy

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 41

42 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

charter schools

Chartering and Schools What is a charter school? This is a question that may lurk the minds of most parents, especially as they see the increasing popularity charter schools have gained amongst other parents, children, school educators and some federal governments. According to the Canadian Charter Schools Centre, charter schools are autonomous public schools with a unique focus that sets them apart from other public schools. They do not charge tuition and operate under a time-specific contract (charter), normally granted for 3 to 5 years, that stipulates the school’s mission, program and goals. At the end of the term, the schools that are successful may renew their contract. Since charter law was passed in 1990 by state legislature, charter schools have emerged as an alternative to the traditional system of education and have experienced an increase in reaching parents and children. In Canada, Alberta is the only province that offers charter public schools, and currently there are 13 charter schools in Alberta; six of which are in Calgary. Funded by the province,

Alberta’s charter schools follow the Alberta Program of Study teach the Alberta Education curriculum. Among the six member schools in Calgary are an all-girls school and a school for gifted students, as well as programs with specialized instructions in arts and science. Based around a distinctive environment that concentrates on personalized learning, charter schools run freely of today’s public school systems where teachers focus highly on the different learning styles among their students. Some teachers will craft the same lesson in a number of different ways such as incorporating technology as an educational tool to enhance thinking and learning rather than means of replacing the needs for careful and logical thought process, while others may assist their students through a more traditional, individual-based learning approach of study and academic counselling. As a highly praised province for providing an education system that has a broad range of alternatives, Alberta’s charter schools allow students to access numerous studies including math, science, social studies, literacy arts,

visual arts, music, drama, dance, brain gym and physical education. As well, students have admittance to tailored programs that emphasize on their belonging, independence, mastery and generosity and assist them in achieving their fullest academic potential. Whether a student’s educator decides to exercise a learning process that takes a more modern or traditional approach it will, more or less, reflect the teacher’s personal evaluation of the child’s educational needs and what will best supply him or her. Charter schools and their student providers focus to give students an education that opens access to the various components of today’s communities while they engage the use of, and develop, twenty-first century survival skills. Note: Independent, non-profit “charter schools” do not consult to the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and have specific registration procedures. Parents who want to find out more about a charter school should contact the school individually.

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 43

School Population (elementary, jr. high, sr. high)

Average Expenditure/student

Year Established

Year Constructed

Year Remodeled

Parent Conferences/year

Average Class Size (elementary, jr. high, sr. high)

Students to Teaching Staff

No. Guidance Counselors

21,18

11:6:1

Calgary Arts Academy

K-9

$155-335

$225-450

299

$8307

2003

1956

2004

19,18

18:1

$725

600

N/A

2003

1950

ongoing

25,25

17:1

Fundraising Required

N/A

Bursaries Available

N/A

Uniform Required

1996

Busing Fees

N/A

Busing Available

School Fees

99,156

One Time Bond/Mem. Fee

Tuiton

$75

Placement Assessments Performed

Entrance Requirements

Religious Affiliation

K-9

Grades Offered Almadina Language Charter Academy

Calgary Girls School

4-9

$85+laptop

Calgary Science School

4-9

$320-350

$625

600

$7500

1999

1964

2002

25,25

17:1

Foundations for the Future Charter Academy

K-12

$110-185

$300-700

3058

$8089

1997

N/A

18,23,25

17:1

Westmount Charter School

K-12

$155-285

$375-750

1130

$10860

1996

1952/ 1966

2011

17,23,21

15:3

44 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

No. Other Extra-Curricular Activities

No. Instructional Days/ school year

No. Teacher Improvement Days/school year

Bachelor

Masters

Doctorate

% Grade 12 Students Graduate

% Graduates Attending Post-Secondary Institutions

% Building Wheelchair Accessible

Length of School Day (h:mm)

182

100

4:1

N/A

6:30

174

100

4:65:1

N/A

100

6:26

181

100

1:1

N/A

6:20

186

100

2:1

N/A

6:50

179

100

4:8:1

175

100

2:3

6:52

some

SAT Available

Students to Computers

Programming for Giftedness

Programming for ESL

Programming for Learning Disabilities

Trades

Outdoor Education

IB Courses

AP Courses

Other Languages

German

Spanish

Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degrees

French

Drama

Art

Computers

Band/Music

Library

Cafeteria

Lunchroom

No. Athletic Extra-Curricular Activities

charter schools

Courses Offered

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 45

charter schools Other: Almadina Language Charter Academy Calgary Arts Academy Calgary Girls School Calgary Science School Foundations for the Future Charter Academy Westmount Charter School

faith-based schools

The History of How Faith Was Established in Canadian School Systems

The Current Canadian School System and Faith

In Canadian education faith has been contentious for centuries, and it was between 1867 and 1975 when the British North America Act, a series of laws, was passed by the UK legislature to create the Domain of Canada as an independent colony that would become a self-governing country. Within the British North America Act was the creation of two school systems funded by Upper and Lower Canada, now named Ontario and Quebec. During the early nineteenth century religious study was considered an extremely integral part of education, and became problematic when colonial governments began to set up publicly funded school systems. Because Catholics and Protestants had completely separate views on how faith should be delivered, two school systems were established, a Catholic and a Protestant.

Today a vast number of beliefs are practiced in Canada and, while faith doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play an active role in most regular public schools, faithbased education serves as a core component on some provincesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; public and private school systems. A faith-based school teaches general curriculum and either can have certain religious character or has formal association with a religious organization. Distinct from other school institutions, faith-based schools provide students with both academic and spiritual education that respects their culture and beliefs. Faith-based education is fostered mainly or wholly by quality professionals who engage, and exercise, with students religious teachings. In Alberta, faith-based schools build educational lessons around the Alberta Educa-

tion curriculum, and teachers incorporate education that leads to development of the student intellectually, physically, artistically, socially, morally and spiritually. In the classroom students are provided with a sense of community and, together with classmates, come to understand personal academic excellence and Christ-like characters in themselves and each other. Essentially, faith-based schools concentrate on encouraging students to intake religious learning and educates student on every aspect of expressing their distinctiveness, vitality and character.

Annual Guide to Schools 2012 49

School Population (elementary, jr. high, sr. high)

Average Expenditure/student

Year Established

Year Constructed

Year Remodeled

Parent Conferences/year

Average Class Size (elementary, jr. high, sr. high)

Students to Teaching Staff

No. Guidance Counselors

12:1

N/A

Bearspaw Christian School & College

JK12

$46005040

$100$340

N/A

550

$46005040

1998

N/A

max 25,25,25

max 25:1

Calgary Christian School

Pre K-12

N/A

Society Program Fees $11253220

$14173150

800

$3100

1963

2001

25,25,25

13:1

Calgary Jewish Academy

K-9

$28455250

N/A

197,67

N/A

1920

1959

1991

17,16

13:1

Clear Water Academy

JK12

$490010800

$2000

N/A

405

N/A

1995

1930

2006

16,14,14

9:1

Eastside Christian Academy

K-12

$3100

$700

N/A

50,25,25

$2600

1999

1985

2004

20,18,25

10:1

Foothills Lutheran Christian Preschool

Pre

$80-180

$30

N/A

2001

1969

1989

1:8

Glenmore Christian Academy

K-9

$23525292

$100

$17761980

640

$9850

1980

1991

2005

18,25

16:1

Heritage Christian Academy

K-12

$8503975

$100-900

N/A

232,75,100

$4921

1979

1970

1997

20,25,25

9:1

Menno Simons Christian School

K-9

$10002500

$250-350

N/A

163

$5024

1983

2001

N/A

20,20

13:1

Prince of Peace Lutheran School

PreK-9

$1000

$200

100

$6700

1995

1994

N/A

14:1

Trinity Christian School

K-9

$41007200

N/A

175,75

$5082

1993

1997

N/A

14:1

Âź

50 Annual Guide to Schools 2012

Fundraising Required

Bursaries Available

Uniform Required

N/A

Busing Fees

1960

Busing Available

1980

One Time Bond/Mem. Fee

$15000

School Fees

Tuiton

N/A

Placement Assessments Performed

$75-100

Entrance Requirements

$40005000

Religious Affiliation

K-6

Grades Offered Akiva Academy

No. Other Extra-Curricular Activities

No. Instructional Days/ school year No. Teacher Improvement Days/school year Bachelor Masters Doctorate

% Grade 12 Students Graduate % Graduates Attending Post-Secondary Institutions % Building Wheelchair Accessible Length of School Day (h:mm)

5 5 170-175 6 80 0 0 1:1 N/A N/A 100 7:10

7 2 180 3-4 90 10 0 4:1 100 60 100 6:15

11 8 180 N/A 100 9 0 3:1 99 84 40 7:05

4 8 176 2 88 0 4 4:1, 1:1 N/A N/A 70 7:05

180

100

N/A

100

7:00

181

100

10:1

7:15

N/A

100

2:30

178 SAT Available

Students to Computers

Programming for Giftedness

Programming for ESL

Programming for Learning Disabilities

Trades

Outdoor Education

IB Courses

AP Courses

Other Languages

German

Spanish

Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degrees

French

Drama

Art

Computers

Band/Music

Library

Cafeteria

Lunchroom

No. Athletic Extra-Curricular Activities

faith-based schools

Courses Offered

178

4:1

N/A

100