Fort Erie International Academy

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• Curriculum Liberal Arts
  [Show definition of Curriculum]

  Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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  Curriculum approach at FEIA: Liberal Arts

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

  [Show: About Liberal Arts?]

  Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Liberal arts - 14%
    Traditional - 39%
    Progressive - 34%
    Montessori - 11%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  What FEIA says: At Fort Erie International Academy, our academics are delivered with an experiential approach. We develop problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students are highly engaged with this style of learning as they apply the concepts they learn in a practical manner. We achieve a balance between individual and group activities. Group activity is the norm in our classes with students taking on leadership roles. Together they learn to collaborate and to appreciate different opinions as they achieve common goals.

  Approach:

  Focus
  Academic

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Equal Balance

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    Mathematics approach at FEIA: Equal Balance

    FEIA has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 70%
      Traditional math - 25%
      Discovery math - 5%
    

    What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

  • Writing Equal balance

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    Writing approach at FEIA: Equal balance

    FEIA has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 79%
      Systematic approach - 9%
      Process approach - 12%
    

    What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

  • Science Equal Balance

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    Science approach at FEIA: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 27%
    

    Teaching approach: This information is not currently available.

    Treatment of evolution:

    Subject	offered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    Subject	offered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature Equal Balance

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    Literature approach at FEIA: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 76%
      Traditional - 21%
      Social justice - 3%
    

    What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies Thematic

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    Social Studies approach at FEIA: Thematic

    FEIA has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Expanding Communities approach).

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Thematic - 33%
      Core knowledge - 38%
      Expanding communities - 29%
    

    What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance

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    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at FEIA: Equal Balance

    FEIA has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 83%
      Perennialism - 7%
      Pragmatism - 10%
    

    What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance

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    Foreign Languages approach at FEIA: Equal Balance

    FEIA has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 65%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 33%
    

    What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

    Language instruction offered in:

    Subject	offered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts Creative

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    Fine Arts approach at FEIA: Creative

    FEIA has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Creative - 33%
      Receptive - 2%
      Equal balance - 65%
    

    Program offers:

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

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What FEIA says: FEIA’s Visual Arts Portfolio Program is structured to support and develop the talents of students interested in pursuing a career in visual arts, by creating an environment of creative expression. Selected students will be guided by industry professionals, experienced in both technique and education, to help them develop their skills and explore their interests; ultimately putting together a curated professional portfolio to include in their application to a post-secondary art school.

  • Computers and Technology Medium integration

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    Computers and Technology approach at FEIA: Medium integration

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

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Medium integration - 52%
      Light integration - 18%
      Heavy integration - 30%
    

    What FEIA says: The use of technology is adopted through all courses to prepare students for the reality of the workforce

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

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    What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

  • Advanced Placement courses

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    This information is not currently available.
  • Sex and health education

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    What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
  [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

  This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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  Curriculum Pace approach at FEIA: Standard-enriched

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

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 56%
    Accelerated - 18%
    Student-paced - 26%
  

  What FEIA says: As students benefit from a blend of Chinese and North American philosophies, they will develop a global perspective.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	offered
  Subject-streaming (tracking)
  Multi-age classrooms as standard
  Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
  Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
  Regular guided independent study opportunities
  Differentiated assessment

  What FEIA says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

• Academic Culture Supportive
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

  Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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  Academic Culture approach at FEIA: Supportive

  FEIA has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

  [Show: About Supportive?]

  A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Supportive - 51%
    Rigorous - 49%
  

  What FEIA says about their academic culture: This information is not currently available.

• Developmental priorities Balanced
  [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

  Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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  Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

  The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

  What FEIA says: In order for students to be ready to learn and develop to their highest potential, Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) is committed to ensuring that students and staff thrive in a safe and welcoming community that embodies mutual respect, inclusivity, and is equitable and caring. FEIA is committed to creating a diverse and multicultural environment that builds positive relationships and promotes enthusiasm for learning to prepare students for post-secondary education and career destinations.

• Special needs support No support
  [Show definition of Special needs support]

  Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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  FEIA offers No support

  FEIA offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  Academic Support:

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

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

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  A - Forms of Support

  Accommodation:

  Modification:

  Remediation:

  B - Environments

  Indirect Support:

  Resource Assistance:

  Withdrawal Assistance:

  Partial Integration:

  Full-Time Class:

  
  

  Special NeedNeed

  Forms of SupportA

  EnvironmentsB

  ADHD

  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

    Dyscalculia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

    Dysgraphia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

    Language Processing Disorder

    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism

    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

    Asperger's Syndrome

    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

    Down syndrome

    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

    Intellectual disability

    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

    Williams syndrome

    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

    Clinical Depression

    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

    Clinical anxiety

    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

    Suicidal thoughts

    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

    Drug and alcohol abuse

    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis

    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

    Cerebral palsy

    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

    Muscular dystrophy

    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

    Spina Bifida

    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

    Blindness

    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

    Deafness

    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

    Cystic Fibrosis

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

    Multiple physical

    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

  Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

• Gifted learner support No Support
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

  Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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  Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.

  In-class adaptations:

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

  What FEIA says: This information is not currently available.

• Language trilingual
  FEIA is a trilingual school with English, French, Mandarin as the primary language of instruction:

  English - 80%								French - 10%	Mandarin - 10%

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

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

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  In grade Gr. 12, FEIA students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  FEIA	30 mins	45 mins	60 mins	90 mins	90 mins	120 mins	120 mins
  Site Average	38 mins	51 mins	55 mins	70 mins	81 mins	98 mins	107 mins

  This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).

  What FEIA says about their flipped classroom policy: FEIA applies the flipped classroom process supplementally primarily as an introduction/preparation to the next days class

• Report Card Policy
  [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

  While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12
  Academic achievement reporting	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12
  Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12
  Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12

I am honoured to serve as Fort Erie Academy's principal! This is my sixth year in educational leadership. Before becoming principal, I had many leadership experiences, including lead teacher, student life coordinator, and vice principal. Throughout these amazing experiences, teaching still remains central to my everyday practices. 

I also have more than ten years of classroom teaching experience in private boarding schools in Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Canada. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English and History (University of Guelph), a Graduate Diploma in Education (University of Newcastle, Australia), a Teacher Leadership Specialist, a Guidance and Career Education Specialist, and an Ontario College of Teachers Principal qualification. 

I am privileged to lead Fort Erie International Academy and the many talented teachers and students here! My goal is to continue to bring passion to education with a commitment to creating a supportive climate and culture at F.E.I.A. conducive to teaching the “Whole Child,” empowering staff & students by creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, implementing meaningful initiatives, and inspiring life-long learning and well-being! I look forward to working with all stakeholders in our growing school community this year!