Laureate College

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• Overall Experience
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• Academics
• Extracurriculars
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• School Life
• Community
• School Location
• Admissions

School Busing:

• Burlington
• Hamilton
• Milton
• Oakville

Additional notes: Airport pick-up is provided for international students upon their arrival. Busing fees, pick-up/drop-off schedules, and location will be released in late August 2025. All families are placed on the roster for the 2025-2026 school year.

Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Laureate College.

School Facilities Gallery

Photo-tour of facilities

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

Athletics facilities

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Fitness Studio

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Volleyball and soccer fields

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Disc Golf court

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Arts facilities

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The one-of-a-kind art-is-life gallery in the lobby invites everyone upon entrance.

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Our 1956 chapel is home to our annual concerts

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The Art Studio overlooks the landscape of Hamilton and the lake in the distance

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Campus

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The Backyard Harvest greenhouse offers hands-on project learning opportunities and allows our students to gain valuable insights into sustainable agriculture, gardening and the cultivation of organic produce.

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Jubilee Garden

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Set against the awe-inspiring Niagara Escarpment backdrop and spread across a picturesque 50-acre property at 1921 Snake Road, Burlington, Ontario, Laureate’s campus sets the stage for academic excellence, personal growth, and vibrant campus life.

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Classrooms

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Junior School (G1-8) Classroom B

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Junior School (G-8) Classroom C

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Junior School (G1-8) Classroom A

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Residences

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Student Lounge

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Quadruple Ensuite Room

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Double Ensuite Room

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Science facilities

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Science Classroom

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Instructional resources

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Computer Lab

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Our very own farm-to-table farmland

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Jubilee Garden

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Shared spaces

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Meeting Hall

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Multipurpose Activity Room

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Dining Hall

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Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Laureate College.

• Curriculum Progressive
  [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 Laureate College: Progressive

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

  [Show: About Progressive?]

  Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Progressive - 36%
    Traditional - 39%
    Liberal arts - 12%
    Montessori - 10%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 2%
  

  What Laureate College says: Laureate College was founded on the belief that every student is unique and possesses an inherent yearning for learning, growth, and the ability to acquire knowledge, creating a meaningful pathway for life purposefully. At Laureate, every student actively shapes their learning experiences within an inclusive environment characterized by innovative teaching, personalized learning, abundant resources, and global connections. Through our vision, mission, and values, we aspire to create a transformative learning experience that empowers students to embrace opportunities and challenges with confidence, leveraging the knowledge and skill sets they acquire throughout their Laureate journeys.

  Approach:

  Focus
  Academic

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Equal Balance

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    Mathematics approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 68%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Discovery math - 5%
    

    What Laureate College says: The Math program at Laureate College is an Equal Balance program that incorporates both the traditional approach and the discovery method. Teachers use a traditional lesson plan and approach to ensure students understand the main expectations of the Ontario curriculum. During selected weeks, students use their knowledge and creative thinking skills to solve math problems. This requires students to think and collaborate with peers as they find a solution to the problem. Students use their communication skills to share their solution and the process followed to arrive at the solution.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: Students complete activities in the Math Up textbook (by Marian Small) and Math Up Practise and Reflect workbook for homework activities. Teachers also use Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl as a supplementary resource for problem-solving activities.

    Calculator policy: Calculators may be used to help solve problems in upper grades.

  • Early Reading Balanced Literacy

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    Early Reading approach at Laureate College: Balanced Literacy

    Laureate College has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

    Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

      Balanced literacy - 55%
      Phonics-intensive - 43%
      Whole language - 2%
    

    What Laureate College says: The approach used at Laureate College resembles the Phonics-intensive approach more than the Whole Language approach; however, there are times when students are given opportunities to read material while inferring and guessing words using context and semantics. Direct teacher instruction focuses on phonetics and morphology so students understand the word and its relation to other similar words. Our approach is more traditional, and students receive individual and small group support on a regular basis. The achievement of reading goals reflects the benchmarks outlined in the Ontario Curriculum. However, we support students in exceeding these expectations.

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

    What Laureate College says: Ministry-recommended assessments are administered regularly to monitor progress on literacy skill development.

  • Writing Systematic approach

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    Writing approach at Laureate College: Systematic approach

    Laureate College has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach , Equal balance approach).

    [Show: About Systematic approach?]

    The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Systematic approach - 11%
      Process approach - 9%
      Equal balance - 80%
    

    What Laureate College says: Our learning-to-write program most closely resembles the Systematic approach in that students are guided and coached as they learn to use new strategies. Students are taught to write by first planning and then using appropriate skills to refine their work through revision and editing of the original draft. Teachers encourage a love of writing and provide feedback that helps students progress to the next level of writing proficiency. However, teachers employ explicit teaching strategies and provide support to students in small groups and individual settings.

  • Science Equal Balance

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    Science approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

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

    Teaching approach: The Laureate College approach resembles the Inquiry model, but some weeks are reserved for textbook-based learning. Our approach is balanced so students have a solid understanding of the outlined topics before embarking on inquiry-based activities using these concepts.

    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 Laureate College: Equal Balance

    Laureate College 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 - 75%
      Traditional - 22%
      Social justice - 3%
    

    What Laureate College says: The Laureate College approach can be described as Equal Balance. In the later grades, after students have begun to read more complex literature and discuss more complex topics, they will examine both contemporary and classical texts, while also learning to analyze materials for biases and underlying meaning critically. Critical thinking is a vital skill, and students will learn to apply it to the literature provided. Discussions and essay writing often focus on the topics covered in class, as well as the social issues discussed.

    Program covers:

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

  • Social Studies Expanding Communities

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    Social Studies approach at Laureate College: Expanding Communities

    Laureate College has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

    The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Expanding communities - 30%
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Thematic - 31%
    

    What Laureate College says: Our social studies program reflects the expectations of the Ontario curriculum. Students use Ministry-approved resources that provide a more “Expanding Communities” approach to learning about themselves and the expanding world in which they live. As students progress through the grades, more emphasis is placed on the historical events that shaped our community, province and country. Whenever possible, social studies topics are integrated with science and language arts topics, becoming part of our inquiry-based approach. By examining our environment and history through a critical lens, students become aware of their role in our immediate and global community and develop respect for the earth, themselves, and others.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance

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    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance

    Laureate College 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 - 81%
      Perennialism - 7%
      Pragmatism - 12%
    

    What Laureate College says: The Laureate Approach can best be described as an “Equal Balance” program; however, we tilt more toward the Pragmatism style than Perennialism. Teachers help students develop critical thinking and a strong foundation of core knowledge and cultural literacy. However, projects and inquiries will have a real-world application.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance

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    Foreign Languages approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance

    Laureate College 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 - 64%
      Audio-lingual - 3%
      Communicative - 33%
    

    What Laureate College says: Students learn French and Mandarin at Laureate College, with 5 months allocated to each language. Our approach is more Communicative than Audio-Lingual; however, the latter approach is used when it is beneficial to students. The goal of our second language program is to help students develop the vocabulary and language skills needed to communicate their needs and respond to questions with confidence.

    Language instruction offered in:

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

  • Fine Arts Equal Balance

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    Fine Arts approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance

    Laureate College has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 64%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 35%
    

    Program offers:

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

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Laureate College says: At Laureate College, we employ an Equal Balance approach to help students develop their skills, understand the significance and history of art, and cultivate a love of art by creating and sharing their original work. Students learn how to apply aesthetic features and principles before making art in a studio environment. An on-site artist supports our program and works alongside classroom teachers.

  • Computers and Technology Medium integration

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    Computers and Technology approach at Laureate College: Medium integration

    Laureate College 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 - 53%
      Light integration - 19%
      Heavy integration - 28%
    

    What Laureate College says: We recognize that computers and technology play a crucial role in equipping students for success in the 21st century. We ensure students develop the skills to complete research and prepare different ways of sharing their information with others. The role of AI is also discussed, and students learn to apply AI appropriately and ethically. Time is not allocated for finding connections between computer applications and curriculum topics. Therefore, our approach is best described as Medium integration.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

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    What Laureate College says: Physical Education at Laureate College is characterized as a fun respite from learning during the day. Students get to take a break from their studies and participate in games and activities, working on teamwork, coordination, and strength that help them grow as students outside of the classroom. A relaxed environment not only gives students a break from classes but also allows them to release stress and engage in physical activity. A fun approach is taken when playing games, allowing students to learn from and support one another in improving their skills.

  • Advanced Placement courses

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

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    Sex and health education approach at Laureate College: Ontario curriculum

    Laureate College has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

    The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

      Follows provincial curriculum - 58%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 42%
    

    Approach to sex and health education:

    Laureate College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What Laureate College says: This information is not currently available.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Early Reading

  • 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 Laureate College: Standard-enriched

  Laureate College 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 Laureate College says: There is some flexibility to accommodate personal needs and adjust the learning pace to ensure success and sustainable learning.

  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 Laureate College says about flexible pacing: Teachers will cover all the required expectations and meet the individual needs of the students because of the small class size.

• Academic Culture Rigorous
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

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

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  Academic Culture approach at Laureate College: Rigorous

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

  [Show: About Rigorous?]

  A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Rigorous - 51%
    Supportive - 49%
  

  What Laureate College says about their academic culture: At Laureate, our academic culture is rooted in curiosity, creativity, and continuous growth. We set high expectations while honouring each student’s unique learning journey through personalized support and clear learning goals. Students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate respectfully, and take ownership of their learning. Our interdisciplinary STEAM approach nurtures intellectual curiosity and innovation, while enriched leadership opportunities build confidence and responsibility. We believe in celebrating both effort and achievement, fostering a culture where students are motivated to pursue excellence not just for grades, but also for personal fulfillment and meaningful contributions to the community.

• Developmental priorities Intellectual
  [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: Intellectual

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

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

  What Laureate College says: First and foremost, Laureate is an educational institution committed to meeting the intellectual needs of our students through academic excellence and inquiry-driven learning. Aligned with our core values, we recognize that education goes beyond academics. That’s why we prioritize the holistic development of each student—supporting their social, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. We nurture well-rounded individuals who lead with integrity, grow with purpose, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Our goal is to cultivate lifelong learners equipped not only with knowledge, but with the empathy, resilience, and confidence to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

• 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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  Laureate College offers No support

  Laureate College 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 In-class adaptations
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

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

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

  In-class adaptations:

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

  What Laureate College says: Laureate College offers an enriched high school curriculum in music, drama, and visual arts. In addition to meeting ministry requirements, students participate in special workshops and explore topics presented by professional artists. Gifted students have the option of completing co-op placements in art schools and organizations. The after-school programming includes guided independent study, project-based learning tailored to their interests, and mentorships with professionals or experts in their field.

• Language English
  Laureate College offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish
• 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, Laureate College students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

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  What Laureate College says about their flipped classroom policy: Flipped classes are designed to align with specific activities and the teacher's lesson plans for each session. This approach to education encourages students to engage actively in their learning, providing a more dynamic and interactive classroom experience.

• 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. 9 to Gr. 12
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 1 to Gr. 12
  Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 1 to Gr. 12
  Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 1 to Gr. 12

My name is Robert Hamilton, and I am the Head of School for Laureate College in Burlington, Ontario.  This is a very exciting year for us at Laureate College.  In September, we will add grades 1–8 to our school, making us a G1–12 educational facility.  At Laureate College, we take pride in building strong, positive relationships with our students and their families.  We want families to see that we believe in their child and will support them in becoming the best they can be.

As a community STEAM school, we teach students to become creative thinkers and problem-solvers who work collaboratively and apply their skills in practical, real-life scenarios.  We want to change the educational process from “sit and get” to “stand and do”.  Our students are active participants in their learning, and teachers continually support them in their individual achievements.  With our school’s focus on the inquiry-based approach and the cross-curricular integration of STEAM subjects, Laureate College will be a one-of-a-kind school.  Additionally, teachers will utilize our beautiful 50-acre property as a learning resource to enrich the real-life experiences of our students.  Why use sheets of paper to teach math when relevant hands-on applications exist on our property?  Students of all learning styles will thrive in this unique learning environment.  Come check us out!