About Wildwood
About Us
It is our goal to accelerate the academic growth of children through the use of effective teaching practices and materials. We take pride in building an environment that allows children to be part of an intimate, supportive community of learners, where home and school work together to ensure that every child is learning and feeling successful. Our mission is to provide individualized education that addresses students' unique learning styles and promotes the building of character, enabling them to contribute to their communities in meaningful and positive ways.
At Wildwood Academy, we are the first school in Canada to offer PEERS Social Skills Training as part of our curriculum. Coupled with our Emotional Intelligence Program, a team of teachers trained at UCLA, guide the students through the programs on an on-going basis to reinforce these strategies. This teaches students how to effectively engage in a variety of social scenarios.
Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way. -- George Evans
Philosophy
Philosophy
Wildwood Academy is devoted to accelerating the academic achievement of all students. Programs are individualized to allow each child to work to his or her potential. Structured lessons emphasize the basic skills of speaking, reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, reasoning and comprehension. Academic pursuits are balanced with instruction in science, health and fitness, computer studies, music and drama, social studies and art. Practical self-management skills and effective study habits are taught to ensure success in all subject areas. The importance of positive social interactions and ethical integrity are also taught within the classroom setting and during extra-curricular activities. Clubs are carried out during school hours to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. It is our goal to help our students thrive academically and become well-respected citizens.
In order to allow students to quickly and effectively upgrade their academic skills,
Wildwood Academy has adopted specialized programs and learning schedules.
The methods and materials used in our core subjects have been chosen for their
measurable superiority as demonstrated in extensive research and field study.
As well, we optimize student learning opportunities by extending daily in-school
hours and decreasing between-task transition time. Field trips are also scheduled
in a manner that is the least disruptive to classroom programs. We also ensure that
our students are receiving on-going intensive instruction according to skill level.
In core subjects, students are taught in groups comprised of no more than ten students.
This allows teachers to maintain a high level of student mastery while keeping an accurate
record of each child's progress. Scheduling our students to work closely with similarly
skilled peers and well-trained staff enables all of our children to maximize their academic
achievement. At Wildwood Academy, we strive to make education a positive experience,
and we provide each student with the tools needed to engage in a lifetime of learning.
Methods and Materials
Methods and Materials
The academic goals of Wildwood Academy are achieved using teaching methods and materials that are proven to be successful with students of all ages and abilities. Direct Instruction programs are a large component of our core curriculum. These well-designed programs are part of a large, on-going research and development project conducted by Siegfried Engelmann and his associates at the University of Oregon. Extensive studies have shown that Direct Instruction programs are highly effective for teaching language and math skills, and developing self-esteem. Successful results are achieved within each program through the presentation of material that systematically builds new skills and knowledge. All selected programs focus on skill development through modeling, repetition, mastery, ongoing review and application. Children are able to begin working at their own level and achieve excellent results quickly.
Effective Teaching Practices
At Wildwood, we believe that all children can learn when they are taught appropriately. As a means of upholding this belief, all of our teachers are trained in effective teaching practices and positive behaviour management techniques. As well, each staff member receives on-going professional development, monitoring and coaching to ensure that they regularly upgrade their skills.
Following the placement of students in appropriate skill-based groups, teachers adeptly lead children through the learning process. Instructors first model skills, and then students are guided through repeated practice. Once learned and mastered, skills and knowledge are built upon systematically. Ongoing cumulative review allows students to complete and understand increasingly complex tasks. Active teaching and learning methods enable students to remain engaged in their lessons. As a result of these practices, students achieve success and feel good about themselves.
History
History
Wildwood Academy was founded in 2002 by long-time residents of Oakville, Bud Johnson and Laurie Simpson. Their vision was to create a school environment to address the need for specialized private education in the Halton region where all students could learn despite their level of functioning. With the help of architect, Gren Weis, Bud and Laurie designed a warm and inviting building that now functions as a hub of positive social and learning experiences for students in grades two to eight. Wildwood Academy prides itself in offering small class sizes and intensive support instruction when necessary. Direct Instruction programs are relied upon to teach students who may be functioning above or below grade level with various learning abilities, including but not limited to: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Learning is a positive experience and students achieve significant academic gains and increased self-confidence. Wildwood Academy is a federally incorporated, non-profit, charitable organization that relies heavily on tuition fees and generous community-based donations.
Uniform
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Wildwood Academy requires students to wear a uniform to school. Uniforms help create an atmosphere of school unity and allow students to take pride in being members of a unique team. Great care has been taken to find a uniform supplier who makes comfortable, child-friendly clothing. Wildwood Academy is pleased to have selected InSchoolwear Incorporated as our sole uniform provider. We have selected several items as required garments for boys and girls. All students are required to purchase a long or short sleeve polo shirt, navy sweatpants (for gym class only), a gym T-shirt, and gym shorts. Female students are allowed to choose whether they prefer to order pants and/or skorts. Male students must wear the navy twill pants but may choose to wear the navy twill shorts in the warmer weather. Several attractive and comfortable additional items are also offered and may be worn to school.
Inschoolwear Incorporated Phone: (905) 338-3030
482 South Service Road East Fax: (905) 338-6874
Oakville, Ontario L6J 2X6 www.inschoolwear.com
Connect to Inschoolwear
