Program Outline
Wildwood Academy successfully educates children with a wide variety of learning abilities by providing the most current and effective, scientifically-validated programming. Through the use of precise pedagogy, Wildwood strives to provide all students with the academic and social skills needed to become active members of both the school environment and outside community.
Once the Directors have met your child, they will recommend a suitable classroom placement. All students are placed in core academic programs that appropriately match their skill level. This allows students to begin working at their academic level and work towards building mastery of new skills. Direct Instruction programs and teaching methodologies are used for students working up to a grade eight level in core academic subjects.
14:1 Classroom
The 14:1 classroom includes 14 students and one classroom teacher. All core academic subjects are taught in smaller groups. A maximum of ten students are placed in groups for reading, writing, spelling and mathematics. Science, social studies, study skills, music, drama, physical education, computers, and art are taught to the whole class. Students who are placed in the 14:1 classroom are no more than two years behind in academic subjects and may work ahead of grade level when ready. All classes place a strong emphasis on homework completion, organizational skills, goal setting, and cooperative learning.
4:1 Classroom
The 4:1 classroom includes four students and one classroom teacher. This classroom is designed to meet the needs of students who require more intensive academic and social support than a 14:1 setting can provide. All core academic subjects are taught in groups of two to four students. Students in this classroom may integrate with the larger classroom for physical education, music and art. Science, social studies and computers are taught in a 4:1 ratio. Additionally, students in this classroom benefit from formal instruction in social skills and language comprehension. Homework completion, organizational skills, goal setting and cooperative learning are also emphasized in this setting.
Intensive Support Programme
The Intensive Support Program is an appropriate placement for students who require the intensive support of one teacher with not more than three students for all academic subjects. Wildwood Academy believes that all children can build their academic and social skills when educated within a structured program designed to meet their individual needs. Therefore, within our Intensive Support Program, all curriculums are tailored to suit each student. Students are provided with a learning environment that targets specific skill deficits. Academic subjects, including math, reading, comprehension, writing and spelling, are initially taught using Direct Instruction programs in a small group setting. Systematic lessons focus on modeling, repetition and review to ensure that all students attain mastery of skills taught. As children at Wildwood acquire the skills needed to engage in subject-specific larger group lessons, they are integrated into a classroom setting. A certified teacher will aid or shadow the child and provide additional support in the classroom as needed. Decisions to move a student are made by the Directors. All placements will be determined after the Directors have consulted with the program supervisor, classroom instructors and parent(s)/guardian(s).
Art, music/drama, physical education and emotional intelligence are provided for all students within group settings, with a support teacher. Emphasis is placed on building fine and gross motor skills, as well as building self-awareness and knowledge through actively participating in group discussions and activities.
