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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 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 one-to-one or 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.
Strong literacy and numeracy skills are the critical foundation for academic achievement and, consequently, a lifetime of success. At Wildwood, it is vital that our students receive the highest quality of education possible in order to be prepared for future educational programming and work experiences. Attaining this goal requires superior programming, and as such, we have aligned all of our academic expectations with the Ontario Curriculum Standards.
Reading
Reading is an important building block for learning. At Wildwood Academy, we use Reading Mastery and Corrective Decoding Direct Instruction programs to efficiently and effectively build the skills of all students. These series feature early, explicit phonics instruction as well as the systematic teaching of comprehension and vocabulary skills. Students review and learn key concepts prior to reading each lesson. The acquisition of strong decoding and fluent reading skills is stressed. In addition to building a solid reading foundation through program lessons, teachers also expose students to a wide variety of literary forms.
Writing
We offer a balanced language curriculum that teaches our students to think, speak and write in a clear and concise manner. Teachers build each student's communication skills through structured lessons. Our primary/junior grades focus on basic grammatical concepts, sentence structure, letter writing, paragraph development, poetry, reflections on literature and experiences, public speaking and story telling. Our senior level students continue to advance their grammatical knowledge, build public speaking skills and further enhance their organizational skills. These areas are developed as students compose detailed compositions, book summaries and reflections, essays, speeches and research papers. All students are taught to take pride in their work and follow the visual presentation guidelines for their division. For example, students are taught that work is expected to be neat, legible and include appropriate organizational strategies and visual aids.
Spelling
At Wildwood, accurate spelling is achieved through the use of Direct Instruction Spelling Mastery and Spelling Through Morphographs programs. Students engage in both oral and written lessons that build knowledge of sound-symbol relationships, sight words and meanings of word parts. Consistent review helps to ensure that children transfer their spelling knowledge to their daily written work.
Mathematics
Mathematics is a key element in today's curriculum. At Wildwood Academy, all grades focus on the following Ontario Curriculum strands: Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Patterning and Algebra, Data Management and Probability. We have adopted a variety of programs, including Saxon Math and Connecting Math Concepts , to ensure that students across grade levels receive a solid foundation in both the language and concepts of math. These highly successful programs introduce skills in easily understandable pieces to permit the mastery of one concept before the introduction of another. The programs emphasize the use of mathematical modeling and problem solving through continual practice and review. Our in-depth mathematical program provides students with increased confidence due to a solid foundation of skills.
Social Studies
Our social studies program teaches students to understand the world in which we live. In addition to examining local and global communities, various heritages and the nature of citizenship, students also explore history and geography. The knowledge gained through investigation, discussion and coursework allows students to develop informed opinions and enjoy interacting in a socially diverse world.
Science
A sound knowledge of science enables students to become productive members of society. Students seek to understand the natural and physical world through identification of key scientific concepts. Exploration and experimentation are used to create fun activities to guide student learning.
Computer Technology
All students receive computer literacy training. Keyboarding and word processing skills are emphasized. Students work with software chosen to enhance the math, language, science and social studies curricula. Computer classes are both fun and educational.
Emotional Intelligence / Social Skills Program
The Emotional Intelligence program is a hands on, action-based program with practical applications for daily life. The program will focus on such skills as: the identification and description of feelings, appropriate ways to express feelings, communication skills using "“I"” statements, reflective listening skills, the generation of alternative behaviours, recognizing consequences of behaviour, conflict resolution techniques, and stress management.
Drama and Music
Students develop an understanding of drama and music through role playing, singing and studying musical theory. In addition to exploring musical genre and history, students have the opportunity to begin instrumental training. Topics in drama range from radio to television and cinema. Activities include sound effects, puppetry, costume design and expressive communication.
Visual Arts
All students receive specific instruction in art technique and art history. Students are exposed to artwork from around the world to enhance their appreciation of the visual arts. Hands on activities build artistic skills into every lesson and allow students to explore their creative talents.
Physical Education and Health
Personal well-being is important to the development of positive self-image and confidence. Consequently, we have developed a health and fitness program which emphasizes healthy living. Our students participate in 120 minutes of health and fitness instruction each week. During these classes, students play cooperative games and sports and engage in activities to develop fitness and coordination skills. Wildwood Academy has a full sized, well-equipped gymnasium, which can accommodate a variety of physical education activities.
Our students have the opportunity to be involved in competitive sporting activities, with other local priivate schools, through our involvment with the Private School Athletic Association. Cross country running, track and field, swimming, golf, and tennis are a few of the events we participate in through the PSAA.
Study Skills
Students are taught a variety of strategies to develop effective study skills, improve reading comprehension, discover their own personal study style, as well as learning to manage their time more efficiently.
Extra-Curricular Activities & Clubs
Students participate in a variety of clubs throughout the school year. Activities are offered two times a week, and students are able to attend a total of six clubs each school year. All of our extra-curricular activities allow students to interact with children and teachers from other classrooms. Clubs provide students with an excellent opportunity to share, socialize and develop new talents. Clubs may be on or off campus and include: student council, ice hockey, bowling, tennis, golf, baking, photography, arts and crafts, chess, Lego, hip hop, yoga, as well as a variety of other opportunities based on student interest.
Activity Days
At least ten days a year are designated as activity days. On these days, the whole school breaks from routine to attend special events and activities. Activities include on-site theatre group productions, play day and off-site field trips.
At Wildwood Academy, we believe that children should spend their after-school hours with family and friends. Our extended school day allows students to complete their coursework in the classroom. Homework is reserved for extra practice and limited to weekdays. We are confident that all of our students will achieve academic success and still have time for fun.
Study Hall runs Monday - Thursday
The fees for each session are as follows: Grade 2 Grades 3 –- 4 Grades 5 - 8
Session 1: September - December $475.00 $650.00 $800.00
Session 2: January - March $350.00 $450.00 $550.00
Session 3: March - June $425.00 $575.00 $725.00
Students NOT registered for the study hall program should be picked up at the regular dismissal time of 3:50
P.M. If NOT picked up by 4:00 P.M., students will be admitted into the appropriate study hall and the daily
rate will be applied. Daily child care rates will be implemented if students are not picked up within 15
minutes of final dismissal time.
There is no homework and therefore no study hall program following an all-day field trip or on any Thursday prior to a Friday holiday.
Study Hall Parent Letter.pdf
Parental involvement is an important part of our program at Wildwood Academy. We keep our parents well informed about their child's progress. Classroom teachers meet with every family several times per year to set goals and discuss programming.
Parents are welcome to be active members of the school community. Book fairs, special lunches, and fundraising are just a few of the opportunities parents have to be a part of their child's school life.
Application Procedure
Registration Forms
Study Hall
Summer Camp
March Break Camp
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