Founded in 1975, parents, understandably, have turned to BCA first because it is one of the few private school options in the Burlington area where the elementary curriculum is taught through a Christian lens. And, to be sure, that’s one of the schools prime offerings. That said, the program has other strengths as well, including very broad arts and athletic programs that are unique to schools of this size. The variety and attention is a plus, though so is access—in a school of 140 students, and with this level of programming, all students are able to experience and participate in organized sports, leadership training, music, and theatre. The school has also dedicated itself to higher order athletics, with a level of coaching and training that, again, is atypical within schools of this size. So, while the values piece is certainly a draw, the school has a lot to offer in addition, including a proven academics, a rich extra-curricular programming, housed within a close, community atmosphere.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Since 1975, Burlington Christian Academy has offered a transformative JK-8 education in a vibrant, faith-based community. We balance academic excellence with student well-being, offering a diverse range of activities to inspire passion. Our values-driven curriculum challenges students to achieve their potential. Our accredited faculty builds connections with families. From Gr.4, students engage with specialty teachers. Signature Programs, starting in Gr.3, include STEM, music, theatre arts, and advanced athletics."
Specialized programs in athletics, performing arts, and experiential learning.
On-site private music lessons, including voice, piano, guitar, drums, and more.
French instruction from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Students can compete in 12 different sports in both CAASO and invitational tournaments.
Small class sizes enable personalized instruction tailored to each child's unique needs.
Individual therapy and specialized resource programs available for students with exceptionalities.
Set on a picturesque 7-acre campus with expansive sports fields and a large play centre.
Campus nestled in a conservation area, offering access to hiking trails and outdoor learning.
Ontario-certified teachers and dedicated staff, deeply committed to Christian education.
SMART Boards in every classroom from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Burlington Christian Academy is the only Christian school in Burlington open to all who embrace our educational philosophy. Our students benefit from specialized instruction with...(more)
"Burlington Christian Academy is the only Christian school in Burlington open to all who embrace our educational philosophy. Our students benefit from specialized instruction with rotating teachers in their subject areas and choose personalized learning tracks through our Senior Program, which focuses on athletics, performing arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). We adhere to Ontario’s grade-level standards while nurturing students' passions in a supportive environment. As a Christian school, we believe each student is uniquely created by God, and we partner with families to help each child excel in their individual calling. At BCA, parents can trust that their child will be loved, cared for, and encouraged to reach their full potential."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Burlington Christian Academy (BCA) is located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. In 1975 the school began at Park Avenue Church in the Aldershot community of Burlington with 3...(more)
"Burlington Christian Academy (BCA) is located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. In 1975 the school began at Park Avenue Church in the Aldershot community of Burlington with 3 teachers and 12 students. This was the vision of Mary Sift, the wife of Pastor Sift of Park Avenue Church. In 1989, the school moved to Park Bible Church (now Compass Point Bible Church), just east of our current location on the North Service Road. BCA has grown to become Burlington’s leading Christian Elementary school. In 2000, the school incorporated as a separate entity from Park Bible Church to form Burlington Christian Academy. On September 10, 2001, parents, students, staff, and board members proudly opened a brand new 25,000 square foot education facility on the western edge of Burlington. Over 160 students in in grades JK through 8, representing multiple denominations and churches, are able to partake in one of the most progressive educational programs in Southern Ontario."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Information not yet available.
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
Information not yet available.
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
Information not yet available.
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Adjusting to full-time school for the first time is not easy, but staff and fellow parents alike have made this transition seamless for our son. He loves going to school everyday and has grown to love learning!
Our son has grown in leaps and bounds in his language and writing skills. He is writing his letters clearly and beginning to understand writing words from left to right across a page. He identifies many words in books as read by being able to sound out the letters.
Most importantly for my husband and I, he is learning about God and taking concepts from Bible stories and applying them to his own life. He is also memorizing Scripture weekly based on the Bible stories that were read.
He is becoming more self-confident and we are all immensely proud of how far he has come since starting school in September.
My son loves JK at BCA - at age 4 he's reading simple books independently, can count to 100 and loves to learn. He has made many friends and looks forward to attending each day.
As a BCA alumni I can attest personally to how the school helped to strengthen my faith, by having teachers and friends outside of my family and church to demonstrate a life lived for Christ. I attended a good local public school and was diagnosed with a learning disability but because I didn't have a behavioural issue and was a solid B/C student I didn't receive additional support in the classroom. I joined BCA and was immediately given additional resources, 1:1 help and learned how to learn with the disability. I rejoined my public school peers in high school and was then a 95% average student. I know the positive changes are a result of the dedicated teachers at BCA who truly love their students and help them to learn to the best of their ability.
We just started at this school. My child loves the teacher and is always excited about going to school. The kindergarten teachers have a one on one approach which is super helpful for kids who need extra care and attention to function in a classroom.
The teachers took a special interest to find out what works best for my child and develop age appropriate skills for school.
For kindergarten students, they spend their day participating in age appropriate activities to build their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development other than academics. Reading, writing, math, and other studies are taught through games and activities.
The ratio of children to teachers is small and allows for focused attention on each child. Every child is unique at BCA.
My children absolutely LOVE attending BCA. They feel truly loved and cared for by their teachers, and even though it is not where they started the elementary education, they were able to form fast and lasting friendships with other students. Every evening when I pick them up after school and ask how their day went, I always get one of two answers: “Great!” or “Awesome!” This is often quickly followed by a breakdown of what was most enjoyable as well as the not-too-enjoyable portions.
My son's self esteem has soared since joining BCA. He is finding success, and loves the hands-on learning. His favorite part about the school is the Special Programming for grades 6-8. He is in Edventure. A program that offers hands on learning in all subject areas that reinforces what they are learning in the classroom. My son has a Learning Disability and BCA understands how he learns and teaches to that. He has an IEP that is collaboratively created and followed. The smaller class sizes are also nice. The school staff and kids are all very inclusive, providing a positive environment that is contagious throughout the school. We have not found anything disappointing about the school, we love BCA.
We have four children who have all experienced a wonderful transition from the public school system to BCA. Our children appreciate so much about their experience at BCA - the caring attentiveness of each of their teachers, the smaller class sizes, the specialized, hands-on learning in the senior programs, and the holistic approach to their academic pursuits that includes reflection on issues of life and faith. What disappoints them? The only complaint I've heard is that they wish their was more time provided to eat their lunch.The move to BCA has been an incredibly welcome change for each of our kids. Each of them is glad to call BCA home.
All 3 of my children thrive in the small class room size where they feel like a student and not another body occupying a seat. They feel they are an individual with a unique style of learning. They feel their needs are assessed and met. They enjoy the lack of stressful competition and embrace the learning experiences offered. They love that teachers look outside the box and incorporate other learning styles in to their plan such as group work in the hall way, or shooting baskets in the gym in-between math questions or just cuddling up on a couch to read.
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