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The next Cambridge International Academy Open House is March 5
To inquire, or to reserve a spot, click here. 

Cambridge International Academy is an independent co-ed private school from grades 1 to 12 located in Ajax. Cambridge strongly believes in academic excellence and success for all students. The school teaches the Ontario Curriculum and offers students Reach Ahead credits in Elementary and the option to take AP courses in high school. Their secondary school customized programs assist students to get accepted in prestigious universities across Canada, US and overseas with 100% placement rate.

For the elementary program, Cambridge customizes the curriculum and offers different educational programs to make young students become interested, engaged, and invested in their learning.

Customized Student Planning

Cambridge has grown a reputation in Durham region and beyond for its highly personalized approach to instruction. Their guiding principle is that all students are unique learners and deserve a personal approach to education. Students learn at different times and in different ways which is why there is a customized educational plan for each student that best reflects their academic levels, interests, and skills set. Cambridge students are not held back from their learning; they learn the curriculum according to their skill level as opposed to their grade level.   

 Elementary programs are designed to provide students with the skills sets needed to transition to high school. When students enter secondary grades, they meet with educators and school leadership to develop a detailed learning plan. It maps out all the things students will need academically to meet their goals, as well as co-curricular programs that augment their academic achievement. The results are customized educational pathways that are unique to each student.

Below are samples of four-year planning:

Plan A is to attend a top University in the US 
Grade 9 High School Planning

Goal: Lawyer (Civil, Corporate, Criminal, Family)

Harvard University/Oxford

SAT Average Scores: 1460 to 1580

ACT Average Scores: 33 to 35

Take 4 to 6 AP Courses throughout high school

Plan B is to attend a top University in Canada
Grade 9 High School Planning

Goal: Business; Wants to keep her options open hence enrolling in all the sciences

Plan C is to attend a University or College in Canada
Grade 9 High School Planning

Goal: Business, with Co Op opportunities in grades 11 and 12

Plan D is for students taking Reach Ahead credits in Elementary
Grade 8 School Planning with Reach Ahead Credits

Blended learning

Blended learning is also a signature aspect of the school. It refers to an ability to offer both one-on -one and classroom instruction. One-on-one instruction is granted for those operating below their peer group, as well as for those operating above it. “When I talk to parents,” says Sandra Arff, the school Principal, “they think it’s just for some students who have experienced an achievement gap that needs to be closed,” because of the education loss in the last two years. “But it’s for the high achievers as well. In a regular classroom setting, they can get demotivated because they’re not being challenged. So with this one-to-one approach, particularly in the maths and the sciences, we’re able to deliver the grade level that is appropriate to the student’s ability. To pace the instruction so that students can effectively engage with the learning and propel forward.”

The physical layout of the school reflects that blended approach, including breakout rooms, as well as larger classroom spaces. The needs of the students are assessed at intervals throughout the year, again in consultation with parents. Most students make the most of both forms of academic delivery within the core curriculum. “The philosophy is to make the learning interesting,” says Lin Lin, the school Director, “and to guide the students' interests to achieve academic success.”  

Cambridge International’s ability to succeed in that goal is evidenced in any interaction with the students. On a recent visit, we met with one who, on graduation, will go on to a professional golf program. Another is bound for Harvard law school. In one hallway, Lin points out a painting done by a student who, on graduation last year, was accepted to the fine art program at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver. This, of course, is as it should be, with all students finding the path that’s right for them. To deliver on that is rightly a point of pride among the school administration. 

The next Cambridge International Academy Open House is March 5
To inquire, or to reserve a spot, click here.  

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