Chisholm Academy offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are regular rider.
The regions Chisholm Academy offers busing from are:
Burlington
Etobicoke
Mississauga
Additional notes: Bussing is determined annually, based on the locations of our students. We pick up at certral locations within walking distance of a students home. We do our best to minimize the time that each student stays on the bus. Routes are determined by our provider.
Meet Chisholm Academy's admission team at the Private School Expo: Halton-Peel (Oct 19). RSVP NOW
The big picture on Chisholm Academy
We wrote a book reviewing the school
The 50-page review of Chisholm Academy is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"Our students have learning disabilities, ADHD, and anxiety but they're also regular kids who have struggled in school and who deserve to learn in an environment where they feel understood, respected, and heard. Chisholm Academy assists students reach their potential and gain confidence through comprehensive IEPs, accommodations, and a structured and supportive teaching style. The multi-disciplinary staff includes special education certified teachers, teaching assistants, child and youth workers, and consulting psychologists."
Grades 7 - 12 with classes of 8 - 12 students
Accepting, respectful, and supportive environment
Multi-disciplinary staff
College and university bound classes
Comprehensive Individual Education Plans for all students
IEPs carefully written, thoroughly followed, and regularly reviewed
Advanced technology (Google School)
Study hall and homework support
Multitude of extra curricular activities
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Chisholm Academy (1971) is the first specialized school in Ontario for students with learning or personal concerns. We created a "typical" school for those who require individual...(more)
"Chisholm Academy (1971) is the first specialized school in Ontario for students with learning or personal concerns. We created a "typical" school for those who require individual educational plans, taught in small groups. While we do not accept students with behavioural issues, we are pleased to accept students with LD, ADHD, anxiety or depression. 100% of our students attend post secondary institutions. Our relationships with our students and parents is always supportive and long-lasting."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"We strongly believe that when students are comfortable in school, their ability to learn, increases dramatically. We ensure that our students connect with our staff and make...(more)
"We strongly believe that when students are comfortable in school, their ability to learn, increases dramatically. We ensure that our students connect with our staff and make friends at school. At times, their learning is postponed to be certain that they are feeling good about the school and who they are. At times, it may be important to sacrifice teaching and homework for comfort within themselves. Our short term goal is to ensure that all students fell accepted and competent."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Chisholm Academy began in 1971 as a supportive place for students with reading and mathematical difficulties, to find alternative ways to learn. In the 1980's, Dr. Howard...(more)
"Chisholm Academy began in 1971 as a supportive place for students with reading and mathematical difficulties, to find alternative ways to learn. In the 1980's, Dr. Howard Bernstein arrived with a vision. He established a psychology practice dedicated understanding the needs of children and adolescents and finding solutions for their success. The psychology practice became the largest educational psychology practice in Ontario. After completing thousands of psychoeducational assessments, the staff began to discuss the need for a full time high school. The Academy began with 6 students and grew to over 100 and soon added grades 7 and 8. A new school was constructed specifically for students with the needs we serve. A decision was later made to make the organization a registered charity operated by a Board of Directors. The Academy has become a leader across Canada in serving students with mild and moderate exceptionalities."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"As you walk through our building, we appear to be a regular school with the exception of small classrooms. However, our students ALL have Individual Educational Plans based on...(more)
"As you walk through our building, we appear to be a regular school with the exception of small classrooms. However, our students ALL have Individual Educational Plans based on their needs. Who are our kids? Overall they are pretty regular kids who are somewhat hurt because they have not done well in school. The are sometimes diagnosed as, LD, ADD, quirky, anxiety disorder or depression. A very large group of our students do not have a formal diagnosis, but their parents just know they require more attention than possible in a class of 30. As part pf our admissions process, we regretfully exclude students that we do not feel will be able to complete college or university. This factor alone tends to normalize our student body. So, who are our kids? They are like all kids: Searching to find their way; do better in school; make friends; develop confidence; and reach their goals for adulthood."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Any special education school has obstacles. Some people view Spec Ed as a negative. Chisholm Academy, our staff, parents and students, view it as an opportunity to grow and...(more)
"Any special education school has obstacles. Some people view Spec Ed as a negative. Chisholm Academy, our staff, parents and students, view it as an opportunity to grow and develop. Special education does not mean settling for mediocrity but rather pulling away from mediocrity to success."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"The Executive Director is a doctoral psychologist with expertise in clinical & educational psychology. Our principal & vice-principals hold specialist degrees & teaching staff are...(more)
"The Executive Director is a doctoral psychologist with expertise in clinical & educational psychology. Our principal & vice-principals hold specialist degrees & teaching staff are required to complete special education training. We employ counsellors, child & youth workers, recreation leadership staff and specialists in art & drama. There is very little staff turn over, which attests to the atmosphere. At Chisholm, comfort, personal growth & development, are as important as curriculum."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"We are so proud of our reputation! We know of no other school where 100% of students requiring additional support, all attend post-secondary institutions."
"We are so proud of our reputation! We know of no other school where 100% of students requiring additional support, all attend post-secondary institutions."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"No one is bullied at Chisholm. Some of our kids had difficulty in previous schools. We facilitate personal relationships & activities to ensure all students are accepted. Our...(more)
"No one is bullied at Chisholm. Some of our kids had difficulty in previous schools. We facilitate personal relationships & activities to ensure all students are accepted. Our staff is committed to extra-curricular activities & we required that every student participates in at least 2 activities. As students make friends & become increasingly confident, learning becomes easier. Our guidance department ensures post-secondary choices are appropriate & we consult with each student's new school."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"The "normalized" environment we create, allows us to function as a traditional school yet employ all the aspects of individual educational plans. New students are immediately...(more)
"The "normalized" environment we create, allows us to function as a traditional school yet employ all the aspects of individual educational plans. New students are immediately accepted and feel part of our family within days of starting at Chisholm. Our kids are are regular students who need that extra support in order to go on to college or university & lead successful independent lives. Moms & Dads quickly understand that their input is encouraged and appreciated."
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?
With roots in an educational psychology practice, Chisholm’s teaching philosophy views students’ emotional health as pivotal to their learning capacity. “We come at the whole school experience from a unique angle, in that our priority is to create an environment where kids feel comfortable,” says Dr. Bernstein.
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