The purpose of any great private school is to support a segment of the learner population, giving them the attention that they require to be successful and to have their talents recognised and celebrated. By that metric, without a doubt, Edelweiss is a great private school. The approach is evidence based, keyed to a range of personal and academic outcomes, and delivered by faculty members who have direct, clinical experience. The range of exceptionalities that students arrive with are varied, though ultimately the approach is student-centred, working with each to ensure that they feel comfortable and grow and learn. Often, and this is true in the case of Edelweiss, the parameters of the environment are a key element—whatever challenges the students are experiencing, they don’t exist on the periphery of the school community, pulled from classes say for one-on-one with a teaching assistant. Rather they feel central within it, precisely because they are, in fact, central to it. In this environment, they don’t feel exceptional, but an equal part of a shared community that understands them.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Our school caters to the needs of students with exceptionalities. We provide a multi-team approach to promote our students’ academic, physical and social emotional development. We maintain small teacher:student ratios. The core subjects are delivered through evidence based Direct Instruction. We promote socialization and character development through a Social Skills course of study. Our students also benefit from a thorough PE and Arts program. We work closely with parents to help students reach their potential."
Catering to students with Autism, and/or other exceptionalities
Direct Instruction for Reading, Math, Writing, Spelling and Language
Hands-on STEM activities
Effective Social Skills and Life Skills programming
Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and Ontario Certified Teachers
Daily physical Activities, weekly yoga, swimming and other sports
Enriching Arts program including dance, drama, music and visual arts
Applied Behavioural Analysis techniques and small teacher to student ratio
Online learning option
Multi-team approach
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"We use evidence based programming for our core subjects. A multi-team approach of teachers, EAs, STs, and Psychologist work together to ensure each child's unique needs are...(more)
"We use evidence based programming for our core subjects. A multi-team approach of teachers, EAs, STs, and Psychologist work together to ensure each child's unique needs are addressed. We provide Life Skills training, a rich Arts program, and an enhanced Physical Education program that includes yoga and weekly swimming. Our Social Skills program helps students become good citizens. A welcoming, friendly environment supports the academic, physical, & social-emotional development of our students."
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?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Our school is ideal for students who are experiencing difficulty in mainstream schools. We have experience working with students with various exceptionalities including...(more)
"Our school is ideal for students who are experiencing difficulty in mainstream schools. We have experience working with students with various exceptionalities including Behavioural, Communication (Autism, Language Impairment, etc.), Intellectual (including Gifted) and Multiple (any combination of exceptionalities). EPA provides children with a safe and supportive environment, where they can reach their full academic and behavioural potential.
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6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"EPA specializes in educating children with academic, behavioural and social-emotional exceptionalities."
"EPA specializes in educating children with academic, behavioural and social-emotional exceptionalities."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"We maintain small teacher:pupil ratios. We are an ABA school, teaching provincial curriculum. Our students feel welcomed and comfortable as their self-esteem grows. Our staff is...(more)
"We maintain small teacher:pupil ratios. We are an ABA school, teaching provincial curriculum. Our students feel welcomed and comfortable as their self-esteem grows. Our staff is trained in working with special needs students and are dedicated to seeing our students reach their potential. Ongoing professional training ensure staff remain current in the field. EPA provides quick, full student assessments and feedback. Our school can arrange for psychological assessments and family therapy."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"We are an ABA school and we use a multi-disciplinary and multi-team approach. Our core subjects are taught through evidence based Direct Instruction, specifically designed for...(more)
"We are an ABA school and we use a multi-disciplinary and multi-team approach. Our core subjects are taught through evidence based Direct Instruction, specifically designed for each student. We provide daily, effective communication with parents. An array of additional supports are available for student success. Each student's needs are addressed efficiently and support is provided quickly. The EPA staff is highly trained in their respective field."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"We are an ABA school with a highly qualified staff., including OCT teachers. EPA core subjects are taught using evidence based programs and specifically geared to the individual...(more)
"We are an ABA school with a highly qualified staff., including OCT teachers. EPA core subjects are taught using evidence based programs and specifically geared to the individual child. Our students enjoy fun French classes, and a full Arts and Phys. Ed. program, including weekly swimming. The school grounds have large playing fields and two play structures, one designed for special needs students. EPA is centrally located and easily accessible from major routes."
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?
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