The very best private schools are those that support a specific set of learner, and do it exceptionally well. Within the boundaries of that definition, Fraser Academy is certainly one of the best. The faculty are here because of their experiences with language-based learning differences—they know what they are, and they know how to address them effectively in the classroom. Students arrive here because they need that level of expertise, and moreover because they choose not to be defined by their learning differences, but to work through them. Here, they are understood, they are supported within a community of peers. That’s the baseline, and the program builds from there, celebrating each student’s abilities, passions, and successes. For the students that enroll, the experience is transformative, in part because they can be special in the ways that they want to be, and not because of how they learn.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Located in Vancouver, BC, we empower students (Grades 2-12) with dyslexia to become confident, autonomous learners. Fraser Academy assists students in discovering their strengths, while addressing learning weaknesses. Our graduates have a bright future of possibilities.
Our teachers are experienced at identifying a student’s learning style and tailoring instruction so that students achieve success.
Our program features:"
Dyslexia Experts: 1:1 or small group Orton-Gillingham instruction
Small Classes: 7-12 students
Innovative Learning: improves creativity and real-world competence using arts and technology
Post-Secondary Counseling: provides strategic guidance to help students achieve their goals and drea
Individual Education Plans: tailored to each student's specific strengths and needs
Executive Function Coaching: deliberately taught to develop problem solving, self-regulation, time m
Specialized Faculty: in all subjects, including fine arts, applied arts and physical education
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"We provide dyslexic thinkers with the most effective strategies for optimizing their learning. We tailor instruction to help students learn grade-appropriate curriculum and all...(more)
"We provide dyslexic thinkers with the most effective strategies for optimizing their learning. We tailor instruction to help students learn grade-appropriate curriculum and all students successfully complete provincial graduation requirements to earn a BC Dogwood Certificate of Graduation. Small class sizes and 1:1 and group instruction provide individualized support while maintaining academic rigor.
Students at Fraser Academy find the joys of learning, study hard, become self-advocates for their learning challenges, and grow into independent young adults. We have a strong track record of academic success, with 95% of our graduates going on to college or university."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"To prioritize small class sizes and 1:1 instruction, we have limited enrollment capacity, ensuring that each student receives the individualized attention they require. Class...(more)
"To prioritize small class sizes and 1:1 instruction, we have limited enrollment capacity, ensuring that each student receives the individualized attention they require. Class sizes range from seven to twelve students."
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 program is designed for bright, creative students who have a primary diagnosis of a specific learning disorder in reading or written expression, such as dyslexia. Students who...(more)
"Our program is designed for bright, creative students who have a primary diagnosis of a specific learning disorder in reading or written expression, such as dyslexia. Students who come to us often have unrealized academic potential.
During our admissions process, we assess a student’s suitability for our program and learning environment. Students who are a good fit are often intellectually curious and articulate, and demonstrate the potential to be collaborative, empathetic, flexible thinkers, who are ready to take on challenges and be engaged in the classroom.
Students who thrive at Fraser Academy embody our core values:
• Resilience: Having the courage to persevere
• Acceptance: Demonstrating respect, empathy and openness in our community
• Innovation: In teaching and learning
• Self-Reliance: Utilizing personal strengths and resources to become independent
• Excellence: In delivery and standards"
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"We empower and educate students whose primary diagnosis is a specific learning disorder in reading and/or written expression. Students with dyslexia may also experience additional...(more)
"We empower and educate students whose primary diagnosis is a specific learning disorder in reading and/or written expression. Students with dyslexia may also experience additional difficulties in math, attention, and/or organizational skills."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Fraser Academy is British Columbia’s only Grade 2-12 school solely dedicated to empowering students with dyslexia. Families come to Fraser Academy to access expertise, and give...(more)
"Fraser Academy is British Columbia’s only Grade 2-12 school solely dedicated to empowering students with dyslexia. Families come to Fraser Academy to access expertise, and give their children choice and opportunity. We are the only K-12 Orton-Gillingham Association (OGA) accredited instructional program in Canada - this includes the highest concentration of OGA fellows and practitioners of any organization in the country. We are also Canada’s only selected Founding Partner School of the Association of LD Schools (ALDS).
In addition to the teaching expertise and targeted intervention, we offer a fulsome school experience, brimming with athletics, fine and applied arts, outdoor education, and clubs. By exploring strengths, students generate momentum to further their learning.
Over 95% of Fraser Academy graduates are accepted to college or university in Canada, the US, and Europe."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"We are recognized as a beacon of hope for families of children with dyslexia and related learning differences.
Our school is well-known for its dedication to developing...(more)
"We are recognized as a beacon of hope for families of children with dyslexia and related learning differences.
Our school is well-known for its dedication to developing confidence, independence, and resilience in students who have previously struggled in traditional educational environments. At Fraser Academy, students are in an environment suited to their learning needs and have the opportunity to play to their strengths and express their creativity. This opens up a world of possibilities and promise for the future."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"We are a vibrant school community with an abundance of enrichment opportunities for students to explore. These include arts integration, fine and applied arts programs,...(more)
"We are a vibrant school community with an abundance of enrichment opportunities for students to explore. These include arts integration, fine and applied arts programs, experiential learning, outdoor education, social-emotional learning, and athletics.
We serve the entire lower mainland, with some students commuting over an hour to attend. We offer a direct bus service from South Surrey, Richmond, and the North Shore.
In addition to our school, we offer various outreach programs, including Orton-Gillingham instruction, NILD Educational Therapy, and Executive Function Coaching."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Parents who are new to our school are often overcome by relief when they discover that their child is no longer struggling and is actually enjoying school. At Fraser Academy,...(more)
"Parents who are new to our school are often overcome by relief when they discover that their child is no longer struggling and is actually enjoying school. At Fraser Academy, students are accepted for who they are and their intelligence is recognized and respected by their teachers. This can be life changing for the entire family. Many times, families have expressed their gratitude and shared, “We have our child back.”"
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"We’re committed to enhancing the student experience. Recently, the Changing Destinies fund has led to improvements such as:
• supporting creativity and the arts through...(more)
"We’re committed to enhancing the student experience. Recently, the Changing Destinies fund has led to improvements such as:
• supporting creativity and the arts through upgrading our art facilities;
• significantly increasing our bursary offerings to provide more opportunities for deserving students;
• further specializing our math remediation to help students improve numeracy skills;
• prioritizing professional development for our faculty, including specialized training in executive functioning, ADHD, and integrating AI into the classroom."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Our school will continue its mission of celebrating the unique strengths of individuals with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, empowering children and youth with...(more)
"Our school will continue its mission of celebrating the unique strengths of individuals with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, empowering children and youth with choice and opportunity.
In addition, we are leading an initiative to establish a Centre for Dyslexia and are in the planning stages for a world-class, purpose-built education facility for the dyslexic learner. This will improve access to our school, as well as outreach programs, teacher training, and early literacy screening and intervention."
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