Monarch Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Summary
- Curriculum
Traditional, Montessori - Preschool/K Curriculum
Montessori - Montessori Approach
Moderately non-orthodox - Language
English - Curriculum Pace
Student-paced - Academic Culture
Supportive - Developmental priorities
Balanced - Special needs support
Indirect Support - Gifted learner support
No Support - Extracurriculars
N/A
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Monarch Academy: Traditional, Montessori
Monarch Academy has a Traditional, Montessori approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
Monarch Academy has a Montessori approach to supplementary curriculum.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
What Monarch Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
A private school offering these three curriculums would cater to diverse educational preferences: • Traditional Curriculum: Structured, teacher-led approach focusing on academic excellence. • Montessori Curriculum: Child-centered, hands-on learning fostering independence and self-motivation. • Nature-Based Curriculum: Experiential, outdoor-focused learning promoting environmental awareness and practical skills. Through our innovative Monarch Academy Animal Rescue Program (MAARP), students explore animal behavior, habitats, care practices, and sustainability. MAARP fosters empathy and strengthens students' connection to the environment, enriching their educational journey. Each curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive and enriching educational experience tailored to different learning styles and philosophies.
Montessori program(s) offered
Program | Offered |
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Montessori toddler | |
Casa | |
Elementary | |
Middle School | |
High School |
Approach
Focus |
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Nature-based |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Monarch Academy: Equal Balance
Monarch Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Monarch Academy says:
Monarch Academy offers an equal balance of "traditional" and "discovery" methods. Students have multiple opportunities to explore and learn mathematical concepts through diverse techniques, learning problem-solving methods that can be applied to real-world scenarios and math worksheets. Our goal is to instill critical thinking by presenting challenging problems that require analysis and reflection on prior knowledge. We believe critical thinking is essential, and we encourage it across all subjects.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are permitted for use once basic mathematical concepts have been mastered.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Monarch Academy: Balanced Literacy
Monarch Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Monarch Academy says:
Monarch Academy offers a balanced "phonics-intensive" and "whole language" approach to early reading. We provide foundational knowledge for early reading and tools to help achieve reading success. Students learn phonetics to help them in blending sounds and reading. Additionally, tools such as context-clues help develop fluency, reading comprehension, problem-solving, inferencing and critical thinking skills. We believe that acquiring both foundational knowledge and tools for success is key.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Monarch Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Monarch Academy: Equal balance
Monarch Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Monarch Academy says:
Monarch Academy offers a balanced approach, combining systematic and process-based methods in our learning-to-write program. We focus on explicit sentence construction strategies while teaching planning, revising, and editing skills. Additionally, students learn to write various types of texts, covering both personal and real-life topics.
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Science
Science approach at Monarch Academy: Equal Balance
Monarch Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Our science program balances expository and inquiry-based approaches. Students learn scientific facts and theories through worksheets, lessons, hands-on experimentation, and "live science" activities.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Monarch Academy: Equal Balance
Monarch Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Monarch Academy says:
Monarch Academy's literature program offers a balanced focus on traditional and social justice themes. Our curriculum includes both Canadian and English literature, encompassing contemporary and classic works. Students explore the historical context and potential biases in the assigned texts. They engage in class discussions, independent work, essay writing, and group projects.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Monarch Academy: Expanding Communities
Monarch Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Monarch Academy says:
Monarch Academy's elementary social studies program combines core knowledge and thematic approaches, with a special emphasis on the expanding communities approach. We believe that the knowledge students gain in school should be applicable to their everyday lives, as school prepares them for the future. We encourage students to learn about themselves, their backgrounds, cultures, families, and geographical locations.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Monarch Academy: Equal Balance
Monarch Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Monarch Academy says:
Our humanities and social sciences program balances the perennialist and pragmatic approaches. Students explore historical works and ideas to gain a deeper understanding of the present day. Additionally, they engage in projects with real-world relevance.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Monarch Academy: Equal Balance
Monarch Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Monarch Academy says:
At Monarch Academy, students learn French in a fun and engaging way. While worksheets and assessments are part of the curriculum, there is an equal balance of interactive group work, games, and authentic texts. Our staff provide immediate reinforcement and feedback to help students improve their oral, writing, reading, and comprehension skills.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Monarch Academy: Equal Balance
Monarch Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Monarch Academy says:
Monarch Academy's arts program encompasses drama/theatre, music, and visual arts in both receptive and creative ways. Students learn about historical artists and techniques across all areas of the arts. We encourage self-expression and enjoyment in a judgment-free environment. In drama/theatre classes, all students participate in scriptwriting and acting in plays. Additionally, every student has the opportunity to learn basic music skills and play the piano.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Monarch Academy: Medium integration
Monarch Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Monarch Academy says:
Students will have the opportunity to develop their typing skills. Additionally, in our upcoming computer science unit, they will learn about the parts of a computer and how to build a drive board.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Monarch Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Monarch Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
Monarch Academy has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]What Monarch Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Monarch Academy: Montessori
Monarch Academy has a Montessori approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What Monarch Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Montessori Approach for Kindergarten/Preschool at Monarch Academy: • Child-Centered Learning: The Montessori approach prioritizes the individual child's interests, pace, and learning style. Children choose activities based on their curiosity and developmental readiness. • Mixed-Age Groups: Children of varying ages learn together, promoting peer teaching, collaboration, and social development. Waldorf Approach for Kindergarten/Preschool at Monarch Academy: • Holistic Development: Focuses on nurturing the child as a whole—intellectual, emotional, and practical skills. • Connection to Nature: Strong emphasis on nature, including outdoor play and seasonal activities.
Montessori Approach
Monarch Academy's Montessori approach. Learn about this school's class practices and policies as well as its curricular and teaching approach.
This information is not currently available.
Overall approach
Moderately Non-Orthodox
16% of schools
Schools that are faithful to the original Montessori program and principles, but sometimes supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.
Classroom practices
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Modern-day technology
Orthodox
Modern-day technology is never used in the classroom. This can interfere with students' social and emotional development and can be a distraction.
Moderately orthodox
Modern-day technology is very rarely used in class, since it can be a distraction and interfere with development. Students at the upper levels, though, might be permitted to use a computer or a tablet to do research for a specific project.
Moderately non-orthodox
Modern-day technology is used in moderation since it can be a distraction. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, and multimedia projects.
Non-orthodox
Modern technology is used fairly regularly. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, multimedia projects, and to learn keyboarding skills. Teachers may sometimes also use digital media, such as interactive whiteboards, to teach lessons or introduce topics.
Teaching assistants
Language
Learn about Monarch Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Monarch Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Monarch Academy: Student-paced
Monarch Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Monarch Academy says about their curriculum pace:
We challenge our students to reach their full potential and we also focus on individualized learning experiences that cater to their unique needs, interests, and learning styles. This approach fosters personal growth and allows students to progress at their own pace while encouraging deeper understanding.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
Differentiated assessment |
What Monarch Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Monarch Academy: Supportive
Monarch Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Monarch Academy says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Monarch Academy says about their developmental priorities:
Monarch Academy's developmental priorities are balanced, placing equal emphasis on the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical aspects of each student. Our holistic approach ensures that every child's development is nurtured as a whole.
Special needs support
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
Type | Offered |
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Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
Type | Offered |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
Program | Offered |
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Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Monarch Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Monarch Academy students perform an average of No homework of homework per night.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
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Monarch Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins |
Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 25 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 43 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins |
What Monarch Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
Monarch Academy offers 0 competitive sports and 0 recreational sports.
Clubs offered
Monarch Academy does not offer any clubs or extracurricular programs.