OSA Private School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at OSA Private School: Progressive
OSA Private School has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What OSA Private School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At OSA Private School, our progressive curriculum offers a balanced education, integrating academic excellence with high-level sports and arts training. Following the Ontario Curriculum, we provide a strong foundation in core subjects like math, science, and language arts, while offering specialized courses aligned with students’ individual interests. Small class sizes ensure personalized learning and support for academic success. Our holistic approach fosters both academic achievement and personal growth. Students participate in elite sports or arts programs during the school day, working with expert coaches and instructors in areas like hockey, soccer, baseball, football, dance, music, and strength and conditioning. This unique integration of academics with extracurricular passions promotes discipline, time management, and a well-rounded education. At OSA, students thrive both in and out of the classroom, preparing for future success with a combination of rigorous academics and specialized training. Our student-centered philosophy nurtures well-rounded individuals by blending academic rigor with real-world experiences and passions.
Approach
Focus |
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Sports: Ice Hockey • Baseball • Soccer • Track & Field • Football • Snowboarding/Skiing • Rowing • Swimming • Tennis |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
What OSA Private School says:
The Ontario Curriculum is generally considered to strike a balance between traditional and discovery math approaches. It includes elements of traditional math, such as practicing core skills and algorithms, while also incorporating aspects of discovery math, encouraging students to explore concepts, solve problems creatively, and apply real-world problem-solving strategies. The curriculum aims to foster both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
We use Nelson textbooks and supplementary tools like Edwin, Gizmos, Mathletics, Kodable, and CodeHS to enhance learning, creativity, and problem-solving, all aligned with the Ontario curriculum.
Calculator policy:
Students may use calculators for specific tasks in line with the Ontario curriculum guidelines, primarily for problem-solving and complex calculations. However, we encourage students to develop strong mental math skills and ensure they understand underlying concepts before relying on calculators for classroom assignments and assessments.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at OSA Private School: Balanced Literacy
OSA Private School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What OSA Private School says:
At OSA Private School, our balanced literacy approach to early reading combines the best practices of phonics-based instruction with whole-language strategies. We emphasize foundational skills like phonemic awareness, decoding, and vocabulary development, while also promoting reading comprehension, fluency, and a love for reading. Our approach includes guided reading sessions, shared reading, and independent reading, allowing students to apply phonics and vocabulary skills in real contexts. We integrate a variety of reading materials, including leveled books and engaging texts, to ensure that students are exposed to both structured learning and the joy of exploring stories. This balance between explicit instruction and exposure to rich language experiences helps develop confident, proficient readers. By focusing on individual student needs and progress, we support literacy growth at every level, laying a strong foundation for future academic success.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What OSA Private School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at OSA Private School: Equal balance
OSA Private School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What OSA Private School says:
At OSA Private School, our approach to teaching writing in the younger grades balances both systematic instruction and a process-based approach. We provide students with ample opportunities to express themselves through writing, encouraging creativity and personal voice from an early age. Simultaneously, we offer structured lessons on grammar, sentence structure, and writing strategies to build strong foundational skills. Our writing program incorporates activities like journaling, storytelling, and descriptive writing, allowing students to practice writing regularly while applying the grammar and sentence construction skills they learn. Through guided writing sessions and feedback, students develop an understanding of how to organize their thoughts, revise their work, and improve their writing over time. This balance between creative expression and technical instruction ensures that students not only enjoy writing but also build the essential skills needed for clear, effective communication as they progress through their academic journey.
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Science
Science approach at OSA Private School: Equal Balance
OSA Private School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
At OSA Private School, our approach to teaching science strikes a balance between expository learning and inquiry-based exploration. Students engage in a blend of direct, textbook-based instruction to build foundational knowledge, and hands-on experiments to foster curiosity and critical thinking. This combination ensures that students not only understand core scientific concepts but also learn how to apply them through experimentation and real-world problem-solving. Throughout the grades, we emphasize both tests to assess conceptual understanding and student-centered projects that encourage independent exploration. Our science curriculum covers key areas like biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science, while incorporating STEM activities and interactive tools like Gizmos to deepen engagement. By blending traditional instruction with inquiry-based learning, students develop a strong grasp of scientific principles and gain the confidence to explore, question, and analyze the world around them, preparing them for future academic and real-world challenges.
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 OSA Private School: Equal Balance
OSA Private School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What OSA Private School says:
At OSA Private School, our literature program balances traditional texts with a focus on social justice, ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of both classic literature and diverse, contemporary voices. Throughout the grades, students explore time-honored works, such as novels, poetry, and plays from various literary movements, fostering a deep appreciation for literary history, structure, and themes. At the same time, we incorporate texts that address current social justice issues, promoting critical thinking about equity, diversity, and inclusion. This blend allows students to engage with a wide range of perspectives, enhancing their ability to empathize with different experiences and cultures. Our approach includes discussions, literary analysis, and creative projects that encourage students to connect the themes and values from literature to their own lives and the world around them. By blending traditional and socially relevant texts, we cultivate a well-rounded understanding of literature that fosters both academic and personal growth.
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 OSA Private School: Expanding Communities
OSA Private School has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What OSA Private School says:
The Ontario Social Studies curriculum primarily follows an Expanding Communities approach. In the early grades, students learn about themselves, their families, and local communities, and as they progress through the grades, the focus gradually broadens to include the province, country, and global communities. The curriculum places an emphasis on understanding how people interact with each other and their environments, though history and geography are introduced and integrated later, rather than being the primary focus from the beginning. This approach fosters students' understanding of the world, starting with familiar experiences and gradually expanding to more complex concepts.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at OSA Private School: Equal Balance
OSA Private School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What OSA Private School says:
The Ontario curriculum for humanities and social sciences tends to reflect an Equal Balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approaches. It incorporates elements of both classic works and historical perspectives while also emphasizing relevance to contemporary issues and students' everyday experiences. In subjects like history and philosophy, students engage with "Big Ideas" and past works to develop critical thinking and cultural literacy, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition. At the same time, there is a strong focus on making learning practical and applicable to modern life, often incorporating projects with real-world relevance. Social sciences such as sociology, psychology, and contemporary geography are prominent, encouraging students to think critically about current societal issues. The curriculum also integrates themes like social justice and community, preparing students with both intellectual insight and practical life skills. This balance ensures students develop a well-rounded understanding of both historical and contemporary topics.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at OSA Private School: Communicative
OSA Private School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What OSA Private School says:
The Ontario curriculum for French as a Second Language (FSL) primarily follows a Communicative approach. It emphasizes the use of French in authentic, real-life contexts, encouraging students to engage in interactive activities like group work, role-playing, and games. The goal is for students to develop practical communication skills, with a focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing in meaningful situations. While drills and quizzes are still present to reinforce language structures, they are less prominent than in an audio-lingual method. Cultural understanding of French-speaking communities is also a key component, helping students connect language learning to broader cultural contexts.
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 OSA Private School: Equal Balance
OSA Private School 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 OSA Private School says:
Our arts program at OSA Private School strikes an equal balance between receptive and creative approaches. Students engage in studio-driven activities, creating visual, musical, and theatrical works, while also studying art history and reflecting on the aesthetic principles of various movements. This blend allows students to not only develop their artistic skills through hands-on practice but also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of historical and cultural contexts, fostering both creative expression and cognitive growth.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at OSA Private School: Heavy integration
OSA Private School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What OSA Private School says:
At OSA Private School, digital literacy is heavily integrated throughout our curriculum, reflecting its importance as a fundamental 21st-century skill. We believe that technology should enhance learning in meaningful ways, so our teachers connect lessons across all subjects to relevant technological tools and platforms. From using interactive simulations like Gizmos in science to coding platforms such as Kodable and CodeHS, students are regularly engaged with technology that deepens their understanding of core subjects. We emphasize not only the use of computers for research and assignments but also skills like coding, digital collaboration, and problem-solving. Students develop proficiency in various software and digital tools, preparing them for future academic and career opportunities. Our approach ensures that technology is not just an add-on but a vital part of the learning process, helping students gain skills they can apply beyond the classroom.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What OSA Private School says:
At OSA Private School, our physical education program emphasizes a well-rounded approach to health, fitness, and personal development. We focus on building physical literacy, promoting lifelong healthy habits, and fostering teamwork and leadership skills. Students engage in a variety of activities, from traditional sports to strength and conditioning, ensuring that they develop agility, coordination, and endurance. Our program is enhanced by partnerships with community experts, offering specialized training in sports such as hockey, soccer, baseball, and dance. This allows students to pursue athletic excellence while balancing their academic responsibilities. We also prioritize individual fitness goals, encouraging students to set and achieve personal milestones in their physical development. Physical education at OSA is not just about athletics—it’s about promoting mental well-being, resilience, and overall health, ensuring students grow into well-rounded individuals with the skills and confidence to stay active throughout their lives.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Computer Science A
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at OSA Private School: Not Ontario curriculum
OSA Private School has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]What OSA Private School says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about OSA Private School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
OSA Private School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
OSA Private School's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
OSA Private School offers online courses to students.
What OSA Private School says about their course flexibility:
As enrichment, OSA Private School offers flexible online courses designed to accommodate various student schedules and learning preferences. There are no strict registration deadlines, allowing students to enroll at any time throughout the year. Courses are self-paced, with no minimum course load required, giving students the freedom to manage their own progress. While we encourage timely completion, students have extended deadlines to ensure they can balance their coursework with other commitments. This flexibility allows for personalized learning that fits around athletic, artistic, or personal goals.
Course format
Type | Offered |
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Distance | |
Asynchronous | |
Synchronous |
Academic support and services
Type | Offered |
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Dedicated teacher per course | |
Exam proctoring | |
Student progress tracker | |
Regular office hours | |
Additional support | |
Study groups | |
Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at OSA Private School: Standard-enriched
OSA Private School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What OSA Private School says about their curriculum pace:
At OSA Private School, our standard-enriched curriculum goes beyond the provincial guidelines by exploring topics more in-depth and with greater rigor. We also offer specialized courses in sports and the arts, allowing students to engage in a broader, more dynamic educational experience tailored to their interests and strengths.
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 OSA Private School says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at OSA Private School: Supportive
OSA Private School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What OSA Private School says about their academic culture:
At OSA Private School, we foster a supportive academic culture that balances high standards with individualized attention. While we challenge students to excel, we prioritize the learning process and personal growth over short-term outcomes. Our small class sizes allow for personalized guidance, ensuring that each student is encouraged to reach their full potential in a nurturing environment. We focus on instilling a lifelong love of learning, curiosity, and resilience, equipping students with the tools they need for both academic and personal success.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Physical
The goal is to cultivate "strong, ?exible - bodied and active individuals, in tune with the joys of movement, sport and wellness."
What OSA Private School says about their developmental priorities:
At OSA Private School, we strive to develop well-rounded individuals who excel intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Our goal is to nurture creative and critical thinkers who can lead themselves and others with confidence and emotional intelligence. We foster a sense of social responsibility, encouraging students to engage with and positively impact their communities. Additionally, we prioritize physical development, promoting fitness, agility, and a lifelong appreciation for health and wellness. Through our balanced approach, students grow into strong, resilient individuals equipped for success in all areas of life.
Special needs support
OSA Private School offers Full-time Dedicated Class
Students are placed in a separate special education class.
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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 |
What OSA Private School says:
At OSA Private School, we provide personalized support for students who develop learning difficulties while enrolled. Our small class sizes allow us to closely monitor each student's progress, and we tailor our teaching strategies to meet their individual needs. We collaborate with parents, specialists, and teachers to ensure students receive the necessary accommodations, such as modified lessons or additional support. While we offer a nurturing and supportive environment, we may not have the specialized resources needed for students with clinically diagnosed learning disabilities. In such cases, we advise parents to consult with us to determine if our school is the best fit, ensuring their child receives the appropriate level of support for their academic success.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
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 OSA Private School says about their gifted learner support:
At OSA Private School, we provide gifted learners with enrichment opportunities, advanced coursework, and personalized attention to ensure they are challenged and engaged. Our small class sizes allow us to tailor learning experiences to meet their individual needs, fostering intellectual growth and encouraging creative problem-solving. We aim to nurture their talents while supporting their overall academic and personal development.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, OSA Private School students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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OSA Private School | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 25 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 43 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins | 75 mins | 86 mins | 101 mins | 107 mins |
What OSA Private School 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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Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
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
OSA Private School offers 19 competitive sports and 14 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross-country skiing
- Downhill skiing
- Equestrian
- Field Hockey
- Figure Skating
- Football
- Ice Hockey
- Ice Skating
- Martial Arts
- Rowing
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
Clubs offered
OSA Private School offers 16 clubs and extracurricular programs.