Laureate College

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School Busing:

• Burlington
• Hamilton
• Milton
• Oakville

Additional notes: Airport pick-up is provided for international students upon their arrival. Door-to-door pickup will be available starting the 2024-2025 school year with limited spaces (12) and additional busing fees.

Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Laureate College.

School Facilities Gallery

Photo-tour of facilities

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• Athletics facilities
• Arts facilities
• Campus
• Classrooms
• Residences
• Science facilities
• Instructional resources
• Shared spaces

Athletics facilities

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Volleyball and soccer fields

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Disc Golf court

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Arts facilities

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The Artspace, with a capacity of 250 people, offers visual arts, fibre arts, tapestry, ceramics, and music programs for students and the general public.

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The Art Studio overlooks the landscape of Hamilton and the lake in the distance

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The one-of-a-kind art-is-life gallery in the lobby invites everyone upon entrance.

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Campus

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Jubilee Garden

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The Backyard Harvest greenhouse offers hands-on project learning opportunities and allows our students to gain valuable insights into sustainable agriculture, gardening and the cultivation of organic produce.

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Set against the awe-inspiring Niagara Escarpment backdrop and spread across a picturesque 50-acre property at 1921 Snake Road, Burlington, Ontario, Laureate’s campus sets the stage for academic excellence, personal growth, and vibrant campus life.

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Classrooms

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Music Room

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Bright and Spacious STEM Classroom

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English Classroom

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Residences

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Double-room

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Quadruple-room

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Ensuite

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Science facilities

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Science Classroom

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Instructional resources

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Our very own farm-to-table farmland

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Computer Lab

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Jubilee Garden

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Shared spaces

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Multipurpose Activity Room

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Meeting Hall

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Dining Hall

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Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Laureate College.

• Curriculum Progressive
  [Show definition of Curriculum]

  Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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  Curriculum approach at Laureate College: Progressive

  Laureate College has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

  [Show: About Progressive?]

  Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Progressive - 36%
    Traditional - 39%
    Liberal arts - 13%
    Montessori - 10%
    Reggio Emilia - 0%
    Waldorf - 2%
  

  What Laureate College says: Laureate College was founded on the belief that every student is unique and possesses an inherent yearning for learning, growth, and the ability to acquire knowledge, creating a meaningful pathway for life purposefully. At Laureate, every student actively shapes their learning experiences within an inclusive environment characterized by innovative teaching, personalized learning, abundant resources, and global connections. Through our vision, mission, and values, we aspire to create a transformative learning experience that empowers students to embrace opportunities and challenges with confidence, leveraging the knowledge and skill sets they acquire throughout their Laureate journeys.

  Approach:

  Focus
  Arts: Visual arts • Music • Graphic design • Performing arts

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Traditional Math

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    Mathematics approach at Laureate College: Traditional Math

    Laureate College has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional Math?]

    Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional math - 26%
      Discovery math - 6%
      Equal balance - 68%
    

    What Laureate College says: This information is not currently available.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

  • Science Expository

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    Science approach at Laureate College: Expository

    Laureate College has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Expository?]

    Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 26%
      Equal balance - 69%
    

    Teaching approach: This information is not currently available.

    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 Traditional

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    Literature approach at Laureate College: Traditional

    Laureate College has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional - 21%
      Social justice - 4%
      Equal balance - 75%
    

    What Laureate College says: This information is not currently available.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance

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    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance

    Laureate College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 82%
      Perennialism - 7%
      Pragmatism - 11%
    

    What Laureate College says: This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance

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    Foreign Languages approach at Laureate College: Equal Balance

    Laureate College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 64%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 34%
    

    What Laureate College says: This information is not currently available.

    Language instruction offered in:

    Subject	offered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts Creative

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    Fine Arts approach at Laureate College: Creative

    Laureate College has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Creative - 35%
      Receptive - 1%
      Equal balance - 64%
    

    Program offers:

    Subject	offered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Laureate College says: Creative: Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is to use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos. Expressive: Creativity is inherently subjective. Our goal is to create an open and non-judgmental environment for students to experiment, innovate, and find the artist within"

  • Computers and Technology Heavy integration

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    Computers and Technology approach at Laureate College: Heavy integration

    Laureate College has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Heavy integration?]

    A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Heavy integration - 28%
      Light integration - 18%
      Medium integration - 54%
    

    What Laureate College says: Technology is heavily integrated. Students are taught to be digital citizens and to understand the responsibilities of being online. With our learning management system, Moodle, and Microsoft Teams, students are able to access and submit assignments at all times throughout the course. Students are required to have a laptop or computer with access to the Internet in all classes.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

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    What Laureate College says: Physical Education at Laureate College is characterized as a fun reprieve from learning during the course of the day. Students get to take a break from their studies and participate in games and activities working on teamwork, coordination, and strength that help them grow as students outside of the classroom. A relaxed environment not only gives students a break from classes but allows them to release stress and get good exercise.

  • Advanced Placement courses

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    This information is not currently available.
  • Sex and health education Not Ontario curriculum

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    Sex and health education approach at Laureate College: Not Ontario curriculum

    Laureate College has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

    [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

    The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

    Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 42%
      Follows provincial curriculum - 58%
    

    What Laureate College says: This information is not currently available.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
  [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

  This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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  Curriculum Pace approach at Laureate College: Standard-enriched

  Laureate College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 57%
    Accelerated - 18%
    Student-paced - 25%
  

  What Laureate College says: There is some flexibility to accommodate personal needs and adjust the learning pace to ensure success and sustainable learning.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	offered
  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 Laureate College says about flexible pacing: Teachers will cover all the required expectations and meet the individual needs of the students because of the small class size.

• Academic Culture Supportive
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

  Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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  Academic Culture approach at Laureate College: Supportive

  Laureate College has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

  [Show: About Supportive?]

  A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Supportive - 50%
    Rigorous - 50%
  

  What Laureate College says about their academic culture: Laureate focuses on providing students with quality education, small class sizes, and opportunities to be successful in and out of the classroom. We are committed to whole student development, allowing students to meet their educational goals and ultimately be successful as a human being outside of their education.

• Developmental priorities Intellectual
  [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

  Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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  Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

  The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

  Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

  What Laureate College says: First and foremost we are an educational institution committed to meeting the intellectual needs of our students. However, we firmly believe that students need more than just a strong academic portfolio, meaning we also focus on their social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

• Special needs support No support
  [Show definition of Special needs support]

  Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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  Laureate College offers No support

  Laureate College offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  Academic Support:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
  Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

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  A - Forms of Support

  Accommodation:

  Modification:

  Remediation:

  B - Environments

  Indirect Support:

  Resource Assistance:

  Withdrawal Assistance:

  Partial Integration:

  Full-Time Class:

  
  

  Special NeedNeed

  Forms of SupportA

  EnvironmentsB

  ADHD

  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (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.

    Dyscalculia

    This 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.

    Dysgraphia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

    Language Processing Disorder

    This 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 Deficit

    A 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.
  • Developmental
    Autism

    Refers 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 Syndrome

    On 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 syndrome

    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

    Intellectual disability

    This 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 syndrome

    This 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.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

    roubled 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 Depression

    This 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 anxiety

    This 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 thoughts

    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

    Drug and alcohol abuse

    This 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.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis

    This 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 palsy

    his 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 dystrophy

    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

    Spina Bifida

    This 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.

    Blindness

    Visual 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."

    Deafness

    Hearing 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 Fibrosis

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

    Multiple physical

    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

  Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

• Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

  Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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  Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.

  In-class adaptations:

  Program	offered
  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 Laureate College says: This information is not currently available.

• Language English
  Laureate College offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish
• Homework Policy
  [Show definition of Homework Policy]

  Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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  In grade Gr. 12, Laureate College students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	9	10	11	12
  Laureate College	45 mins	45 mins	60 mins	60 mins
  Site Average	69 mins	80 mins	97 mins	105 mins

  This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).

  What Laureate College says about their flipped classroom policy: Flipped classes are designed to align with specific activities and the teacher's lesson plans for each session. This approach to education encourages students to engage actively in their learning, providing a more dynamic and interactive classroom experience.

• Report Card Policy
  [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

  While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
  Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
  Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12

Laureate College offers multi-dimensional learning that is essential for students to develop the global competency skills through student-centred activities, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated instruction.  Students excel and reach their potential when learning is personalized and focus on deeper learning.  Student engagement comes when they understand the purpose of learning, develop the mastery of a concept, recognize the connections to our communities, and become self-directed learners.