Programs & Services
Kindergarten Class
The kindergarten class is a full day program that maintains a low, 1:3 teacher-student ratio* with educational assistant (EA) support, if needed. This class is designed for children who are school aged but who are not yet ready to participate in a typical classroom setting. Students participate in fun educational activities that promote social emotional learning, gross and fine motor development as well as language development. Early math and early literacy skills are also studied.
Students often follow the ABLLS-R program to support the development and achievement of key school readiness skills.
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*The number of students in a classroom may exceed the designated ratio, provided that additional adult supervision is in place. Additional support refers to qualified staff members who are assigned to assist*
Direct Instruction
At Edelweiss Private Academy, reading, spelling, writing, math and comprehension skills are taught through evidence based Direct Instruction programs. Direct Instruction is an explicit teaching method that involves teachers giving specific instructions to deliver lessons. Skills and concepts are taught through demonstration and action, which are regularly reviewed and practised until fully mastered. Students will be placed in Direct Instruction groups based on his/her grade and skill level.
Individualized instruction is available at an additional cost. Students have to complete a baseline assessment to determine groups upon entry into the school.
Primary Class
Our primary class maintains a 1:6 teacher-student ratio* to better meet our students’ individual learning needs. Our students learn to develop active listening and self-regulation skills that help them make the best of their learning opportunities and take responsibility for their behaviour. The focus of the primary class is to help students build a strong foundational knowledge of the core subjects: reading, spelling, writing, language, and mathematics through evidence based Direct Instruction programming. In other curriculum areas, students begin by first learning about themselves, their lives, their families, and their community. Eventually they expand their studies to a wider Canadian, and global perspective. Young children learn best by doing and thus our students are given a variety of opportunities to explore through hands-on activities and group participation. If needed, our students will continue to follow the ABLES-R program to further develop key skills.
Our students benefit from an enriched, integrated arts program and get to enjoy a full physical education program, which includes weekly yoga and swimming.
*The number of students in a classroom may exceed the designated ratio, provided that additional adult supervision is in place. Additional support refers to qualified staff members who are assigned to assist.
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Junior Class
Our junior class maintains a 1:8 teacher-student ratio*, as students are better able to follow directions and work independently. Our students learn six effective learning skills and work habits (i.e. responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiation, and self-regulation) that help build character development, good interpersonal skills, and academic success.
The focus of the junior class is to expand and apply the concepts and skills learned in the primary grades. For example, in the primary grades’ students develop an understanding and appreciation for music through songs, rhymes and chants. In the junior grades, students begin to read music notation and play an instrument. Concepts become more complex and abstract in the junior class and our teachers skillfully break down new learning into meaningful parts that students can understand.
Students begin expanding their knowledge through experimentation, projects, and research. They benefit from an enriched arts and physical education program, which includes weekly yoga and swimming.
*The number of students in a classroom may exceed the designated ratio, provided that additional adult supervision is in place. Additional support refers to qualified staff members who are assigned to assist.
Intermediate Class
Our Intermediate class maintains a 1:12 teacher-student ratio* where students are preparing for learning at the secondary level. EPA provides a supportive environment where students develop the academic skills, independence, and confidence needed to transition successfully to secondary-level learning. Independent learning is fostered to help students make a smooth transition into high school. Students are engaged in inquiry-based learning where they make predictions, research information using technology, and guide their own learning.
Students use self-assessment, reflections and class generated rubrics to help them understand what needs to be done to successfully reach their end goal. Our teachers follow the Ministry of Education curriculum in all subjects, as well as a specially designed social skills program.
Students at EPA learn the core subjects of reading, spelling, writing, language, and mathematics through evidence based Direct Instruction, with each skill taught and practiced until mastery is achieved. Intermediate subject matter becomes increasingly more complex and students study history and geography. In science, students build foundational skills for the future study of biology, physics, chemistry, earth and space science in high school. Our students benefit from an enriched Arts and physical education program, which includes weekly yoga and swimming.
*The number of students in a classroom may exceed the designated ratio, provided that additional adult supervision is in place. Additional support refers to qualified staff members who are assigned to assist.
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Transition Programs
Primary/Junior Transition Class
The primary/junior transition class is designed for students in Grades 1 through 3 or 4 through 6, with a strong focus on communication and socialization. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn the academic, communication and social skills necessary throughout their education. Students learn character development and social emotional learning; the skills needed to help them make friends, interact with others, regulate their emotions, ask for help, keep themselves healthy and safe and to follow school routines. The core subjects of Language, and Essential Reading and Essential Math are presented through Direct Instruction. In addition, the academic subjects of Science, Social studies and The Arts are taught through experiential hands-on learning.
Our students benefit from an enriched Arts and physical education program, which includes weekly yoga and swimming. Our primary/junior transition class maintains a 1:6 teacher-student ratio.
*The number of students in a classroom may exceed the designated ratio, provided that additional adult supervision is in place. Additional support refers to qualified staff members who are assigned to assist.*
Intermediate Life Skills Class
The Intermediate Life Skills class helps our students become independent and successful at home, school and in the community. The program focuses on academic skills, daily living skills, occupational and interpersonal skills and students learn to live and work independently. Topics of study include Personal Care, Household Skills, Essential Math and Reading, Leisure and Recreation, Community Living, Safety, Self-Awareness, Self-Confidence, Occupational Skills, and Interpersonal Skills. Programming includes hands on sensory integration activities that are embedded throughout the day to enhance engagement, regulation and learning.
The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) is used as an additional curriculum tool to assess each student’s baseline skills and to guide the development of both individual and group acquisition targets. This program is available to students Grade 4 and up. The Intermediate Life Skills class maintains a small teacher-student ratio (1:6). Additional EA support is available, if needed, at an additional cost.
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*The number of students in a classroom may exceed the designated ratio, provided that additional adult supervision is in place. Additional support refers to qualified staff members who are assigned to assist.*
Physical Education and Yoga Program
Physical fitness is so important for a child’s overall health, body, and mind. In an effort to help our students develop a healthy lifestyle, EPA provides a thorough physical education program. Students participate in daily physical activities , daily outside sports and play, weekly physical education classes , weekly yoga and recreational swimming. Physical activity is a great way to manage stress.
There are several benefits gained from yoga. Yoga helps students with emotional regulation. Students learn breathing exercises and poses to help them relax, focus, and develop mindfulness.​ Yoga helps improve gross motor skills and increase body awareness. It also helps increase concentration, coordination, flexibility, and strength. At EPA, our students enjoy weekly group yoga sessions which in turn help them develop good learning skills and work habits.
STEM Course
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM activities help students succeed in our ever-increasing technological world. Hands-on science experiments and activities help students understand abstract scientific concepts. Technology is a powerful academic resource and tool.
Technology use is encouraged at EPA with all students having access to an iPad for use at school (i.e. for conducting research, recording answers and thoughts, and as a means of assistive technology).
Additional Services
Before and After Care
Before care is available beginning as early as 8:15AM. After care is available from 3:30PM to 4:30PM each day at an additional cost.
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The before or after care is led by EPA Educational Assistants who provide homework support, promote social interactions through games/ activities or guide students as they engage in self-chosen activities. Please contact your classroom teacher or the principal if you wish to have your child enrolled in before care and/or after care.
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* Before or after care fees are not included in tuition *
SMT Learning
EPA now offers Simultaneous Multisensory Teaching (SMT) programming designed for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. This program provides reading, spelling and writing instruction to students of all ages. SMT also helps students with reading comprehension.
Through SMT Programming, reading success quickly leads to heightened self - confidence and overall improved academic progress. The SMT program is available at an additional cost ( not included in tuition). Please contact the Principal if you need further information regarding the SMT program.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring services are now available at Edelweiss Private Academy for before or after school, based on staff availability. Morning sessions are available from 8:15am - 8:45am and after school sessions from 3:35pm - 4:35pm.
Tutoring services are offered to EPA students who need additional one to one support for Direct Instruction.
IBI Therapy
We are pleased to offer 1:1 IBI sessions to enhance our learners educational experience at EPA. IBI therapy is a structured, intensive form of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) focused on teaching new skills and improving overall day to day function. We specialize in teaching students with various learning needs and encourage them to keep moving forward to reach their academic, social and development goals. Our IBI sessions will provide our learners with additional support for positive classroom participation. IBI services are available at an additional cost.
High School Credit Course
EPA, in partnership with TVOilc ( Independent Learning Centre) is excited to announce that senior students will be able to take high school credit courses towards acquiring an Ontario Secondary School Diploma at EPA.
Eligible students will register for courses through TVOilc and our knowledgeable teaching staff will act as learning coaches to help guide and accommodate student learning.
The courses through TVOilc are affordable for eligible Ontario residents ( the course fees are not included in EPA tuition fees). Students will be expected to provide their own laptop to use during their studies at school. The cost of program materials is included in the EPA tuition fee.
To participate, students must be able to demonstrate good independent work habits in a classroom environment and refrain from disruptive behaviours that impede learning. If the student requires additional academic/behavioural support, EA assistance can be provided at an extra cost.
Please contact the Principal, Miss. Maja at [email protected] should you require further information regarding high school credits.
