We are delighted to welcome you to explore Chisholm Academy - the IEP School.
As you will discover, Chisholm is driven by our mission to ensure that students with learning or social needs receive the education to which they are entitled. We do our utmost to truly know your child through (a) your thoughts as parents, (b) previous assessments and report cards, (c) personal interaction throughout the school year and (d) completion and constant review of their comprehensive Individual Educational Plan.
New students fit into the school and make friendships within the first few days of attendance. Our students are wonderfully accepting and respectful of each other. Whenever there is a concern by a parent, student or staff member, it is addressed immediately in a supportive fashion.
Chisholm students remediate, compensate and develop their academic and social skills while developing empathy and intellectual confidence. They are taught by special educators who teach from multiple perspectives, offering an appreciation for the many styles by which we all learn. Our commitment to diversity outlines its importance to our school's vitality and affirms that Chisholm is an anti-bias community, committed to building a more equitable society through our actions.
Our students stretch to their fullest potential, and Chisholm graduates depart for the Colleges and Universities of their choosing, with intent, self-confidence, skills and knowledge.
The Chisholm Advantage and a Bit of History:
Since 1971, Chisholm Academy has been a Canadian leader in providing support to students who require Individualized Educational Programs. Chisholm Academy is a school that supports students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD and executive functioning challenges, as well as those with general academic weaknesses or those coping with anxiety or depression. Every student's IEP is carefully written; always followed thoroughly; and reviewed regularly. All our teaching staff have special education qualifications. With small class sizes, a new and beautiful facility, a host of technological resources, and a supportive and committed staff, Chisholm Academy continues as the leader in supportive education.
We enhance the school experience through building confidence in both academic and social realms. The range of extra-curricular activities exceeds most schools and these activities are specifically designed for our population. We have over 25 clubs including movies, drama, art, sports, board games, student council, music, and computer coding. We offer a variety of school trips to further enrich the learning environment. Our students enjoy free time in our student lounge and purchase treats in our Tuck Shop.
With a maximum of 130 students in grades 7-12 and staff to student ratios averaging 8:1, kids thrive in the Chisholm Academy environment.
At one time, the school and psychology practice were owned and operated by Dr. Howard Bernstein. Several years ago, Dr. Bernstein listed the school a registered charity and sold the psychology practice. While the practice is an on-site arms-length heath provider, we enjoy a wonderful consultative relationship with them.
Accreditation:
Chisholm Academy has been registered and inspected as a private school by the Ontario Ministry of Education since 1971, and is authorized to grant credits at all levels and in all subjects. The teaching staff are registered with the Ontario College of Teachers and are required to complete approved special education designations. Our child & youth worker and recreational therapist completed the required course work and practicums to graduate from a recognized institution. The management team all have Masters degrees and specific training in special education. The psychology staff have masters or doctoral degrees and psychologists are registered with the Ontario College of Psychologists. We also have a relationship with the University of Buffalo Medical School in order to make referrals in a timely manner.
The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes Chisholm Academy as a school for exceptional learners. Consequently, tuition may qualify as a medical tax credit or for your health spending account. Generally, students will may not qualify for the Disability Tax Credit as Chisholm Academy students are too high functioning to meet the criteria of "severe and prolonged" illness. However, we are listed as a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency and you will receive a charitable receipt for any donations beyond tuition payments.
Facilities:
Our building was designed specifically to be a school for average children who require additional support. Consequently, our classrooms are sized appropriately, there is a significant amount of light entering the windows from our 2.5 acres. The acoustical rating is designed to minimize external noise. Every classroom has a 65-inch television connected to the teacher's computer in order to assist students, all of whom have Chromebooks. Chisholm has a host of software to facilitate all students learning needs.
Individual Education Plans (IEP’s):
Since 1980 all Ontario school boards are required to provide special education programs and services for all students with special education needs.
However, having an exceptionality such as LD, ADHD, or Anxiety and being in a classroom of 30 students with 10 having individual learning needs, providing individual support is not possible even for the most skilled teachers.
At Chisholm Academy, EVERY STUDENT has an IEP and EVERY TEACHER knows what is in the IEP and every teacher follows it! With an average of 8 students per class, teachers remember, understand and teach to each student’s individual needs in our supportive setting.
Chisholm Academy requires every teacher to complete the initial Ontario Ministry of Education Special Education Course. We encourage all our staff to also complete the Specialist Certificate in Special Education and we recompense them for all three courses.
Chisholm Academy combines students’ up-do-date psychoeducational assessment recommendations with an excellence in understanding the needs of each individual student, to form and Individual Education Plan designed to maximize success!