Build Confidence & Skills in Grades 7 & 8
Chisholm Academy is known for its expertise in working with students with academic difficulties. Our Grade 7 and 8 students benefit from the same advantages as their high school counterparts, including Individualized Education Plans, small class sizes, advanced technology, after-school support, multi disciplinary staff, and a modern and well-equipped 25,000 square foot building. Our Grade 7 and 8 students participate, together with our high school students, in a host of extra-curricular activities and school outings.
In keeping with our philosophy of providing individualized instruction, all students have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to reflect their learning style and recommended teaching strategies. Our program has a special education focus, and incorporates a variety of teaching strategies and accommodations, as well as remediation in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics, as required by each student. In order to maximize student success, class sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 students per class.
The subjects provided include Language, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Physical Education, Drama, and Visual Arts. Within these courses, students are exposed to effective organizational and study strategies and the use of computer and assistive technology. Students are also provided with guidance and career planning to assist them in developing personal and interpersonal skills and explore career opportunities. All subjects follow the Ontario Ministry of Education Guidelines, including curriculum expectations and assessment, evaluation and reporting principles.
Typical Elementary Students:
Allen was identified in primary school as having average abilities but could not learn to read. His learning disability also affected his confidence. Despite having an IEP in his previous school, he did not progress, as it was impossible to provide the attention he needed with 30 other students in the class. Allen transferred to Chisholm Academy and was with his peers for most subjects but spent one period each day at Chisholm learning to read. His reading disability will always be his weakness but he can now read at a level that does not interfere with daily functioning.
Janice is a student of average intelligence and does not have a learning exceptionality. Her parents had five international corporate moves by the time Janice was in grade 7. She was behind because of the number of schools she attended. With a structured program and consolidation of her skills, Janice was at grade level in grade 8. She chose to continue in Chisholm's high school through grade 10 and then transferred to a local public school.
Tom was identified with ADHD in grade 4 and struggled with reading and mathematics throughout school. When he transferred to Chisholm in grade 7, his academic scores were only at a grade 4 level. His IEP included several strategies to cope with his inability to focus. In addition, he met with one of our psychologists and was referred to the University of Buffalo for a review of medication. Tom is now in grade 9 and is functioning very close to grade level and his parents report that he is, "a pleasure to have at home."
Bob is a bright student who is athletic and functions at grade level. During COVID, he developed significant anxiety and was unable to attend his local school. He transferred to Chisholm to see if greater support and smaller classrooms would make a difference. The positive social milieu worked well for Bob and after a month, he was attending Chisholm with perfect attendance.
