The Chisholm Advantage
Any school can provide an IEP, but we are the specialists in this area. All our staff are trained and credentialed special educators. All our students have an IEP that includes the results of a psychoeducational assessment, report cards, and parent input. All staff are required to follow the IEP and monitor each student’s progress. Students don’t get lost at Chisholm!
Our students are limited to those with mild to moderate needs who will be able to attend college or university. We are unable to accept students with severe academic or behavioural concerns. When you visit the school, you will see happy, regular students who are engaged in learning and social activities.
The Chisholm experience offers a unique educational advantage over the conventional public and private school environments. We have the expertise to work with students from diverse backgrounds and needs in a small-group setting. We enhance the school experience through building confidence in academic and social realms. The range of extracurricular activities exceeds that of most schools and is designed specifically for our population.
Students excel in the Chisholm Academy environment, whether they face learning difficulties or other obstacles that previously hindered their success in larger schools. The Academy provides a full range of courses leading to post-secondary education, small classes, personalized programming, and extensive educational support.
Accreditation
Chisholm Academy is registered and inspected as a private school by the Ontario Ministry of Education 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 and youth worker, as well as our recreational therapist, have completed the necessary coursework and practicums to graduate from a recognized institution. The associated but separate BK Psychology staff have master's or doctoral degrees, and psychologists and psychological associates are registered with the Ontario College of Psychologists. Additionally, CRA recognizes Chisholm Academy as an appropriate placement for our students, and consequently, you are eligible for deductions on your income tax.
Parental Involvement
Parent contact is a key component of success at Chisholm Academy. Through constant communication, we work together to help our students achieve academic and personal success. Our Parent Council is essential in ensuring that the school understands and responds to our parent community.
Teacher/Student Ratio
Chisholm Academy generally limits enrolment to two classes per grade (7-12). Our average class size for academic subjects is 8 students. Courses such as art, drama, and physical education may have larger numbers. As a general rule, elementary classes are limited to 10 students, and high school classes are limited to 12. We can also provide individual or small-group instruction if a student needs extra support or if there is not enough registration to run a class. Over the last decade, our average class size has been between 7 and 10 students, with approximately 60% of students being male and 40% female.