Q: What are Richland’s Homework / Reflection Sessions?
Q: What is the typical class size at Richland?
Q: Does Richland accept international students and/or do you offer an ESL program?
Q: Does Richland offer a food service program?
Q: What are Richland’s hours?
Q: Does Richland offer before and after-school programming?
Q: Are co-curricular programs offered at lunch and after school hours at the school?
Q: What are the “Specialty Subjects” at Richland and how often are they taught?
Q: Is there an athletic program at Richland?
Q: What is the application process at Richland?
Q: How is a Richland student selected?
Richland Academy attempts to place students who will fit into the culture of our school, reflect our school’s core values and have interests in activities outside the classroom. At each entry level, a small committee reviews and discusses the merits of the applicant and we will meet with the parents of each applicant before final decisions are made.
Q: Where do Richland graduates normally go for High School?
The Leadership opportunities our students have at Richland equip them with the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in new environments. All of our receiving schools express that Richland students make natural leaders in their schools. The commitment to learning Richland students develop throughout their elementary education prepares them for social and academic achievement. At the most recent Honour Roll ceremony at St. Michael’s College School, all the Richland students enrolled were recognized.
Q: Does Richland offer Tuition Assistance?
Richland Academy recently introduced a Tuition Assistance Fund. Information and application details about the Fund can be found on the school website, in the Admissions section.
Q: Are there ways for parents to get involved at the school?
The Parent Council consists of parent volunteers, and two Richland Administrators. Parent Council meets approximately one a month at a mutually-convenient time for members. Meetings are normally about one hour in length and cover a wide range of topics affecting the Richland community.
Q: How do Faculty and Administration share information about students and school events with parents?
We work hard to keep all Richland families aware of current events, important news items, correspondence, teachers’ class blog posts, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google +, You Tube, Instagram, Vimeo) on a regular basis. Richland Academy’s blog, Inquiring Minds, is an excellent way to stay on top of all the learning that is happening at the school; learning of our students, teachers and staff.
We communicate with our families frequently via email, the Richland website, our secure online Parent Portal , hard copy letters sent home and on occasion, and telephone calls home. Parents are welcome to request a private meeting or phone conversation with their child’s teacher at any time – with advance notice.
Key Differentiators to Montessori
When exploring educational options for children, families often inquire about the distinctions between Montessori and the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. Both philosophies are child- centered; and both engage children as active participants in their learning, allowing them to make many independent choices throughout their educational journey.
Montessori is a set approach to curriculum designed at the beginning of the 20th Century. The Reggio approach is a sophisticated method of teaching and learning, evolving with current educational research, and indeed contributes to latest research into how a child learns in the 21st Century.
The advantages of a Reggio-inspired education:
- Mastery of academic content, achieved through experience and application
- Divergent thinking, with an ability to ask open-ended questions, solve problems, and offer new solutions
- Mindset of excellence
- Rich vocabulary resulting from in-depth inquiries and conversations
- Development of creative and critical thinking skills
- Each child is capable and competent, developing their character positively, through perseverance, empathy, and personal well-being
- Small class sizes foster nurturing relationships with teachers and contribute to meeting the individual needs of each child
- Ability to work collaboratively with others, as well as independently – becoming self-directed learners
- Effective communication through oral, written and digital expression
- Supportive partnership between home and school
- Citizenship is nurtured
- An environment designed to inspire and engage children in creativity, exploration, and discovery
- Time devoted to play and outdoor learning, enhancing the development of oral and narrative understanding, self-regulation, social negotiation and a positive approach to learning
- Documentation showing the path of a child’s development
- Graduates destined to be Global Leaders
“Within the first 6 months of attending Richland, we have seen our son transform from cautious to brave, from “walk me inside” to kiss and ride. We have seen a significant increase in his confidence, his independence, his coping skills and his relationship building. Additionally, he is more caring and empathetic particularly towards other children. No longer does he require me to be his intermediary in dealing with his teachers, as he is very comfortable communicating on his own. His senses are more alive, his curiosity enhanced, his deductive reasoning skills are formidable. His negotiating skills well honed. This all speaks to Richland’s commitment to develop children who are “deeper thinking, confident, world ready.” – Grade 1 Parent