Classroom Programs
At Phoenix Private Academy (Phoenix) we encourage our students to rise to the top, both in school and in their daily lives. We specialize in teaching students with various learning needs and encourage them in continually moving forward to reach their full potential.
Our small private school is designed to help every one of our students reach their academic, social, and developmental goals. Our small class ratios allow students to receive individualized support, fostering academic success and confidence in a classroom setting. Teacher to student ratios vary by classroom ranging from 1:3 to 1:12, with academic and social skills taught using evidence-based programs.
As a specialized school for students with various special needs, we apply principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in our classrooms, emphasizing positive reinforcement and earned rewards. Students at Phoenix follow the Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum. Phoenix Private Academy provides both academic and applied programs allowing us to meet the individual needs of all learning styles of our students.
The academic stream follows Direct Instruction programs for the core subjects. Students may require accommodations to assist their learning in this stream. The applied stream integrates both functional life skills and Direct Instruction into daily learning and follows a modified Ministry of Education curriculum.
Direct Instruction
At Phoenix 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.
Kindergarten IBI Integrated Class
The kindergarten IBI integrated class is a program that maintains a low, 1:2 teacher-student ratio with 1 hour of IBI therapy integrated. Our kindergarten class may extend to a 2:4 ratio depending on enrollment needs. 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*
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/Intermediate Class
Our Junior/Intermediate Split Class maintains a 1:12 teacher-student ratio* and provides a supportive environment where students build the academic skills, independence, and confidence necessary to successfully transition to secondary-level learning. In this class, students focus on expanding their knowledge through experimentation, projects, and research, while continuing to develop the six essential learning skills and work habits: responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiation, and self-regulation.
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Teachers skillfully break down complex concepts into meaningful parts, guiding students through an inquiry-based approach where they make predictions, research using technology, and direct their own learning. Our curriculum follows the Ministry of Education standards across all subjects, incorporating self-assessment, reflection, and class-generated rubrics to help students reach their goals.
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Core subjects—reading, spelling, writing, language, and mathematics—are taught using evidence-based Direct Instruction, ensuring mastery of each skill. As students progress, subject matter becomes increasingly complex, with dedicated study in history, geography, and foundational sciences, including biology, physics, chemistry, and earth and space science. Our students also benefit from an enriched Arts and physical education program, which includes weekly yoga and swimming.
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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.
Junior/Intermediate Applied Class
Our Junior/Intermediate Applied Split Class is designed for students in Grades 4 through 8, providing a specialized, transition-focused environment dedicated to fostering academic readiness, executive functioning, and essential life skills. At Phoenix Private Academy, we use the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and token economies to help our learners reach their academic, social-emotional, and behavioral potential.
This classroom maintains a 1:6 teacher-student ratio to ensure each learner receives the individualized support necessary to thrive. The curriculum is thoughtfully tailored to bridge the gap between elementary and secondary education by integrating evidence-based Direct Instruction for core academic subjects with ABA principles—such as positive reinforcement—to drive consistent behavioral and academic progress.
While instruction fully aligns with the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum, we provide necessary modifications to meet the unique learning profiles of our students, ensuring accessibility and growth. Within this collaborative and supportive setting, students are encouraged to develop critical self-advocacy, problem-solving, and independent learning skills. To support our individualized programming, students will participate in placement testing during their first week to identify specific workbooks required for their skill level, which helps us ensure our resources are perfectly matched to each learner’s journey.
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.*
Physical Education
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, Phoenix 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 every Friday. 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix 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).
High School Credit Course
Phoenix Private Academy, 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 Phoenix. The high school credit course is offered as an additional service to classroom placement.
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 Phoenix 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 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 school at admin@phoenixprivateacademy.com should you require further information regarding high school credits.
