Academics

Academics

At the Elementary level, Académie Ste-Cécile International School provides a strong academic curriculum centered on the acronym STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Music). Daily classes in English, Mathematics and French form the basis for a rigorous academic program. Science and Social Studies are also part of the core curriculum, which is enriched with twice-weekly classes in Computer Science, Physical Education, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Visual Art, Drama and Mandarin. Religion or Ethic classes are also part of the weekly instructional programme. Notably, ASCIS’ dedicated computer curriculum focuses on web design, coding, robotics and keyboarding skills.

ASCIS students are supported by a strong team of highly qualified classroom teachers. In Grades 5-8, students enjoy a full-time rotary curriculum. This means that ASCIS elementary students are taught in subject-specific classrooms by knowledgeable teachers who are experts in their subject areas. A low pupil-teacher ratio of 16 or less students per class offers students greater opportunities for direct instruction as well as leading discussions and group activities.

Formal report cards are issued three times a year, and students receive further progress reports at the end of September. Students in Grades 4 to 8 also are required to write final “big tests” at the end of June. This assessment system helps ASCIS students to remain focused and on task right to the very end of the school year. It also prepares them for final exams, which are mandatory in high school.

Students write yearly standardized tests in late May. All parents are invited to meet with the principal to discuss their results, which monitor each student’s academic growth based on their age-appropriate grade level and national and regional achievement percentiles.

Students who excel in individual subject areas will be given a more challenging personal curriculum.

Communication and parental involvement is encouraged through the use of a daily agenda, a progress report and three separate term report cards, parent-teacher interviews, a weekly newsletter, monthly assemblies, and special scheduled events.