ADMISSIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the enrollment criteria?
All student must have a recent psycho-educational assessment that indicates they are of average to above average cognitive ability yet are achieving significantly below their grade level in academic subjects. Should the student exhibit any inappropriate behaviors, it is a result of frustration in communication and learning.
Do you follow the BC curriculum?
Yes. KGS follows the same curriculum as the public school system.
What information is required to be on the waitlist?
The first step in the application process is to submit a recent psycho-educational assessment to the principal. Should the student meet the entrance criteria and have a learning style that can benefit from the Kenneth Gordon program, the parents will be contacted and requested to complete a number of forms. Once all the forms have been completed and returned, the student will be placed on the waitlist.
How many children per class?
15 students per class.
How big is the school?
The school currently has 80 students.
How does the school day/schedule look?
School starts at 8:40 am. There are five 50 minutes periods and two 35-minute periods at the end of the day. Students are dismissed at 3:00 pm.
What does a typical day look like?
A student’s typical day would include one-on-one tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham approach, small group instruction in language arts employing balanced literacy strategies such as guided reading, critical thinking and metacognition, small group instruction in mathematics focusing on concept development through problem solving using a variety of concrete materials and manipulatives, and whole class instruction in content areas such as social studies, science, social responsibility, physical education, art, drama and music two to three times a week. If needed, direct instruction and support are provided to help develop social skills, self-advocacy skills, study skills, organizational skills, and time management. The team of trained staff provides the intervention in individual or small group settings.
What goes on during the one on one tutoring session?
Students are tutored using the Orton-Gillingham approach to develop phonemic awareness, connect symbol to sound, to apply reading skills to written expression.
Is OG the only methodology used at KGS?
The tutoring program is based on the OG methodology, however no one instructional approach can address the learning needs of all students in all contexts, and teachers and tutors will employ other instructional strategies as required and when deemed appropriate by their professional judgment.
Homework
KGS homework policy states that 10 minutes per grade level is expected. For example, a grade 6 student would have 1 hour of homework, a grade 3 student, 30 minutes. All homework assigned is review. Students will not be given homework that they are not capable of doing independently.
Is there a school uniform?
Yes. The uniform consists of navy blue shorts or pants for boys, pants, shorts, skorts or tunics for girls with white shirts. All clothing must be free of logos.
What is your policy on bullying?
Students are given direct instruction on social responsibility, which addresses the issue of bullying. Students who exhibit inappropriate behaviors are given consequences for their actions, followed by intervention and support by trained staff.
What is the probability my child will be back in a mainstream public school in three years or less?
Approximately 80% of our students return to mainstream schools within three years. However, parents should note that children learn in different rates and success is dependent upon a variety of factors such as attitude, family support and the nature of the disability.
Will Kenneth Gordon expand to add secondary grades?
KGS recognizes the need for a secondary school. It is currently to include Grade 8 in September 2010, and has aspirations to offer Grades 9 and 10 in the coming years.
Is transportation the parents’ responsibility?
Yes. Currently families use Lynch Bus Lines and handyDART.
Are there bursaries available for low-income families?
Yes, Kenneth Gordon does have funds available for student aid.
Is tuition tax deductible?
Yes, Parents deduct tuition as a medical expense.