At Star Academy we set goals with a growth mindset.

Our approach is interdisciplinary. We engage the curriculum with planning that provides real-world connections to student interests and creates ownership over the learning process. Our teachers prioritize provincial learning skills (responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation) when teaching.  They also provide meaningful opportunities for the transferrable skills of critical thinking and problem-solving, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, communication, global citizenship and sustainability, and digital literacy into their teaching goals.

By teaching through multiple modalities, children of all ages connect to the learning process, developing their confidence and style as learners.  With regular exposure to different learning tools, children find strategies that work best for them including tools like technology, hands-on manipulatives, flexible seating options, and partner or group work.

Public speaking and presentation opportunities throughout the school year are a key teaching component where students share their learning with the larger school community.  Children consolidate their knowledge by learning to be the expert, researching and writing speeches and presentations, and then presenting orally in front of an audience.  The confidence to speak up in front of others is fostered in our small class sizes where all voices are heard.

A school is not just a place for academic learning; it’s a dynamic social community where students develop the skills and values essential for thriving in an interconnected world.  

At Star Academy, cultivating “social intelligence” is a core aspect of our educational approach.

Thanks to our personalized learning environment and low student-teacher ratio, our educators can closely monitor each student’s development, tailoring support to foster academic and social growth. Social learning is integrated throughout the school day—in the classroom, at recess, and during teacher-led clubs.  We prioritize creating meaningful, real-world opportunities for students to practice empathy, cooperation, and effective communication.

Our inclusive community encourages students to engage across age groups, fostering connections with peers, younger students, older students, and adults. Through these interactions, students learn the importance of active listening, interpreting non-verbal cues, practicing digital and in-person etiquette, and being attuned to the needs and perspectives of others. We believe these experiences build responsible citizens and empathetic, globally-minded leaders.

Emotional development begins by helping children cultivate self-confidence and a positive self-image.

At Star Academy, we work diligently to ensure students feel valued for who they are and what they have to offer. This forms the core of healthy social development, and a growth mindset, and develops the skills to become lifelong learners.

With a strong emotional foundation, children are better equipped to step outside their comfort zone and take risks, learning to use the language of ‘I can’t do this YET’ in the development of their mindset. Teachers work closely with their students and in return are rewarded by seeing them initiate ideas, leadership opportunities, and multi-aged activities within the school.

Ultimately, strong emotional development goes hand in hand with strong character development. Children with high self-esteem greet the world with honesty and integrity. Most of all, they are aware of their potential and have the confidence to pursue their goals.

Global development is our commitment to help students develop awareness of the world around them and a desire to act purposefully and compassionately.

Children at Star Academy develop a global awareness of their world by using stories that include social issues and diverse monthly themes.

Through school-wide projects and recognitions, all students discover that they can have an impact beyond the classroom. As students mature, their sense of the world grows. Through the representation of all students, the celebration of culture, and the participation in community outreach (Peel Children’s Aid, Compass Food Bank, field trips, guest speakers and more), children of all ages develop an awareness of their Global Community.

Physical activity and well-being are critical components of a student’s personal growth. At Star Academy, we believe in a fun, purposeful physical education programme to instill the value of an active and healthy lifestyle.

Daily, all students participate in physical education and/or health education at Star Academy. Our students develop the confidence to try new physical activities, sports and games at school. Teachers take the same care in planning these classes as they would any other, setting specific goals for each individual. Our programme involves warm-ups, cardio, and skill development in our full-size gymnasium including various sports, volleyball, basketball and racquet sports (tennis, badminton and pickleball).  We also engage in a variety of outdoor sports on two acres of natural play space, including soccer, baseball, cross country, and playground games (four-square, tag, tetherball, skipping).  Outdoor play is especially important because natural light affects eyesight and mood, developing gross motor skills in our naturalized learning space, on the soccer pitch, or on the foursquare.

Children develop friendships, leadership skills, improved fitness levels, and exposure to many ways to build healthy physical activity into their daily lives.  Our annual participation in a multi-school cross-country meet and basketball tournaments are popular student events, as are downhill ski days and overnight camping trips for our older students.  Recess clubs such as ‘racquets’ and ‘soccer’ provide additional opportunities for children to practice skills and be active across grades while having fun at school.