Does March Academy follow Ontario’s Ministry of Education guidelines?
Yes, March Academy uses Ontario Ministry Expectations as guiding principles in designing programs. However, students’ individual strengths and interests are also taken into consideration when planning units and themes.
What grades does March Academy offer?
March Academy offers grade one to grade eight, with extended support offered to our graduating students during their transition to high school where applicable.
Is March Academy a secular educational institution?
March Academy offers non-denominational instruction. Students from all backgrounds and beliefs are welcome at our school.
Do students at March Academy wear a uniform?
Yes and no. Students are expected to purchase a vest and t-shirt with the official school crest upon enrollment and are encouraged to wear it to school every Monday morning and for special outings or visitors.
How big are class sizes at March Academy?
Class sizes vary depending upon the lessons being taught. Overall, the school operates with approximately 32 students and a teacher-student ratio of approximately 1:8. Students receive instruction within flexible multi-grade classes.
What are the advantages of multi-grade instruction?
Students benefit from working with peers of different ages and abilities. Their needs are addressed within a small group setting. Students progress at their own pace to meet their true potential. Education is seen as a cooperative, communicative, and supportive endeavour.
Does March Academy offer French language instruction?
Yes. Students receive a core-based French-language instruction in a multi-aged ability grouping. The instruction focuses primarily on conversational skills with some reading and writing instruction.
Does March Academy provide any outdoor nature experiences?
The grounds of March Academy provide for a rich experience in nature. Along with wildlife such as deer, turtles, foxes and the various birds which frequent the school yard, the students participate in weekly nature journaling, where they are guided in recording information and sketching of a specific area of the natural world. Outdoor experiences and nature are encouraged and promoted throughout the school year.
Does March Academy offer field trips or school outings?
Yes. Students participate in outings outside the classroom in support of the curriculum. Special visitors are also often engaged to further enrich a curriculum area.
What does the physical education program look like at March Academy?
Physical education is an important part of each school day. Yoga and TaeKwonDo classes each occur once a week held with specialized instructors in the disciplines. Traditional gym classes are also held during the week which emphasize skill acquisition and cooperative game playing. Running during the spring and fall, and cross-country skiing in the winter months, are part of the regular programming, with other sports and activities augmenting the programming seasonally.
How important is the Arts programming at March Academy?
Music and visual arts are key parts of the March Academy program. All students are given an individual piano lesson and participate in a whole school choir session once a week. Students in grades one to six also participate in a weekly music theory class. Visual arts and crafts lessons are held each week focussing on the use various materials and working towards different projects. Drama expression is dependent on yearly themes and often augment various activities.
What time does the school day at March Academy start and finish?
School starts at 8:45 a.m. and finishes at 3:45 p.m. Nutrition and recess breaks are paced throughout the day to optimize learning times.
Where do students go after they graduate from March Academy?
Upon graduation, students transition to either public or other private schools based on parental choice.
Are there bursaries available to help offset tuition fees?
Some parents may be eligible to claim their child’s tuition as a medical expense on their personal income tax. Please consult with your accountant or other tax professional.
What will be March Academy’s response be to the COVID-19 situation in the 2022-23 school year?
March Academy remains small and we are committed to ensuring the safety of the students moving forward in these unprecedented times. Current best practices to mitigate COVID transition will be adhered to including air filters in all classrooms. March Academy will follow the directives of Ottawa Public Health where required. Registered families will be kept apprised of the specific details of this fluid situation, as they relate to March Academy.