The YMCA Academy is an alternative high school and middle school, designed to support the academic and socio-emotional needs of students with learning disabilities and learning style differences.
The majority of students who attend the YMCA Academy have been diagnosed with a learning disability (70% in 2017-2018), and all have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in place.
The Academy is committed to providing students identified as exceptional through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) with all of their accommodations. Our Special Education Supervisor implements a student’s current IEP immediately upon receipt. Each year, amendments are made to the student’s IEP based on feedback from students, staff, parents/guardians, and professionals and medical resources (doctors, Psychological Education Reports, etc.).
Supports available at the YMCA Academy include a wide array of assistive technologies, specialized classes, and personalized programs.
Hardware:
- Apple MacBook Airs for High School students (1 laptop for every student)
- Apple iPads for Middle School students
- Large format TV's in every classroom
- Headset microphones
- Cameras with video options for lesson recordings
Software:
- Google Classroom + Google Workspace for Education Suite
- TextHelp Read & Write for Google Chrome
- Kami for Google Chrome
- Multitude of Assistive Technologies curated specifically for our students included in Google Chrome
Differentiated lessons:
Teachers alter their teaching style based on a student’s preferred learning style. This allows students to experience lesson delivery through a variety of lenses. Assessment and evaluation is equally student-centred.
Remediation courses (if required):
Remediation is offered as a non-credit class for students requiring remediation in two areas: language and mathematics. In this class, a language and mathematics remediation specialist on staff works with students who have demonstrated difficulties with language, mathematics, or both on a daily basis to help the student achieve grade level literacy and numeracy.
Resource courses (if required):
Our non-credit Resource class enables the Academy to meet students’ individualized needs by supporting daily coursework with a focus on skill building. This might include, but is not limited to:
- extra time for projects, tests and quizzes;
- additional one-to-one attention/instruction;
- access to and instruction in the use of computers and software programs (see "Assistive Technology" for details);
- access to a scribe; and
- organizational support.
Recommendations for this course may be made by students, staff, or parents/guardians. Content is determined on an individual basis.
Individualized attention from teachers:
Staff is committed to meeting students’ needs. This is possible with small teacher-student ratios. Teachers are available for individualized assistance during and outside of class time.
Homework Club:
The YMCA Academy hosts a regular after-school Homework Club, supported by Academy staff and volunteers. Students have the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance. Staff is also available for individual support upon request.
The best decision
The Academy has exceeded our expectations. The staff’s genuine concern for each child is obvious and greatly appreciated. The opportunities to be involved in community projects, exchanges, and extracurricular activities further enhance the experience. It was the best decision that we could have made for our daughter’s high school.