Programs
The Early Years Program (JK/SK)
The Early Years Program is focused on hands-on, play-based, experiential learning. Children in our Early Years program receive focused instruction in important fundamentals of Literacy, using the Fountas & Pinell LLI renowned program, as well as other high quality and research based language programs such as Heggerty Phonics, University of Florida's Literacy Intervention Program (UFLI) and is also supported by two teachers who specialize in Early Years instruction.
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At Royal Oak, we believe in the importance of exposing children to both of Canada’s official languages. Children learn new languages naturally when they are young, so we use this critical period of development to teach both English and French. Our Early Years program includes an hour of daily French instruction that utilizes music, art and dramatic play.
Early Year's students participate in two outdoor and nutrition breaks, which contribute to the development of gross motor skills and assist with self-regulation, whilst supporting collaboration, play and fitness. Arts, Music, and Physical Education are offered twice a week, and Royal Oak continues to deliver these essential aspects of programming while exercising safe and developmentally appropriate approaches to learning.
Lower Elementary Program (Grades 1-4)
Royal Oak’s Lower Elementary classes are based on the same principle of design as our Early Years Program, as we know learning happens best when children are active agents in the learning process.
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Inquiry-based learning is the cornerstone of our teaching philosophy, using the Ontario Curriculum as a guide. In Lower Elementary, students are ready for increased challenge and independence. Our students in these grades are proficiently exploring real-world problems, from studying Environmental Science and tackling important questions about humans’ role in our world, to consolidating the core concepts of curriculum, such as grammar, reading comprehension and fluency, and math skills.
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Children work more independently at the Lower Elementary grade levels and use their fellow students as co-learners and sources of knowledge, alongside the teacher. We encourage group work and collaboration, as well as project-based learning where students can show their knowledge acquisition and new interests through intricate projects and personal presentations.​
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"The most important attitude that can be formed is that of desire to go on learning"
-John Dewey, Experience and Education
Upper Elementary Program
Our Upper Elementary Program at Royal Oak includes Grades 5-8, and is designed to encourage students to work, discover and explore. Our rigorous programming in Upper Elementary continues to use Inquiry as a method of teaching and learning as it promotes an in-depth study of the curriculum, all while challenging the students to work at their highest potential. In the Upper Elementary program, students are challenged to work more independently in the rotary system of instruction. This rotation of teachers for subjects helps our older students gain the organizational and thinking skills that are required for their schooling ahead. Core subjects include Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Science, as well as the Arts.​ With a full, well-rounded and enriched curriculum, our students continue to achieve high levels of success and become prepared for the next chapter in their educational future.
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We know that early success in mathematics is the number one predictor of overall academic success in the later grades (National Research Council. 2009), and thus deep understanding and engagement in this subject area is of primary importance. Our programming is well-balanced, and children learn in a hands-on way, solving difficult yet realistic problems, using collaboration and discussion as well as computation. Our students have the opportunity to challenge themselves by participating in international math competitions.
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When you walk into Math classrooms at Royal Oak, you hear student voices and you see students working in groups with their hands using manipulatives and solving difficult problems in multiple ways. Our students are solving and discussing real-world problems that challenge them as learners, and engage their minds and curiosities.
Programming Available to All Grades and Stages
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French Instruction
Royal Oak children also receive daily instruction in French for a minimum of 45 minutes each day. By receiving instruction in a second language at this early age, children have a better opportunity to become fluent. Royal Oak's wonderful French teacher, Morgane Chaudoreille, is a native French speaker and French citizen, and has been teaching French for over 10 years across elementary and secondary levels. She is passionate about creating engaging, powerful and long-lasting second language learning for students.
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Specialty Programs
In addition to a rigorous academic program, other specialty subjects offered at Royal Oak include the Arts, Music, Drama, Library/Infotech, French and Physical Education. Royal Oak students also regularly participate in field trips to become enlightened on the subject matter they learn in class, and many of these outings focus on connecting with local partners and opportunities.
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Royal Oak's Physical Education teacher is a leading Elementary Sport Coordinator and Curriculum Specialist. Royal Oak students participate in Phys. Ed twice per week, and all year long, taking advantage of outdoor play whenever possible, such as in our winter unit of "Adventure Challenge." This encourages physical fitness and outdoor learning all season long while promoting cooperative play, leadership and embracing the seasons and elements.
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​​Brock University Teacher Candidate Programming at Royal Oak
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Royal Oak is a chosen Brock University Teaching partner and hosts Teacher Candidates as part of Brock's Teacher Education program certification.
Royal Oak teachers host Teacher Candidates in their classrooms to mentor, share and support initial teacher education while increasing connections, relationships and learning support for our Royal Oak students. Brock Teacher Candidates bring a wealth of knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to our school community and also lower our student-to-teacher ratios even further for a truly supported individual learning experience.
Student Life
We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and low teacher-student ratio environment.
Students at Royal Oak enjoy small class sizes, ample green space to play and run, extracurricular opportunities for students as young as age 4, and enriched French instruction starting in JK.​
A Safe Environment
Royal Oak is truly an inclusive and kind environment, and prides itself on teaching compassion, and conflict resolution skills. Royal Oak teachers make "teachable moments" a priority, and ensure self-regulartion and social emotional learning are core parts of our curriculum. ​​​
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Clubs
Royal Oak runs three club seasons for 18 weeks of the school year in Fall, Winter and Spring. Clubs focus on elements of Service, Creativty and Action, and are offered to students from JK to Grade 8. Clubs include activities like Soccer, Cross Country, Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Chess, Comic Book, and French Club. We also run a year-long "Homework Club" with teacher-led support to complete and comprehend homework packages. This club instills confidence in students and provides families with the option of homework completed at school.
Local Lunches
Most Wednesdays, families will have the option of ordering a delicious and healthy lunch to be delivered to the school from a local business. Royal Oak also partners approximately once a month with a local restaurant to provide an out-of-school, dine-in experience for the students that has become a very anticipated and fun outing!
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Academic Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in international math, essay writing, speech, and art competitions.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Daily sanitization occurs at Royal Oak, in conjunction with deep regular cleaning. All surfaces are wiped down in classrooms and shared areas with an EcoLogo-certified Green product approved for use in Canada. Frequently touched surfaces are disinfected two additional times a day.
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Good Personal Hygiene
Children at Royal Oak are taught good personal hygiene, and are guided to wash their hands five times a day, at each break and upon entering and leaving the building. Hand sanitizer will be available for each classroom for children to use. We have 6 HEPA filters in our school, plenty of natural air and light, and encourage sick children to stay home until they are well. We protect our community!
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Testimonials
"Royal Oak cares about kids and really understands how they learn best. My son's attitude toward school has transformed since starting there in September. No more complaints about school, homework—it's incredible how engaged he's become again. Plus, his confidence is back, and that is so important at this age. He feels secure to be himself and make mistakes because of the learning environment the school has consciously created. I can't say enough good things about this school, its teachers, and the people who run it".
~Niki W.
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"My children did online learning with Royal Oak during the school closure. The quality of education was phenomenal and my children became enthusiastic about learning again. The teachers are passionate and the head of school is approachable and knowledgeable. The decision to move to Royal Oak was an easy one to make".
~​Cindy Y.
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"I am so happy I made the decision to move my curious and inquisitive young son to Royal Oak. He was welcomed with open arms by all the teachers and students and feels part of an extended family. After the first week at Royal Oak he was
speaking French, had improved speech (I even ended speech therapy) and came home calm and happy. As a mom of a young child it feels good to have such an open communication with the staff and other parents. You can tell the teachers really love the students and make every effort to bring out the best in the kids! I couldn't be more grateful"!
~​Denise A.
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"In one year Royal Oak has become our home away from home. My goal was to find somewhere to challenge my children academically as-well as build confidence and identify their gifts. This school succeeds in doing so much more than just teaching the curriculum. Royal Oak represents excellence in learning but more importantly, excellence in kindness, community, awareness and acceptance. For me, it is just as important that my children are accepted for who they are, as it is to learn acceptance and tolerance for others. They have the resources to provide quiet spaces for children who may benefit from a moment to reflect, or just need a moment to catch up with their emotions.
My children, in small class sizes, receive the attention required to think bigger and are never discouraged if their strengths or weaknesses stand out from the crowd. The teachers are up to date and unified in their teaching methods.
I have received the support from the school that I needed to feel connected to my children’s academic path and clearly understand their individual strengths and weaknesses. I feel the strength of the community radiate from the school walls and find comfort in knowing we are not just names or numbers, but a valuable piece of a much bigger picture."
~​Mary A.
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"We are a new family to the wonderful world of Royal Oak School. It truly is the school of our dreams! 60 days in and our daughter (in JK) surprises us on a daily basis with what she's learning. The school staff are the absolute warmest, supportive and most welcoming team. We are continuously kept abreast of our daughter's progress and are welcomed to join into the many special community activities that the children are encouraged to participate in. This school is a unique and precious place that creates student to student relationships that aren't typically found in a traditional school spaces. Seeing the more senior children welcome our daughter every morning is something special. I would also like to digitally high five the pricipal, Julia Murray, for doing such a brilliant job and spreading inspiring lessons in optimism & inclusiveness. GO ROYAL OAK GO"!
​~Stephane A.
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"During these challenging times, we are grateful that we were able to find a safe, online schooling option that was personalized, nurturing, and academically rigorous for our son. The staff and teachers at Royal Oak School have gone out of their way to create an enriching educational experience for all students, virtual learners included. Their efforts ensure that our son feels like an integral member of his classroom and the school community, even though he’s not physically at the school. We’re incredibly grateful for Royal Oak and the efforts they have put into keeping students safe and engaged".
~Scott H.
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"The key to success with online learning is communication and Royal Oak has always excelled at this. In September, we opted not to return my young daughter to the classroom because of COVID-19 and potential health issues in the family. Her education has always been top priority for our family, and I was very concerned that she would be left behind. Being in Grade 2, I worried she was going to struggle to adapt to online learning. I was anxious I would not be able to cope with my own work schedule and helping her where needed. Right from the start, school staff responded to my questions and her teacher was able to meet with us one-on-one (virtually) to ease any concerns we had. Thankfully, the weeks have been very structured. I receive a schedule so I can plan our days accordingly. There are adequate breaks, so she is not tied to the computer all day. Her teacher is very approachable, and I really feel that we have been able to work together to make sure my daughter is thriving in school. One overriding worry was that she would not feel part of the class, but that has not been the case. Because the class has so few students, she can be brought into discussions and work on projects with her classmates. She really enjoys sharing things with her class and you can see her eyes light up when she sees everyone. My daughter knows she has a place at Royal Oak when we feel that it is safe to return to in-class learning and that is a comforting thought in these uncertain times."
~Bonnie M. & Anne M.