YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
WE HAVE ANSWERS!
Frequently asked questions
Do you still teach the Ministry of Education curriculum?
Yes we do. We follow all the overall academic objectives that traditional schools follow; however, we teach them differently. We believe that children can learn everything through engagement. For example, by the end of grade 1, students should be able to write a complete sentence. Instead of standing in front of a group of 6-year olds and dictating what a sentence looks like, we involve them in writing songs, stories, comic strips, and other fun engaging projects of their choosing. If a student is really interested in dinosaurs, then we can learn to write sentences to describe our favourite dinosaur. We can write sentences describing their differentiating features. All through their interest, they can learn everything.
How do you know how a student is performing if there are no tests or report cards?
We administer an assessment called the Brigance CIBS II (Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills) to allow us to measure their language and skills compared to their grade level expectations.
How often is an assessment administered to my child?
We administer the Brigance CIBS II to students at the beginning of the Academic year (September) to establish learning benchmarks. Then again in January to assess progress and areas of improvement still required. Finally, another assessment is administered at the end of the year.
What does a criterion-referenced assessment mean?
Criterion-referenced assessment measures a student’s performance on a specified set of skills over time. Educators use criterion-referenced assessment when progress is to be evaluated solely by comparing a student’s own present and past performance. It is commonly used when normative, or standardized, scores are not necessary.
What is the schedule at Agora Prep Academy?
8 am to 9 am - students arrive at their own pace and they are welcomed into the environment where they choose to do whatever they like until our learning journey begins. Our learning journey begins.
What is an Agora Talk?
This is our take on TedTalks. We ask students to prepare a presentation on an assignment or learning objective achieved that they are particularly proud of. They may choose to present in any style they like; be it a musical, a poem, or a PowerPoint. These Agora Talks will take place in January and then again in June. Parents, peers and coaches are invited to attend and provide feedback after the presentation. This teaches students the real life skills of pitching their ideas and public speaking. Two extremely important skills that will serve them well as future leaders of our world.
What happens if I want to pull my student out of Agora Prep Academy and return to a traditional school?
It is very simple. You give us a notice or termination and then apply to your local school board to return to traditional school. We do not keep an OSR (Ontario Student Record) so it will be the same as a child who is homeschooled. Schools accept students coming from private schools and we assure you that your child will learn amazing skills at Agora Prep Academy and feel validated, confident and incredibly motivated to continue their learning journey. We are confident they will do amazing because they are all amazing!
What about grade 9? How will my child be able to adapt to a traditional school system after being at Agora Prep?
Your child will be amazing. By then, they would have developed the necessary skills and they will feel empowered, encouraged and valued. They would have researched their interests, uncovered their strengths, learned coping skills, reflected on their defining features and matured enough to handle anything the system would throw at them. We are all about developing mental health and boosting children's self-esteem and confidence to conquer anything in their path, including high-school!
My child has learning differences, can I bring them to Agora Prep Academy?
We are humbled and privileged to serve children of ALL needs and ALL superpowers! We believe that every child has the potential of leaving an amazing imprint on our world. With the right empowerment and redirection, children of all abilities can excel and amaze us.
Do you serve meals at Agora Prep Academy?
No. We would like students to pack their own meals due to the limited access to a fully equipped kitchen. However, we are in discussions with a catering company to provide lunch for students daily. Whoever would like to participate in this program will have to incur an extra fee. Snacks and drinks are required to be packed from home. Please also ensure that everything is nut-free.
Do you have before and after school programs at Agora Prep Academy?
Yes. We are down the hall from Angelic Treasures Christian Daycare and they provide care in our classroom for students in Agora prep from 7 am to 8 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm daily. Their fees change so make sure you ask the office for their latest package. You will have to fill out information for the before and after school program separately as well. We cannot share student information since we are two different businesses and this is a violation of the privacy act.
Do you plan special trips outside of the school?
Yes. From time to time, we will travel with the students to various places that will further their learning and reinforce their skills. Parents will be notified well in advance and there will be a permission form and separate charge for these trips.
Do you accept International students?
We do. The fees may differ slightly if additional services or consulting is required but for the majority of applicants, the same fees apply.
How do parents pay their fees?
Parents pay through e-transfer and we will be setting up an Electronic Funds Trasfer with pre-authorized debits to your accounts.
What makes you different?
Oh gosh, what doesn't really?
Can grade 8 students start high-school early if they choose?
Yes. We have an agreement in place with Virtual High-School for our students who are ready to commence their grade 9 credit courses ahead of graduating. It's like an IB or AP program...but better.
How do you develop global thinking in Agora Prep Academy students?
We are launching the Agora VIP which is our Agora Virtual International Program.
Do you have a sibling discount?
No. We believe, compared to neighbouring private schools and for what we offer, that our fees are extremely reasonable.
Will fees increase year over year?
Yes. Unfortunately, we will need to maintain our financial capacity through time and survive inflation and rising costs of labour.
Is there a virtual learning component to your Academy?
We are developing a Learning Management System that will mirror some social media platforms and creatively reflect the Agora teaching methods virtually. This project is initiated but not yet completed. We will keep you informed once we launch and we will open it to students from all around the globe.
What role does the parent play at Agora Prep Academy?
This is an excellent question. Parents are partners in learning. Certain interests cannot be satisfied in our current setting. As much as we would love to have a ski hill for those students interested in skiing and snowboards, sadly, we do not. So it will be the role of the parent to find and complete activities with their children that optimizes their learning.
Can I volunteer at Agora Prep Academy?
Yes. Please approach the office staff with your interest and skills and we will match you with a suitable volunteer position at our school.
Will you be active in the community?
Yes. We want to raise a generation of kind and philanthropic people who will undoubtedly become the future entrepreneurs and billionaires of our world. Before they n onto achieve that success, we would like to instill in them the value of charity.
How do you build character at Agora Prep Academy?
We celebrate the power of character in our everyday journey. We have badges to celebrate students who show various character attributes such as integrity, kindness, patience, cooperation, awareness, creativity and many others. Students are able to collect these pins and display them proudly on their backpacks. These pins will be a challenge to achieve but worth it when collected!