Academic Programs
Separate sciences from Grade 4. French from JK. This is what enriched truly looks like.
Grades 1 through 8
An enriched curriculum that extends beyond the Ontario Ministry of Education expectations, offering distinct instruction in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Grade 4, French beginning in Junior Kindergarten, and participation in Math League contests and the University of Waterloo Gauss Math Contest to challenge and extend student thinking.
About the Program
An enriched learning experience from the outset.
Prestige School offers an enriched learning environment designed to meet your child's individual needs. We encourage each student to reach their potential by expecting integrity and excellence from all our pupils.
Our programs enrich the regular Ontario Ministry curriculum in meaningful ways: separate sciences from Grade 4, a depth of mathematics that prepares students for the Gauss and Math League contests, and an arts program that runs well beyond what most schools offer.
Students have proven themselves time and time again — through success in annual math competitions and performances in concerts throughout the year. We invite you to come and see us in action.
Beyond the Ministry Program
- French from Kindergarten — continued through Grade 8
- Computer Studies from Grade 1
- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as separate subjects from Grade 4
- Advanced Visual Arts, Dance, and Theatre
- Smart Board technology integrated across classrooms
- Painting, sculpting, and mixed-media Visual Arts
- Math League contests and annual Gauss Math Contest (University of Waterloo)
- Science experiments and hands-on lab work
- History and Geography as distinct subjects from Grade 6
The Programme
The full elementary curriculum.
A closer look at every subject Prestige School elementary students take, and how each programme is taught.
Grades 1–8
Language Arts
Develops lifelong readers and skilled writers, beginning with reading and writing strategies in Grade 2 across summaries, letters, short stories, and text-based analysis paragraphs. The Grades 4 to 7 Middle School Balanced Literacy Program emphasises vocabulary enhancement and composition across argumentative, informative, narrative, and summary genres, alongside analysis of diverse literary and informational texts. In Grade 8, the focus shifts to holistic communication, multi-paragraph composition, and listening and speaking through discussions and presentations.
Grades 1–8
Mathematics
Covers all elements of the Ontario curriculum through an innovative approach in which students are taught one grade level ahead, providing an advanced and stimulating learning experience. Teachers tailor instruction to individual learners, continuously challenging them to accelerate their mathematical abilities. Students participate in the Math League contests throughout the year, and students in Grades 7 and 8 also write the University of Waterloo Gauss Math Contest — both supported through the after-school Math Club.
Grades 1–3
Science
Introduces students to a broad foundation in the natural and applied sciences, building scientific curiosity before specialisation begins in later grades. Pupils take part in hands-on experiments and learn early lab report writing alongside presentation work that develops communication skills. The approach emphasises critical thinking and reasoning, preparing students for the shift to discrete Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from Grade 4.
Grades 4–8
Physics
Beginning in Grade 4, Physics is taught as its own subject — an unusually early start compared with most Ontario schools. The elementary stream covers foundational topics such as forces and motion, simple machines, energy, light, sound, and electricity, taught through activity-based learning and laboratory investigations. Students complete structured experiments with formal lab reports, supported by computer simulations that model physical phenomena, building the conceptual and mathematical groundwork for high school Physics.
Grades 5–8
Chemistry
Offered as a distinct subject from Grade 5, well before it typically appears in the provincial curriculum. The programme introduces matter and its properties, states and changes of matter, mixtures and solutions, atoms and elements, and introductory chemical reactions through guided experiments in the laboratory. Students practise structured lab report writing and develop safe lab technique, supported by computer simulations to visualise concepts at the molecular level.
Grades 4–8
Biology
Taught as a separate subject from Grade 4, giving students an early specialised foundation in the life sciences. The curriculum covers cells and microorganisms, plant and animal systems, human body systems, ecosystems and biodiversity, and basic genetics, delivered through activity-based learning and field-style investigations. Pupils carry out experiments, write formal lab reports, and present findings, developing both scientific literacy and communication skills.
Grades 1–8
French
Uses an immersive methodology in which French is the primary language of communication in the classroom. The curriculum prioritises oral skills as the foundation for reading and writing, teaching students to deduce meaning through non-verbal cues, intonation, and context. A variety of activities place students in practical and authentic contexts, building fluent oral communication, reading proficiency that connects written language to speech, and composition for diverse purposes.
Grades 1–8
Technology
Integrates computers across the curriculum through modules covering a broad spectrum of digital tools and software. Students build proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite — Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access — alongside keyboarding techniques and foundational computer literacy. The programme also introduces Adobe Flash design and animation, game design and programming, 3D modelling, image creation and editing in GIMP, web design, and digital photography.
Grades 1–8
Visual Arts
Focuses on the traditional fine arts of drawing, painting, and sculpting, with a curriculum designed to nurture creativity and visual communication. Students refine observational skills and critical thinking while learning to express ideas and emotions through art. The programme also introduces art history, training students to analyse and appreciate works from different periods and styles to build cultural awareness.
Grades 1–8
Music
Builds both an appreciation for music and the practical skills to enjoy it as a lifelong pursuit, treating music as a driver of intellectual and emotional development. Lessons combine performance and listening with the study of musical elements and a diverse cultural repertoire. Students develop reasoning, critical thinking, and emotional expression alongside their growing technical ability.
Grades 1–8
Dance
Weekly classes give students a structured way to explore movement and rhythm, beginning with fundamental movements and stretches and progressing to full-class combinations and routines. The programme develops physical coordination, rhythm, and expressiveness while reinforcing the ability to follow instructions and collaborate as a team. Group routines also support overall fitness and well-being as students build confidence performing together.
Grades 1–5
Social Studies
Introduces students to Canadian geography and cultural diversity, helping them connect with their national identity from an early age. Lessons combine historical and contemporary studies, including units on early civilisations and historical architecture such as castles. Students build foundational knowledge of Canada and the wider world while developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
Grades 6–8
History
Examines Canadian and world history in greater depth, studying early civilisations, key historical periods, and the development of Canadian society. Coursework emphasises critical thinking and analytical skills through the comparison of historical and contemporary events. Students learn how past decisions and movements shape Canada’s legal system, government structures, and societal values today.
Grades 6–8
Geography
Builds on earlier work in Canadian geography and cultural diversity, broadening students’ understanding of Canada’s place in the world. Students study physical and human geography, including regions, environments, and the relationships between people and the landscapes they inhabit. The programme develops map skills, inquiry, and analytical thinking in preparation for the Grade 9 Geography of Canada course.
Grades 1–8
Athletics
A key part of Prestige School’s holistic approach rather than a stand-alone physical education class. Activities are designed to improve physical fitness and coordination while building self-esteem and self-discipline. Through regular sport, students also develop values such as respect, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, and fair play that carry into life beyond the school.
FAQ
Elementary program questions.
How does Prestige School's curriculum differ from Ontario public school?
Prestige School goes significantly beyond the Ontario Ministry curriculum. The most notable differences: separate Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Grade 4 (the Ministry combines these until Grade 9); French from Junior Kindergarten; and Computer Studies from Grade 1. Class sizes are also capped at 18, enabling a pace and depth not possible in larger classrooms.
What math competitions do Prestige School students participate in?
Prestige School students participate in Math League contests throughout the year. Students in Grades 7 and 8 also write the University of Waterloo's annual Gauss Math Contest. Preparation for both is supported through our Math Club, which meets after school.
Are credits from Prestige School recognized when transferring to another school?
Yes. Prestige School is fully approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Students who transfer carry a complete, recognized academic record that is accepted by any Ontario school.
What arts programs are available in elementary?
All elementary students study Visual Arts, Music, and Dance. Senior elementary students (Grades 6–8) also have access to Theatre. Art periods run three times per week in Grades 1–5 and twice per week in Grades 6–8.
“When my son started studying physics as a separate subject in Grade 4, I thought it was ambitious. By Grade 6, he was explaining Newton's laws to me at the dinner table. The depth of learning here is real.”
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Get In Touch
We would be pleased to connect with your family.
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Office Hours
Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM