OUR SCHOOL

Richland Academy is an independent, coeducational, non-denominational school located in the heart of Richmond Hill, Ontario. Since our opening in September 2002, fostering a culture of learning in a Core Knowledge setting has been our top priority. We strive to maximize every child’s potential by offering enriched early curriculum, nurturing inner virtues, helping develop strong character, and encouraging a love for learning that transcends the boundaries of our friendly, respectful school.

Accreditations. We are an official member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools, and are currently undergoing the application process for the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario.

Results. Our enriched Core Knowledge program produces standardized test scores that are consistently above the national average.

Initiatives. The staff, parents, and children of Richland Academy involve themselves in their community through local and global charities such as Megan’s Walk, the local Food Bank, the Children's Aid Society, and World Vision.

The Mind—Core Knowledge Foundations

Richland Academy is proud to build its academic program on the Core (Global) Knowledge curriculum, and is the second school in Canada to launch this initiative. The unique guidelines set forth by this program have been developed through a global approach to learning, encouraging the synthesis of strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. A keen focus on discussion and knowledge-sharing results in erudition unheard of in other teaching systems. Students not only enjoy their classroom activities; they are imbued with the spirit of lifelong learning, leaving with the ability to acquire new knowledge and then transfer it to other subject matter. Our enriched Core Knowledge curriculum ensures that you are kept fully aware of what your children are studying—and that they receive a relevant, lasting education.

The Body—Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

At Richland, we believe in the adage that the body fuels the mind. Accordingly, physical education and sport serve as important complements to our academic program. Through our schoolyard naturalization initiative, we teach students to recognize their roles as stewards of the natural environment. This is achieved by means of schoolyard greening and gardening involving both the students and the community. Helping transform the playground from grey to green promotes an awareness of nature and environmental issues, the importance of keeping our world clean, as well as the ways in which we can make a positive impact. Learning to respect their living world gives children greater insight into their own physiologies and helps them develop healthy attitudes.

The Spirit—Character Education for Confidence in Life

The Four C’s: Connect+Capable+Count+Courage
When self esteem and strong positive social interaction are high, cognitive development comes much more easily. To this effect, Richland Academy draws on the sensibilities of the democratic classroom to ensure that character education stands firmly as part of our curriculum. We encourage an understanding of winning and losing, determination, perseverance, and social cooperation within our classrooms: an understanding our students keep with them for life.

Discipline, Accountability, and Making a Difference
We succeed in teaching life skills because we give our students accountability for their actions. At Richland there is zero tolerance for improper behaviour and it is because of this that our students enjoy a safe, respectful environment. While we regard classical disciplinary actions as effective symptomatic solutions, we take a proactive, preemptive behavioural approach—teaching conflict resolution, problem solving, and communication skills. At times, children can take an active role in improving their class atmosphere and learn that they have the ability to make a positive impact on their own surroundings.

Positive Self-Concept
At Richland Academy we are inspired by the Future Aces philosophy, which encourages people to use their abilities in a positive manner through the development of self-knowledge and self-confidence. With a focus on continuous, life-long learning about self and social interaction, the values of Future Aces are akin to our own and for this reason they hold a strong presence in our school. Alongside the Future Aces philosophy, we have employed a focus on virtues to bolster our character education program. Stirring the strengths of character that exist within every child is a universally inclusive process that results in an atmosphere of caring and respect.


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