FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Finding the perfect fit for your child within a private school environment can be a daunting task. The faculty and staff of Richland Academy would like to take the worry out of the process and we will do our utmost to answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have.


1 |  What grades does Richland offer?

2 |  What is the teacher to student ratio?

3 |  What is the curriculum taught at Richland Academy?

4 |  What are the school’s hours?

5 |  Does Richland offer extended care?

6 |  Does Richland have after school programs?

7 |  Does Richland offer field trips?

8 |  Is there a parent council?

9 |  What are the benefits of enrolling my child at Richland Academy?

10 |  What are the Five Principles?

11 |  Does Richland have a formal admittance policy?

12 |  Does the school have a homework policy?

13 |  Does Richland promote environmental awareness?




Richland offers programs for children from Preschool to Grade 8.    top


There is a full-time teacher for every 18 students.       top


Richland Academy is based upon a skills-based, knowledge-rich curriculum called the Core or Global Knowledge Curriculum. It provides students both depth and breadth into subject areas including French, science, Canadian history and geography, world history and music, the study of Shakespeare and much more.    top


Students may be dropped off starting at 8:30am. The school day begins promptly at 8:45am. There are two recess periods; morning and lunch break. Dismissal is 3:30pm. Students have the option to stay and participate in Richland’s study hall/homework session from 3:30 to 4:00pm.    top


Richland is pleased to offer extended care to all of our students. In order to participate, families must register and pay the fees associated with the program.

Before School Program | 7:30am to 8:45am      After School Program | 4:00pm to 6pm    top


Richland is pleased to offer a variety of fun and educational programs for our students. Our internal staff as well as outside sources organize and offer special programs such as yoga, chess and more throughout the year.    top


School trips, in-house guest speakers and workshops are planned yearly and are an integral part of each child’s learning. All excursions are carefully planned to ensure that they are a valuable learning experience. The purpose of the excursions is to augment what is being covered in the curriculum in each grade.    top


Richland’s parent council consists of parents from all grades of the school. The council represents an active body of volunteers that hold scheduled monthly meetings and coordinate various events and activities throughout the school year. The council is a strong leader and organizer of fundraising to help Richland Academy acquire special equipment and resources. The parent council is chaired by an executive committee.     top


Richland is a community of students, staff and parents working together to achieve our main goals of nurturing the cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth and development of each child that makes up our student body.

At Richland, your child will benefit from:
· clear standards and a coherent, focused academic mission
· a shared philosophy and approach to education
· high expectations for all students
· challenging curriculae
· structured learning environment
· high-quality professional development aligned to the standards
· small class sizes
· many chances for parents to get involved
· emphasis on specialties such as art, music and athletics
· extracurricular activities
· an orderly and disciplined learning environment
· a supportive and collegial atmosphere
· enriched global curriculum
· an intervention system designed to ensure that struggling students can meet the standards    top


We structure our school environment on five distinct principles so that our students leave us as well-rounded individuals who are prepared to meet real world challenges.

Our Five Principles are:
· Knowledge and Skill
· Character
· Discipline
· Environment
· Community and Global Service    top


Admission to Richland Academy is based upon a variety of components:
· The candidate’s personal interview
· School records
· An academic assessment

The type of assessment will vary depending upon the grade to which your child applies. We look for evidence of sound academic ability, a positive attitude and students who are motivated to learn and who will benefit from and contribute to our school community.

Suggestions prior to enrollment:
· Visit our open houses
· Arrange a tour
· Visit the school while it is in session
· Have your child spend some time at the school
· Review of three year’s previous report cards

We recommend that you complete your child’s enrollment by early spring or late winter.    top


Homework provides an opportunity for drill, review and reinforcement of skills taught in school and to establish good independent work and study habits. Home study assignments reinforce skills previously taught in the classroom, develop independence and responsibility by students, and allow parents to see what their children are doing and how well they can handle the skill. Homework expectations will vary from day to day; however, guidelines for the expected amount of time required per grade are outlined in our Parent Handbook.

Parents may assist their child with homework by providing a suitable work environment, ensuring that their child sets time aside each evening for school work and by encouraging them to check their agendas.    top


Just as we have been working hard to create a beautiful interior to our new facility, Richland has also begun preparing its surrounding school grounds. The School Yard Naturalization project is something which Richland has embarked upon in an effort to inspire environmental consciousness in students.

Students will be taking ownership over their schoolyard environment; they will develop environmental projects in order to design, build and beautify the school yard and its natural surroundings. This eco-garden is a learning tool meant to foster an awareness of nature and correlates with the school’s curriculae.    top