Curriculum

The Claremont School offers a language and math focused curriculum.

  • Language and math instruction occurs across the curriculum: in science, geography, history and physical education. English is the only language taught. We do not offer French or any other second language.
  • Drama, sculpture, ceramics, model building, gymnastics and crafts are included in subjects across the curriculum or as enrichment activities delivered by guest instructors.
  • The school follows the Ontario Ministry of Education expectations and our staff consists of Ontario certified teachers who are trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach/Practical Linguistics Approach.
  • The Claremont School provides customized programming for all students using the Great Word House™ curriculum and materials.
  • Teacher-pupil ratio will not exceed 1:10.
Young Girl Studying

Language

Using research-based best practices the following areas are the focus for students with dyslexia: phonological awareness, reading fluency, vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension. The multisensory Orton-Gillingham/Practical Linguistics lesson plan is the central platform of reading instruction.

Written expression includes grammar, syntax, and sentence to essay instruction. The Claremont Writing program integrates written instruction in all subject areas.

Writing skills are often an area of weakness for students with dyslexia, and our curriculum seeks to emphasize instruction in this area. Our school offers several extra-curricular activities that promote the art of writing. We sponsor writing competitions in several genres: poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Students run and contribute to the Claremont School Newsletter.


Math

Using research-based and proven methodologies, math instruction is taught in sequential, cumulative and structured steps. A multisensory approach based on Orton-Gillingham is applied.

Neil is a different boy from a year ago, not only because his reading is starting to come along, but because he is enjoying school and, once again, believes he can learn and succeed. Honestly, the Claremont School has been a god-send for Neil.

— Gail Armstrong, Toronto, ON

Our mission is to teach students with dyslexia, so that they may fulfill their considerable potential and gain the skills and self-confidence needed for academic success.

— Evelyn Reiss

A warm and exceptional teacher, Evelyn provided a wonderful overview of the Orton-Gillingham approach in her Associate Level course. I consider it a privilege to have been her student.

— Avital (Tali) Kellerstein, Speech-Language Pathologist, Toronto, ON

Claremont has given my child the best possible learning environment. His learning is tailored to his strengths and he feels positive about himself and his capabilities. The learning at Claremont is structured but also flexible, allowing for my child to succeed.

— Sarah Knox

My grade 4 daughter is finally being taught in a way that she can learn. The school has been a gift for us all. The daily routines, the structured approach to reading and writing learning, and the positive environment with other kids like her have all been wonderfully helpful. It is a world of difference for us this year from her prior public school that just (tragically) did not have the adequate supports for her kind of learning.

— Sarah Richardson