Special education
Leave no Student Behind
Supporting students with learning differences
The YMCA Academy is a high school and middle school designed to support the academic and socio-emotional needs of students with mild learning disabilities and/or learning style differences
Most students who attend the YMCA Academy have been diagnosed with Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/ADHD (70% in 2025-26) or a Learning Disability/LD (56% in 2025-26), or Autism Spectrum Disorder/ASD (52% in 2025-26).
Student learner profile
Parents and students provide us valuable insight on how to achieve successful outcomes. This information becomes part of each student’s Individual Education Plan and is shared among all faculty members.
All students have IEPs
Every student has an Individualized Education Plan in place, which is regularly reviewed to ensure it is still meeting their needs and helping them thrive.
Identification, Placement, & Review Committee (IPRC)
We are fully committed to implementing any modifications and supports as outlined by the IPRC’s recommendations.
Assistive technologies
Students are provided with assistive technologies that empower them to look past their learning disabilities or differences and instead focus on how they can learn best.
A place where students feel understood
Hear directly from YMCA Academy students and staff about the relationships, support, and sense of belonging that help students build confidence, advocate for themselves, and thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
In-school and after-school support
Our comprehensive support system includes differentiated instruction, specialized courses, and individualized attention from dedicated educators.
Special education specialists
Teachers alter their teaching style based on a student’s preferred learning style. This allows students to experience lesson delivery through a variety of lenses. Assessment and evaluation are equally student-centred.
Remediation courses
Remediation is offered as a non-credit class for students requiring support in language and mathematics. A specialized remediation specialist works with students daily to help achieve grade level literacy and numeracy.
Individualized attention from teachers
Staff is committed to meeting students’ needs. This is possible with small teacher-student ratios. Teachers are available for individualized assistance during and outside of class time.
Resource courses
Our non-credit Resource class enables us to meet students’ individualized needs by supporting daily coursework with a focus on skill building. This might include:
- Extra time for projects, tests, and quizzes
- Additional one-to-one attention/instruction
- Access to and instruction in computers and software
- Access to a scribe
- Organizational support
Homework club
The YMCA Academy hosts a regular after-school Homework Club, supported by Academy staff and volunteers. Students have the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance. Staff is also available for individual support upon request.
Hardware
- Apple MacBook Airs for high school students (1 laptop per student)
- Apple iPads for middle school students
- Large format TVs in every classroom
- Headset microphones
- Cameras with video options for lesson recordings
Software
- Google Classroom + Google Workspace for Education Suite
- TextHelp Read & Write for Google Chrome
- Kami for Google Chrome
- Multitude of Assistive Technologies curated specifically for our students included in Google Chrome