Westboro Academics
The academically enriching program is designed to challenge students while fostering a love for learning through a dynamic bilingual model. Students are empowered to reach their fullest potential with a focus on achieving personal excellence, cultivating a strong work ethic, and thriving in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Classes & Curriculum
Teaching and learning is at the heart of the school. By using the Ontario English curriculum, and the French first language curriculum from Québec, we ensure a truly bilingual learning environment.
Kindergarten
Our students are immersed in French language learning from the beginning through our full-day French Junior and Senior Kindergarten programs. In addition, we encourage our students’ intellectual, emotional and creative capabilities while instilling strong values, social skills and a sense of self.
It's important to have a great start
At Westboro International Academy, kindergarten is a special time for children. It marks an important milestone in their growth and development. We prioritize providing an environment for our youngest students that is warm and nurturing, stimulating and engaging, and where they can grow to meet their full potential.
Westboro International Academy offers a full-day French Junior Kindergarten (for students who are 4 years old by December 31 of their entering year) and a full-day French Senior Kindergarten (for students who are 5 years old by December 31 of their entering year), where no prior experience with the French language is necessary. Many students come from unilingual homes, and the young learners quickly acquire the new language skills they need to succeed.
The Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes have a maximum of 14 and 18 students, respectively. Each class has its own experienced, certified teacher. Students in the Kindergarten programs visit specialist teachers for music once weekly and for Physical Education daily.
In Kindergarten, children build the essential foundation they need to thrive in the bilingual program that begins in Grade 1.
Grades 1-6
A solid foundation for future success: Learn more about how your child(ren) could benefit from our bilingual Grade 1-6 program and how we set our students up for success.
A Solid Foundation for Success
Students in grades 1-6 participate in our unique, truly bilingual program, which uses the Ontario curriculum for English and the Québec curriculum for French. Specialist teachers for Physical Education, Art, Music, and Science teach all grades and follow students from year to year, providing valuable continuity in their learning journey. The grade 1-6 classes have a maximum of 18 students per class
Grades 1-3
- English Language Arts (homeroom), mathematics (homeroom), science (specialist), Physical Education (specialist), and music (specialist) are the courses taught in English.
- French language arts (homeroom), social studies (homeroom), and art (specialist) are some of the courses taught in French.
Starting in Grade 3, students participate in the NWEA MAP in mathematics, an internationally recognized standardized assessment. The results have consistently demonstrated that our students perform significantly above average, reflecting their strong academic abilities and the effectiveness of our rigorous, student-centred program.
Grades 4-6
In the junior years, students continue to build on prior learning while taking on new leadership responsibilities. The bilingual program continues in the same format as for grades 1-3 students, but there is increased time and attention given to developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The dedicated and caring teachers guide the students through a program full of challenges and opportunities for growth.
Students are given opportunities to become involved with the Student Council and to take on leadership roles in community service projects and initiatives. Global and community understanding is fostered for junior students through formal and informal events, charity fundraisers, community outreach and caring for younger students.
Our students participate in various sporting events with other schools. These events are guided by an inclusive approach that ensures every participant feels valued and has the opportunity to contribute.
Middle School Matrix Program
At Westboro International Academy, we actively prepare our students for their transition to Grade 9. We are committed to nurturing independent, confident and well-informed studms who think critically and are ready for secondary school. To this end, we offer a challenging bilingual programme, enhanced by our Matrix programme in Grades 7 and 8. The Matrix programme is a unique programme designed around three criteria to meet the needs of Grades 7 and 8 students and prepare them for Grade 9:
- To offer students more choice and empower them;
- To personalize learning pathways;
- To prepare students for a successful transition to Grade 9.
Supporting Students’ Academic and Social Transition
Middle school is a time of transition. Students have increasing needs for academic and social independence, and they approach their work with greater autonomy. We recognize these traits and have designed the middle school program to meet the unique needs of the students.
Learning, Choice and Life Skills in the Middle School Matrix Program
What is the Matrix Program?
The Matrix program is structured around three key areas and is integrated into a rigorous, bilingual academic program.
The choice of concentration
The secondary school preparation course
Personalized support
Concentration Options:
The aim is to enable students to explore their interests by allowing them to deepen their knowledge and skills in a subject of their choice. We offer Grade 7 and 8 students five options, some taught in English and others in French.
- Robotics (in English)
- Advanced Mathematics (in English)
- Music (in English)
- Visual Arts (in French)
- Critical thinking (in French)
How Does It Work?
When choosing their concentration, students commit to a 10 to 12 week term during which they will have two 45-minute sessions per week.
There are three terms during the year. At the end of each term, students may choose to continue with the same specialism (subject to availability) or choose a new one.
The Seconary School Preparation Course
Starting and succeeding in Grade 9 at secondary school requires the development of a range of skills, whether academic, organizational or relating to critical thinking. With this in mind, we have designed a course dedicated to developing these essential skills. The preparatory course will be linked to the contemporary issues our students will face during the year. It will be taught in French and English for 45 minutes per week.
In Grade 7 (taught in French) :
- Self-assessment
- Setting goals
- Organizing your time (academic and personal)
- Taking notes effectively
- Planning a project or research topic
In Grade 8 (taught in English) :
- Digital citizenship
- Responsible use of social media
- Introduction to artificial intelligence
- Ethical considerations (bias, algorithms, disinformation)
- Academic integrity
Personalized support
Every student is unique and has their own aspirations. Enrolling in Grade 9 at the school of their choice, based on their abilities, can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. At Westboro International Academy, we believe it is our mission to support students so that they can make an ambitious choice that matches their aspirations. That is why we offer personalized support to assist each student. This support takes the form of one or two 45-minute sessions per month. It is divided into two periods.
September to December
For Grade 8 students only
Monthly meetings with a mentor teacher
Support with secondary school applications
January to June
For Grade 7 students only
Monthly meetings with a mentor teacher
Exploring the various possible educational options
Explore the various options that might suit the student’s aspirations.
At Westboro International Academy, we are committed to providing all the tools our students need to succeed when they start Grade 9. With this aim in mind, Westboro International Academy offers a unique program designed to foster independence and self-reliance in our Grades 7 & 8 students. We offer a challenging bilingual program, to which we have added the Middle School Matrix Program.
Specialist Courses
Our students benefit from learning dedicated and trained specialist teachers in Music, Art, Science, and Health and Physical Education. Weekly lessons in each of these disciplines ensure a broad and varied academic environment.
Health & Phys-Ed
Our Health and Physical Education program, taught by our HPE specialist, fosters the growth of the whole child—body, mind, and spirit. From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, students engage in a wide range of sports, games, and activities that promote physical literacy, gameplay comprehension, and a lifelong love of being active. Through health classes, students explore age-appropriate topics that empower them to make informed choices about their physical and mental health and well-being.
Beyond physical skills, our program emphasizes social-emotional learning, encouraging students to build confidence, resilience, and empathy. Whether on the field or in the gym, students practice teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship—learning how to collaborate, lead, and support one another.
Westboro International Academy belongs to the OISAA (Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association) where we compete in various sports competitions against other area schools. We are a participation-based school where students in certain grades compete as a class in events such as soccer, basketball, cross-country running, and track and field. Our Health and Physical Education program and school athletics support our school’s pillars of excellence, integrity, and respect by empowering students to strive for their best, make responsible choices, and treat themselves and others with kindness both on and off the field.
Science
Our science program is taught in English (grades 1-8) or in French (Junior and Senior Kindergarten). Starting in grade 1, our certified Science Specialist delivers a rigorous and engaging science program. The approach to the program is highly academic, but with an emphasis on exploration, experimentation, and hands-on learning experiences. Our science program is a highlight for many students who look forward to their twice weekly science class in our science lab. There is a strong emphasis on curiosity and the scientific method which is exemplified in our annual science fair. Furthermore, each year, our middle school students have gone on to the Regional Science Fair to compete against the top young scientists in the area and have successfully brought back accolades and awards each and every year. Our science program values the importance of nature and takes advantage of our outdoor spaces to learn and contribute to citizen science projects during our annual BioBlitz.
Music
Developing a strong musical awareness and understanding is part of a well rounded elementary school education. To foster this, our music instruction is delivered by a music specialist every week. In the early years, the focus is on music appreciation and participation. Learning to read music and to perform with instruments is added as the students get older.
Music is offered twice weekly, with students switching to art instruction for the other half. This alternating schedule allows for more in-depth, project-based learning in both art and music.
Outside the music classroom, students may also opt to participate in in our Junior Choir (Grades 1-3), Senior Choir (Grades 4-8) or our school orchestra band (Grades 6-8) which include flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, and tenor saxophones, trombones, percussion, and trumpets. In this way, every student is able to find a musical and creative outlet and develop a greater appreciation for music. Twice a year, the students prepare a show for parents and guests that highlights and exhibits the pieces they have mastered.
Art
At Westboro International Academy, visual arts are taught in French and our students explore a wide range of mediums—including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, collage, and mixed media—while developing both technical skills and creative confidence engaging with principles of design and elements of art.
Art is offered for half the school year, with students switching to music instruction for the other half. This alternating schedule allows for more in-depth, project-based learning in both art and music.
The program blends art history with the study of culturally diverse contemporary artists, encouraging students to make connections between traditional and modern artistic practices. Classes emphasize a growth mindset and provide a supportive space for all learners to express themselves and take creative risks. The goal is to foster imagination, artistic expression, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Student Success
Whether your child needs extra support or enrichment, our dedicated staff will work with them to ensure they are successful. Our resource teachers will work with your child for as long as needed. In each case, these individual or small group sessions are considered part of your tuition payments, and this extra support is given during class time.
If your child has come to Westboro International Academy after kindergarten, it might be helpful to attend extra sessions with the resource teacher to gain additional experience in French. Some students need additional support with literacy and numeracy skills, while others need support to ensure they remain challenged in their learning. Sometimes, the resource teachers join the homeroom teachers in the classrooms. Other times students are assisted in the resource room.
Westboro International Academy will work with parents to develop a learning plan that suits the needs of the child. We offer a plan that is documented for parents, teachers and administrators to share, and we revisit as needed throughout the time a student attends the school.
