FAQS
If you have a question which is not in this section, please contact us.
Governance And Philosophy
Can children of other religions attend the school?
Yes, children of any faith or no faith may attend the school.
Are you a non-denominational school?
The St. Lawrence Academy is non-den
ominational.
At the SLA we work hard to show by example the traditional values of the Christian faith.
We start our days with morning devotions, which can be a short reading in the classroom, the kick-off for Operation Christmas child, or any number of things. Student favourites include singing times. We also work together to contribute to charities.
We're not Christians - can our child still attend the school?
Yes, your child may attend the school. Our student bodys religious backgrounds vary widely. Children of any faith or no faith may attend the school. Although all students are expected to participate in daily devotions, your familys traditions are respected.
Does the SLA have a religious affiliation?
The SLA is a multi-denominational school. Christian principles are the foundation of our character education and each day begins with a twenty minute devotional time.
Who operates the school?
The school is a charitable non-profit organization operated by a board of directors, consisting of parents and members of the community. The board is responsible for overall governance and the head of school is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school.
Curriculum And The School Day
My child loves sports. What sports/athletic opportunities do you offer?
We have a full size gym and playing fields. At various times throughout the school year, as the season permits, we offer basketball, volleyball, indoor and outdoor soccer, badminton, flag rugby, skating, cross country running and track and field.
SLA is a small school. I am concerned about my child's socialization skills.
SLA students learn to interact and work well with students of different ages and from many different backgrounds. We may be small but we are mighty in spirit!!
Do you have combined classes?
Yes. We are a small school and as such we have combined classes. Core curriculum subjects are taught separately.
What are your class sizes?
Our class sizes vary from six to sixteen students.
Do you offer art, drama and music?
Yes. We offer art, music and drama as part of our curriculum.
Do you offer French as a second language?
Yes. We offer Core French from JK/SK to grade 8.
Do you offer extracurricular opportunities?
We offer a number of opportunities in music, art, drama, and athletics, as well as chances to compete with students from other schools academically and in these areas. Please see our pages on Music and the Arts, Athletics and Health, and Beyond Curriculum.
What special programmes do you offer beyond the regular curriculum?
Public speaking opportunities, Rideau St.-Lawrence Science Fair, Lions Music Festival, Intramural Sport Programmes, Musical and Dramatic Performances, Remembrance Day Poster Contest, Community Service, Monthly all-school spirit building activities.
What curriculum do you use?
We enrich and extend the curriculum of the Ontario Ministry of Education.
I work shifts. Do you have a before and after school daycare programme?
We offer an after school programme.
When are your holidays?
Please see the link to our
school calendar.
What are the school's hours?
From 8:00 to 8:30 every day students may do "seat work. Instructional hours are from 8:30 to 3:00 pm. From 3:00 to 4:00 pm we have daily study hall for grades 3 to 8. Families may drop off their children after 8:00 am, with classes beginning at 8:30. Presently, our school day dismisses at 4pm. This is subject to change in the 2011-2012 school year due to bus routes.
What grades does the SLA offer?
We offer JK/SK to grade 8. Before and after care programming is available upon need and number of registrants.
Can my child start school after the beginning of the school year?
Yes. Please talk to us about this.
Parental Involvement
What are the volunteer opportunities for parents at the school?
We welcome the involvement of parents. You may help with field trips, lunch time, after school care, or the Spring Fling, our annual fundraiser. You may also serve on a variety of board committees such as marketing, fundraising, strategic planning or policy.
Is there a specific requirement regarding parent involvement?
There is no specific requirement that parents volunteer or are involved in the school. We welcome parent volunteers and all volunteers must submit a police check as well as meet with the Head of School regarding policies and expectations.
Tuition Fees And Financial Assistance
What is the financial aid policy?
The St. Lawrence Academy maintains a long-standing commitment to provide need-based financial aid. The opportunity for qualified students to attend The St. Lawrence Academy should not be limited by family financial circumstances. Financial need is determined by taking into account many factors including income, net worth, standard living expenses, family size, and the number of children attending tuition-based schools. This determination is made by utilizing an independent third party (Apple Financial).
Aid is granted for a period of one year and up to 50% of tuition fees, based on current information. Applications for financial assistance must be completed EACH YEAR as aid is based on the Academys existing resources and re-evaluated on a YEAR BY YEAR basis. The re-application deadline is April 30th of the year preceding enrollment.
Aid is awarded by the Financial Aid Committee and is granted to students who have a demonstrated financial need and maintain a satisfactory school record of grades and citizenship. This is in part based upon the recommendation of Apple Financial. Changes in a familys situation may influence the amount awarded from year to year. Currently enrolled students paying full tuition may apply for aid; however, the application must include a statement detailing the changes in circumstances responsible for the financial aid request. Families will likewise be required to submit a financial aid application through Apple Financial.
The Financial Aid Committee reserves the right to make grants as it sees fit within the existing resources after all applications are reviewed (Reapplication deadline is April 30th). Again, financial aid applications are required to be submitted on a yearly basis for the upcoming school year.
What are the Fees?
Contact the head of the school for further information.
Please talk to us about our
financial assistance programme and family tution reduction for siblings who attend the Academy concurrently.
Can I get a tax receipt for childcare?
Yes. A certain portion of your fees may be claimed as child care expenses. Please speak to an accountant for further details.
Can I pay the fees in monthly installments?
Yes. You may pay your fees in ten monthly instalments. However, we charge a 5% administration fee payable with the first months payment.
I cannot afford the full fees. Is there a financial assistance programme?
Yes. There are two ways you may apply for financial assistance. First, we use an independent third party, Apple Financial, based in Toronto, to assess your financial needs. Apple Financial makes a recommendation to our Financial Assistance Committee.
The second way to apply for financial assistance is through the Fraser Institute. Please follow this link for more information.
What is the SLA Tuition Adjustment Process?
What is Apple Financial Services?
Apple Financial Services is the company that administers the Financial Aid to Canadian Students program for The St. Lawrence Academy (SLA).
What is Financial Aid for Canadian Students?
The Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS) program is a method of determining levels of tuition reduction for families in need when funds are available.
What is a Parents' Financial Statement?
A Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) is a written, confidential statement of your net worth and of your ability to pay SLA fees, and an application for a tuition adjustment. After you submit a Parents' Financial Statement to Apple Financial Services, Apple provides SLA with an analysis of your ability to contribute towards the educational expenses of your children, and a recommendation regarding a tuition reduction (if any).
Apple processes the statement in keeping with standards and procedures developed by SLA's Tuition Adjustment Awards Committee. The basic view of SLA is that parents should finance their children's education to the extent they are able.
Apple Financial Services sends SLA a copy of your financial statement and an analysis of it. When you send a statement to Apple, you are giving permission for an analysis to be done and for Apple to send a suggestion of the required parental contribution to SLA. The suggested family contribution is based on your 2008 projected income and assets.
If you are applying for aid for more than one child at SLA, generally you need to complete only one form. Each year that you apply for financial aid, you must file a new PFS with Apple.
Who makes the final financial aid decision?
Apple Financial Services does not make decisions about the amounts of financial aid awarded. Apple makes recommendations only. The final decision is made by the Tuition Adjustment Awards Committee of SLA.
Please direct any questions you may have about the award or how to receive an applicaton form to The Head of School at SLA at 613-925-5600 or by e-mail to
info@slcacademy.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (not to FACS or to Apple).
How do I complete the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) form?
Please provide on the form all the information requested in order to avoid a delay in processing the report. You must provide dollar amounts for all taxable and non-taxable income for the previous and next tax year. If you send FACS an incomplete statement, you may receive a follow-up phone call. The processing of your statement will not be completed until this information is received.
If parents are separated or divorced, the student's parent who contracts with the school to be primarily responsible for all costs should complete the form. In most instances, this will be the custodial parent and his or her present spouse. The school may require the non-custodial parent to complete a separate form or to include any step-parent information. If someone other than the parent is financially responsible for the student, that person should complete it and explain his or her relationship to the student.
As you complete the form, you should know that the information that you provide will be held in complete confidence. Only the SLA will be sent your financial information and the FACS analysis.
What is the cost for Apple Financial Services to process the PFS analysis?
The fee will be paid by the family applying for financial aid. The application fee paid to Apple Financial Services is $60.00.
Can I change the information I submitted on the PFS?
If information first submitted on your financial statement changes, please notify Apple Financial Services so that a new analysis of it can be completed. Do not send another form. Describe the changes and provide any new dollar amounts. Apple will send the revised information to SLA. Revised reports of suggested parental contribution will be sent to SLA if you added or corrected information that results in a change of $2,000 in your total income or a change of $5,000 in your net worth. Be sure to include your full name, school, and current mailing address in all correspondence with Apple.
What do I do after I have completed my PFS?
Mail your completed form by the date your contract is due to:
Apple Financial Services
200 Burndale Ave.
North York, Ontario M2N 1T3
(416) 730-9900 (Office hours: 9 am - 7 pm)
applefinancial@rogers.com
Transportation
We live outside of Brockville. Is transportation available?
Busing is available each school day from Brockville to Prescott.
Teachers
What are the qualifications of your teachers?
Our faculty holds teaching degrees as well with many holding specialist qualifications.
How many teachers do you have?
We have a teaching team of eight teachers. Five of which are classroom teachers and special field teaching specialists in the areas of Music, Art and French.
Students With Special Needs
Do you have a policy for children with anaphylaxis?
Yes, we do. Please refer to our policy document here.
What is the Arrowsmith programme?
The Arrowsmith programme is an extremely effective programme for students with specific learning disabilities. The SLA is the only school in Eastern Ontario to offer it. Please see the full description of this programme for exceptional students.
Do you accept children with special needs such as ADD, ADHD, giftedness or dyslexia?
Yes. Please come and talk to us about your childs exceptionality and we will let you know if we think we can help.
