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What is the average class size? How is
Lakecrest different from other schools? Lakecrest's class sizes are
smaller than any except a few small schools around the province. Our
"Study Buddy" Program has
students in higher grades working with younger students on a regular basis in
Language Arts and Art activities. This creates a stronger sense of community. The
amount of Instructional time gained
by our early class start (8:30 a.m.), shorter lunchtime and professional
development days taking place before and after the regular school year for the
most part, results in three to four weeks of extra actual teaching time.
Lakecrest teachers have more preparation time during the school day for lesson
planning and consultation. Lakecrest
has a full-time Kindergarten Program.
(The cost of day-care for children in half-day Kindergarten programs in other
schools can add up to nearly the cost of tuition in our Full-Day program.) French instruction starts in
Kindergarten. Our students have more than twice
the amount of time devoted to Music and Phys Ed than in public schools.
This is a result of our commitment to the arts and to physical activity. In nationally
standardized testing, achievement in Math, Language, etc. Lakecrest: 70th to 85th percentile nationally. Dr. Andrew Barlow, a noted educator and corporate re-location specialist, reviewed our standardized test results. He commented that Lakecrest's results are comparable to those of the better known independent and private schools in Toronto. Our Grade
Nine students who are willing and able can complete some first year high school
courses while at Lakecrest. Where
do students go when they finish Grade Nine at Lakecrest? Most go to
local high schools. We have been fortunate in that our students have been able
to go to the high school of their choice. We have heard many times from
teachers and administrators in the high schools that they look forward to
receiving Lakecrest students. The level of skills and knowledge our students
demonstrate, especially in areas like French, Math, Science and Writing make
them stand out in high school classes. How do they do in the local high schools? How is
discipline handled? We insist
on respect in all circumstances. Students have the right to learn without being
distracted or harassed in any way. Every incident that comes to our attention
is dealt with to a resolution. There are relatively few instances of bullying
and teasing. With our small classes and close community the likelihood of our
finding out about any pattern of bullying is higher. Once we find out, we deal
with it firmly and clearly, regardless of the age of the child involved. We
make it clear that we will not allow behaviour that makes
others feel unsafe. Student misbehaviour in class is
rare. No student will be allowed to disrupt the learning of others. If a
student's behaviour is disturbing a class on any kind
of continued basis, the behaviour will have to change
or the student's enrolment would have to be reviewed. How
much turnover is there in the teaching faculty? The
teaching faculty is very stable, with little turnover. Of the twelve teachers
on staff, two have been here since the school began 18 years ago. Four others
have been at Lakecrest over ten years Another three have been on staff for four to nine
years. Are the
teachers certified by the province? All our
teachers hold university teaching degrees and provincial certification. Within
the year, 25% of the faculty will hold Masters degrees. What
are the tuition costs? Tuition
for one student for one year is $8695. Part of the tuition is tax deductible as child
care expenses. The tuition includes all school costs other than uniform and the
optional lunch and daycare programs. Uniforms cost around $150 a year, with
used uniform pieces available at a great saving. There are Scholarship and
Bursary Programs available. Information on these can be gotten from the Office.
Bursaries are handled with the strictest confidentiality. Only the Bursary
Committee members know who has received a Bursary and what the amount has been.
Even Board Members are not privy to that information. How
does the application process work? Parents
fill out the application form and send it in with two recent report card copies
and the application fee of $ 250. The application is reviewed and within days,
parents are informed about enrolment. Governance: Lakecrest
is governed by a Board of Directors made up of parents elected by parents, with
two or three representatives from the wider community. History: Lakecrest
began in 1993 and is in its 16th year. Is
Lakecrest "Elitist"? No. It may
suit some to view Lakecrest as exclusive but the fact is,
many families in the school are of average means. The parents make sacrifices
to have their children attend the school. We have students with all levels of ability.
Some have learning difficulties and even disabilities and some are highly able
learners. Many are of average intelligence. Most of our families are from the
local St. John's and surrounding areas. Our school community is diverse,
representing many religions, ethnic and racial groups from all walks of life. Are
parents welcome in the school? Definitely
Yes. There is a
very high level of parent involvement. Any parent who has the time is invited
to contribute as a volunteer. In a given two week period, we see about 60% of
our families present in the school directly helping in some way. There is lots
of scope for parent involvement. What if
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