Junior School (JK-Grade 6)

The Parrott Junior School is home to our Kindergarten to Grade 6 students.

Our Junior School is a welcoming, safe environment for children to discover new things, make new friends, and develop a love of learning. With small class sizes, Albert College’s youngest learners enjoy an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Facilities include a well-resourced, spacious library, full gymnasium and stage, three outdoor playgrounds, and ample enclosed green space. A full-service kitchen is located in the Great Hall, which is the lunch area for students and teachers in Grades 1 to 6. The Great Hall is also used for musical performances and presentations.

Primary (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3)

Students enjoy a full day of learning from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with extended care available until 5:30 p.m.

The Junior and Senior Kindergarten program supports the development of the whole child and provides varied opportunities to explore the key learning domains of reading, writing, mathematics, science and technology, social studies and the arts, personal and social development, all with an inquiry-based approach. The Kindergarten programs offer French instruction, physical education and music.

Grades 1 to 3 mark a time of tremendous growth as students develop greater independence. Using inquiry-based models, our program also reflects a structured literacy approach, including science-based reading instruction, and a balance of skill development and conceptual understanding in mathematics.

Where appropriate, literacy and mathematics are integrated into our science and social studies curriculum to foster critical thinking skills and authentic connections between disciplines. Teachers work collaboratively and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of our learners.

Each curricular unit addresses specific Core Values, learning skills, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). In this way, values and character education are embedded in our integrated approach to curriculum and instruction.

Junior (Grades 4 to 6)

Our junior level academic program is as demanding as it is rewarding. Our integrated curricular approach with an emphasis on inquiry continues through Grades 4 to 6. Students are encouraged by dedicated faculty members and engaging resources designed to foster success and allow them to discover their full potential. Teaching methods are varied in order to accommodate different learning styles and to meet students’ individual needs. Albert College has the flexibility to review content or increase depth to ensure a comprehensive and challenging academic program.

Albert’s small class sizes allow for one-on-one and small group instruction and for close friendships to form. As a positive community of learners, students encourage each other inside and outside the classroom.

Grade 6 students act as leaders in the Junior School, and are responsible for Assemblies, Green Initiatives, and Active Citizenship initiatives. Equipped with knowledge in varied subjects, our students become well-rounded leaders of character, which continues as they move throughout their time at Albert College.

The Five 'A's at Albert College

Academics
Albert College exceeds the standards set by the Ontario curriculum at every grade level. Students learn alongside like-minded individuals who are encouraged to aim higher and succeed. Developing strong foundations and a love for learning is an important part of what we do at the Junior School. A mix of tradition, innovation, and student-directed learning provides the support and challenges our students need to achieve their goals. Daily French instruction, starting in Junior Kindergarten, encourages a love for learning French and a foundation for further development in meaningful, authentic ways.

Arts
The arts program helps students to become creative, confident individuals. Music, drama, dance and visual arts are valued as important areas of learning. The love of music is introduced in Pre-Kindergarten and nurtured to include participation in choirs from Grades 1 to 6. Instrumental music is introduced in Grade 4 and expands to include various wind instruments and percussion. School productions develop students’ confidence and sense of expression.

Athletics
Students enjoy physical education classes in the gymnasium at the Junior School as well as outdoor games and play. Beginning in Grade 4, students become involved in athletics, participating in cross-country, track and field, volleyball, basketball and soccer. Students also enjoy skating, skiing, swimming, winter fun week, play days and house league (intramural) games.

Active Citizenship
Our vision is to develop courageous global citizens across all grades. The Junior School promotes Active Citizenship by embracing values such as participation and empathy. Junior School students participate in community-based projects that are student-driven and connected to themes they are learning about in class, or to local or global events. The message that it only takes one person to make a difference is promoted and reinforced. Strong connections to nature also highlight the importance of stewardship. Students in Grades 5 and 6 are encouraged to develop their leadership skills, working closely with faculty and staff to plan special events, and be ambassadors of the school.

Adventure
The adventure program gives all students the opportunity to learn outside the classroom, to challenge themselves, to develop leadership and teamwork skills and to create fond memories and strong friendships. A sense of adventure is developed and nurtured through classroom inquiry as well as opportunities that take us beyond our school. Students often venture off-campus on exciting field trips to complement their classroom learning. Grade 6 students participate in overnight camping experiences that focus on problem solving, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Co-Curricular Program
Junior School students engage in a number of co-curricular activities after school such as Chinese (Mandarin), outdoor adventures, sports, crafts, LEGO, chess, yoga, music, gardening, and STEAM activities - to name a few! Students enjoy these activities for no additional fees. The programs reflect children’s interests and complement our 5 ‘A’s. We believe that a robust and balanced education includes opportunities for children to try new things and extend their interests outside of the classroom.