Learning at DWA

Junior High Program - Grades 7 to 9

In Junior High, a new social milieu emerges. Young teens need a safe place to discover who they are and do more than just “survive” junior high.    DWA is a great place to grow up; every teen needs to be accepted and at DWA, who you are is the only person you need to be.  Happily, with a lower number of students any issues that do arise are more easily addressed and often turned into maturation experiences. Students are more able to respect each other, and are therefore less judgmental and more supportive.  Students m ake real friends and thrive socially as well as academically.  

DWA's elementary students moving into Junior High have already experienced many of the challenges that new junior high student's usually face, so they do not need to spend time getting accustomed to a new system and can act as mentors to students new to the school. This is important as getting off to a good start in junior high is imperative. Curricular expectations increase featuring the Pre-Advanced Placement (AP) program. This program increases the rigour of the regular curriculum so that enrichment is aimed at preparing students for the AP addition in senior high.

The Vertical Integration Curriculum program provides a smooth transition from one grade to the next, emphasizing the introduction of selected concepts and skills from the next grade. Classes are generally 70 minutes long allowing for a variety of activities during class and ample opportunity for the teacher to interact with and dedicate some time to each child.

The academic program of studies in junior high consists of Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Mathematics complemented by a combination of Physical Education, French and Spanish, Art, Food Studies (Cooking), Drama, Health, and Community Outreach.