2021 Registration is now open for students in Kindergarten to Grade 4. We will cap our total enrolment to 18 students to allow for maximum safety and engagement.
Brick Labs Academy provides students with a safe, comfortable and authentic way to love to learn. The past 2 years have been challenging on so many levels for our children. This next year can make all the difference in their future educational success. At Brick Labs our mission is to build creative, curious and confident learners; characteristics that will not only teach them how to learn, but to love to learn.
Brick Labs is in the process of being validated by the Ontario Ministry of Education to operate as a private school.
STEM is not an acronym… it’s a way of learning.
Working in a collaborative and joyful environment, young students will have the chance to learn through play, with our STEM based curriculum. They will learn to communicate effectively, experiment with what excites them and make connections with the world around us. Most importantly, they will have fun doing it. Your child will be provided with positive experiences to equip them with skills for a lifetime.
Positive educational experiences at a young age fosters the joy of learning, allows curiosity and creativity to flourish and prepares them to overcome the challenges of more difficult tasks and programs in the future.
Learning Through Play
Research has shown that learning through play is an effective pedagogy for elementary aged children. It only makes sense: children play sports; play music and play games to gain knowledge and skills in each area. By purposely introducing play into math, science, and other subjects, students learn more because it is joyful, challenging and has a purpose. Additional research can be found here.
Learn more about Learning through Play from the LEGO Foundation.
Outdoor Activity
Outdoor activities and excursions happen regularly at Brick Labs. This past year, on average, students spent close to 3hrs per day outdoors. Activities included formal classes, art sessions, sports/fitness, free play and community discovery walks. We are located in a neighbourhood with a variety of parks and green spaces to give our students daily connections with nature and additional learning spaces.
Scholarship Opportunities for students entering Grade 4
We are humbled by a very generous offer from an a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. A strong believer in STEM learning, our donor is willing to offer up to four $5000 scholarships to students entering grade 4. She feels children entering this grade level have missed much of the foundational learning required to succeed in the upper elementary grades. Criteria for this scholarship including being a Canadian citizen or resident; will be entering Grade 4 in September 2021 at the Brick Labs Academy program; and is assessed as a good fit for the program by the Director of Brick Labs. To learn more about this opportunity for your child, please contact John Neretlis, Director, Brick Labs at john@bricklabs.ca or call 647 229-1664
Instruction
For children to be confident in applying their skills and knowledge it takes an actively engaged and caring team of instructors. Our staff to student ratio of 1:6 allows for each student to receive individual attention and emotional engagement for positive growth. Instructors are trained to ensure that students are supported in a learning environment, by prioritizing mentoring, facilitating discussions, and listening. Total enrolment will be limited to no more than 18 students so every instructor will know your child and their needs. All our staff have been fully vaccinated.
Our learning guide will be the Ontario curriculum for elementary students. However, this will only be the minimum base of knowledge for your child. In addition, your child’s learning will be supplemented with regular robotics and coding classes (each child will have their own robotics kit/tablet), engineering exercises, creative sessions, and extensive outdoor education/physical activity.
“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.” ~ John Dewey
Schedule a Visit or Call
If you would like to schedule a visit or virtual call: email john@bricklabs.ca or call (416) 901-1390.
Annual Calendar/Daily Schedule
- December 2020 – Applications Open
- March 2021 – Initial Acceptance Letters Sent
- 13 September – First Day of Classes
- 8 to 11 October – Thanksgiving Long Weekend
- 24 Dec to 9 Jan – Winter Break
- 18 to 21 February – Family Day Weekend
- 12 to 20 March – Spring Break
- 15 to 18 April – Easter Weekend
- 20 to 23 May – Victoria Day Long Weekend
- 21 June – Last Day of Classes
Our typical daily routine follows below, however we adjust when necessary to take advantage of learning opportunities or student interests.
- 8.30 Start of Day
- 8.40am – Learning Period
- 10.00am – Snack and Outdoors
- 11.00am – Learning Period
- 12.00pm – Lunch and Outdoors
- 1:00pm – Learning Period
- 3:00pm – Snack and Outdoors
- 4:00pm – Free Time/Coaching/Clean-up
- 4:30pm – Pick-up
FAQ’s
What Does it Look Like? What will my child be doing day to day?
The core of the program is STEM learning. Everyday, students will engage in Math and Science with a hands-on, practical learning approach. We believe that expectations in elementary learning are “light” for students. We bolster the curriculum with memorable lessons, exercises and projects that will help them excel to a level of mastery in their grade and beyond because they will understand why they are learning it and where they will apply these skills. With a 1:6 staff to student ratio, students will be free to accelerate their learning at a pace that is comfortable for them. In the 2020/21 school year, even with the government imposed closures, our students were mastering math and science skills at least 1 grade level above the provincial standard.
Math and Science will be supplemented with Technology (Robotics and Coding) and Engineering. In addition to their normal learning desk, students will have personal “tech desks” equipped with a robotics kit/tablet and access to various engineering builds and lessons.
We will also work creatively with Social Studies, Geography and History using our “adventure build” format for maximum engagement. Using internet resources, they’ll learn (and share with their classmates) about a country, region or time period by creating landscape models and role play as scientists, explorers, or historians. They’ll gain confidence by being active in their own and their peers’ learning process.
We believe in creating a learning journey with places for students to stop and be curious; engage and be creative; and build confidence and self-esteem. Our staff will mentor, encourage and give feedback that is personal and effective. This will not feel like traditional school, but rather a safe, fun and collaborative place for children to experience personal learning growth.
What about homework?
No assignments will be sent home. With an 8 hour school day, we have plenty of time to cover all that needs to be learned. However, we do recommend and encourage reading with your child daily. Projects will be completed at Brick Labs with the assistance of our instructors. Collaborative projects will be featured in regular “expos” through the year for parents to come in and see what their children have created and are capable of doing. Major expos include: City, Robotics, Space, Art, Financial Literacy and Innovation Engineering. Check out the stop motion movie made as part of our space expo below.
Are fees tax deductible?
Fees paid should qualify for child care expenses. Consult your tax professional for complete advice.
What if we choose to withdraw?
You are free to withdraw at anytime, however any fees paid shall not be refunded.
Can we return to our regular school if we want to?
All children in Ontario are entitled to a free public education. You are allowed to return to a publicly funded school at anytime.
How will Brick Labs ensure my child is meeting the standards set in the Ontario curriculum?
We maintain a detailed file for your child of all the requirements listed in the curriculum. As we move through the various subject areas and topics, it is our goal to ensure your child is achieving a mastery of the knowledge and skills required. We look at the curriculum as the minimum standard, and we will engage your child in a variety of activities to gain further knowledge and skills. We will provide parents and the child with regular feedback on what we are working on, and how your child is progressing. In the 2020/21 academic year, all our students achieved at least one grade level above the Ontario curriculum standard.
What is covered in the arts/creativity sessions?
Creativity sessions are designed to allow children to be expressive with their ideas. It’s a chance for them to showcase their imagination at work, in a supportive environment, using a variety of techniques: public speaking, graphic stories, music and short, stop motion movies. Sharing creative ideas is where they will build their confidence and critical thinking skills.
We homeschool already, are there different enrolment options to supplement this?
We can discuss with you in detail what your expectations for learning would be at the Brick Labs Academy and see if we can accommodate a specialized schedule (half days, 2 or 3 full days, etc.).
I have one child in Grade 2 and one in Grade 5, can you accommodate the older child?
Yes we can accommodate siblings when one is outside our posted program grades. Please contact us to discuss details and options.
Where does your outdoor activity take place?
We are lucky to be located in an area surrounded by parks, playgrounds and walking trails. On-site, we have a small field dubbed “the science field”. Adjacent to our property is the Leaside Spur Trail/Don Mills Trail which leads to Bond Park, Duncairn Park, Talwood Park and beyond. Just across the street from us is Southwell Park and playground. We take full advantage of these fantastic, natural areas with the students.
FEES
Our annual fees are all inclusive. There are no additional fees for registration, no uniforms to purchase, no text book fees, etc. All fees are in Canadian dollars, HST exempt and should qualify as child care expense.
2021/2022 Annual Fee for full-time enrollment: $17,000/child
Fee schedule: $7,000 upon acceptance, $2500/month (Sep, Oct, Nov Dec).
Fees are payable by cheque, e-transfer, or debit. Credit Card payments are subject to a 3% fee. NSF fee is $50. Late payments subject to a 1.5% flat fee.
Sibling/Returning student discount of 5% available.
Bursaries available for children with high potential, previous attendees of the LCP, Indigenous/First Nations students.
Alternative fee schedule can be arranged. Please contact us for details.
