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FAQs

Everything You Need to Know

1. How is Infinity School Different?

Infinity School is fundamentally different from traditional schools. No bells ring, and there are no lectures. Students are in control of their own learning. This great article We Need To Educate Kids For The Future, Not The Past explains concepts that are being used in our school.

How our school is different:

  • Student-driven, self-paced learning
  • Focus on process-development like critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication, collaboration
  • Personal support and coaching of each child’s character development (“soft” skills)
  • Real-world projects and apprenticeships
  • Multi-age/grade classes
  • Student self-governance
  • Exploration and assessment of skill levels, learning styles, aptitudes, personality traits, and interests
  • Guides rather than teachers
  • Socratic discussions rather than lectures
  • Mastery learning and student portfolios of achievements rather than grades
  • No homework
  • No teaching to the test

2. How do you know that the students are learning in this model?

Although we don’t issue grades to students, their progress is measured and tracked through a variety of tools and systems. Our badge system outlines expectations for reading, writing, math, and social/emotional progress by year. Students work with a guide to differentiate their core curriculum and set daily, weekly, and/or session goals. They showcase their mastery by meeting their goals, earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions of their work.

 

Student goals connect to the mastery of specific curriculum objectives through our online learning tools such as NoRedInk and Khan Academy, which also provide progress snapshots. A standardized test (we use the IOWA BSID) is administered in a low-stakes format each year to provide one more measure of student learning. These evaluations and assessments are shared between parents, staff, and students in regular meetings, and parents are able to review student portfolios.

3. What do you mean by a “Hero’s Journey?”

We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.

4. With the use of technology at Infinity School, how much screen time do the students have?

Technology is a useful tool and we are excited for our learners to be effective at using devices to access information, communicate effectively, and learn independently.

 

Our learners use their electronic devices during some of their morning core skills time and for portions of their afternoon projects, averaging one to three hours per day. A student-created Internet Use Policy ensures technology tools are used appropriately.

 

In our youngest Montessori-based studio, technology is rarely used beyond the occasional project-integration. When ready to graduate, these young learners go through a transition period to help them learn how to use the platform we use in the older studios.

5. Does Infinity School serve children with special needs?

Infinity’s flexible approach to learning is a great fit for many children who need something different than the traditional school environment. Students who have trouble sitting still through a standard school day often flourish in our classroom, which provides space for breaks, comfortable and flexible seating, and room for individual self-regulation.

 

However, we have noticed areas that provide challenges for learners with special needs. Our school program relies on independent learning and dynamic group projects so those who struggle with cooperation, self-regulation, and sensory issues may have special challenges in our studios.

 

We are not able to serve children with serious learning disabilities.

6. What is your school’s vaccination policy?

In order to protect immunocompromised learners in our community, we follow the provincial ministry guidelines regarding vaccines, Ontario’s Immunization Schedule (as required in the Immunization of School Pupils Act).

 

7. Where is Infinity School located?

Our location is in Wortley Village (Old South) in London, Ontario. We are fortunate to have the Landon Public Library out our back door and be a few blocks away from Thames Park. We have 6,000 square feet of bright, comfortable space!

8. Will Infinity School help me get into a post-secondary school?

Our promise at Infinity School is to have our students well prepared for any selective university or college.

 

Universities are changing so rapidly that it’s difficult to imagine what admission requirements will look like in ten years.

 

Our learners leave with a rich portfolio of work. For some elite schools, homeschool, and alternative school applicants with portfolios have far higher acceptance rates than traditional schools.

 

Even more importantly, with multiple apprenticeships, real-world experience, and excellent interpersonal skills, our learners will stand out from the traditional college prep crowd. We are aware of the use of standardized testing (like the SAT) and will ensure our heroes are well prepared for any exam they wish to do.

 

Our students will be equipped to shine in the real world, whether they choose to go to college full time, part time or not at all. You might be interested to read this post: How My Project-Based School Prepared Me For Columbia.

9. Is Infinity School accredited?

Yes, Infinity School is accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools. We are also registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education.

10. Do you have a preschool program?

We currently do not have a preschool program in our school. We accept learners who are 3 years 9 months and older.

11. Do you have before and aftercare?

YES! We open our doors at 8am every day so before-care is included in the tuition price. If anyone needs care from the end of the school day (3:15pm) to 5:30pm, there is an additional charge of $10 per time. We do provide the program at-cost for those that need it each day.

Interested?