Centennial Academy in Montreal supports young people with learning disabilities by providing a work environment adapted to their needs to ensure they obtain a high school diploma.
In five years, 80% of Centennial Academy students graduate from high school, compared to 40% in similar programs in the public sector.
The private school offers programs in French and English for students with special needs. Although the school is suitable for young people with learning difficulties, they are required to complete spiritual examinations like regular programs.
“We believe in the universal design of learning, but it must be a student who has the ability to graduate,” specifies the deputy director of Centennial Academy, Marco Plamieri.
Teachers adapt to different student profiles to ensure everyone's success. “Knowing that I have a student on the autism spectrum or dyslexic, I plan my materials accordingly, including all of these specific profiles, to ensure the success of my class,” comments Laura Grimaud, a teacher at Centennial Academy.
To ensure students' academic success, rooms are tailored to their specific needs. You can always retreat to a flat room or a wellness room accompanied by a caregiver to reduce stimuli. “They can raise their hand and say they’re not feeling well right now. We have strategies that help students improve and get back to everyday life,” the teacher continues.
Centennial Academy receives a government grant for the English language program, which is not the case for the French program.
French-speaking families pay $22,000 a year in tuition fees and have no opportunity for scholarships.
“If we receive grants, we could have more scholarships for the French-speaking sector,” concludes the general director of the Centennial Academy, Angela Burgos.