Academics

Our academic programs are thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and support every student’s individual journey—from their first steps in daycare to PEP readiness in Grade 6.

Curriculum Overview by Age Group

🔹 Daycare & Pre-Kindergarten (6 Months – 2 Years)


Our youngest learners experience a nurturing, play-based environment designed to promote early brain development, sensory awareness, and social interaction. Activities include circle time, music, guided play, and story time—focused on motor skills, language development, and emotional growth. The Canadian “Raising the Bar” framework is infused into this stage to promote high standards in early childhood education.

🔹 Kindergarten (3 – 6 Years)


At this stage, students explore early literacy, numeracy, phonics, music, storytelling, and art through a balance of structured learning and imaginative play. The Jamaican Ministry of Education’s Early Childhood curriculum is supplemented with elements of Canada’s “Raising the Bar” and the Orton-Gillingham multisensory method, especially for those with learning differences. Emphasis is placed on communication, creativity, and independence.

🔹 Grades 1 – 6 (6 – 12 Years)


Students follow the Ministry of Education’s National Standards Curriculum, covering:

  • Language Arts

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • Spanish

  • Phonics

  • Reading

  • Computer Studies

  • Integrated Studies

  • Physical Education

  • Health & Family Life Education (HFLE)

  • Critical Thinking

For Grades 4 to 6, focused preparation is provided for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) with continuous practice in performance tasks, critical thinking, and literacy/numeracy fluency.

Learning Environment & Approach

At Great Start Academy, we believe that every child can learn when placed in the right environment. Our classrooms are designed to be welcoming, vibrant, and organized to stimulate focus and imagination. We maintain small class sizes to ensure individualized attention, and our teachers are trained to recognize and support different learning styles.

We emphasize:

  • Respect and inclusivity

  • Values-based behavior and citizenship

  • Collaborative group work and hands-on learning

  • Use of visual aids, manipulatives, and digital tools

  • Quiet reading and reflection time

Students with learning differences receive additional support through structured interventions like the Orton-Gillingham approach, which uses sight, sound, touch, and movement to improve reading and comprehension.

Homework & Assessments

Homework:
Homework is given regularly to reinforce classroom learning and build responsibility. Students are expected to complete all assignments on time. Parents are encouraged to check their child’s books daily and sign completed work. Written excuses are required if assignments cannot be completed.

Assessment Types Include:

  • Diagnostic Tests: Administered at the beginning and end of each term for Language Arts, Math, and Reading.

  • Continuous Assessments:

    • Monthly tests

    • Classwork and Homework

    • Group presentations

    • Quizzes and oral/written responses

    • Projects and practical tasks

  • Internal Examinations:

    • Mid-term exams

    • End-of-term exams

    • End-of-year exams

  • National Assessments:

    • Grade 1 GOILP

    • Grade 3 Diagnostic

    • Grades 4–6: PEP (Performance Tasks & Ability Tests)

Principal’s Honour Roll:
Students who achieve an academic average of 85% or above and maintain excellent behaviour are placed on the Principal’s Honour Roll each term.