Our program was created by combining elements of the most successful research, solid evidence-based teaching strategies and philosophies of education, including Piaget’s Constructivist theory, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Rose’s Universal Design for Learning, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, and Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

With our low student-teacher ratios, our teachers develop meaningful relationships with their students that allow them to create highly effective individualized programs. We meet students where they are, and tap into their interests, thereby igniting the passion that fuels them to achieve their goals.

Students are given daily opportunities to work individually where appropriate, but more so students work together in partners or in small groups, across grades, with an emphasis on shared problem solving as they discover new knowledge and construct meaning together.

Students have regular access to a variety of tech as per their comfort level and learning needs. As they learn to navigate its responsible, safe and efficient use, students have the opportunity to use technology to not only research, but collaborate and communicate their learning.

Students at Brookstone have opportunities to engage in learning in all the usual subject areas of the public school system (Math, Language, Science, Social Studies, French, Phys Ed and Health), but there is also an emphasis on the Arts. All “abilities” are honoured and students are given opportunities to develop “intelligence” on many levels and in varying areas.

Where a child is struggling they will be given more time and varying ways to master concepts. Where a child is excelling they will be given opportunities for enrichment. In our mixed age/grades environment everyone is accepted as they are and supported with what they need to be successful.

We support students in developing emotional self-awareness, an understanding of the importance of self-care and self-regulation skills, and the development of empathy and compassion for self and others.

Every student has the choice to experience their learning in a variety of ways. Students can choose to learn at a traditional desk or table, a standing desk or a low desk. There are wobble chairs and boards throughout the classroom, a movement area with treadmill, trampoline and stationary bike and calming zones and activities where students can have a quiet moment to themselves and interact with calming sensory items.

Located in a peaceful country setting, surrounded by nature and farms, our program is also infused with numerous opportunities to engage in outdoor education and interact with the natural world. Frequently coming into contact with the living, breathing environment, whether it be the frogs, the butterflies or family of bunnies that live in our bushes, our students learn to respect and care for everything around them and develop an understanding of the important role humans play in the sustainability of life on our planet.

Students are guided daily with engaging material that is steeped in real-world significance, as per their individual abilities and goals. Teachers gather evidence of progress continually through observations of student performance during activities and on more formalized assessments. Once they have mastered skills, teachers select appropriate follow-up activities that allow students to apply and extend their knowledge. Students are always challenged just the right amount, so their interest and motivation are always at their peak but they also experience the feeling of accomplishment and mastery. Student progress is reported to parents regularly via a communication App and in a comprehensive report 3 times a year. Throughout the process students also learn to take responsibility for their learning through self-assessment and reflection and peer assessments. Assessment and evaluation in this way, is an integral part of the learning process and delivered as a celebration of what has been achieved and a series of next steps that a student can take to further their learning.