At Possibilities, we believe that supporting neurodiverse learners takes collaboration between families, schools, and community professionals. Our School Spotlight series highlights private schools that offer inclusive learning environments, specialized programs, and individualized supports designed to meet a range of developmental and learning needs. These features help parents explore private school education options and connect with schools that align with their child’s strengths and support needs.
What Makes Crestwood Unique?
Quoted by Katie Maalouf (Director of Special Education & Student Support Services)
- “Crestwood staff see the value of students feeling confident in their learning. The staff at Crestwood work hard and thoughtfully to build student confidence.”
How Crestwood supports neurodiverse learners?
- 1:1 student-to-computer ratio and low 8:1 teacher-student ratio
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs) developed for students
- Evidence-based instruction: Direct Instruction, Orton-Gillingham, UFLI, Morpheme Magic, and Empower (decoding & comprehension)
- Resource and individualized supports, including 1:1 and small-group support in Language and Math (Grades 1–6)
- Integrated services available: Guidance, OT, Speech & Language, Social Work, Behaviour Therapy, and collaboration with outside agencies
- Grade 6 rotary schedule to support transition skills and independence
- Use the Second Steps program – A comprehensive social-emotional learning (SEL) initiative designed to enhance students’ social-emotional skills, improve academic success and foster positive relationships.
Specialized Programs and Supports
ROOTS program:
- Smaller, intensive support-based class setting for students in Grades 3–6 with learning difficulties
- Follows Ministry of Education curriculum, differentiated by pace, volume, and individualized support
- Structured, process-based approach focused on building foundational academic skills
- Addresses academic, social, and emotional needs across diverse learning styles and ability levels
- Builds work ethic and 21st-century skills to support eventual integration into mainstream classrooms
Resource Program:
- Provides small-group, step-by-step curriculum review alongside classroom instruction to support academic success
- Offers targeted Reading Strategies support focusing on phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension
- Builds confidence, independence, and risk-taking through structured skill development in reading and writing
- Emphasizes critical thinking, written language strategies, and application of skills across the curriculum
- Uses collaborative, individualized support plans involving teachers, specialists, and parents, with ongoing progress monitoring
House System:
- Six mixed-age Houses (named after local trees) build school spirit, leadership, and community; students remain in one House throughout their years, earn points through broad participation.
Outside The Classroom
- Special AI student Planner – lays out target dates to break down assignments for students to keep them on track and to meet deadlines and due dates.
- Parent portal – to help parents monitor their child’s progress in the background – due dates, login in times, outstanding assignments or work.
- Bursary program available
- Guidance team support 7 days a week – full-fledged Guidance team – free one-on-one live guidance calls. The Guidance department helps support understanding graduation requirements, help with course selection, answers post-secondary application questions, mental health concerns, including social or emotional support.
- Live Tutoring – Math and Science
- Office is open 7 days a week – Students can get support at any day of the week.
- Email responses are required within 24 hours
- 48 hour marking time – rich, authentic feedback given by teachers
