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 the Junior Academy Unique?
Quoted by Paul Bamberger – School Principal
“You can’t put a square peg in a round hole, so why force it. Junior Academy meets students where they are at and provides a safe and supportive space, with tailored programming to meet each child’s unique needs.”
“At Junior Academy, we have a team around each child. We provide as many supports and services as we can in-house so that, as a team, we can work together to support all aspects of each student.”
How Junior Academy supports neurodiverse learners
- STRIDE – A Separate class that supports students who are above or below grade level in a specific subject. 1:1 or small group
- Orton Gillingham teaching – Tier 3 Reading intervention program
- Direct Instruction – Tier 3 Reading intervention program built into the school day and offered 1:1
- Tutoring support 1:1
- Executive Functioning coaching
- Homework support
- Applied Behavioural Analyst team in school – in class or pull-out sessions available.
- Mental health support – Student counselling (CBT, DBT)
- OAP Funding – Accept Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding.
- Speech and Language Pathology support
- Occupational Therapy available – Fulltime OT on staff
- Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.’s) are provided if a student requires specific accommodations or modifications to his or her academic program.
- Parent communication – Friday notes every week – what was completed that week and what is to come.
- Edsby – to share pictures and updates
- Every 2-month parents can meet with teachers
Specialized Programs and Supports:
STEPS Program
- Specialized, RBA-overseen program for students with autism and complex learning needs
- Small, structured class (6:1 ratio) with daily core instruction and afternoon integration
- Strong emphasis on experiential learning and real-world skill development
- Focus on social skills, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and problem-solving
Student Counselling
- School-based counselling using evidence-based approaches (CBT and DBT)
- Supports emotional regulation, coping strategies, and interpersonal skills
- Focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, and resilience
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy
- Individualized, evidence-based behavioural intervention
- Builds functional, social, and communication skills while reducing challenging behaviours
- Programming overseen by an external Registered Behavioural Analyst
- Family support provided, including guidance with funding pathways
Integration & Hybrid Learning
- Flexible placement based on individual strengths and readiness
- Hybrid model combining STEPS programming with regular classroom participation
- Partial or full integration options available
L.E.A.P. Program
- Inquiry-based, project-driven learning for Grades 6–8
- Weekly two-hour sessions focused on hands-on exploration
- Activities include cooking, robotics, woodworking, sewing, and science projects
- Encourages creativity, curiosity, and independent thinking.
- Grades 1-5, play-based and curiosity focused. Develop research, collaboration and critical thinking skills
FLEX Program
- Social-emotional and executive functioning skills development
- Aligned with Ontario Curriculum learning skills and Tribes framework
- Use of Social Thinking and Zones of Regulation
- Builds responsibility, organization, collaboration, and self-regulation
- Promotes flexibility, resilience, and a growth mindset
Outside the classroom
- Community Events – School BBQ., fun fair, family skating, bowling, trampoline
- Daily Physical Education
- Outdoor Education program
- K-6 – skating program (every Wednesday for six weeks)
- Sports teams – play against other schools
- Clubs – Lego, dance, Glee club etc.
- Music specialist – music 2 times a week
- Community events – bowling night, skating night, winter and spring concerts
