Academics

Our Junior School nurtures young students’ natural curiosity through a wide range of subjects, helping them explore and understand the world. With a structured focus on language and mathematics, along with a consistent learning environment, students build strong foundations in logical thinking, study skills, and well-rounded development.

Expected Outcomes

MATHEMATICS PROGRAM

In the Junior School program, students are introduced to and begin applying the following key concepts:

• Patterning
• Counting
• Graphing
• Sequencing
• Ordering
• Sorting
• Measuring
• Designs using tangrams
• Currency use up to $1
• Comparison and matching

LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Graduates of our Junior School program can:

• Write using printing
• Spell common words
• Spell common irregular words
• Read short stories using the phonics method
• Read for comprehension
• Identify vowel and consonant sounds
• Construct proper sentences

In the Lower School, students cultivate a love of learning while developing social skills and strong work habits across a well-rounded academic program. Small class sizes and subject-specific teachers support enriched learning at every level.

In the early grades, the curriculum uses a systematic approach to build phonics, literacy, and mathematics skills. As students mature and their reasoning abilities grow, they are introduced to increasingly complex ideas and concepts. Advanced humanities and science courses challenge their developing intellect. By the time students enter the Upper School, they have gained knowledge of major historical periods and an understanding of related developments in literature, science, and philosophy. Lower school students develop strong literacy and numeracy skills, typically performing about one year ahead of Ministry of Education expectations.

Expected Outcomes:

MATHEMATICS PROGRAM

• Build a deep, lasting understanding of mathematical concepts
• Strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Apply mathematical knowledge confidently in new and real-world contexts
• Move confidently from concrete understanding to abstract reasoning.
• Develop true conceptual mastery instead of relying on memorization.
• Connect new learning to previously developed concepts.
• Clearly explain mathematical reasoning, including the “why”, “how”, “when”, and “where” of each concept.
• Become independent, confident mathematicians prepared for future success.

INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE IN WRITING (IEW) PROGRAM

• Develop confidence and enjoyment in the writing process
• Create clear, organized, and engaging written work.
• Use effective writing techniques by studying and modeling strong examples
• Progress from guided writing to original, independent compositions.
• Write proficiently in multiple forms, including paragraphs, essays, creative pieces, and presentations.
• Strengthen critical thinking by organizing and communicating ideas effectively.
• Express ideas with clarity, eloquence, and persuasive reasoning.
• Build a strong foundation in grammar, style, and composition for success across subjects.
• Communicate confidently and effectively in written and oral formats.
• Graduate with the writing and thinking skills needed for academic success and lifelong learning.

Hawthorn’s Upper School delivers an ambitious liberal arts education, preparing the leaders of tomorrow for university, the workplace, family life and the world beyond. The requirements of the Ministry of Education for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma are surpassed through learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
Hawthorn’s vast array of courses fine tune students’ capacity for critical thinking, round out their cultural literacy, and serve to educate the whole person: body, mind, and soul.
Classroom instruction is reinforced with a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities including sports, debating, subject-specific clubs, and international travel. Technology is used as a tool to enhance learning and students integrate it into their work.

HAWTHORN COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

The following Hawthorn Diploma Requirements, which are core to Hawthorn’s Classical Liberal Arts ethos, are in addition to the Ministry of Education Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements. These courses also follow the Ontario Curriculum Guidelines provided by the Ministry of Education (except for Religious studies courses grade 8).

• Latin (Grade 9)
• Health & Physical Education (Grade 8 – 11)
• Religion (Grade 8)
• Ethics/Philosophical Anthropology (Grade 9)
• Moral Theology (Grade 10)
• Philosophy (Grade 11 – 12)
• World History (Grade 12)
• Master Discourse Presentation (Toastmasters Training) (Grade 12)