General Studies

The Ottawa Jewish Community School is dedicated to providing excellence in education. At the OJCS, we encourage and challenge our students to achieve academic excellence and inspire them to develop a life-long love of learning. Our faculty is committed to providing the most current practices in education and the best possible learning experience. Our students benefit from innovative teaching practices, use of advanced technology, integration between secular and Judaic studies, small class sizes and a program of study that is inquiry-based and designed to prepare students for success in life.

The trilingual academic program for kindergarten to grade eight follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum for language arts, math, science and social studies, as well as music, visual arts, physical education and integrated technology, and clearly identifies the knowledge and skills students are expected to demonstrate in the classroom. Enriched learning experiences are created through presentations, fieldtrips, workshops and hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

OJCS accommodates different learning styles and we set expectations that call for the use of a variety of instruction, assessment tools, and strategies. Through differentiated instruction we encourage students to critically think, reflect and to question effectively in order to continually grow and learn. Smaller class sizes provide students with the attention they need from teachers to achieve maximum results. Students are provided with a rich literacy program, which strengthens their reading skills, comprehension, communication and writing development.

Aligned with the Science of Reading, we use the Dibels 8 reading assessment three times a year through our m-class Amplify reading platform to monitor students’ progress. Our primary teachers use the UFLI Foundations Toolbox, an explicit and systematic program that teaches students the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading. It follows a carefully developed scope and sequence designed to ensure that students systematically acquire each skill needed and learn to apply each skill with automaticity and confidence. The program is designed to be used for core instruction in the primary grades or for intervention with struggling students in any grade. The Amplify Boost Reading program helps our K-5 educators meet the needs of every reader with personalized literacy instruction based in the Science of Reading. Our middle school students use IXL English literacy to supplement their reading program. IXL’s skills are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum providing comprehensive coverage of English concepts and applications. With IXL’s provincial curriculum alignments, students can easily find unlimited practice questions specifically tailored to each learning objective.

Our strong Math program includes a focus on problem-based learning, critical thinking and a challenging and robust curriculum. Our students engage with IXL skills to further enhance and supplement their learning. Our in-house math coach helps our teachers develop lessons for students with learning difficulties or those who need a more advanced curriculum, ensuring each individual student attains proficiency.