Our Academic Challenge and Enrichment (ACE) Program enables academically-gifted students to achieve excellence in an environment that supports their unique intellectual, social and emotional needs. ACE is intended for gifted students who acquire information rapidly and think abstractly. Students in the program also exhibit a wide range of abilities in general intellect, academics and creative thinking.
Academic Challenge and Enrichment is offered to students in Grade 4-6 at SAM School. Students may then continue on in the program at École Hillgrove School.
What is unique about Academic Challenge and Enrichment?
ACE allows students to:
- engage in independent and group learning projects;
- learn creatively, using alternative ways to process concepts and information;
- follow their interests;
- set goals in a learning plan and conduct self-assessment;
- learn at their own pace in smaller classes;
- discuss and work with like-minded peers;
- use a variety of resources, including technology and field trips, to conduct research;
- understand their interests and strengths; and
- learn time-management skills.
Which students will benefit from Academic Challenge and Enrichment?
Students will benefit from the ACE Program if they:
- enjoy a challenge;
- are highly motivated to learn;
- enjoy finding solutions and synthesizing information;
- are independent and responsible learners;
- need mental stimulation; and
- are curious.
What unique opportunities are available to ACE students?
Sir Alexander Mackenzie Elementary School students take part in a variety of group and individual-focus projects. Examples include: cultural and heritage festivals, math and science fairs, mechanical device construction, and drama productions.
École Hillgrove School students showcase their talents and abilities through special projects that require higher levels of sophistication. Enhanced resources, such as videoconferences with prominent people and the use of guest speakers, provide enrichment. Students may also pursue unique option courses.
What happens after Grade 9?
The majority of ACE students go into academic programs in high school. International Baccalaureate (IB) is offered at Bellerose Composite High School and Advanced Placement (AP) is offered at Paul Kane High School. In a recent group of ACE students, 50 percent enrolled in the IB program, 32 percent enrolled in the AP program and 18 percent enrolled in the regular high school program.