Academic Excellence

Our Unwavering Commitment to Holistic Student Growth

At Linden, we aim to meet provincial standards and prepare our students to excel beyond them. We foster strong academic skills through a multifaceted and supportive approach to learning, ensuring our students are well-rounded and ready for future challenges.

1. Academic Benchmarks and Standards

For students in Grades 1 through 8, we conduct regular benchmark assessments in literacy and numeracy throughout the year. These assessments allow us to monitor and respond to each student’s growth, adapting our instruction as needed to help every student reach or exceed grade-level expectations. In high school, projects and exams are evaluated against provincial exemplars, ensuring our assessments align with the highest academic consistency and rigorous standards.

2. Beyond Standardized Testing: Valuing Critical Thinking and Communication

While some standardized tests provide insights into academic progress, these measures only capture some essential skills required for future success. Our focus extends to critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities—skills cultivated through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. Here are a few examples of how our students engage with these deeper learning goals:

• STEM for a Better World Fair:

  Every year, students from all grades explore a question of personal interest, applying math, science, and research skills to investigate and present their findings. This event encourages inquiry, creativity, and scientific rigour.

• School-Wide Presentations:

  From Grades 1 through 12, students deliver presentations on topics they are passionate about, presenting to the entire school community multiple times a year. In our supportive environment, these talks foster research skills, confidence, and public speaking abilities, ensuring the social and emotional development of our students.

• Mathematics Competitions:

  Beginning in Grade 5, our students participate in the University of Waterloo’s renowned math contests, which challenge their mathematical skills and promote analytical thinking.

• Model United Nations:

  High school students prepare for the Model UN in Montreal by conducting extensive research and writing detailed position papers, which they present to peers across Canada. This experience builds their understanding of global issues and their ability to argue persuasively.

• Senior Passion Projects:

  In Grade 12, students embark on passion projects guided by industry mentors. Whether developing documentaries, publishing books, or delivering TED-style talks, these projects allow students to pursue meaningful work independently and showcase their learning creatively and impactfully.
  

3. Gifted Education for All Students

At Linden, we do not believe in restricting advanced learning opportunities to 'gifted' programs. Instead, we integrate the principles of gifted education—high standards, space for personalized interests, and project-based learning—into all courses. This ensures that regardless of background or initial skill level, all students are encouraged to stretch their potential and maximize their abilities through an engaging, challenging curriculum.

4. Prepared for the Future: University and Beyond

One of our most valuable indicators of success comes from our alumnae. When they return to share their university experiences, they consistently highlight how well-prepared they felt for post-secondary life after Linden. From confidently participating in large lectures to seeking mentorship during professors' office hours, our graduates report excelling in math and research tasks, thanks to the robust foundation they received at Linden. Hearing that their skills and preparedness are recognized by university faculty is a powerful affirmation that our commitment to academic excellence is yielding lasting results.