Junior Program
Grades 2 to 5
For students in Grades 2 to 5, this is a time of rapid growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. At Summit Micro School, we provide a supportive and engaging program that fosters academic progress, learning habits, social-emotional development, and self-confidence. These years are essential for developing a strong sense of self and others. Students begin to understand how they learn best, how to collaborate and communicate effectively, and how to navigate daily responsibilities with increasing independence. Through a balance of structure and flexibility, they are encouraged to explore their interests, reflect on their learning, and grow from their challenges. The program intentionally cultivates a sense of belonging, helping students see themselves as valued members of a safe, inclusive, and caring learning community.
Project-Based Learning is a cornerstone of the Junior Program, offering students the chance to learn by doing while developing essential skills such as curiosity, collaboration, and communication. Each project is thoughtfully designed to meet students where they are developmentally—balancing structured support with opportunities for independent thinking.
Working in small groups, students explore meaningful questions and themes that span subjects like science, social studies, and the arts. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, make connections, and share their discoveries in creative and personal ways. Throughout the process, teachers guide students in planning, organizing, and reflecting on their work, helping them build confidence and consistency in how they approach learning.
PBL also strengthens social-emotional growth by encouraging students to listen actively, navigate group dynamics, and grow through peer and teacher feedback. These experiences lay the groundwork for the self-awareness, habits, and collaboration skills students will continue to develop in their later years.
Project-Based Learning
Language and Math
In the Junior Program, students build a strong foundation in language and math through a personalized approach that aligns with the Ontario curriculum. While the skills and concepts covered follow provincial expectations, what sets our program apart is the way we teach them—by adapting the pace, materials, strategies, and goals to meet each student's individual learning needs.
This individualized, mastery-based model ensures that students truly understand what they are learning and feel confident as they progress. Whether a student is developing early literacy skills or ready for enrichment in mathematics, our flexible approach allows them to move forward with clarity and purpose.
At the same time, students are also developing essential learning habits and executive function skills, such as focus, goal setting, organization, and perseverance. These habits are embedded into daily instruction and support students in becoming more independent, capable learners.
Social-emotional development is a core part of the Junior Program experience at Summit. At this stage, children are developing the awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills that support lifelong learning and well-being. Rather than a standalone subject, SEL is integrated into everything we do, guided by the CASEL framework.
Our days begin and end with community-building routines like Morning Meeting and Closing Circle, where students reflect, build emotional vocabulary, and practice empathy. These daily touchpoints foster trust, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.
Throughout the day, SEL is embedded in classroom activities, group work, and physical education—providing ongoing opportunities to build skills like perspective-taking, active listening, emotional regulation, and resilience. Teachers respond to the needs of the moment while also offering explicit instruction in key areas of social-emotional growth.
By prioritizing SEL, we help students build the foundation they need to thrive—not just in academics, but as thoughtful, compassionate members of their community.
Social-Emotional Learning
A Day at Summit for Junior Students
8:45 AM – Opening Community Circle
9:00 AM – Math
10:00 AM – Phys Ed & Outdoor Break
11:00 AM – Project-Based Learning (Interdisciplinary)
12:30 PM – Lunch & Break
1:40 PM – Afternoon Programming
Language / Creative Arts / Tech / Outdoor Learning
3:15 PM – Closing Community Circle
3:30 PM – Dismissal
We welcome you to visit and see our Junior Program in action!