E2 Academy

What does 2e mean?

Gifted children and those with learning challenges or disabilities each have unique needs, but what about those who belong to both categories? These children are known as 2e. They demonstrate exceptional gifts or talents in certain areas while facing challenges in others due to learning challenges, such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, sensory processing issues, and more.

What does gifted and talented mean?

Traditionally, in the education world, gifted means an IQ of 125 or higher.  However we know that giftedness is more than a number. Developed by Joseph Renzulli, the Three Ring Conception of Giftedness is a developmental approach that has revolutionized gifted and talented identification. The Three Rings include: Above Average Ability, Creativity and Task Commitment. Students who possess the combination of these three traits exhibit gifted behavior.

Talented means that the student stands out among peers in their performance area. Talents are advanced abilities that can and need to be developed if they are to be the foundation of a future career or the basis for personal development.

What measures do you use?

Psychoeducational Assessments
The parent will provide the prospective student’s most recent psychoeducational assessment. This must include either the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children- V (WISC-V) or the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities (WJ III) to determine cognitive abilities. The assessment must also include either the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-III (WIAT-III) or the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Achievement (WJ IV ACH) to determine academic achievement, learning disabilities and areas of strengths and weaknesses. Students need to score at or above 85th percentile in at least one composite score on their psychoeducational assessment.

Interview
Once all assessments have been completed and reviewed by administration and it is determined that the student may be a candidate for the program, the parents and student will be invited for an interview with administration. Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program’s policies, procedures and activities. After the interview, it will be decided if the student is eligible for program entry.

What are learning challenges?

A formal diagnosis of a learning disability is required. At E2 Academy a learning challenge encompasses a variety of states that negatively impact the student’s success in a traditional classroom setting. Examples would be ADHD, anxiety/depression, Tourette Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Do you have teachers with training in teaching children like mine?

All of our teachers hold a valid Alberta teaching certificate. Our entire staff engage several times a month in professional development that is specific to educating 2e students. The principal of the school is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Cognitive Diversity in Education.

Do 2e students typically receive accommodations through an IPP?

All our students have a strength-based learning plan, also called an IPP. These are created at the beginning of each school year in collaboration with parents / guardians and the student. They are reviewed with parents/guardians twice a year.

How do you offer emotional support to 2e students?

Our educational team uses the MANDT System, which helps us develop a culture that provides for the emotional, psychological, and physical safety for everyone involved. Our staff quickly learn what is a trigger for a student and how to support them staying below the Lower Escalation Phase. We also have a variety of physical spaces that students can access to help them with regulation, including a rock climbing wall, quiet spaces and a room that meets a variety of sensory needs.

How will you use my child’s strengths to address the areas they struggle in?

Dual differentiation and strength-based learning are crucial for engaging 2e students. These students need tailored approaches that nurture their strengths and provide alternative methods to overcome challenges. Real-world problem-solving, facilitated by teachers, leading to original products and offering diverse learning opportunities essential for a dually differentiated curriculum. Fundamental curriculum accommodations are used to engage students' strengths and address their challenges effectively.

What is the goal of E2 Academy?

Our mission is to deliver a setting that lets students feel safe and accepted for all their various intensities and quirks; a place where they can find like minds among peers; and most importantly, an academic program designed to meet their creative, intellectual, social and emotional needs so that their potential for learning and growth is realized.

Do you provide transportation?

We do not provide transportation to and from school. All transportation to and from school for students is arranged by parents.

Kid-Drop is a safe, door-to-door transportation solution for kids ages 4-16. Several of our families use this service. www.kid-drop.com

Alberta Education provides transportation funding for independent and private school children. ECS children can receive100% of the funding ($703) if they live one (1) kilometer or more from the attending school. Grades 1 - 12 students can receive 70% of the funding ($492.10) and must reside two (2) kilometers or more from the attending school The distance is measured using driving distance on Google Maps. The school is provided the funding, which is then given to the families directly.

What are your school hours?

Kindergarten - Grade 6: The door opens at 8:45 a.m. and students are picked up at 3:15 p.m.
Grades 7 - 12: The door opens at 8:45 a.m and students are picked up at 3:30 p.m.
Thursdays are early dismissal for all students at 1:30 p.m.

Is there before and after school care?

We do not offer before and after school care. However, there are facilities nearby that may be able to accommodate your child, depending on the age.

What can I expect on an on-site tour?

E2 Academy currently offers on-site tours for prospective parents/guardians.

Each tour is approximately 1 - 1.5 hours and features a brief school tour, the opportunity to ask questions, and a chance to meet our teaching staff and students. This is followed by an interview with the administration team.

Can I bring my child on an On-site Tour?

Yes you may bring your child for the on-site tour. A meeting with administration is a requirement before a student is accepted.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Yes, there are a limited number of bursaries available to assist students with a demonstrated need to attend E2 Academy. Tuition may be reduced when there is clear evidence of financial need. Parents requesting such assistance will be required to complete the tuition reduction application. Approval is for one year at a time.

Where can I learn more about educating the 2e student?

We are gathering additional resources within both parent education and our additional services sections. E2 Academy is focused on providing support to our families along with our unique student population. There is a large body of academic research about 2e students. Dr. Susan Baum, Director of The 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges Academy, is one of the leading experts in this field and has published extensively on this population of students. For more information visit https://bridges.edu.