TRANSFORM
LIVES
THROUGH PERSONALIZED EDUCATION
We empower students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia.
OUR SCHOOL
1982
265+ students
2-12 7-12
3:1
Fraser Academy founded Grades served students per class student to faculty ratio
OUR STUDENTS
3,000+ alumni in successful careers
100% 95%+ 40+ 40+ have languagebased learning differences, such as dyslexia of graduates accepted to post-secondary students receive financial assistance students use direct bus service from North Vancouver, Richmond, and South Surrey
OUR PROGRAM
1:1 and small group structured literacy Personalized learning to meet students’ IEP and BC Dogwood Diploma requirements
Multisensory and experiential learning environment
Extensive fine and applied arts, outdoor education programs, sports and clubs (ISA, ISEA, GVISAA)
OUR KEY ACCREDITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
Accredited against national and provincial standards that inspire continuous whole school improvement
Canada’s only selected Founding Partner School
20–70% tuition relief available
Only K-12 OGA accredited instructional program in Canada Research-based programming
WE UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING NEEDS
At Fraser Academy, we inspire students with dyslexia to become confident, resilient, and independent learners. By understanding and harnessing their distinct learning profiles, our graduates are equipped to pursue their dreams. We offer a nurturing environment for your child—while providing personalized instruction and exceptional opportunities to explore their passions. We draw on each student’s many strengths to build their self-esteem and generate momentum to further their learning.
OUR SUCCESS IS BUILT ON OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
• We are constantly evolving to reflect current, researchbased best practices.
• We provide a therapeutic learning environment from Grades 2 through 12 across all subject areas, coupled with targeted intervention and an incredible array of opportunities for a fulsome school experience.
• We facilitate a transformative journey where your child will discover the joys of learning and realize their potential on their way to post-secondary.
We feel extremely lucky to be a Fraser Academy family. We came to FA desperate to find a learning environment that would nurture our daughter’s belief in herself. Fraser Academy has far surpassed our hopes and continues to do so daily.”
—
KLEO L., PARENT
Proud to be dyslexic
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
Dyslexia is characterized by a difficulty in learning to read that is unexpected in relation to an individual’s intellectual potential.
Dyslexic thinkers may struggle with reading accuracy and fluency, and spelling. These difficulties can impact reading comprehension and written expression.
Students with dyslexia may have exceptional abilities in critical thinking, creativity, communication, and leadership. However, if their dyslexia is unaddressed, they may experience anxiety and low self-esteem when their academic outcomes do not correlate with the high level of effort put in.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 people have dyslexia, with 80% undiagnosed.
Examples of dyslexic strengths and weaknesses are:
CREATIVITY with problem solving
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX and grasping the big picture
EXCELLENT SPOKEN IDEAS but more simplistic writing
READING SLOWLY and with effort
POOR SPELLING or messy handwriting
DIFFICULTY PRONOUNCING and retrieving spoken words
We appreciate the many ways Fraser Academy makes a difference for our son. He’s evolving so positively in so many wonderful ways. We continue to hear how the school has made a marked difference in the lives of so many students. The added benefit for us parents is peace of mind.”
— KATHERINE L., PARENT
Fraser Academy gratefully resides on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, and səlílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation.
Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be partners in truth and reconciliation. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
WHO THRIVES AT FRASER ACADEMY?
We empower and educate students whose primary diagnosis is a specific learning disorder in reading and/or written expression, such as dyslexia. Students at Fraser Academy present with mild to severe dyslexia, and may display secondary challenges in math, attention, and/or organizational skills.
At Fraser Academy, your child’s confidence will soar. School will become a positive, fulfilling experience where they will flourish.
With essential learning supports, and surrounded by a community of peers, our students demonstrate intellectual curiosity and are ready to take on challenges. They embrace their learning journey, experience different perspectives, work collaboratively toward common goals—and are actively engaged in the school community.
Your child’s psycho-educational assessment may have highlighted weaknesses in areas such as:
• phonological awareness
• decoding and spelling
• reading fluency
• working memory
• processing speed
• attention
• executive function
This just means your child learns differently— and that’s OK! At Fraser Academy, we differentiate our teaching to meet each student’s unique learning profile.
OUR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES
Students regularly EXCEED THE PROVINCIAL AVERAGE in Grade 10 literacy assessments
100% of our students graduate with the BC DOGWOOD DIPLOMA
Our alumni begin SUCCESSFUL CAREERS in fields such as
ENGINEERING CREATIVE ARTS
HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY
95%+ of graduates receive POST-SECONDARY ACCEPTANCE
LAW ENTREPRENEURSHIP
WE ADAPT OUR INSTRUCTION TO MEET YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS
Dyslexia affects each child differently, so there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach at Fraser Academy. Teaching to the individual, not the average, allows students to learn the grade-appropriate curriculum at their own level, ability, and pace.
We will help your child experience success from day one by:
• Teaching differently through an adapted classroom environment and teaching methodologies that play to each student’s learning profile, Individual Educational Plan (IEP), and strengths.
• Providing targeted intervention (1:1 or small group) from a learning specialist trained in a variety of research-based approaches, such as Orton-Gillingham, to remediate weaknesses in reading and writing. Executive function skills are also targeted, to help your child better manage everyday tasks, solve problems, self-regulate, and adapt to new situations.
• Enhancing the student experience with athletics, fine and applied arts, outdoor education, health and wellness, and a variety of clubs.
Fraser Academy understands who our daughter is, and celebrates it. She receives the support she needs to have confidence with her academics, but she is also taught the tools she needs to succeed as a human being... The school has helped us learn so much. It has guided us on a journey of seeing dyslexia as something that will empower her to do incredible things.”
— WARD K., PARENT
WE CREATE A SETTING FOR YOUR CHILD TO THRIVE
• Classes are deliberately small (7-12 students). This enables our expert educators to use engaging and personalized instruction.
• Lessons are chunked into digestible parts to support your child’s working memory and processing speed needs.
• Practical, multi-sensory teaching approaches and interactive classrooms mitigate learning differences and enhance success. Our math remediation team works alongside our math faculty and provides multi-sensory, in-class support to strengthen numeracy skills.
• Technology and responsible use of AI are used to boost your child’s learning and efficiency.
• Executive function and thinking skills are explicitly taught. This includes study habits, research, time management, selfregulation, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
• Accommodations are explained and assured and students are taught how to self-advocate for their needs, so as to learn and perform at their best.
For those with dyslexia, knowing that they are dyslexic provides direction and a starting point for self-advocacy and accommodations. It helps them feel that they are not alone—that they are part of a community of dyslexics contending with similar struggles. They can look to other people with dyslexia who are succeeding and know that they can do the same.”
— DR. SALLY SHAYWITZ, YALE CENTER FOR DYSLEXIA & CREATIVITY
Targeted Intervention
Consistent, 1:1 (or small group) learning services with a learning specialist are a cornerstone of Fraser Academy’s program to remediate dyslexia.
• Frequency - 4 sessions per week in Grades 2–6, and every other day in Grades 7–12.
• Goals - To build foundational skills in reading and/ or writing, including fluency, decoding, spelling, vocabulary, composition, and/or comprehension. To develop study skills/habits, transition planning, and executive function skills.
• No “pull outs” from classes - We incorporate learning services into each student’s daily schedule so they never miss out on other classes.
Renowned Expertise
We are proud to have some of the most highly skilled educators in dyslexia in Canada. This includes the highest concentration of Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) fellows and practitioners of any organization in the country.
Our learning specialists:
• Are trained in programs accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.
• Use research-based practices—grounded in the science of reading—considered necessary for helping students with dyslexia learn to read effectively.
• Practice and promote applied mastery of the principles and practices of structured literacy in the service of remediating off-track readers with profiles characteristic of dyslexia.
Our learning specialists are OGA certified and use multi-sensory techniques. This stimulates multiple areas of the brain, enhances reading and writing skills—and establishes clear memories of letters, words, and numbers.
In addition to Orton-Gillingham and executive function instruction, depending on your child’s learning profile and corresponding Individual Education Plan, they may also benefit from NILD (National Institute for Learning Development) educational therapy. This therapy uses multimodal instruction to develop academic fluency and critical thinking skills, improve visual and auditory memory, as well as build a growth mindset.
At Fraser Academy, we make up a unique population—one with brilliant, complex minds. Minds that have to work harder and longer than most to get here today. After graduation, it’s time to show the world what we are capable of, having harnessed the power of our learning differences. Because at the end of the day, dyslexia is a superpower.”
— ABBEY H., ALUMNA
WE PROPEL YOUR CHILD’S GROWTH—
IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
School is not just about academics and cultivating essential life skills. It’s also a time for laughter and fun, forging lifelong friendships, and discovering new passions.
Many individuals with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia, have extraordinary strengths, often surpassing those of their non-dyslexic peers. These strengths are recognized as skills in demand in the workforce today and for the future. Our wide range of enrichment opportunities will allow your child to explore their strengths while building confidence, a growth mindset, and a positive attitude.
• Arts Integration: We incorporate the arts into all subjects as a learning tool to aid and expand understanding and knowledge transfer.
• Fine and Applied Arts Programs: We showcase student talents through winter and spring concerts, art shows, craft fairs, and bi-annual school plays.
• Athletics: We offer a variety of multigrade teams, such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, swimming, rugby, track and field, and cross country, including competition in the ISEA, ISA, and GVISAA leagues.
• Outdoor Education Program: We provide context-driven, experiential learning in the outdoors, combined with leadership and environmental learning across all grades. Our innovative Odyssey Program in Grade 11 provides almost 50 days of curriculum taught outdoors, while students complete 16 graduation credits.
• Experiential Activities and CrossCurricular Units: We help students see the interconnectedness and reallife application of curriculum content.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Student Wellbeing: We develop resilient learners using a variety of SEL programs alongside Positive Education, which draws on the science of wellbeing to promote learning. Together, these provide our students with strategies and tools to take care of their mental health.
JUNIOR SCHOOL GRADES 2–6
FOCUS:
Breaking the code of language. Developing literacy and numeracy skills.
• Student confidence is built through datainformed instruction and reflection.
• Small class settings (7-12 students) ensure students receive grade-level instruction tailored to individual needs for language arts, math, science, and social studies.
• 1:1 instruction 4 days per week with a learning specialist provides diagnostic and prescriptive literacy remediation using the Orton-Gillingham approach.
• The math remediation team partners with classroom teachers to enable students to access the curriculum through best practices in multisensory math.
• Specialist teachers provide art and music twice weekly, and physical health education every day.
• Social-Emotional Learning is at the core of our Junior School. This instills the importance of mutual respect, community building, managing emotions, engagement in the learning process, and responsible decision making.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 7–9
FOCUS:
Solidifying core skills through personalized learning, wellbeing, and career education. Executive function coaching.
• All students follow the BC curriculum in small classes (up to 12), at the appropriate grade level for their age.
• Students are taught by specialist teachers for language arts, math, science, social studies, and daily physical education.
• An impressive selection of elective subjects are offered, including media design, music, drama, robotics and electronics, food studies, technology education, photography, visual arts, and textiles.
• 1:1 (or small group) instruction every other day, from a learning specialist, remediates each student’s needs in areas such as decoding, fluency, expository writing, organizational skills, time management, and self-advocacy.
• The Middle School advisory program ensures all students are seen and supported, and their emotional needs are met.
SENIOR SCHOOL
GRADES 10–12
FOCUS:
Strengthening core skills, independence, and selfadvocacy. Earning BC’s Dogwood Diploma and transitioning into post-secondary or the workforce.
• Grade 10 students follow the BC curriculum in language arts, math, science, social studies, Career Life Education, plus physical education every other day.
• Specialization occurs in Grades 11 and 12 within language arts, math, and science, with additional offerings such as law studies, psychology, economic theory, human geography, and world history.
• Students complete Career Life Connections and a capstone, and thrive with a tremendous array of fine and applied arts.
• Students continue to receive 1:1 (or small group) remediation, every other day, from their learning specialist in areas such as literal/inferential reading comprehension, fluency, and expository writing.
• Time management, organization, and self-advocacy skills are further strengthened.
WE PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR THEIR FUTURE
Graduating from high school, making decisions about higher education, and choosing a career path can be daunting for anyone.
At Fraser Academy, our post-secondary planning team has the time and space to collaborate with each student and their parents. Students are guided by our team and can meet their counsellor 1:1. Families can also book time to meet together with a counsellor and information sessions are held to help navigate what can feel like a complex process. A panel is also convened where alumni can share advice and their post-secondary and career experiences.
Together, we develop a personalized plan that will help your child transition seamlessly into life following graduation.
With our post-secondary planning support, your child will gain:
• A better understanding of their talents, interests, values, and future career direction.
• Coaching on the practical aspects of a job search: resumes, cover letters, and seeking work experience.
• Individual support with post-secondary research, submitting applications, and scholarship requests.
• Skills to self-advocate by understanding their dyslexia and being comfortable describing their needs.
• Opportunities to connect with alumni—and learn about their experience at post-secondary, how to seek out accommodations while studying or in the workforce, and career paths for the future.
OUR ALUMNI HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO:
CANADA
Acadia University
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Bishop’s University
Brock University
Capilano University
Carleton University
Chinook Helicopter School
Concordia University
Corpus Christi College
Dalhousie University
Douglas College
Emily Carr University of Art & Design
Huron University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Langara College
McGill University
McMaster University
Mount Allison University
Mount Royal University
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Nimbus School of Recording & Media
North Island College
Nova Scotia University of Art and Design
Okanagan College
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Pacific Vocational College
Queen’s University
Ryerson University
Simon Fraser University
St. Francis Xavier University
St. Mary’s University
Thompson Rivers University
Toronto Metropolitan University
Trent University
University of Alberta
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia Okanagan
University of Calgary
University of the Fraser Valley
University of Guelph
University of New Brunswick
University of Northern
British Columbia
University of Ottawa
University of Saskatchewan
University of Toronto
University of Victoria
University of Waterloo
Vancouver Community College
Vancouver Island University
Western University
York University
U.S.
DePaul University (Illinois)
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (California)
Manhattan School of Music (New York)
Musicians Institute: College of Contemporary Music (California)
Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma)
Parsons School of Design (New York)
University of Arizona (Arizona)
University of California Riverside (California)
University of North Texas (Texas)
University of Tulsa (Oklahoma)
Whiteman College (Washington)
AUSTRALIA, EUROPE & ASIA
Bond University (Australia)
Keele University (U.K.)
Leeds Beckett University (U.K.)
Leeds University (U.K.)
Les Roches (International School of Hotel Management) (Switzerland)
Metropolitan Film School (U.K.)
Norwich University of the Arts (U.K.)
University of the Arts - Central Saint Martins (U.K.)
University College London (U.K.)
University of Edinburgh (U.K.)
University of Glasgow (U.K.)
University of Liverpool (U.K.)
University of Nottingham (U.K.)
Temple University (Japan)
OUR ALUMNI CONTINUALLY TELL US THAT WE PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THEIR
POST-SECONDARY AND CAREER SUCCESS
Many Fraser Academy alumni, as well as their families, continue to be actively engaged through events, mentorship, career networking, use of the FAConnect platform, and more.
Having dyslexia has been beneficial for me in training to be a lawyer because my dyslexic mind helps me to create a story around the facts and cases I have to memorize. Being at Fraser equipped me to advocate for myself and understand that just because I learn differently, it doesn’t mean that I’m any less capable.”
— MADISON M., ALUMNA
Fraser Academy taught me a set of skills no other school could. As a result, I excelled in university and have succeeded in the professional world where I am a founding member of one of North America’s fastest scaling Artificial Intelligence companies. The work we are doing is putting Vancouver on the world’s stage. I wouldn’t be here if it was not for FA.”
— BLAIR C., ALUMNUS
WE ARE MORE THAN A SCHOOL— WE ARE A COMMUNITY
Parent Community
The Fraser Academy Parent Community (FAPC) is a key partner in building community, including championing the strengths of those with learning differences. Fraser Academy families come from across the lower mainland, including North Vancouver, Richmond, and South Surrey (bus service is available).
The FAPC connects families in many ways. Bus buddy programs, fundraising, used uniform sales, staff appreciation celebrations, community BBQs, welcoming new families, and arranging grade-level and school-wide socials are just a few examples.
A Culture of Giving
As a registered charity, we rely on the generosity of our community to elevate the student experience beyond what is covered by tuition revenue and government funding.
The annual appeal through the Changing Destinies Fund focuses on key priorities that help provide vital resources and opportunities outside the scope of regular school operations. We also engage families in campaigns to support longer-term needs, such as capital projects.
We deeply appreciate that “giving” comes in many forms. We strive for 100% family participation— whether through philanthropy, volunteerism, or sharing expertise.
FA X OUTREACH & TRAINING CENTRE
Services provided by FAX
If you are interested in learning more about any of the services offered by Fraser Academy’s Outreach & Training Centre, FAX, please reach out:
604-736-5575
FAx@fraseracademy.ca fraseracademy.ca/x
Fraser Academy offers the following services to the wider community via FAX:
Learner Programs
If your child requires immediate support, or is not ready to apply to the Day School, FAX Learner Programs can provide 1:1 support, either in-person or online. These programs focus on the personalized remediation of specific learning difficulties in reading, writing, math, and executive function.
Programs include:
• 1:1 Orton-Gillingham Instruction
• 1:1 Executive Function Coaching
• 1:1 Math Essentials Instruction
• 1:1 NILD Educational Therapy
• Summer Camps
• Educational Consulting
Community Education and Resource Sharing
As leaders in education, our expert educators and invited guests share knowledge and resources on dyslexia and related topics with the wider community through partnerships with other institutions, and our free Community Education Series.
Early Literacy Screening
We offer a free Early Literacy Screening program for children between the ages of 4-7 years old, who are struggling to meet early literacy milestones.
Teacher Training
FAX offers in-person and online professional development and training, to help educators better reach children with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia. Training is offered to individual educators, schools, and school districts.
LEARN MORE
BEGIN YOUR CHILD’S TRANSFORMATIVE
JOURNEY!
Day School Admissions
If you feel your child could benefit from Fraser Academy’s Day School, we’d love to connect with you.
If you’re ready to apply, would like to chat, book a tour, or register for an Open House or Tuition Relief Information Session, please reach out.
We’re here to help.
604-736-5575
admissions@fraseracademy.ca fraseracademy.ca/admissions
Tuition Relief
We believe all students, regardless of their family’s economic situation, deserve access to a school setting where they can learn and prosper.
We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as these values are critical to creating an environment where we affirm, embrace, and respect the dignity of all community members.
Many of our Day School families are able to access a variety of tuition relief strategies. Together, these may offset 20-70% of your child’s tuition.
Contact Admissions to learn more or to sign up for an online Tuition Relief Information Session.
Tuition relief strategies include:
• Fraser Academy’s bursary assistance program (up to 50% discount available to families in financial need).
• Claiming tuition as a CRA eligible medical expense.
• Claiming the CRA’s Disability Tax Credit (and associated benefits).
• External grants and supports (depending on eligibility requirements), including:
• CKNW Kid’s Fund
• Variety - The Children’s Charity
• Jordan’s Principle (for First Nations students)
• The Inuit Child First Initiative (for Inuit students)
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