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About The Maples Independent Country School
The Maples Independent Country School was founded in 1989. The school was established to provide a higher quality alternative education, rooted in the basics, using traditional teaching methods. The ‘back to the basics’ approach was coupled with a focus on strong moral values.
The Maples began with twelve students in a one-room schoolhouse, in the village of The Maples, west of Orangeville. The school has grown to over 120 students with a full-time staff of 11 teachers, who are supported by part-time visual arts, drama and music specialists. The Maples is now located in a modern, 10 classroom school situated on a five-acre property in Amaranth Township. Our large playground and sports fields are surrounded by fields and woods.
Our students enjoy the use of a full-size gymnasium and a computerized library of over 8,000 titles. The Maples teachers and support staff are selected for their dedication and experience. The school is well stocked with learning materials, current textbooks, science and sports equipment as well as up-to-date computers and audio-visual technology. There is a low student/teacher ratio.
The Maples' curriculum contains the full spectrum of subjects including visual arts, instrumental music, drama and computer education. It enhances the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. French lessons are taught daily beginning in Junior Kindergarten. ‘Building on the basics’ begins in our pre-school and kindergarten classes with early literacy and numeracy programs.
The curriculum is prescriptive. Teachers apply appropriate teaching strategies based on the students’ needs and achievement levels. Achievement is monitored with on-going assessments and measured with standardized tests. The Maples offers non-denominational morals education. The Maples provides a safe, nurturing environment in which every child can be successful.
Clear expectations for behaviour and standards of achievement are specified in The Student and Parent Handbook. Daily communication between home and school is maintained. The Maples enjoys the support of a vibrant and resourceful PTA which also provides parents with the opportunity to become more involved in their children’s education.
The PTA provides a wide variety of after school programs throughout the year. They include fitness classes, art, music, drama and dance workshops as well as science programs.
Before school care begins at 7:00 a.m. After school care is available from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.