Academics
Academics at KBS
At Kempenfelt Bay School, we set the bar for academic excellence, and then we raise it. Our dynamic, integrated curriculum uses a collaborative team-teaching approach across every subject to spark curiosity and reward intellectual risk-taking.
From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, students dive into a well-rounded education that includes Art, Physical Education, Music, and French. Interactive learning brings Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies to life, while instrumental music instruction begins in Grade 3. Because every student learns differently, our exceptional educators use diverse, engaging teaching methods to ensure every child is safe to stumble and supported to grow.
Evolving Education
Founded in 1999 by forward-thinking families, KBS was built on a simple premise: to create an educational environment that challenges young people to become the best version of themselves. Today, we continue to honour that legacy by teaching students not what to think, but how to think, opening doors to an unparalleled future.
Real Opportunity Means Real Choice
At KBS, we define opportunity as choice. Our goal is to ensure that when our Grade 8 students graduate, they do so with a solid foundation and every door open to them for their high school years. Whether they are choosing their ideal high school program, stepping into leadership roles, or exploring new academic paths, they have the confidence and skills to chart their own course.
High School Preparation
Intentionally built into our curriculum. We are proud to offer a Grade 9 French Reach Ahead Credit to all of our Grade 8 students. By walking out of KBS with a high school credit already in hand, our graduates enter their next chapter with a distinct competitive advantage, prepared to stand out from day one.
Primary School (Grades K-2)
At KBS, the primary years are all about sparking curiosity and building a solid foundation for life. We don’t just want our youngest learners to grasp the basics; we want them to fall in love with the process of discovery.
When kids feel safe, seen, and supported, they don’t just become excellent students, they become fearless learners.
The Pillars of Literacy & Numeracy
In Grades K-2, we focus on meaningful mastery of fundamental skills. Our students don’t just scratch the surface.
Strong Literacy & Communication
Developing exceptional reading, phonics, and expressive writing skills early on.
Writing & Handwriting
Learning both print and cursive handwriting while developing fine motor skills and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and creatively.
Core Numeracy
Building mathematical confidence, including the foundational introduction of multiplication times tables to build problem-solving skills and eventual mastery.
How They Learn & What Makes It Different
Defining Teaching Excellence
Excellence in teaching and learning at Kempenfelt Bay School (KBS) is a collaborative and reflective learning process. It requires our teachers and students to use a common language and share a culture of thinking that promotes inquiry, innovation, and global mindedness. It involves making real-world connections with the students. It leads to the development of future ready competencies which include entrepreneurship, creativity, communication, critical thinking and problem solving.
Excellent teaching is not linear, but responsive to the needs of the learner and can be recursive and flexible. It recognizes that traditional strategies, such as direct teaching and the practice and mastery of literacy and numeracy skills, still play a role in order for inquiry to be successful. It requires a balance of autonomy and independence. Excellence in teaching is demonstrated at KBS through a suite of pedagogy models that encompass best practices, is directly linked to its subject area, and allows teachers to play to their expertise. Excellence in teaching and learning occurs at KBS because teachers are encouraged to be innovative themselves and open to learning alongside their students.
Our Integrated Curriculum
What sets the KBS primary experience apart is a curriculum where learning doesn't stop when the lesson ends. From their very first day in Junior Kindergarten, our core academics are integrated with specialist-led programs in Art, Physical Education, Music, and French.
Through a collaborative team-teaching approach, we connect different subjects to make learning interactive, purposeful, and fun. By weaving together rigorous academics, public speaking confidence, and physical expression from the very beginning, we ensure that lifelong learning starts right here.
Junior School (Grades 3-5)
In Junior School, the KBS experience hits an exciting turning point. Having built a strong foundation in the primary years, our students shift from learning to read, to reading to learn.
This is the stage where curiosity is channeled into capability, and students develop the independent study skills, resilience, and confidence needed to take ownership of their education.
Tools for Independence
In Grades 3-5, the curriculum expands to help students organize their minds and their work. We focus on teaching the practical, real-world skills that turn curious kids into capable scholars.
The Art of Organization
Mastering essential note-taking, time-management, and research skills.
Public Speaking Excellence
Learning how to take a personal interest, research it deeply, and transform it into a polished presentation to teach and inspire their peers.
Instrumental Music
Starting in Grade 3, all students begin instrumental music instruction, adding a rich new layer to their creative and cognitive growth.
How They Learn & What Makes It Different
Unleashing Drive
Our teaching philosophy in the Junior School is rooted in a powerful premise: we don’t push our students; they learn to push themselves. Teaching excellence at the Junior level means transitioning from instructors to guides. Junior School teachers challenge students with high expectations while providing an environment where it is safe to make mistakes. We teach students how to think critically, question, and embrace our school motto, "I Can, I Will" By encouraging intellectual risk-taking, our teachers help students discover that solving a tough problem or navigating a setback isn't just rewarding - it’s fun.
Curiosity as a Subject
What sets the KBS Junior School curriculum apart is how we seamlessly blend rigorous academics with real-world application.
Co-Curriculars are Co-Everything: Learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. Our core subjects are deeply integrated with specialist-led programs in Art, Physical Education, French, and Music, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Finding Their Voice: While many schools save major presentations for older grades, public speaking is woven into the daily fabric of KBS. Every student has distinct leadership qualities. We use our presentation-heavy curriculum to uncover them and unleash them.
Organic Cross-Age Connections: Because of our close-knit community, these connections happen naturally every day. Our Junior School students organically build empathy, confidence, and a strong sense of school spirit simply by playing alongside Primary students at recess and joining shared activities with the Middle School students. One student naturally looks up, the other steps up, and everyone grows together.
Middle School Program (Grades 6-8)
Middle School at KBS is the launchpad. In these final, critical elementary years, our focus shifts to deep inquiry, independent ownership, and real-world application. We don’t just give our oldest students high expectations - we give them all the support, encouragement, and study skills they need to meet them.
They graduate feeling comfortable with who they are, confident in their abilities, and fearless in the face of life’s challenges.
Leadership & Critical Thinking
In Grades 6-8, the curriculum is designed to challenge students to dig deeper and look outward. Our students focus on mastering the advanced skills required for the next level.
Balanced & Inquiry-Infused Academics
Moving beyond simple memorization, we integrate targeted, inquiry-based projects with rigorous core instruction. This balanced approach helps students build the advanced critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and research skills they need to excel across Math, Language, Science, and Social Studies, while intentionally instilling the strong study habits and real exam readiness required for high school success.
Global Citizenship & Action
Integrating global perspectives and community service into the curriculum so students understand their roles in both the local and global community. They learn to turn empathy into action, becoming good citizens inside school and out.
The Grade 9 French Advantage
All Grade 8 students complete our Grade 9 French Reach Ahead Credit program, graduating with a high school credit already achieved.
How They Learn & What Makes It Different
Guiding Independence & Accountability
Teaching excellence at the Middle School level is defined by fostering independent work habits and a resilient mindset. Our world-class educators treat students with respect, assuming they are smart, capable, and well-intentioned.
Instead of hand-holding, our teachers empower students to take complete ownership of their learning, deadlines, and exam readiness. We challenge them to push themselves, embrace the school motto, “I Can, I Will” and learn how to take intellectual risks. By creating a safe environment to stumble and recover, our educators ensure that students develop the self-reliance and determination that will make them stand out from day one in high school.
A Premier Launchpad for Life
What sets the KBS Middle School curriculum apart is that we don’t just graduate ready for the next step. We graduate ready to shine.
The Complete JK-8 Journey: Because we are a dedicated JK-8 school, our Grade 6-8 students are the undisputed leaders of our community. They aren’t lost in a large school system; instead, they step into meaningful, visible leadership roles that build genuine poise and public speaking excellence.
Co-Curriculars are Essential: Rigorous core academics are seamlessly woven together with advanced creative expression, athletics, and technology skills. Learning doesn’t stop when the lesson ends.
The Arts at KBS: Sharp Minds, Creative Hearts
At KBS, co-curriculars are co-everything. They aren’t extra, they are essential. Our vibrant art program is woven into the fabric of the school day to help students grow in every direction, combining technical skill with the joy of creative discovery.
The Four Foundational Genres
From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, our students explore the full spectrum of visual expression. Every academic year, the curriculum introduces dynamic, age-appropriate projects across four foundational pillars:
Drawing & Painting: Building visual literacy, colour theory, and fine motor precision.
Printmaking & Sculpture: Engaging tactile, three-dimensional problem-solving and design thinking.
By working with premium, high-quality materials and receiving world-class instruction, students develop a genuine appreciation for the creative process and a lifelong love for the arts.
Safe to Stumble, Supported to Grow
Our art room is much more than a studio. It is a safe, nurturing environment where students are encouraged to take risks. Teaching excellence in the arts means guiding students to see that a science experiment gone sideways or an art project that changes direction isn't a mistake, but rather a breakthrough.
Our art teacher empowers students to try new techniques. KBS students build the resilience, confidence, and determination they need to become exceptional problem-solvers and creators in the real world.
"My intention is to develop creative thinkers that are able to use those innovative thinking skills, whether in the arts or not, as they carry on as lifelong learners."
Michelle Neumeyer
Visual Arts
Program Structure
The KBS art program is based on 3 C’s; Consider, Create and Communicate.
Consider
Students are exposed to both historical and contemporary works of art. References to famous artists including Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol etc. are intended to broaden their visual database. They are encouraged to consider the artist’s use of materials, techniques and inspirations in order to help develop their own art practice.
Create
Students create art in a variety of materials through the entire academic year. Through their art making, they are encouraged to explore alternative solutions while taking the risks that are necessary to become successful creative thinkers.
Communicate
Students have an opportunity to reflect on their art making process and how their creative problem-solving skills are developing. They can reflect on their art choices while planning their future projects.
My personal vision for students as they progress through the years is to hone their creative-thinking and problem-solving skills. In the younger years, students are exposed to a variety of materials and a variety of styles of art in order to expand their creative minds. My hope is that after the years of this creative exposure, they will begin to find their own voice through the arts. Studies are showing that in the 21st century, organizations are claiming that creativity and innovation are the most important skill sets to acquire. My intention is to develop creative thinkers that are able to use those innovative thinking skills, whether in the arts or not, as they carry on as lifelong learners. I hope that the students will leave the KBS art program with an established love and respect for the arts that will allow them to become patrons of the arts for years to come.
— Ms. Neumeyer’s
Music at KBS: A Lifelong Symphony Starts Here
At Kempenfelt Bay School, music is a part of our students’ everyday lives. Woven into the school day, our music program combines high academic standards and musical expression, helping students broaden their skills from their very first day in Junior Kindergarten.
What Students Learn & How They Learn
Our world-class music instruction is designed to build capability. The curriculum balances vocal performance through choir, music theory, and instrumental mastery.
Beginning in Junior Kindergarten, students find their voices, explore musical theory, and learn to appreciate music as a universal language through our choir program.
In Grades 1–2, students build on this foundation with the recorder, taking their first steps into instrumental music before transitioning to formal band instruction in Grade 3. As they progress into the upper grades, they dive into concert and jazz instruments, learning the discipline, focus, and joy that comes from mastering a craft.
The Stage is Our Classroom
What sets the KBS music experience apart is the rich tradition of performance. Our students share their talents with the broader community. Throughout the year, KBS musicians take the stage at major venues and events, including: The Remembrance Day Ceremony, Winter Celebration, The Local Christmas Parade, The Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival (CISMF), Our Annual Grandpals’ Day Spring Showcase & Griffin Musical
“One of the goals I have for my students is that they will learn that music is a universal language and that it can be found all around us!”
Darrin Cranney
Music Teacher
Drama at KBS: Finding Your Voice, Taking the Stage
At KBS, our drama program is an essential launchpad for confidence, empathy, and leadership. Whether a student shines in the spotlight or thrives behind the scenes, theatre teaches them how to take creative risks, collaborate effectively, and communicate with purpose.
The Primary Musical
A K-3 Tradition. Belonging starts early. Every year, all of our Junior Kindergarten through Grade 3 students take part in our spectacular Primary Musical. This beloved school tradition ensures that every young learner experiences the magic of the theatre, steps out of their comfort zone in a safe, supportive environment, and learns that when speaking up starts early, it sticks for life.
The KBS Drama Club & Production
For our older students in grades 4-8, drama at KBS is a dynamic, year-round journey of commitment and teamwork that culminates in a major theatrical production every April.
The Club Experience
The Drama Club runs every quarter and is open to any student in Grades 4-8 who wants to explore acting, improvisation, and storytelling. It’s a space where kids are safe to stumble and supported to grow.
The Production & Auditions
For the big April production, students step up to the challenge by trying out for specific onstage roles. Auditioning helps them embrace a growth mindset, building the resilience to back down from no challenge and proudly say, "I Can, I Will."
Behind the Scenes
The Music & Drama Co-Curricular Club Theatre is a true team sport, which is why students can also sign up for our specialized backstage club. Working directly with our Art teacher, these students become the backbone of the show, learning the hands-on skills of set design, stage management, and prop construction. Every student has distinct leadership qualities; whether on the stage or in the wings, we uncover them and unleash them.
French at KBS: Bonjour Today. Bien Joué Tomorrow.
At Kempenfelt Bay School, our French program goes far beyond simple vocabulary lists and rote memorization. We believe that learning a second language should be an active, immersive, and joyful journey. From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, our students learn cultural appreciation and the confidence to use their voices on a global stage.
Culture & Connection
What sets the KBS French experience apart is our focus on the whole child and their place in a globalized world.
Global Citizens, Inside School and Out
Language is a gateway to culture. Through special traditions like our annual French Culture Week, students make authentic global connections and find creative ways to meaningfully apply their French language skills.
The Launchpad for High School
Our grads leave our halls equipped with strong study habits, a love for language learning, and the ability to communicate with confidence.
Immersive Foundations & Accelerated Credits
We design our curriculum to ensure that when our students graduate, they are ready for high school French.
Daily Language Immersion: French begins in Junior Kindergarten, allowing students to immediately feel comfortable learning a new language and enjoy experiencing French culture through the years.
The Grade 9 Reach Ahead Credit: All Grade 8 students complete our Grade 9 French Reach Ahead Credit program, earning an official high school credit before they even graduate elementary school. They step into high school with a distinct competitive advantage and real exam readiness.
Dynamic, Multi-Modal Excellence
French classes at KBS are fun and full of energetic chatter. Our French Teachers mix traditional academic rigor with modern, interactive strategies so that learning is both highly effective and enjoyable.
While our teachers leverage powerful, gesture-based strategies like the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM) and Histoires en Action to accelerate early speech, they blend these with a wide variety of interactive teaching methods. We use music, singing, drama, and games to bring the language to life, paired with digital tools like Google Classroom and reading platforms like Boukili and Aquila to bridge learning between the classroom and home. By creating a supportive environment where it is safe to stumble and take risks, our students remain enthusiastic, relaxed, and connected.
It is our hope that as students enter High School, they will have a love of language learning and a solid foundation in French. We want them to be able to communicate with confidence and fluency, realizing that learning a second language is a lifelong endeavour.
— Jacci Lucente and Julia Balke, French Department
Physical Education & Health: Active Bodies, Resilient Minds
At Kempenfelt Bay School, academic excellence is only part of the equation. Just as important is how our students feel about themselves, their health, and their place in the world. Our Physical Education and Health program is designed to cultivate a lifelong love for movement, an understanding of wellness, and the foundation kids need to navigate life with confidence.
Functional Fitness Foundations
Students learn movements that help them be exceptional at everyday life. By focusing on repeatable measures of functional fitness, students take a smart, active approach to tracking their personal physical growth.
A Dynamic Range of Sports
From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, we introduce a wide variety of sports, games, and cooperative activities. This diverse exposure is intentionally designed to spark curiosity and build athletic confidence in every child.
Healthy Fuel and Wellness
Health classes emphasize the critical role of nutrition, quality fuel, and positive lifestyle habits, ensuring students understand the connection between physical activity and long-term happiness.
Fostering Grit and Capability
Teaching excellence in physical education at KBS means treating the gym and the field as classrooms for character. Our educators set high expectations for effort and sportsmanship, coaching students to push themselves safely and confidently.
Through cooperative games and physical challenges, we intentionally build the vital character traits of persistence and resilience. When students face a tough drill or a challenging game, they learn to embrace our school motto, "I Can, I Will." By creating an inclusive environment where it is safe to stumble and try again, we ensure that personal fitness becomes a catalyst for confidence rather than a barrier to success.
Prioritizing the Whole Child
What sets the KBS experience apart is how deeply we prioritize student well-being. We know that when kids feel safe, seen, and physically self-assured, they thrive in every other area of their education.
Good Citizens, Inside School and Out: Our students don't just learn how to win; they learn how to collaborate, lead teams, and lift up their peers.
The Launchpad for a Vibrant Life: We meet students where they are and help them go further. Our graduates leave KBS with strong physical literacy, a healthy relationship with exercise, and the fearless mindset required to take on high school and the life that awaits them.
The concept of functional fitness – practicing movements that help us excel at everyday life – is central to preparing our students for the future. Focusing on functional fitness allows students to form a joyful relationship with physical activity, ensuring they graduate feeling comfortable in who they are and confident in their abilities.
— Franc Granata and Eric Jones, Physical and Health Education
Student Support: Academic & Social-Emotional Learning
At Kempenfelt Bay School, academic excellence is only part of the equation. Just as important is how our students feel about themselves, about their learning, and about their place in our community. We know that every student's educational journey is unique. That is why we provide a robust, integrated support system that nurtures both academic growth and social-emotional well-being, ensuring our students are safe to stumble, supported to grow, and empowered to excel.
A Team-Based Approach to Academic Support
We believe that when students are given both high expectations and the support they need to meet them, they become truly fearless learners. To deliver on this promise, KBS features a dedicated academic support team consisting of a full-time Learning Strategist alongside a team of full-time and part-time support teachers.
Working collaboratively within our team-teaching framework, our support educators ensure that students who require accommodations receive the exact tools and strategies they deserve to thrive. This proactive approach ensures strong study skills, builds real exam readiness, and allows our oldest students to transition into high school with a distinct competitive advantage.
Learning Strategy Plans
Our full-time Learning Strategist holds a Specialist designation in Special Education and brings deep expertise to our school community. Recognizing that all schools welcome children with varying learning needs, our Strategist serves as a vital bridge between home and the classroom by:
Guiding the Identification Process: Partnering with parents and teachers to identify learning profiles early, ensuring that curiosity remains our favourite subject.
Designing Learning Strategy Plans (LSPs): Reviewing psychoeducational assessments to build targeted, actionable Learning Strategy Plans.
Empowering Teachers and Students: Translating strategies directly into the daily classroom environment, giving students the self-reliance and determination to take complete ownership of their learning.
Nurturing the Whole Child
At KBS, confidence and character matter just as much as curriculum. Our academic support is deeply intertwined with social-emotional learning, prioritizing emotional wellness and self-confidence at every grade level.
With the support of our dedicated educators, we cultivate a resilient, optimistic mindset across our close-knit community. We teach our students how to navigate challenges, communicate with purpose, and fully embrace the school motto, “I Can, I Will.” When kids feel safe, seen, and self-assured, they don’t just move on—they move forward into the world as well-rounded, capable humans.