Frequently Asked Questions

If your question isn't answered below, please email us at

Are non Seventh-day Adventist students able to attend? Yes. The school welcomes students who desire to flourish in this environment, to develop a Christian character, and who can support the philosophy and policies established by this school. 

What is the admission process? The first step in our admission process involves speaking with our Teacher/Principal, Mary Abbadasari, or by contacting us via email (see "Contact Us" section for contact info). An admission sub-committee of the school board will then review the application. 

Who are Seventh-day Adventists? We are Christians who believe in the authority of God’s word and salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. For a more in-depth outline of our beliefs, see www.sdacc.org 

How much of the curriculum will involve teaching Adventist-specific beliefs? The religious instruction component of the curriculum is based on Adventist doctrine and beliefs. For a more in-depth outline of our beliefs, see www.sdacc.org 

Will the school be accredited? Yes. Adventist schools are denominationally accredited before they begin operation, and this accreditation is reviewed on a regular basis. 

Are teachers certified? Yes. All teachers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and are denominationally certified. Most are also provincially certified. 

Who manages the day-to-day operations of the school? The principal/teacher is responsible for managing the school on a day-to-day basis, according the policies outlined in the Handbook. 

Which grades are offered? The school will offer grade 1 to grade 8. The exact grades will depend on the applications received. 

Where is the school be located? The school is located in the Seventh-day Adventist church at 120 Cunningham Rd.  Relocation to a larger facility may take place by 2006-07.  

How much does it cost? Tuition fees are based on a cost-recovery model, however we aim to make the school affordable to as many families as possible. Our fees are significantly less than many private schools charge. Fees for the 2005-06 school year have not yet been finalized, but the fees from 2004-05 can serve as a general guideline of expected fees for 2005-06: 

 Because a significant portion of the cost of operating the school is paid for by the Seventh-day Adventist church in Ontario, "Subsidized Families" are families who are attending, financially supportive members of the church.  Where financial constraints present a barrier to enrollment, special arrangements for peyment of school fees can be made at the discretion of the local school board. Please speak to us if you have any questions.

What about fundraising?  AACS plans several fundraising campaigns througout the school year and even the summer.  The amount of funds raised through these campaigns are considered by the school board when tuition fees are set and as such, fundraising efforts can have a direct effect on fees to attend the school.

Is Government funding available? No. Our school is funded only through tuition fees and subsidies provided by the local Church and the provincial body of the Adventist Church. 

Are tuition costs tax-deductible? No. The Provincial government recently canceled a proposed tax-credit for private education. 

Are donations made to the school tax-deductible?  Yes, the school is a operates on a not-for-profit basis and is a registered charitable organization.

How long is the school year? The school day? The school year is approximately 190 days – the same as public and separate school systems – according to Provincial standards. School days will be from (8:30-3:30) Monday to Thursday and from (8:30-2:30) on Fridays. 

What subjects make up the curriculum? The curriculum meets the Provincial guidelines for content and includes Art; Computer Education; Language Arts/ Reading; Mathematics; Music; Physical Education; Religion; Science; Second Language; Social Studies; Witnessing and Service. Fore more information please see the Curriculum portion of the website. 

How does the curriculum compare with the provincial curriculum? As much as possible, our curriculum meets the standards set out by the province of Ontario, particularly in the areas of math, language arts and science, however some differences do exist. Primarily, these have to do with instruction on the subject of religion. 

What ‘extras’ are offered as part of the curriculum? (E.g. music, French) 3 hours of French per week will be taught, as per the provincial curriculum. Other subjects, such as music and art will be offered depending on teacher and volunteer skills and abilities. 

What about extra-curricular activities? Activities such as library outings, field trips and class/school trips are an integral part of the Seventh-day Adventist education experience. Frequency and availability of such activities will be determined by the school principal and will in large part depend on participation and support of parents and volunteers. 

Will computers be used as part of the teaching process? Yes. Modern computer equipment is an integral part of the classroom setting to ensure that students can have access to the resources and information that computers make available. We recognize that knowledge and skill with computers has become an important part of today’s daily life and workplace. 

Is there any transportation available for the children? No. Parents will be responsible for the children’s transportation to and from the school at appropriate times. 

Will there be a uniform or dress code? Reasonable guidelines for dress will be set out for all students.  For some community activities and programs, students may be required to wear a white "AACS" collared shirt.

What about students with special needs? Students with special needs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the principal () for further information.

What about class sizes and student-teacher ratios? Typical class sizes are less than 15 students per teacher.

How are parents and volunteers involved with the school? There are many occasions and opportunities throughout the school year where assistance from parents and volunteers is most welcomed.  If you would like to volunteer some time to help out, contact the principal at ().  All volunteers will be asked to provide a criminal record check.