The reason why I like North Star Academy Laval is because the teachers are very organized and they make sure you understand what you are learning. Since it is a small school everybody knows everyone. It is easy to make friends, there is also no bullying. The classrooms are small... — Samantha Read More
It has been three delightful years that I have been studying at North Star Academy. When I first started here, I felt uncomfortable because I did not know anyone. To add to this, as NSAL is an English private school, I had to adjust to the Anglophone environment. Fortunately, I... — Sarine Benohanian Read More
I attend North Star Academy Laval (NSAL). I came upon this school, after moving from Edmonton, Alberta. The move to Laval, Quebec, was difficult. I had to leave my existing life behind, and start all over. Thank goodness I found NSAL. The school’s teachers, staff, and... — Zakaria El Bouhssini Read More
I like NSAL because it has a good education system, with fun activities, fun pop-quiz, and learning at NSAL is my favorite way to learn. I also like NSAL because they let students have a voice and to have an opinion on like: Things we would want, things we would like to... — Sophie Read More
Why do I appreciate my school so much? Primarily, NSAL is my home away from home. When I get up in the morning, I do not feel the burden to leave, as I know that I am making my way to another place of warmth and comfort. The students and staff at NSAL continue to make my... — Serena Mohamed Read More
Sending our daughter to Northstar Academy has been the best decision our family could have made. The academics of NSAL is structured not only to inspire but to help the students aspire to have better grades all at the same time respecting that not all students learn in the same... — Shayne Lynch Read More
Good day, We’re really glad we chose North Star Academy Laval (NSAL) for our kids. We just got back from a long period abroad, and this school presented the perfect environment to make them feel at home again. It took less than a week for our daughter to make friends and... — Jeanna Bellerive Read More
My daughter has been attending NorthStar Academy Laval for two years. Her sister will be joining her in September. In my opinion Northstar Academy is not just another private school rather an educational place where students can learn, grow and flourish. Their success comes from... — Proud NSAL parents Read More
Care, patience, integrity, passion, commitment… NSAL teachers are the best! Baria — Baria
My daughter and I honestly could not have chosen a better high school for her. Although she was always a happy, enthusiastic and hard-working student with average grades, at North Star Academy Laval, with only half of the first school year behind her, I already see that she has... — Jane Hillenbrand (Jessica’s mom) Read More
North Star Academy Laval (NSAL) is an academic organization that meets the needs of the student-no matter how diverse his/her style of learning may be. With much dedication and perseverance, Mme. Pepin has laid the school’s foundation- one that speaks to each child: “You can... — Mrs. Santuccione Read More
I have the good fortune of attending North Star Academy Laval. NSAL is a great school. The students and staff are like one, big, happy family. The students feel comfortable and interact with each other very easily, making possible, deep and wonderful friendships. The teachers... — Sam Sabzevari Read More
To whom it may concern, We are pleased to be able to write this letter of recommendation in reference to North Star Academy Laval for parents who seek an educational program for their children as we did, outside the public system. Our son has been a student at NSAL for... — Nancy & Michel Lahaise Read More
Bringing the world to our students and our students to the world is a key focus of our school
North Star Academy Laval’s Middle School for Grades 7 and 8, is a pivotal stage in students’ educational journeys as they transition from elementary to high school. During this formative period, young learners thrive within a nuturing environment which provides a purposeful balance of guidance and independence. Our dedicated faculty embrace a personalized approach, fostering an engaging and dynamic learning environment where students feel empowered to grow and excel.
Innovative Learning Tools: Building a Strong Foundation
In Grades 7 and 8, we equip students with the tools they need to transition smoothly from elementary to high school. Technology is seamlessly integrated into teaching and learning, empowering students to collaborate, conduct research, and build essential study skills using their MacBooks and Google Classroom. This early focus on digital fluency prepares them to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence.
Parents play an important role during this period of growth, and we keep you informed and engaged every step of the way. Through Dash, our online communication platform, you’ll receive real-time updates on assignments, homework, and evaluations, as well as weekly classroom summaries to help you stay connected to your child’s progress.
Personalized Academic Advising: Supporting Success from Day One
At NSAL, we understand that the early years of high school are a time of self-discovery and adjustment. That’s why we provide personalized academic advising from the moment your child joins us. Our one-on-one academic conferences help students set clear goals that align with their interests, strengths, and values, fostering a sense of purpose and direction that will carry them through their high school years.A Collaborative Approach to Growth
While both exciting and challenging, we view this journey as a partnership between the school, students, and parents. Our supportive approach ensures that your child feels seen, supported, and empowered.
With a focus on resilience, self-confidence, and essential life skills, our Grades 7 and 8 program lays the groundwork for academic success and personal growth—helping your child thrive today and prepare for a bright future in high school and beyond.
In the Grade 7 Language Arts course, students will develop foundational reading comprehension and analysis skills. They will plan and draft narrative texts and descriptive reports (both spoken and written), considering context, purpose, meaning, and target audience. Additionally, students will review and apply correct usage of parts of speech, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation in different types of sentences and texts, applying these skills in real-world writing contexts.
Competencies:
Uses language/talk to communicate and learn
Reads and listens to various text
Produces texts for personal and social purposes
At Grade 7 we offer several levels of French to respond to the individual needs of our students; Français de base, (MEQ regular programme) and Français Enrichi for students with advanced language skills. In addition, we offer a preparatory programme for students with little to no previous instruction in French language or who are new to the province of Quebec.
The main objective of this French course is to ensure that students develop their linguistic skills of reading, writing and speaking in French working towards a greater understanding and participation in the Francophone community of Quebec. By expanding their basic vocabulary they will increasingly grasp the intention behind the texts heard, read or seen, which helps them understand their meaning. They will also learn to effectively convey their message in authentic, varied and meaningful communication situations both written and oral.
Reads a variety of texts in French
Produces a variety of texts in French
Students will develop their ability to interact exclusively in French through presentations, discussions, writing French-language texts, and reading and analyzing French literature and media. In addition to grammar lessons, students will read short novels, watch films, and study various texts. They will write narrative fiction, newspaper articles, poetry, and critiques. Discussions and debates on various topics will complement their presentations and vocabulary-building activities to enhance their language proficiency.
Interacts in French
Produces text
Reads and listens to various text, current or literary
This mathematics course is designed to provide students from diverse mathematical backgrounds with a strong foundation for future studies. Key topics such as geometry, natural numbers, exponents, decimals, percentages and fractions will be covered in depth to ensure mastery and foster confidence.
Uses mathematical reasoning
Solves a situational problem
The Science and Technology course creates a single discipline by integrating five scientific fields and various technological fields studied within a cultural and practical context. Students will explore Earth and Space, The Living World, Physics, Technology, Chemistry, and Biology, making competency-based connections between these disciplines to understand the scientific world holistically. All students are expected to participate in the NSAL Science Fair.
Seeks answers or solutions to scientific or technological problems (Practical / Laboratory)
Makes the most of his or her knowledge of science and Technology (Theory)
Students will begin their first year of the programme by learning about the essential tools and skills historians use to discuss and explore history. They will then be introduced to the beginnings of human civilization in the Fertile Crescent, followed by a study of the growth of societies from the Roman Empire to the rise of Christianity in Europe. The focus will be on the people and societies within these historical periods and the transformative changes that shaped them.
Examines social phenomena from a historical perspective
Interprets social phenomena using the historical method
Constructs their consciousness of citizenship through the study of history
In this course, students will examine and contemplate society's use of space. Through an introduction to the division, protection, threats, and cultural significance of geographical places, students will understand that social phenomena impact the physical world. Class activities include note-taking, engaging in learning exercises, and completing research projects that enable students to recognize the value of territories and develop analytical skills and geographic reasoning in order to respond to geographical challenges.
Understands the organization of a territory
Interprets a territorial issue
Constructs their consciousness of global citizenship
The Culture and Citizenship in Quebec program is intended to prepare students to exercise citizenship in Quebec society, both now and in the future. To do so, students will learn to recognize themselves and others. They will read a variety of texts and apply basic reading comprehension and analysis skills. Students will engage in critical thinking processes and will interact with their peers in order to engage in analysis and discussion. Students will exchange their ideas and views by means of oral discussion and communicate their understanding through written work, presentations and projects. Community Service will also play an integral part of the course.
Study cultural realities in Quebec context
Reflect on ethical questions
Music and Visual Arts are offered across all grade levels; however, course selection may vary each year depending on enrollment numbers and overall student interest. Course offerings are reviewed annually by the school.
The Grade 7 Music Class encourages students to develop their creative potential, artistic sensibility, performing and listening skills, as well as the ability to express themselves and communicate through music. Through the development of the three complementary and interdependent competencies, students learn to exercise their critical judgment and develop their aesthetic sense by appreciating not only their own productions and those of their classmates, but also musical works from a variety of periods, cultures and artistic movements. Performance skills will be developed through choral singing, playing keyboard, guitar or percussion band.
Creates musical works
Performs musical works
Appreciates musical works
The Visual Arts program emphasizes visual literacy, teaching students to decode images, approach visual content with sensitivity, and exercise critical judgment regarding their own work and the work of others. There will be a heavy emphasis on experimentation with materials and techniques, as well as on collective artmaking and participation in community life. Making connections to Global Citizenship and social justice through art will be a continuous thread throughout the programme. Students are encouraged to take artistic risks and incorporate their personal interests into their projects while adhering to the specific criteria and objectives of each assignment.
Creation of personal work
Creation of media images, visual communication of messages and ideas.
Development of personal aesthetic judgment and appreciation for art.
Throughout the course, students will learn and practice athletic techniques, improving their individual athletic abilities while gaining the knowledge to participate in various sports and games. Some sports include soccer, badminton,lacrosse and fitness. The program also aims to develop a life-long commitment to developing healthy habits, good sportsmanship, and overall wellness.
Performs movement skills in different physical activity settings
Adopts a healthy active lifestyle
The Grade 8 curriculum not only builds on the foundational skills acquired in Grade 7 but also challenges students to think critically, engage creatively, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts—preparing them for continued academic success in Senior Secondary School.
The Grade 8 English Language Arts course further develops students' literacy and communication skills, encouraging critical engagement with literature and other texts. Students will also review and implement the correct usage of parts of speech, capitalization, spelling and punctuation. Through reading, writing, and oral presentations, students will build on their Grade 7 foundation by analyzing more complex themes and ideas. They will have opportunities to express their understanding by drafting structured narrative, opinion, and analytical texts.
At Grade 8 we offer several levels of French to respond to the individual needs of our students; Français de base, (MEQ regular programme) and Français Enrichi for students with advanced language skills. In addition, we offer a preparatory programme for students with little to no previous instruction in French language or who are new to the province of Quebec.
The main objective of this French course is to ensure that students build on their ability to express themselves in French, to continue to develop their linguistic skills of reading, writing and speaking in French working towards a greater understanding and participation in the Francophone community of Quebec. By expanding their basic vocabulary they will increasingly grasp the intention behind the texts heard, read or seen, which helps them understand their meaning. They will also learn to effectively convey their message in authentic, varied and meaningful communication situations both written and oral.
In Grade 8, students continue to improve their French communication skills by interacting exclusively in French through presentations and discussions, writing French-language texts, and reading and analyzing French-language texts. In addition to reading and analyzing novels, films, and various media, students will refine their grammar and vocabulary through opinion-based writing, poetry, critiques, and presentations. Discussions and debates on a variety of topics will help students strengthen their oral communication skills and broaden their understanding of complex issues.
The Grade 8 Mathematics course builds upon the concepts introduced in Grade 7 by incorporating more advanced topics such as algebraic terms and expressions, solving equations, and probability. Students will engage in situational problems that encourage them to apply mathematical reasoning in practical, real-world contexts. The curriculum also reinforces geometry and measurement, including perimeter, area, and the calculation of the circumference of a circle.
In Grade 8, Science and Technology is divided into four key domains: Material World, Earth and Space, Living World and Technology. Students will progress from general scientific concepts explored in Grade 7 to more specific and applied learning experiences. They will act as engineers, designing and understanding simple machines; as chemists, exploring the periodic table and chemical organization; and as biologists, studying cell structures and the reproduction of humans, animals, and plants. The Earth and Space unit will cover topics such as planetary systems and the types of soil found on Earth. Lab experiments and projects will be key components in developing practical scientific competencies. All students are expected to participate in the NSAL Science Fair.
The Grade 8 History course transitions from ancient civilizations and early societies studied in Grade 7 to modern historical periods such as the Modern Era and Contemporary Periods. Students will study key events such as the Growth of Cities and Trade, Visions of Humanity, European Expansion, the French and American Revolutions, Industrialization, Imperialism / Colonization, and the fight for Civil Rights and Freedoms. The course focuses on the people within these time frames and their reactions to the change in society as well as how these changes came about.
In this course, students will continue to examine and contemplate society’s use of space. While Grade 7 introduces the fundamentals of geographical space and its cultural and environmental significance, Grade 8 delves deeper into the social, economic, and environmental impacts of human activities. Students will engage in research projects, note-taking, and interactive activities that enable them to recognize the value of territories and develop analytical skills and geographic reasoning in order to respond to geographical problems.
The Grade 8 Culture and Citizenship in Quebec program is intended to prepare students to exercise citizenship in Quebec society, and builds on the concepts introduced in Grade 7. To do so, students will learn to recognize themselves and others. They will read a variety of texts and apply basic reading comprehension and analysis skills. There is an increased focus on forming sound arguments, leading meaningful dialogues, developing debate skills and critical dialogue, fostering deeper self-awareness and ethical reasoning. Community Service will also play an integral part of the course.
The Grade 8 Music Class continues to provide opportunities for students to develop their creative potential, artistic sensibility, performing and listening skills, as well as the ability to express themselves and communicate through music. Through the development of the three complementary and interdependent competencies, students learn to exercise their critical judgment and develop their aesthetic sense by appreciating not only their own productions and those of their classmates, but also musical works from a variety of periods, cultures and artistic movements. Performance skills will be developed through choral singing, playing keyboard, guitar or percussion band.
In Grade 8, students build on their ability to interpret the world aesthetically, with an added emphasis on drawing inspiration from historical art movements and artworks. There will be a heavy emphasis on experimentation with materials and techniques, as well as on collective artmaking and participation in community life. Making connections to Global Citizenship and social justice through art will be a continuous thread throughout the programme. Students are encouraged to take artistic risks and incorporate their personal interests into their projects while adhering to the specific criteria and objectives of each assignment.
The Grade 8 Physical Education program continues to develop students' athletic abilities and understanding of health and wellness. Students will work to master specific sports, including basketball, cosom hockey, baseball, track & field and fitness. They will also explore health-related components such as kinesthetic feedback and the musculoskeletal system. The program emphasizes the development of physical competencies as well as fostering teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
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On Thursday September 13th, NSAL is hosting its annual Orientation Night. This important night gives parents an opportunity to meet their child's teachers, see what the curriculum will be for the year and learn about whats new and upcoming for the school year. This year, this evening will feature time to circulate and get to know the teachers, a Head of School address, Principal Information Session and an overview of this years use of technology from out IT department. Following the orientation portion of the evening is this academic year's first School Committee meeting. Come and join us for this informative evening.
