Pre-High School Grade 8 International School For Admission to Canadian Universities

Pre-High Grade 7 | Pre-High Grade 8

 

What Is WISS Academy?

WISS Academy is a privately owned school located in Waterloo, Ontario. Children can begin studying at WISS at the age of 3 and can continue their education all the way up until Grade 12. WISS provides educational opportunities for both Canadian and international students.

At WISS Academy, we ensure that your child has the opportunity to learn in an enriching and safe environment. While attending middle school/pre-high (Grades 7-8), we help prepare your child for success in a high school environment - and beyond.

WISS Academy: Grade 8

WISS Academy accepts international students into our pre-high Grade 8 program. Here, your child can improve their English language skills, learn more about Canadian culture, and prepare for an educational career in Canada.

When your child attends WISS, they will be able to engage with our carefully crafted curriculum that has been designed to inspire and unlock your child’s potential. As students prepare for high school and begin thinking about post-secondary education, we help encourage an age-appropriate love of learning while setting the foundation for the transition to high school.

Questions & Answers For Parents

  • Even though your child is going into their final year of middle school, it is never too late to apply to WISS! If your child is considering attending The University Express Program at WISS, beginning in grade 8 is an excellent way to get a head start on their high school and eventual university career!

  • You can contact us to learn more about applying to WISS Academy middle school grades here.

  • Did you know that WISS began as a Secondary School in 2011? WISS stands for Waterloo International Secondary School, but as we’ve continued to grow and serve the many needs in our community, we have expanded our educational programs to children ages 3 and up.

  • At WISS, we begin preparing students for high school and beyond at a young age. As many of our international students hope to attend a Canadian university, it is important that we focus on English language development.

    Here, students can improve their English language skills while following along with our Canadian curriculum that covers all required subjects.

    We want all of our students to feel comfortable and confident at school. WISS offers the perfect balance of child-led and teacher-led educational experiences and activities.

    Each day, our teachers have set up a wide range of activities that will help your child grow their skills and prepare them for further education in Canadian schools.

    Since each student has a unique set of capabilities, we understand how pivotal it is for our teachers to provide flexibility within the learning environment. We offer both free and guided play and learning, which allows a great balance for each student to enjoy.

  • At WISS, we find it important to build relationships with all of our student’s parents. Our WISS families are invited to use an online tool called Storypark, which allows us to share your child’s learning with you on an ongoing basis. This is a great way for parents of international students to stay involved in their child’s day-to-day education.

    Also, if you have a particular question or concern regarding your child, staff and management are always available to speak with you in a way that is most convenient. For international families, this may be over the phone, email exchange, or a video call.

    Note - we recommend that you book an appointment so that you will be able to speak to the teacher/staff without interruption.

  • Middle school is often a time of change and discovery, and some students may find this to be a challenging time as they learn more about who they are and try to determine what they want for their future.

    Moving away from home for the first time to attend WISS may feel like an additional challenge, especially at this age - and that’s why we do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition.

    For our pre-high grade 8 students, you will be able to choose from two different living options: residence and homestay.

    Student Housing

    Our residence building is located in Waterloo in a beautiful and safe family-friendly neighbourhood, close to our educational facility. Your student will have access to their own bedroom, a shared bathroom among 3 students, and a shared kitchen and living space with 5-6 students.

    School transportation, weekday meals, cleaning service, internet and utilities are included. We also have security cameras and alarms installed on-site and daily supervision to ensure your child is safe and comfortable during their stay.

    Homestay Program

    With our homestay program at WISS, your child will have the opportunity to live with a local family. All of our families have been carefully screened by WISS before being paired with a student. Homestay is a great opportunity for students to find a “home away from home” and fully integrate experience Canadian culture here in Waterloo.

 Why Choose WISS Academy?

Our WISS Academy pre-high Grade 8 program allows international middle school students to begin thinking about and planning for their future. It’s never too early to start planning for post-secondary, as it is such an important aspect of many people’s lives and often sets the stage for future careers.

At WISS, students can develop their English-speaking skills and become more familiar with Canada and Canadian culture. Many of our international students already know that they would like to continue their studies at a Canadian university, and WISS is the perfect place to begin! At WISS, your Grade 8 student will get a head start in their academic career if they are planning to attend a Canadian university.

Did you know that many Canadian universities require proof that students are proficient in English?

For example, from the University of Toronto:

“You may qualify for an exemption from the English facility requirement if one of the following applies to you:

- You have completed/are completing four or more years of full-time academic study in a recognized Canadian school (in Canada) that teaches in English”

International students who begin Canadian schooling at an earlier age may be exempt from completing additional testing for Canadian universities. This can help prevent possible roadblocks to university admission. As well, they will be better prepared to attend a Canadian university, as WISS intentionally creates an educational environment that helps prepare students for their future at top universities.

At WISS, Grade 8 students can prepare for their post-secondary education at world-class institutions like the University of Waterloo
Image Source: University of Waterloo

 

Ready To Learn More About WISS Academy For Your Grade 8 Student?

If you want to learn more about our middle school program for your Grade 8 student, get in touch with us now. We would be happy to speak more with you about the benefits of WISS Academy for middle school students and can help you get started on your application.