STEM Excel Academy

Our Mission
At Stem Excel Academy, our mission is to cultivate the next generation of innovators and creators. We offer a dynamic education in STEM and the Arts, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Our goal is to inspire lifelong learning and societal contributions by nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped for a rapidly changing world.

Program Overview
Stem Excel Academy provides students with the opportunity to earn Ontario High School credits through site-based learning, assessments, and evaluations. We offer consistent individual support from teachers, along with numerous opportunities for peer interaction. Our program enhances learning flexibility by utilizing the latest educational technologies and resources, while strictly adhering to the standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

To earn a course credit, students must meet the Ministry of Education's learning expectations and complete 110 hours of planned learning activities, which include both online and offline components.

Student Registration
Enrollment at Stem Excel Academy is available through our website at www.stem-e.net or email admin@stem-e.net. During registration, students must provide proof of Ontario residency, such as an OEN number, birth certificate, transcript, or report card from an Ontario school.

If a student has an existing Individual Education Plan (IEP), a copy must be submitted during registration. The school will strive to meet the learning expectations by providing suitable accommodations within the online course.

Course Prerequisites
After registration, students are required to provide proof that they have successfully completed the prerequisite for any course they wish to enroll in. Students who lack the course prerequisite but can demonstrate prior equivalent study or work experience may apply for a prerequisite exemption. They may also obtain a Letter of Permission to Waive Prerequisite from their local school by submitting their school grades and relevant work or school experience for review.

Assessments and Assignments
The number of tests and assignments in each course may vary, but they will always account for 70% of the student’s final grade. Assessments may include labs, projects, essays, and presentations. Assignments can be uploaded online or scanned and attached to an email. Course instructors will return assignments with grades and comments, following the assessment and evaluation policies of the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Attendance and Code of Conduct
Student participation and attendance are monitored by each course instructor. Regular engagement is crucial for success. Students are expected to attend every class. Failure to attend more than two consecutive classes will result in the course instructor contacting the student for an explanation. If a student misses more than four consecutive classes, both the student and their parent will be contacted. Continued absences may result in removal from the course without receiving credit.

Stem Excel Academy is committed to maintaining a respectful learning environment. Students are expected to show courtesy and respect towards others. The school enforces a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, and any actions that disrupt the school community. Offensive behavior may result in suspension or expulsion. Any threats, offensive remarks, or harassment must be reported to the Principal immediately.

Reports
Students receive a midterm report upon completing approximately 50% of the course material. Teachers at Stem Excel use criterion-referenced assessment and evaluation, meaning that student work is assessed based on established criteria rather than being compared to the work of other students. This approach ensures a fair and balanced evaluation.

Guidance Support
Students at Stem Excel are encouraged to direct any specific questions regarding course selection, marks, or general guidance support to their instructor via email or direct conversation.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious academic offense at Stem Excel Academy. Students must credit all visual or written sources used in any assignment or project.

First Offense: An academic warning will be issued, and the student will have an opportunity to redo the assignment with up to a 30% penalty.
Second Offense: The student will receive a zero for the assignment.
Third Offense: The student will receive a zero for the assignment and face an academic review by the principal, which may result in removal from the course without a refund.
 

Appropriate Use of Technology
Misuse of technology will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Transmitting offensive, obscene, or indecent material.
Engaging in activities that cause annoyance, inconvenience, or anxiety.
Transmitting defamatory or infringing material.
Unauthorized access to services using the network/Internet.
Privacy violations or denial of service to others.
Consequences for misuse may include removal from the course without a refund.
 

Program and Planning
In Ontario, students must remain in secondary school until they reach the age of eighteen or obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Stem Excel Academy is committed to helping every student achieve a successful outcome from their secondary school experience.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements
To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, students must complete the following:

Compulsory Credits (18 credits):

4 English (1 credit per grade)
3 Mathematics (including at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
2 Science
1 French as a Second Language
1 Canadian History
1 Canadian Geography
1 The Arts
1 Health and Physical Education
0.5 Civics
0.5 Career Studies
Additional Credits (1 credit from each group):

Group 1: English or other languages, social sciences, or humanities.
Group 2: Health and physical education, the arts, or business studies.
Group 3: Science or technological education.
Additional requirements include 12 optional credits, 2 online learning credits, 40 hours of community involvement, and meeting the provincial literacy requirement.

What is a Credit?
A credit is awarded for successfully completing a course scheduled for at least 110 hours. Credits are granted by the principal on behalf of the Minister of Education for ministry-developed or approved courses.

Substitutions for Compulsory Courses
To promote flexibility in student programs, the principal may replace up to three compulsory courses with other courses that meet compulsory credit requirements. Substitutions are made to enhance student learning or to meet special needs and interests, in consultation with the student, parent, and appropriate school staff.

Accommodations, Special Provisions, Deferrals, and Exemptions
Stem Excel Academy is committed to providing appropriate accommodations for students with special education needs, as outlined in their IEPs. Deferrals and exemptions may be granted under specific circumstances, following consultation with the student, parent, and appropriate staff.

Ontario Secondary School Certificate
The Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) will be granted to students leaving secondary school without meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, provided they have earned a minimum of 14 credits.

Certificate of Accomplishment
Students leaving secondary school without meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma or the Ontario Secondary School Certificate may be granted a Certificate of Accomplishment. This certificate recognizes their achievements and can support further training or employment.