Mastering a new concept, improving time management skills or confidently presenting ideas in class – these are just a few of the daily wins that make Suzanne MacLeod beam with pride.
As head of school at North Vancouver’s Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School (KGMS), MacLeod helps oversee an approach to curriculum that’s highly specialized and individualized to learners spanning kindergarten to grade 12 with a range of learning differences, including learning disabilities, autism, dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety and more.
“By deeply connecting with each student and building meaningful relationships, we create an environment where students feel supported and understood,” MacLeod says. “This high level of care, combined with personalized teaching and appropriately high expectations, fosters positive self-esteem, resilience and persistence.”
Tailored education to unlock each student’s potential
Along with the continuum of the B.C. curriculum, KGMS also offers a Dogwood high school graduation certificate. The high school program, in particular, provides a range of benefits designed to support each student’s unique learning profile while preparing them for life beyond graduation.
“What sets KGMS apart is our unique approach, rooted in high connection and high expectations,” says high school principal, Sarah Coates. “We understand that students rarely fit into a single profile or designation — each child brings a combination of learning differences that interact in unique ways. At KGMS, our high school program is about more than academics—it’s about fostering growth, confidence and creating a path for the future.”
There’s a conscientious focus on adapting the curriculum to leverage a student’s strengths while providing them with the tools and opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in ways that work best for them.
Personalized support across all grades
Individualized support is at the heart of the program. For senior school students, this may mean enrichment opportunities such as participating in B.C. Health Sciences Discovery Days or firefighting boot camp.
For other students, it might involve customized schedule designs that include independent study, work experience or other hands-on learning experiences. Each student is paired with an advisor—a dedicated individual who serves as their advocate throughout high school. This relationship provides students with a trusted adult to guide them through academic challenges and the complexities of these formative years and helps introduce post-graduation planning.
“At the end of each day or week, success looks like students feeling equipped and empowered — academically, socially and emotionally — to take their next step toward realizing their full potential,” Coates says.
Small class sizes for big impact
The impact is significant: across B.C., 77% of students with diverse learning needs complete high school, while 99% of KGMS students earn a Dogwood graduation certificate.
KGMS also boasts one of the smallest student-to-teacher ratios in the province, operating on a cross-school average of one educational staff member for every three students.
“Our goal is to create an environment where every student feels supported, challenged and empowered to succeed in their own unique way,” says high school principal, Sarah Coates.
Discover how personalized education at Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School helps students thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Visit www.kgms.ca to learn more about unlocking student potential.
