James Cameron School

About

James Cameron School is located at 20245 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3C9. The school describes itself as a small independent school serving Grades 2–7, focused on helping students who struggle with language-based learning difficulties (including reading, writing, and spelling) reach their potential. It follows the BC Ministry of Education curriculum and supports students through adaptations, accommodations, and daily one-to-one Orton-Gillingham tutoring, with an emphasis on building confidence—changing “I can’t” into “I CAN!”

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: 2-7

Phone: 604 465-8444

Email: jcsofficeadmin@jcs.bc.ca

Principal: Bev Chisholm

Programs and Services

Orton-Gillingham literacy tutoring Daily one-to-one diagnostic-prescriptive Orton-Gillingham tutoring is provided to support students’ individual language needs, alongside small classes and individualized instruction. Student support / special education James Cameron School serves students with learning-based differences (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia) and provides individualized education programs (IEPs), personalized accommodations and adaptations, and a low student-to-teacher ratio (noted as 1:4). Supports described include multisensory instruction, structured sequential teaching, and interventions such as speech and language intervention and occupational therapeutic intervention. The school also notes transition support by communicating with a student’s future school about IEPs and recommended accommodations. Family support The school describes family support that includes help with transition into (admission) and out of (graduation) school, carpooling partners, parent resources, and summer school.

School Culture and Expectations

The school emphasizes a caring and supportive environment and a focus on building student confidence, especially for students who may arrive with anxiety from past school experiences. It highlights the belief that all children can learn and that students are intelligent, creative, and capable, with the goal of transforming “I can’t” into “I CAN!”

Enrollment

Families are asked to begin by booking a tour and meeting with the Principal; the child is also asked to attend a trial day to help the school understand their needs. Applications require documentation including a psycho-educational assessment (completed within the past three years), recent report cards, and other required forms. The school states it welcomes new students year-round, with enrollment subject to availability; families can drop off an application at the school office or send it by mail, and can email jcsofficeadmin@jcs.bc.ca to book a tour or learn more.