Our Elementary Panel

The Elementary years at La Citadelle are a time of discovery, achievement and growing independence. Building on the strong foundations established in Kindergarten, students embark on an increasingly rich academic journey that challenges their abilities, broadens their interests and nurtures their individual strengths.

Our comprehensive Arts & Science education combines advanced academics, bilingual learning and specialist instruction in small classes where every student is known and supported. From mathematics and languages to technology, the arts, athletics and leadership, children are encouraged to explore, excel and develop the confidence to embrace new challenges.

At La Citadelle, academic excellence and personal growth go hand in hand, preparing students not only for the next grade, but for the opportunities ahead.

The LCA Difference

• Small core subject classes: a maximum of 12 students in Grades 1 and 2, and 14 in Grades 3 to 5.
• Specialist educators in every subject, continuing the model introduced in Kindergarten.
• French and English taught as first languages, with Mandarin or Spanish added from Grade 3.
• Advanced mathematics taught in English, one year ahead of grade level.
• Technology and coding from Grade 1, progressing from ScratchJr to Scratch and Python by Grade 5.
• Teacher supported study time built into the school day, at no additional cost.

An Education That Grows With Your Child

Grades 1 and 2 | Strengthening the Foundations
Students continuing from our Kindergarten Panel arrive with early reading and writing skills in French, including the syllabic approach and cursive and print writing. Formal English instruction begins in Grade 1 at an advanced level, building on this foundation. With the guidance of their teachers, children also develop organization, communication, homework routines and the habits of confident learners.

Grades 3 to 5 | Broadening Horizons
As students mature, the curriculum grows in breadth and depth. They begin a third language, Mandarin or Spanish, through reading, writing, communication and cultural discovery. Technology moves toward more independent programming, while students assume greater responsibility for their learning and learn to balance competition with cooperation.

A Rich and Comprehensive Arts & Science Education

Our program brings together languages, mathematics, science, humanities, technology, visual and performing arts, physical education and character development. Every subject is taught by a specialist educator, giving students opportunities to learn from teachers with deep knowledge of their disciplines.

Languages That Open Doors

La Citadelle is not a traditional French immersion school: French and English are both taught as first languages. Science is taught in French through Grade 5, while mathematics and history are taught in English, allowing students to think, communicate and learn across both languages. From Grade 3, students choose Mandarin or Spanish as a third language.

French proficiency is not a prerequisite for admission. For students entering from Grade 3 with little or no French, our Francisation program provides a pathway into the bilingual curriculum.

Technology With Purpose

Technology learning progresses intentionally from first coding experiences with Scratch Jr in Grades 1 and 2, to creative projects in Scratch in Grades 3 and 4, and typed programming in Python in Grade 5. Students build computational thinking, creativity and problem solving skills that support future studies.

Creative Expression and Physical Development

Visual arts, music, choir and band, computer music, drama, physical education and athletics give students opportunities to discover new strengths. Health and safety, along with character and civic education, complete a balanced program that develops the whole child.

Known, Supported and Encouraged

A study period is integrated into the school day, giving students time to consolidate learning and develop effective study habits with guidance from their own teachers. Because support comes from educators who know each child, students receive timely, personal attention as their needs evolve.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

From Grade 1, students belong to a House and participate in a school-wide Student Council, developing a sense of contribution and responsibility. Mathematics competitions, French and English spelling bees, field trips, athletics and after school programs encourage students to challenge themselves, collaborate and take pride in their achievements. Our values of excellence, achievement, compassion, respect, discipline and harmony guide daily school life.

Home & School, Toward Independence

At La Citadelle, home and school work together toward one shared goal: a child who learns with independence and takes pride in their education. In the Elementary years, the structures, routines and support that families and teachers provide are gradually placed in the student’s own hands. Children learn to organize their work, manage their time, prepare for their studies and seek help when they need it.

As this autonomy grows, so does their confidence. Students come to own their learning, take responsibility for their progress and recognize the value of their own effort. This is the quiet achievement families see at home: a child who approaches school with independence, purpose and pride.

Ready for the Next Chapter

With strong academic foundations and the independence to manage their own learning, students are ready for the next chapter of their educational journey: the Intermediary Panel. In Grade 6, the IB Middle Years Programme becomes part of the fabric of their education, inviting them to inquire, connect and take ownership of their learning. An academically advanced curriculum then prepares them for the Reach Ahead secondary school credit courses they begin taking in Grade 8.