VIS' learning environment promotes a sense of belonging, strives toward high expectations, respects each child's voice, and celebrates his/her achievements. Our program provides an alternative because it is balanced as such: It provides rigorous academics in small classes. It makes the Ontario Curriculum meaningful through the integration of personal, local and global issues. It offers a strong sports program and an innovative performing arts curriculum. It encompasses a balance of learner-centered approaches as well as teacher-directed lessons. It provides learners with opportunities to work independently as well as cooperatively. It enables students to develop strong skills in reading, writing and mathematics, and places importance on higher order skills such as critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, cooperation, time management and organization. more... See more text