Special Programming

D. S. Mackenzie offers a wide range of core academic programs. Please download the appropriate program brochure below for further information regarding these specialized programs.

Introducing: Academic Enrichment Program (AEP - New)

The enrolment conditions for students include:

Be enrolled in Grades 7 to 9.
Demonstrate self-motivation, interdependence, life-long learning, positive attitude.
Enjoy a challenge, be motivated to learn, enjoy finding solutions and synthesizing information all while being independent and responsible learners.
Demonstrate characteristics of academic achievement that would have the current school, in consultation with their parents, recommend the program as an appropriate learning environment for them.
Parental support and commitment is encouraged.
To ensure that a student is a good fit for the program, the school administration may ask for the following:
- A previous report card or interim marks report.
- A teacher recommendation.
- A parent(s) conversation on program fit.

Gifted and Talented Program (2024-2025 will be the last year G&T will be running)

Please note: The Gifted and Talented Division center at D.S. Mackenzie School will be suspended beginning with grade 7 for the 2023-2024 school year. Current grade 7 and 8 students in the Gifted and Talented Program will continue to be accommodated as we phase the program out.

The Gifted and Talented program supports students who have advanced intellectual ability compared to other students their age. These students have exceptional potential or ability across a wide range of areas, from creative thinking to understanding abstract relationships.

To qualify for this program, students must meet Gifted and Talented eligibility requirements.

Connections Program (Formerly Behaviour and Learning Assistance Program)

The Connections programming assists students with chronic, extreme, pervasive anti-social behaviours. Programming supports students to achieve academically and to develop and apply acceptable behaviour and social skills in the classroom, school and community.

Please visit the District Connections Program for more information.

Strategies Program

Please visit the Strategies Program or visit the Division Special Education website for more information.

The goal of the strategies program is to enable students with learning disabilities to acquire the strategies and coping skills necessary to achieve successfully in regular school programs.

Student Characteristics

Students have average or higher intellectual ability, but are experiencing significant difficulties in language arts and other subject areas, despite acceptable attendance and behaviour.

These students demonstrate wide discrepancies among their skills, and a range of learning disabilities, which may include attention deficit disorders.

Special Education

Please visit the https://www.epsb.ca/programs/specializedprogramming/ website for more information.