Information
- Suzuki Charter School in Edmonton is the first charter school of its kind in the world. This educational choice is possible due to Alberta’s commitment to charter school opportunities. Parents have had the Suzuki option since it inception in 1995 when the Alberta Government committed itself to offering greater choice in education.
- Suzuki Charter School is dedicated to providing academics enriched with music based upon the Suzuki Approach.
- The Suzuki Approach is based upon the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. The following points outline the Suzuki Approach:
- The education process involves three equally important participants: student, teacher and parent – The Suzuki Triangle. Parents are actively involved in their child’s educational process.
- The Suzuki Approach is to provide a nurturing environment, supported by dedicated and talented teachers. Teachers are important role models and facilitators of learning.
- Learning is based on the mastery approach, which has three important parts:
ü Does the student understand what is being taught?
ü A cycle of practice and immediate feedback is repeated until the desired level of mastery has been achieved.
ü Continuous review results in the automatic carrying out of a skill.
- We believe every student has the potential and capacity to learn; with the Suzuki approach awakening each student’s desire to learn.
- The Suzuki approach creates positive, high expectations for the student.
- We believe that children learn at different rates, and with different learning styles.
- Encouragement, praise and cooperation are key motivators for each student.
- We believe that cognitive learning is enhanced by a strong auditory foundation.
- Music instruction is based on group lessons, which encourages motivation and commitment.
- Students are required to take individual music lessons outside of the school. Group classes within the school day provide students with experience playing with ensembles using a variety of musical genres for example classical, jazz, or 20th century music. Individual music instruction outside the program is the foundation for individual skill development.