What does an ideal JumpstArt student look like?
-wants to work as a part of community: they like to work in groups, collaborate and engage with other thinkers.
-is a big ideas thinker who loves to learn about big ideas such as freedom, independence and social justice. They are curious about humanity and want to play their part in a more justice world.
-can work independently and manage timelines across longer term projects.
-wants show their learning in a variety of ways.
–thinks visually and in metaphors. A JumpstART student wants to use their art to communicate big ideas. 

What does a JumpstArt schedule look like? Students stay as a JumpstArt cohort for the half a day for the entire year. They begin as a group in Humanities with Ms. Quach and then move together to see Ms. Stevens in the art studio to continue to expand the themes they started in Humanities. 

What credits are earned during a student’s year in JumpstArt? At the end of JumpstArt, students will fulfill requirements for English 9, Social Studies 9, Visual Arts 9 and Sculpture and Graphic Design 9.  

What is the process to apply to JumpstArt? In early March, all student assigned to Gleneagle will receive their course selection form at their middle school; check off the Jumpstart box and fill out the rest of the form.  After you have done this, go to jumpstartgleneagle.com and select the link to the online application form which opens on Feb 1 – check homepage for closing date.  Answer honestly and thoughtfully as we use these to ensure students  are the right fit for the program.  We will notify students of our decision in April.  

Do I need to submit a portfolio?
As part of your application, we ask that you submit one sample of your art in response to a prompt, along with an artist statement so we can guage your creative and artistic thinking. We also want to understand what ideas or themes your art is trying to communicate.

What should I do if we live outside of the Gleneagle catchment area? If you are outside of the Gleneagle catchment area, you will need to complete the cross-catchment process (the form is available on the district website). Put “ JumpstArt” as your reason for the request. Be sure to note the dates for this process as deadlines are firm. Once your cross-boundary request has been approved, Gleneagle will email you to  fill out a course selection sheet. Select “JumpstArt”. Then, go to jumpstartgleneagle.com and complete the online application.  

What if I am successful in the cross-catchment process but do not get into the JumpstArt program? In the past couple of years, the number of applicants has clearly exceeded program capacity.  In the situation where a cross-catchment student does not get into the program , we provide that student/family with the opportunity to either remain a Gleneagle student, or we can help with their registration at their catchment school (based on availability).

My art skills require work. Should I still apply?  You should apply if you have a desire and are willing to work hard to improve your art skills and if you love to see connections between ideas. You will be taught art skills but you must come in to the program with an inclination to expand ways to show your learning. You will be submitting a sample of your art as part of your application so we can guage your ability to think creatively.  

Will I be able to be in JumpstArt and still join band?  We do not yet know what next year’s timetable will be, but sometimes the Jumpstart classes are scheduled into the same block as Band and this creates a schedule conflict.  However, many former JumpstArt students just waited a year and joined band in Grade 10 without issue.

Is JumpstArt a one year program or does it run until grade 12?  This is a program only for grade 9 students. However, Gleneagle offers a comprehensive visual arts program for all grade levels. Unique is Artistic Practice 12 which supports students to build a portfolio to apply to art school. Gleneagle also is a host school for the Headstart in Art Emily Carr satellite program, allowing Grade 12 students to gain university credit. We offer courses in drawing & painting, graphic arts, animation, media design, photography, and ceramics. 

Will I be able to enroll in TALONS or Mandarin Bilingual Program as well as JumpstART?
Unfortunately, you will not be able to enroll in two programs of choice at the same time as this will create challenges to provide you with all the courses required for two programs.