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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
GlenOak Academy

Grades SK TO Gr. 8 — Sault Ste. Marie, ON (MAP)

GlenOak Academy:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

  • Grades
    SK — Gr. 8
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    6 — 10 students
  • Tuition
    $24,500 to 61,900/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    OFIS
  • Enrolment
    35 day students, 5 eschool students
  • Curriculum
    Progressive
  • EBROCHURE
    View eBrochure

School address

  • 15 Jean Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6B 4B1 (MAP)
  • 5-1575 Clarkson Road North, Mississauga, Ontario, L5J 2X1 (MAP)
  • Busing not available

Our Perspective

How we see GlenOak Academy


One of the greatest things you can ever hear an educator say is this: “We’re all here together. To help one another. That’s what it’s about.” That’s a quote from Susan Goode, principal and founder of GlenOak Academy. She was speaking about the range of learning exceptionalities that students have, from those who are currently achieving below grade level, those above, and those in between. If there is a core concept to the GlenOak program, it’s precisely that: kids learn differently, at different rates, and the reasons are as varied and as personal as the students themselves. Here, they all participate together, in small class settings, with instructors adapting to meet the needs of each student. It’s less about IEPs, and more just about that all children need support, and that learning begins when they are able to feel good about themselves, their abilities, and the relationships they share with others within the learning environment. It’s true that many students—not all—arrive here having felt at sea elsewhere, having exhausted other options, and looking for a solution. Parents regularly report on the welcoming nature of the environment, and appreciate a close, casual relationship with the administration. The programs are inclusive, and build learning and interpersonal skills along with a mastery of the curriculum. There are part-time and full-time options, and staff is positioned to work closely with families to make sure that all needs are being met. For many, if not all, the experience of GlenOak is transformational, helping learners achieve in ways that they were unable to in other academic settings.  

School's Perspective

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How GlenOak Academy sees itself


The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"GlenOak provides an education as EXTRAORDINARY as your child! Our Indigenous SOAR Program provides customized & creative educational programming in person in a small school setting where students benefit from our low student-teacher ratios & dedicated teaching team. Our online program offers individual programming tailored to your child's needs. We start with heart at GlenOak, where our relationships-first & outside-the-box, progressive approach to teaching & learning translates to your child's success!"

  • Intimate learning environment
  • Ontario Curriculum
  • Certified teachers in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers
  • Relationships first approach with a focus on emotional well-being and social development
  • Boutique programming with opportunities for enrichment
  • Inclusive and progressive programming
  • Hands-on, child-centred approach to teaching and learning
  • Online and hybrid learning options
  • Options for Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and additional support
  • Wide variety of extra-curricular and field trip opportunities

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"GlenOak's strength is in its relationships-based approach to teaching and learning, with a focus on making meaning through DOING. We pride ourselves on connecting with students and families who have perhaps been let down by the "system" and who are looking not only to renew their hope, but to reconnect with a school community that strives to do its very best for everyone who walks through our doors. GlenOak is a small but growing community, and we welcome YOU!"

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"Families who come to GlenOak are often looking for a different approach to learning, where their child is challenged and encouraged to extend their learning and inquiry within a safe and inclusive school community. They value the balance we offer in terms of academics and our relationships-based approach. At GlenOak, we're a "family" and we are often commended on the warm and welcoming culture we have created."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"GlenOak is a small school with a BIG heart ready to make a difference in the lives of our students and families. Our size enables us to create dynamic, engaging programming, and connects our school community with an inclusive "family feel". Why is this important? Because students flourish when they feel safe, accepted and supported to be the very best they can be."

What might families find surprising about your school?

"Families are often surprised at how much we do beyond the curriculum at GlenOak! From school events & activities, to clubs & groups, to fundraisers & field trips, our students are always doing something. Our Indigenous program in the north offers another extension to programming & an opportunity for students to connect with & learn from one another. For 2022/2023 we're building on our community connections, which will see us offering martial arts, dance, & music lessons."


Summer camps and programs

GlenOak Academy operates summer camps and programs. Click here to learn about GlenOak Academy Summer Camp .


School Facilities

Photo-tour of facilities


Athletics facilities


Campus


Classrooms


Science facilities


Instructional resources


Shared spaces


School Videos

Insider Perspectives

How people from the school’s community see GlenOak Academy


Video reviews of GlenOak Academy

Parent, Melissa Browning (2021)

Watch our parent interview with Melissa Browning to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend GlenOak Academy.

Written reviews of GlenOak Academy

(4.9)

Parent, Ali Aoun (2021)

My 6 yr old son loves his teachers. He also really enjoys and thrives in the small class size with t...

(4.9)

Parent, Christina Tang (2021)

My son, who has special needs transitioned from preschool into JK at GlenOak Academy. His experienc...

(5)

Parent, Melissa Scott (2021)

When our child entered GlenOak in Grade 4, he was very apprehensive and nervous about changing schoo...
See all written reviews (7 total)

School leadership

Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone


Message from school leadership

Susan Goode, Founder & Head of School
OCT, B.Ed., B.A. (Hons)

Welcome students, parents, and staff to GlenOak’s FIFTH year in operation. What an incredible achievement!

The past four years have been ones of growth, transformation, and indeed, an ongoing and creative response to the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Certainly, I’m proud of our accomplishments, our resilience in the face of change and challenge, and our collective commitment to providing educational opportunities that are creative, responsive, and grounded in best practices in teaching and learning.

As we step into our fifth year as a school, GlenOak continues to promote an inclusive learning environment that goes beyond the four walls of the classroom and one which aims to serve the whole child. Our school community is built on the understanding that learning can happen anywhere, and indeed needs to extend beyond the four walls of the classroom.

This year, we celebrate programming at two campuses -- one in Mississauga and one in Sault Ste Marie -- where students are connected through programming and shared experiences, and a philosophy of education that centres around community, caring, and connection. I am truly humbled by the talented educators who have joined our team, the warmth, care and contributions of our families, and most importantly, the students who are at the centre of what we do as an educational team.

We have a bright future ahead, and I am always truly grateful to have this opportunity to be of service to this wonderful, growing school community. Here’s to another fabulous year!


THE OUR KIDS REPORT: GlenOak Academy

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