REVIEW OF Revel Academy BY parent, Sheri Segal Glick

(5) Student Experience

When our son started at Revel Academy, he was disenchanted at the thought of school. He was bored and would find any excuse not to go. He was also shy around other kids his age. Revel ignited something amazing in him— it made him curious and engaged and eager to go to school every day. He finds the students kind and friendly and has really come out of his shell and has made some wonderful friends. He loves the collaborative nature at Revel Academy and the interesting projects and being able to deep-dive into things he finds interesting. He didn’t want to spend a week in Florida with our family because he didn’t want to miss school! When questioned he said that can’t think of anything disappointing about Revel!

(5) School Leadership

Erin is unbelievable. She is energetic, and welcoming, and treats every child like her own, making everyone feel heard and special. We had one issue a year ago and she was on it immediately. Her kindness and enthusiasm and incredible leadership are reflected in the staff she hires— every teacher cares about the students and their well-being. The kids are all so comfortable around Erin but respect her completely— this is a very difficult balance. I could write a novella about how amazing Erin is.

(5) Teaching

A lot of the learning at Revel Academy is student-guided, but the teachers are there to make sure that goals are being met. There are always a lot of interesting projects and discussions that lead to more learning - even when the kids think they are just having fun! In addition to regular subjects our son also learned about the stock market, rocket science, etc. The kids work with the teachers to set their goals and even parent meetings are student-run (teachers attend but don’t lead them). If the students are having trouble in a particular area there is always a teacher to help guide them. Also, because classes are very small, students get a lot of attention and teachers get to know them and their strengths and weaknesses very well.

(4.5) Academics

At Revel Academy, the students are given a lot of independence and responsibility. They set goals at the beginning of the session and earn badges for meeting their goals. Our son is someone who has trouble completing tasks, but we still appreciate the fact that he’s expected to (and has been shown how to!) take ownership of his work, which will be important in high school and post-secondary. They also have a lot of very interesting and intellectually stimulating conversations that might not happen in a regular classroom setting and deep dive into topics that interest the learners. The exhibitions are also a key part of the curriculum as the kids spend a lot of time preparing for the exhibitions which can be on anything from investing in the stock market, to game making, to rocket launching.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

The school offers extracurricular activities every day from 4-5:30 in many different areas (Coding, Sports, Chess, Art) and they change from term to term. They also have yoga and meditation as part of the curriculum and some really great field trips. The after-school activities are especially beneficial for the younger students but all students are welcome to attend.

(5) Students

Revel Academy fosters an atmosphere of respect and collaboration among the students and that’s absolutely reflected in the way the students interact with each other. The classes are small but different age groups are often put together which fosters a lovely sense of community among the students. Our son describes everyone as nice and friendly. From what we have seen, it’s a really amazing group of smart, kind, interested, and interesting kids. Because the kids really enjoy school and what they are doing, Revel feels like a happy and comfortable place which leads to happy and comfortable learners. It really is a special place where all students are made to feel important and wanted and like valued members of the student body. Differences are respected and celebrated.

(5) School Life

Our son loves going to school. He was a kid we used to have to drag out of bed in the morning and now he’s upset if he has an appointment and has to miss any school at all. The school does an exhibition for the parents at the end of every unit (so every 5-6 weeks) and our son is so excited about the exhibitions that he has turned down family trips, twice so that he wouldn’t miss an exhibition. The exhibitions really give parents a window into what the students have been studying and it gives the students a chance to show off their knowledge. Students also enjoy daily yoga and meditation and hikes and baseball and special events and field trips and amazing guest speakers.

(5) Community

There is an app that keeps parents connected to the school and each other— it is used to announce upcoming events but also to arrange playdates and introduce new students at the school. There is also a parents’ book club and of course, the exhibitions where the parents are invited to come to see what the learners have been studying that term. Exhibitions involve group games, talks, videos, displays, concerts, and a refreshment table where parents can talk to each other and other learners. Parents are also invited to come in and share expertise if they want to, to come for field trips, and are always kept in the loop about what’s going on via a very thorough weekly email (with photos!) and a social media account.

(5) School Location

There is a park and lots of greenspace around the school so the kids get lots of outdoor time. They can toboggan in the winter and hike in the fall and play baseball in the spring. There is also a Morning Owl and a food truck nearby so older kids can cultivate some independence (with parental consent) and buy their own lunches on occasion (we give our son lunch money once a week!).

(5) Admissions

The application process was great. We felt very much like Erin was just making sure that we would be a good fit. We were very comfortable with Erin immediately. We had a tour and she answered all of our questions. The application itself was very straightforward. I wouldn’t change anything and my only advice to prospective parents is to simply remember that’s is a meeting for both parties, just to make sure it’s a good fit. The application process was great. We felt very much like Erin was just making sure that we would be a good fit. We were very comfortable with Erin immediately. We had a tour and she answered all of our questions. The application itself was very straightforward. I wouldn’t change anything and my only advice to other parents is to simply remember that’s is a meeting for both parties, just to make sure it’s a good fit.