REVIEW OF Rotman Arts and Science School BY parent, Sophie D.

(4.5) Student Experience

My girl was encouraged to join a lot of activities, and field trips like apple picking, strawberry picking, camping at the parks, etc. The student experience at Rotman Arts and Science is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment my child walks through the school doors, there's a palpable sense of warmth, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to nurturing every student's growth and potential. The teachers, staff, and administrators all play a crucial role in creating an environment where students not only learn but also thrive as individuals. Especially, the school manager, Ms. Harkiran is a very thoughtful person, always asking the kids how they are doing every day or if they need any help, supportive and informative. I feel really happy that I chose this school for my kid.

(4) School Leadership

School staff is supportive, and communicates effectively with students and parents. The management here is visionary and unwavering in its dedication to providing a top-tier education and school environment. It is evident that the principal, Mr. Vladimir, and the entire management board, especially Ms. Harkiran - the school manager ]deeply invest their time and effort in the school's mission and values, and this commitment trickles down to every aspect of the school. I feel like my kid is well taken care of.

(4) Teaching

Teachers are really friendly, kind, and thoughtful. The philosophy of teaching at Rotman Arts and Science is truly exceptional. The teachers are not only knowledgeable in their fields but also skilled in engaging students, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging a love for learning. I've witnessed my child's intellectual and personal growth thanks to the outstanding teaching they receive. For this, I have to thank Ms. Irina, who is the ESL teacher at the school. She not only has very skillful English but she also is really good at transferring her knowledge and skills of English to the kids in a very comfortable and fun way. She is also a fun person and fun baker, my kid talks about her a lot and we are so grateful.

(4) Academics

The programs are well structured, focusing a lot on educating my girl on social skills and Canadian culture, besides academics. The school sufficiently helps prepare her for the next grade and college. The academic programs at Rotman Arts and Science School are rigorous and comprehensive, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future. The school places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, and it's evident in the achievements of its students. Academic courses are taught concurrently with art courses of the students’ choice: Ballet, Music, Vocal, or Visual Arts. A high level of mentorship and engagement in the academic learning and artistic training process provides the optimal environment for students to acquire essential life skills. My kid's high school year was really enjoyable here.

(5) Extracurriculars

It goes above and beyond when it comes to extracurricular activities. The school is providing a lot of activities and field trips to develop well-rounded students. Whether it is sports, music, dance, arts, clubs, or community service, there is something for every interest. These activities not only enrich the student experience but also instill values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

(4.5) Students

Students from all nationalities and races with different skin colors are well-educated getting along well and having fun together. The mutual respect among students at Rotman is truly heartwarming. The inclusive environment fosters friendships and positive interactions among students of diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging that is invaluable. I followed the school's Facebook page every day and got to know all the activities of the students and they seemed really happy and enjoyed a lot of activities together. The other day they were put together to build a game table and some kind of basketball hoop, which I feel although they are some simple acts are useful and are fun ways to connect the students together. Also, the school is renovating and equipping more and more to support the kids and I'm happy for that.

(4.5) School Life

(4.5) Community

Parents are welcome to be involved in the life of the school. My girl loves going to school very much to meet her friends and have fun. Parents, teachers, and students come together to support each other and the school's mission. The sense of unity is palpable, and it makes the school experience all the more enriching. My girl stays with a homestay family introduced by the school team, just under 15 minutes from the school and the host was very thoughtful, and fun. Just several days after she landed, I called and asked her how she felt living with a host family, she said the host was so cool and she didn't even feel homesick at all. There are a few more students staying at the house and they are just like a small student squad, sharing everything with each other and doing almost everything together: eat, play, study, go camping, go see a concert, you name it.

(4.5) School Location

The school location is decent and there are sufficient amenities around the school. Although it provides a serene and safe environment for students to learn and grow, it's still convenient and even has beautiful surroundings and nearby parks and centers, like Canada's Wonderland, farms, and you can access almost anything, making for a wonderful setting for educational pursuits. Downtown Toronto is just 20-30 minutes away which is very convenient.

(5) Admissions

The admission process is really clear, efficient and well-instructed. The staff guided us through the process, and we felt welcomed from the very beginning. It was evident that the school values diversity and is committed to building a strong and inclusive community. Although we applied to the school through an agency, the school admission team is very responsive to any questions we might have. In conclusion, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to each and every member of the Rotman Arts and Science School community for their tireless efforts in providing an outstanding educational experience. I am proud to be a part of this incredible school, and I look forward to seeing my child continue to thrive here in the future.