Interview with Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. PARENT, Mario Mazzotta
Mario, a parent at P.A.C.E., shares his views on the school’s supportive teachers, like-minded peers, strong community, open communication, academic excellence, and the importance of finding the right environment for children.
Highlights from the interview
We started with a Catholic French immersion school, and we found it wasn’t working well for our son. So we went to the public system. We just found he wasn’t getting the level of support he needed. It was a little bit difficult at times to go through the journey, but we realized we needed an environment where he could truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. That’s really what led us to P.A.C.E. We had heard great things and decided to take the necessary steps to become part of it.
He's really flourished at P.A.C.E. One of the key turning points was his homeroom teacher, who is also the school’s IT coordinator. Right from the start, our son felt supported and challenged in the best way.
He’s built strong friendships, joined school camps, and played soccer with his classmates. It’s very much a community feel.
One of the things my child really values is being surrounded by peers who challenge and inspire him. It’s a high-achieving environment, and that’s incredibly motivating. I remember he started bringing home books, not because they were assigned but because his classmates were reading them and he wanted to keep up. The peer influence is so positive – it pushes him to grow, stay engaged, and learn more from the people around him.
The teachers are outstanding. Many of them have been at the school for years, and it shows. They’re deeply committed and genuinely care about the students. The administration is also incredibly supportive and hands-on. They foster a strong values-based culture where kindness, responsibility, and respect are non-negotiable. There’s zero tolerance for bullying, which creates a safe and nurturing space for learning. On top of that, the school offers an amazing theatre program that encourages creativity and confidence and gives kids the opportunity to shine.
What really surprised us was the amount of time and attention that teachers give to each student. They don’t just teach and leave—it’s clear they go above and beyond. We have student-led conferences twice a year, and during those meetings, it’s evident how well the teachers know each child, not just academically but personally. That level of engagement and follow-through is rare. From our previous experiences, when you met with teachers, it was purely about marks, grades, or challenges, but at P.A.C.E., it was obvious they knew a lot about your child as an individual.
Families at P.A.C.E. tend to be very education-focused. Many are professionals or entrepreneurs who have achieved success in their fields and understand the value of a strong academic foundation. They’re looking to give their children the same opportunities to thrive intellectually and socially. There’s a shared understanding among parents that learning doesn’t stop at school—it’s part of a larger life journey. The families really are great. We get along with them well, and there are many opportunities to get to know them better as families and as people. It is a true community feel.
My son is especially proud of a group tech project where they built a small interactive game from scratch. It was the culmination of their coding and problem-solving lessons, and he got to present it in front of his peers and parents. He felt really accomplished, and it gave him a sense of ownership and pride in what he’s capable of. The opportunity to build something himself and then present it was a great way for him to showcase his abilities.
The communication is open, honest, and respectful. It feels like a true partnership. Teachers provide regular feedback and don’t hesitate to reach out—not just when things are going well but also when extra support is needed. I’ve even received a call after a lower test result, not as a warning but as an opportunity to work together to support my child. That kind of proactive, student-focused approach is really invaluable. They work with you to ensure the child gets up to where they need to be.
P.A.C.E. has set a high bar and helps students reach their full potential in a supportive way. The exceptional teachers and administration truly care and have the experience and dedication to back it up. The strong values and community, from anti-bullying to character development, create a safe, respectful, and inspiring environment for children.
