The big picture on Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning
We summarized the school ourselves
Every private school exists to meet the needs of a specific set of learners, which is something that on the whole differentiates private education from the public system. And in that sense, you can’t find a better example than Applewood. It isn’t the right school for all students, but for a specific set of students—principally ones that require therapeutic support and individual learning programs—it is unequalled. When students arrive at Applewood they find themselves in an environment in which they are at the centre of the program, not somewhere ancillary to that. They also find a staff that is expert in their needs, and can envision their path to success. It’s a great school, and a great story. The ideal student is the one who is struggling elsewhere, and who can benefit from a dedicated, empathetic, specialized environment.
We questioned the school administration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Applewood Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions. We are experienced in special education, psychiatry, psychotherapy, and child/adolescent management. We maintain academic and residential placements by establishing therapeutic relationships; applying cognitive-behavioural management; implementing individualized learning programs; and utilizing continuous clinical and academic support. Academic: Sept-Jun; Summer: Jul-Aug."
A safe, positive environment that brings enjoyment back to learning.
Clinically driven overall school and life experience.
Diverse, accessible, and inclusive environment.
Knowledgeable, passionate, personable, and committed staff.
Strive for a positive, joyful environment that makes learning easier.
Individualized, self-paced academic programming.
High flexibility in developing individual learning plans.
A sense of community in a small city setting with tailored boarding and host family options.
Flexible family engagement plans and treatment involvement.
The tenacity to ensure the success of each child!
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
Applewood Academy stands alone among schools, beginning with our clinical orientation. While other schools have special education departments, Applewood starts with a clinical program used to shape personalized educational and residential programming. This results in more comprehensive clinical plans for each student and a much greater likelihood of success in delivering individualized care and personal growth. Applewood elementary and secondary grades follow the Ontario curriculum.
"Applewood Academy stands alone among schools, beginning with our clinical orientation. While other schools have special education departments, Applewood starts with a clinical program used to shape personalized educational and residential programming. This results in more comprehensive clinical plans for each student and a much greater likelihood of success in delivering individualized care and personal growth. Applewood elementary and secondary grades follow the Ontario curriculum."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Families choose Applewood Academy because of the close relationships we establish with the family and the student. We approach education from a clinical perspective, which means that we can quickly understand and respond to the different challenges of each student. We “get” each and every unique situation. Families quickly gain confidence that we can craft and implement a plan—from accommodation, to education, to social/recreational activities—that is going to work. And it does.
"Families choose Applewood Academy because of the close relationships we establish with the family and the student. We approach education from a clinical perspective, which means that we can quickly understand and respond to the different challenges of each student. We “get” each and every unique situation. Families quickly gain confidence that we can craft and implement a plan—from accommodation, to education, to social/recreational activities—that is going to work. And it does."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
We can’t overstate the significance of Applewood Academy’s clinical orientation. Many of our families arrive overloaded with diagnoses and reports, whether academic, behavioural or medical. Our ability to make sense of all this information and to map out a clinical program that pulls in the education component is without parallel. Our follow-through with families is just as good. Applewood is never closed during the school year; we are always here to communicate and optimize.
"We can’t overstate the significance of Applewood Academy’s clinical orientation. Many of our families arrive overloaded with diagnoses and reports, whether academic, behavioural or medical. Our ability to make sense of all this information and to map out a clinical program that pulls in the education component is without parallel. Our follow-through with families is just as good. Applewood is never closed during the school year; we are always here to communicate and optimize."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
What families find surprising about Applewood Academy is the quality of care. Our materials speak to the level of care that we provide, but experiencing our care first hand is typically a revelation for families. Care for Applewood students doesn’t end after the academic day is done, nor Friday afternoon. From individualized learning plans, to the most suitable accommodation option, to after-school activities that are both fun and build towards a normalized life; care is what we are all about.
"What families find surprising about Applewood Academy is the quality of care. Our materials speak to the level of care that we provide, but experiencing our care first hand is typically a revelation for families. Care for Applewood students doesn’t end after the academic day is done, nor Friday afternoon. From individualized learning plans, to the most suitable accommodation option, to after-school activities that are both fun and build towards a normalized life; care is what we are all about."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Watch our parent interview with Kimberley Hayes to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning.
Watch our parent interview with Tanya Johnston to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning.
My daughter is an international student, and we were looking for an environment, that afforded structure, discipline and a nurturing environment that would allow her first and foremost to be happy and to thrive. Applewood has been amazing at achieving this! My daughter is high functioning Autism, but was having challenges socially. She was becoming difficult to manage. within the first three months changes were visible. Her conversation was positive, and she was making greater efforts at being more mature. Academically, the school met her at her level and developed innovative ways to impart learning. The school adapted to meet her. I had been looking for this structure for sometime. I now feel more comfortable with the direction of my daughter's growth.
Insider community voices
Hear directly from Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning community as they share insights.
