It is my sincere hope that other parents with a child that has had difficulties in school due to being diagnosed with an LD and having an IEP find that there is help. The help is APA! The school is small with the biggest heart. This is a school that really, really cares about their students (family) and it is just that amazing atmosphere that brought my daughter out of sadness, anxiety, withdrawal and failing grade 6 to flourishing in grade 7 and 8. When you see your child cry morning and night scared to go to school a parent can feel as I did...helpless! The public school next to us was not set up for my daughters LD and could not say for sure that she would pass the year because of her grades and IEP requirements. This is when I spoke with the Principals at APA and never felt more confident in my daughters education than after that meeting. It was a done deal after we had our “trial day”. I have to say as a single Mom it was the scariest thing I have ever done to pull her out of the school system and pay for Private School. But It was the BEST thing that I have done for my daughter and I would without a question of a doubt do it all over again after seeing who my daughter is today. It is without a question in my mind because of the dedication and commitment from EVERYONE at APA.
Aurora Preparatory Academy is a happy place. Making this change for my son was one of the best decisions we made. The principals and the teachers created a joyful and safe environment for the children. All the staff is very welcoming. My son is excited and looking forward to each and every day at school. His fellow students and friends are kind, caring individuals, which makes his days at APA great. He is not worried about going to school, he never complains about the children, they are all happy together. He likes wearing his uniform but he loves the monthly casual dress days. My son loves the fact that they are actually learning at this school and taking academics seriously, weather it is art, music, language or science. He himself noticed his improvements in many little ways that made a huge difference in his confidence that shows through his work, marks, and mood. There is no stress or anxiety, only encouraging conversations, that stimulate curiosity and sparks the imagination. My son loves everything the school offers.
Making the decision to switch my eldest to APA was literally one of the best decisions we have ever made. He is flourishing there and encouraged to be himself. He feels a sense of safety and belonging, and I feel like he is able to “be” a kid again. He looks forward to school and feels optimistic and empowered about his potential and his future. He (and we) feel that he is respected and understood as an individual and not just one part of a whole. He is able to express his thoughts, opinions and ideas about things without worry of judgement or "not fitting in". Everyone gets to be who they are meant to be at APA. There have been no disappointments thus far. What do I feel my son likes best? That's a difficult question to answer... I feel that he is very proud to attend APA - this is something they foster in all their students, and something I have never experienced anywhere before. We are new to the private school system as of April 2018.
Both my children have had a fantastic experience at APA. The teachers and administration are very respectful, inclusive and kind. Everyone belongs at APA. I think my children have most enjoyed the wonderful relationships they have developed with their friends and with their teachers. My son is now in university and still comes back to visit the teachers. He is also in touch with a number of the students he went to school with there. My son was somewhat of a slacker in school. He did not have to work hard to obtain good marks. The teachers at APA always encouraged him to put more of himself into his daily work. They had high expectations of him and really encouraged him to rise to the level he was capable of.
I absolutely love Aurora Prep! It is a bit small but it comes with plenty of charm and smiles. It has small classes so you'd get so much attention and help if you beed. I am a gifted student and love it because of the small classes. I came in Grade six after a very large move from the US and this school took me in with a smile and great attitude! The uniforms make me and my brothers look very professional. Also the teachers are great, they are kind nice and supportive of you no matter what. This school is part of the SSAF and have many sporting teams for athletes. I love this school so much, I went from a big city rough area, kid who hated school, to a smart, professional, and kid who loves waking up in the morning to go to school, thanks Aurora Preparatory Academy!
