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Trusted by families since 1998.
AVRO Academy logo
OUR KIDS REPORT:

AVRO Academy

Grades 9 — 12 — North York, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
AVRO Academy
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

School overview

  • Grades
    9 — 12
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    5 — 7 students
  • Tuition
    $21,500 to 26,000/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Special Needs Support
    Special needs school
  • Enrolment
    50 day students
  • Curriculum
    Progressive
  • Associations
    N/A
  • LOCATION
    North York, ON (View address)

The big picture on AVRO Academy

We summarized the school ourselves

AVRO was founded in 2010 by David Berger and Jason Ellenbogen. The school's original spirit continues to guide it with a keen fidelity to its initial vision. Ellenbogen remains a central presence, bringing a perspective informed not only by education but also by his clinical experience as a psychologist working with teens and their families. From the beginning, the school’s approach to curriculum and teaching has grown out of a commitment to doing things well, but differently. That ethos continues in the school’s leadership and faculty. Efrat Shapir, the Principal, also serves as Head of Humanities, reflecting the school’s close integration of leadership and teaching. Chriasee Sen-Varma, an instructor and academic coordinator, is a physicist. More broadly, the school feels small and personal, and its approach builds on the talents, curiosity, and individuality that students bring to the classroom. AVRO has attracted students and educators of a like mind: those drawn to a diverse, close-knit, intellectually serious environment that is also deeply supportive. AVRO would be a strong fit for students who are bright, curious, and a little less interested in fitting the mould than in finding the right one.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"AVRO Academy is an empowering community that supports the whole teenager in trusting themselves and learning on their terms. AVRO delivers personalized full & part-time programs in engaging ways. We listen and explore individual interests to develop each student’s best learning path. With dynamic IEPs, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling, AVRO students build on their strengths and gain the academic confidence they need to succeed in the university or college of their choice."

  • Small class sizes
  • One on one support
  • Rapport-based learning
  • Flexible schedules and courses
  • Unique Therapeutic Program
  • Summer School Program
  • Dynamic Individual Education Plans

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

SMALLER CLASSES
We offer 5:1 as well as 1:1 attention to every student.

OUR DYNAMIC IEP
Every student is assessed for their support needs to develop their individual Dynamic IEP - a living, evolving guide for success.

RAPPORT-BASED
Teacher and student rapport builds strong relationships, that re-engage learning, curiosity, initiative and confidence.

THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM
Our team provides students and their parents professional on-site support, for both academic and emotional challenges.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

To serve families effectively, we've prioritized small class sizes and individualized learning, which require significant resources and staffing. This choice limits the number of students we can accommodate but ensures each student receives personalized attention. Additionally, our focus on therapeutic support and mental health resources requires ongoing investment in specialized staff and programs. These trade-offs reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, tailored educational environment over maximizing enrollment.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

AVRO Academy was founded in 2010 with the mission to address the needs of students who require smaller classes and a therapeutic learning environment. This foundational decision shaped our focus on individualized education and mental health support. The introduction of the Therapeutic Program marked a pivotal moment, allowing us to support students who struggled in traditional settings. Expanding our program offerings to include evening studies, summer school, and travel-for-credit programs further cemented our commitment to flexible, student-centred learning. Our ongoing partnership with international schools to offer the Ontario Secondary School Diploma has broadened our global reach and enriched our educational community, preparing students for success in international academic pursuits.

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Our school is well-suited for students who find traditional educational environments challenging. This includes teens experiencing academic or social anxiety, those with complex Individual Education Plans, and students diagnosed with attention disorders, anxiety, depression, or high-functioning autism (ASD). We also welcome gifted and atypical students who thrive in a flexible, individualized setting. Our small class sizes and focus on therapeutic support make us an ideal choice for students seeking a nurturing, personalized educational experience where they can engage in their interests, overcome challenges, and build confidence in a supportive community.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

We advise families against choosing AVRO Academy if their child thrives in large, traditional classroom settings or prefers a highly structured, competitive academic environment. Our approach is more flexible and individualized, which may not suit students who require or enjoy a conventional school environment with extensive extracurricular offerings. Additionally, families seeking a school with a strong emphasis on competitive sports or large-scale events might find our focus on smaller, personalized, and therapeutic settings does not align with their child's interests or needs.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

Families choose AVRO Academy because of our commitment to personalized education and our ability to meet diverse student needs in a nurturing, therapeutic environment. Our small class sizes and individualized curricula allow students to thrive academically and personally. Parents appreciate our focus on mental health and well-being, with resources like therapy and wellness activities integrated into the school experience. Additionally, our flexible program offerings, including part-time studies and travel-for-credit options, provide students with opportunities to learn in ways that suit their interests and schedules. Our supportive community and emphasis on fostering independence and self-discovery make us a preferred choice for families seeking a unique educational experience.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

Our image in the public eye is that of a compassionate, innovative institution that provides an alternative to conventional education. We are recognized for our dedication to individualized learning and therapeutic support, serving students who seek an environment that values mental health and personal growth. Our reputation for fostering a nurturing community where students are encouraged to explore their strengths and interests is well-regarded. Families appreciate our commitment to academic excellence within a supportive framework, making us a trusted choice for those seeking a more personalized educational experience for their children.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

Flexibility
Our admissions are open throughout the year because we know sometimes students need a change of environment that can come at any time. Our team helps onboard new students with assessments of work and progress to date as well as planning and integration into a new class with all the supports needed for success.
.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

AVRO’s Therapeutic Program is unique.
It provides students and parents regular, on-site professional support for both academic and emotional challenges. Our aim is to support the psycho-social needs of our students, in addition to their education.

The program uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, as well as music and expressive arts therapy, to enhance creativity and develop a sense of enjoyment in learning.

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Recently, we've enhanced our therapeutic offerings with more individualized therapy options and expanded our mental health resources. We have implemented additional online courses and hybrid learning models to further accommodate students with scheduling conflicts or unique personal circumstances.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, we envision expanding our program offerings to include more diverse and flexible learning opportunities, including more partnerships with summer camps. We also aim to strengthen our community engagement by fostering deeper connections with families and local organizations. By continuing to adapt and innovate, we'll ensure that AVRO Academy remains a leader in providing personalized, holistic education that meets the evolving needs of our students and their families.


We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Parent, Dvora Goodman (2026)

(4.4)

Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 — My son had an excellent experience at AVRO. We found AVRO at a time when school was a huge challenge for our son due to his anxieties. Once he started going, things turned around really quickly. I think that he knew that AVRO was a supportive and understanding environment where he would succeed and not be pressured. The teachers he had at AVRO were fantastic and related well to him. They each formed a relationship with him and came to know his personality, individual needs, and how to challenge him. He knew that they would help when needed and let him work on his own when he could. He felt comfortable in the environment and with the adults around him. We loved the structure of the school for our son - the shorter, more intense courses worked really well for him as he was able to focus on only two courses at a time. The course choices were flexible and fit all of his requirements for graduation and for getting into University. Avro set him up really well for success in university.

Alumnus, Hari Kundi (2026)

(4.8)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — My experience at AVRO was incredibly positive. I found the best part of my experience was the close connections that I could make with the teachers and administrators. I would not change a thing about the way the school is set up. The quadmestered approach to learning really allowed me to focus fully on the courses I was taking and understand them, which allowed me to do my best. AVRO Academy definitely prepared me well for my future, as they helped me organize and find all the prerequisite courses I needed and made sure I was able to do my best in them. A prospective student should expect a welcoming, close-knit circle of teachers and staff members who are very experienced in dealing with unique learning styles.

Parent, Alan Matsumoto (2025)

(3.9)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — AVRO provided a safe and supportive environment for our son. They were able to accommodate his needs, took things slowly and worked with him to integrate into his classes. I can remember the first day of Grade 9 and how resistant our son was, and how they patiently took the time to ensure he knew he was safe and welcomed and that it was going to be different than his experiences with elementary school in the public system. The small classes and individual learning our son received helped him recover from the academic trauma he experienced previously. The integrated therapy at the time also gave our son a way to express his feelings and helped him be heard. We are grateful for the support he received while attending AVRO.

Alumnus, Izabel Bird (2025)

(4.1)

Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 — My time at AVRO Academy was a pivotal period in my life. The school gave me time to focus on my well-being while attending classes. What stood out was the accommodations for students and the extent of my say in what I was learning. Teachers were very easy to talk to and lenient/flexible. I liked that this school gave me a one-on-one teaching experience. What I would change is to prepare students who are going into higher education afterwards for studying technical skills. For future students, expect to be taught material directly by great teachers, a curriculum that you have a say in, and more flexibility.

Parent, Linda mooallem (2019)

(4.4)

My daughter thrives on the individualized attention she gets at AVRO. Individualized programming is what Avro excels at. She also developed a great deal of confidence by the teaching staff who truly cares about her. They care about not just her academic success but also her emotional and social well-being. There were many opportunities to listen and be listened to both by staff and other students in the school. These opportunities were both scheduled and spontaneous. The insights of the staff helped my daughter to better understand herself and thus help her navigate social and academic situations. My daughter is not always self-motivated, and the staff never gave up on creatively finding ways to motivate her in an extremely positive and supportive way.
See all reviews (5 total)

We reported on the school in articles

Balancing academics and social-emotional well-being

Creating a safe environment is key when it comes to finding the balance between emotional wellness and academic success. Helping students with relationships, ensuring there is a zero-tolerance policy around bullying, and having all staff closely involved in the students’ daily lives, are among the things AVRO has implemented to support well-being.

Designing education around the student

AVRO Academy builds education around each student through small classes, flexible pacing, personalized pathways, and therapeutic support, helping learners gain confidence, independence, and stronger academic success.

 

Dig deeper into AVRO Academy

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