REVIEW OF AVRO Academy BY Alum, Hari Kundi

(5) Overall Experience

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.

Looking Back

Looking back on my time at this school, what stands out the most to me is how welcoming and understanding the teachers were of me and my learning style from day 1.

Current Perspective

At first, I was a shy student, so I found the outgoingness of other students and staff a little difficult; however, I quickly realized how much of a strength it is to make new friends and strong connections with my teachers.

Your Advice

If you are considering this school, my honest advice would be to make sure you make a strong connection with as many people as you can. Doing this will allow you to make the best of your time at the school both academically and socially.

(5) School Leadership

What stood out to me as a student of the AVRO academy about the leadership is how they genuinely listened to every student's concern. Whether that be academic, social, or personal. The attitude of myself and other students towards the leadership was always respectful, however, also very friendly, as the administrators frequently had friendly social conversations with students. They absolutely responded to problems appropriately and definitely fostered a positive school environment. I believe that students had an easy time going up and raising concerns whenever they had any.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at AVRO Academy is incredible. I am very happy with the quality of instruction provided. The dynamic between the teachers and the students is incredibly friendly and cooperative. The teachers are very respectful of students' different academic needs. All of the teachers I had for my courses were not only passionate about their subjects, but they were also extremely knowledgeable in them. The teacher that I took grade 12 English with was very impactful in the way I now write essays, read articles, etc. The teacher was very skillful in helping me learn new writing techniques and apply them to the course. The teachers at AVRO Academy are very experienced in their fields of teaching and have knowledge and expertise that most teachers do not have. They are also very friendly and approachable.

(4.5) Academics

AVRO academy provides academic courses for students of all levels. Students can expect a vigorous academic Quadmester if they choose, or they could have a looser and easier Quadmester. The range of courses that the AVRO academy offers is wide. It can range from photography to computer science and more. I feel that I was challenged and supported academically, and I would say that AVRO is a place that allows students to do well in their academics. I feel that I am very well prepared to encounter university-level academics after attending AVRO. The Math and Science teachers are incredible and are very knowledgeable and helpful. I would tell families looking into AVRO Academy to look into the amazing depth of courses that AVRO has to offer.

(4) Extracurriculars

AVRO did a great job with their extracurriculars! I had a very fun time at AVRO because of these. There is a yearly trip to Centre Island where the school has a bbq and plays Frisbee and does other fun things. There is also a yearly bowling trip where the school goes bowling and plays laser tag. While at the school, I also went to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum!

(4.5) Students

The student body is very close-knit. It was very common for everyone in the school to know everybody else's name. At AVRO, like a regular public school, I would say there is a good blend of students from many different backgrounds. While I attended the school, almost all of the other students were approachable and kind. It was uncommon to see anyone being left out, and the teachers did a good job making sure everyone was included in conversations. What I would recommend new students to the school to do on their first day, if they would like to instantly get along with other students, is just introduce yourself to each of your classmates (as it's a small school), and tell them about yourself and your interests.

(5) School Life

Based on my experience in a public high school, I would say AVRO Academy does a much better job caring about their students' quality of life. AVRO academy gives students the ability to raise their hand and take a break whenever they feel overwhelmed, tired, or stressed. You also have the ability to talk to the director of the school, who has a background in social work, who is there if you are having a rough day, etc. I would say that while I was at the school, I saw firsthand a student feel much better after talking to their teacher or the director about how they were feeling. AVRO Academy is a very welcoming place and definitely a place that has a good student life.

(4.5) Community

I graduated this year, but throughout my time at the school, there were a number of alumni who would come in for a day and say hello to all the staff and have a good talk. I've also seen firsthand how close the teachers and administrators are with some of the families of students and alumni. I would say that the community at AVRO Academy is very solid and caring. The people at the school care a lot for the students even after they graduate. I have many of the contacts of graduated students of AVRO and current students. It is definitely a friendly place where you can make quality friendships that can last for a while. My advice would be to future students, definitely pop in now and then after you graduate. The staff will be very happy.

(5) School Location

The surrounding area is phenomenal. There is a park located right behind the school, as well as several incredible food choices, including numerous burger and pizza places, salad places, supermarkets, etc. One of the best parts about AVRO is also how accessible it is. There is a parking lot behind reserved for AVRO as well as a bus stop very nearby.

(5) Admissions

Applying for admission to AVRO is relatively easy, as there is no standardized exam. What I remember from when I joined is that I came in for an interview, saw the school, and decided then that I wanted to join. I joined the school in the third quadmester of a TDSB (back when they had quadmestered as a result of Covid) and, from an admissions point of view, it was very clean cut. I transferred to AVRO and began classes.

(5) University placement and counselling

While I was at AVRO, I was unsure of what specific program I wanted to do. Fortunately for me the guidance councilor at the school recommend that I still take all 3 sciences and the Maths in grade 11. This was crucial as if you want to do certain programs in university, you need the high school prerequisite in grade 12, which requires the grade 11 prerequisite course to be complete. Throughout the whole of grade 11 and 12 the guidance councilor would have a chat with me on what courses I wanted to take and what university program I would like to apply to. I feel like I was given appropriate guidance, and was definitely able to apply to all the programs and Universites I wanted to on time.