Sam Blyth founded Blyth Academy in an understanding that as the world changes the needs of students change, and education therefore must evolve to meet them. Throughout the decades of its life, Blyth Academy has consistently proven its ability to meet that mandate. It began by offering a global curriculum, one that covered the basic literacies as well as collaborative and leadership skills. In addition to 10 brick-and-mortar campuses, Blyth Academy Online, launched in 2014 and offers asynchronous courses that students can start at any time throughout the calendar year. In response to the COVID crisis, Blyth Academy Orbit added a synchronous virtual school to the offering, bringing all the schedules, teachers, peers and relationships of a traditional academic experience, the only difference being that all was mounted entirely. In all, it’s hard to imagine a school more suited to our time or making more out of the technologies available for program delivery. While Blyth Academy is now effectively the largest single private school network in Canada, the student experience remains intimate in both the physical and virtual synchronous classrooms there are never more than 15 students. True to Sam Blyth’s original vision, there remains a focus on global learning, citizenship, and ethical leadership. There might have been a time when Blyth Academy was an anomaly within the world of education—smaller schools, virtual offerings, an agile approach to learning—though it certainly isn’t now. It’s hard to imagine a school better suited to our time and the needs of the current generation of learners.
We questioned the school administration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Blyth Academy Lawrence Park offers small classes (avg. 12 students), individualized teacher support, close collaboration with families, and a flexible, four-term calendar that promotes focus and engagement in the classroom. Our phones-free policy at the campus, combined with ongoing experiential learning opportunities promotes a community of authentic learning. Our programs emphasize real connection, critical thinking, and a return to meaningful, screen-conscious education."
Average class size of 12 students
Individualized approach to learning
Experienced, enthusiastic and caring teachers
Strong student support
Comprehensive, one-on-one guidance support
Emphasis on post secondary preparation
Flexible schedules with in-person and virtual learning options
Extended Learning with Night School and Summer School courses
Part of a network of Blyth Academy campuses in Ontario
Full member of the Small Schools’ Athletic Federation (SSAF)
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
Communication is the cornerstone of our commitment to each family at Blyth Academy Lawrence Park. The learning experience is a partnership between teacher and family and, as such, you will hear from your child’s teacher weekly: the great, the good and the could be better. Parents and guardians also have access to our online learning platform, Edsby, in which gradebooks are always up to date, assessments with feedback can be reviewed, and classroom announcements and resources accessed.
"Communication is the cornerstone of our commitment to each family at Blyth Academy Lawrence Park. The learning experience is a partnership between teacher and family and, as such, you will hear from your child’s teacher weekly: the great, the good and the could be better. Parents and guardians also have access to our online learning platform, Edsby, in which gradebooks are always up to date, assessments with feedback can be reviewed, and classroom announcements and resources accessed."
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?
You will often get schools that have teachers who are not specialists in the subjects they are teaching. We encourage and expect our passionate team of teachers to really live their subjects. We have an English teacher who studied Literature at Colombia University, a professional photographer on staff as our in-house media teacher, and an astrophysicist teaching physics. The faculty brings an academic energy and passion to the campus every day.
"You will often get schools that have teachers who are not specialists in the subjects they are teaching. We encourage and expect our passionate team of teachers to really live their subjects. We have an English teacher who studied Literature at Colombia University, a professional photographer on staff as our in-house media teacher, and an astrophysicist teaching physics. The faculty brings an academic energy and passion to the campus every day."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Today’s students learn differently, and we’ve built a school that reflects that. With flexible learning options, small class sizes, and a focus on individual growth, we’re reimagining what education can be. Because when students are at the center, learning becomes more meaningful, more engaging, and more effective.
"Today’s students learn differently, and we’ve built a school that reflects that. With flexible learning options, small class sizes, and a focus on individual growth, we’re reimagining what education can be. Because when students are at the center, learning becomes more meaningful, more engaging, and more effective."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
We want our students to be a bit uncomfortable and for them to lean in, and grow from the discomfort that something new and challenging brings. This will not look the same for everyone; for one student it may be coming to school each day on time and for another it might be taking an advanced physics course. That is the beauty of our campus though; we identify where each student is, and meet them there to help them thrive in their learning, growth and happiness.
"We want our students to be a bit uncomfortable and for them to lean in, and grow from the discomfort that something new and challenging brings. This will not look the same for everyone; for one student it may be coming to school each day on time and for another it might be taking an advanced physics course. That is the beauty of our campus though; we identify where each student is, and meet them there to help them thrive in their learning, growth and happiness."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
As a small school, many families think that we are limited in the extracurriculars that we can offer. This is far from the truth. We are a member of the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF), which allows for our teams to compete against other independent schools. Our campus hosts a Spring triathlon at Glendon College, where students from across the city complete against one another. We also host an annual Model UN conference and student can take part in student council and various clubs.
"As a small school, many families think that we are limited in the extracurriculars that we can offer. This is far from the truth. We are a member of the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF), which allows for our teams to compete against other independent schools. Our campus hosts a Spring triathlon at Glendon College, where students from across the city complete against one another. We also host an annual Model UN conference and student can take part in student council and various clubs."
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?
Gr. 10 (current) — My son has low self-esteem and benefits from unique learning experiences. We met with Sarah when planning to transition to Blyth. She was direct, honest, and supportive about what the school could offer and how my son would fit in. Since being there he has blossomed socially and made strides in his collaborative and independent work. He still faces challenges, but instead of hearing about these as challenges, I hear from teachers who tell me how they are altering their approach and in what way I can support him at home. The communication is excellent, the approach flexible, and the excitement my son exhibits when talking about his school day is rewarding. He comes home and now tells me about his school day. Who said what, what the projects are, which students he is working with etc. He still does not like doing the work... but overall loves the school.
