REVIEW OF Coast Mountain Academy BY student, Summer Atkinson

(4.5) Student Experience

Coast Mountain Academy has been an amazing experience for me. One of the best parts about the school is the small class sizes, which make learning feel more personal and less overwhelming. Because of this, it’s really easy to connect with teachers; they are always willing to help when I’m struggling or need extra support. The friendly environment at CMA makes it easy to ask questions and participate in class discussions. I find that the students here genuinely support each other which makes a positive environment. I also really enjoy the LEAD programming, not only because it’s fun but I learn important outdoor and teamwork skills that I can use outside of school. CMA has made learning feel more manageable and enjoyable, and I’m so grateful for the support opportunities and experiences it provides.

The Best Part

The best part of being student at CMA is the small classes, which makes it easy to connect with teachers and feel supported in learning as well as naturally get to know my classmates and form close connections with them.

Suggested Improvements

Some suggested improvements for CMA could be expanding the extracurricular activities or moving some of them to after school rather then during lunch so there are more opportunities attend more of them.

Hidden Details

A hidden detail about CMA is how fun the house team challenges are. They build school spirit and bring students from all grades together in friendly competitions. House team challenges happen often at our whole school parliaments, as well as at the end of the year for sports day.

(4.5) School Leadership

The teachers and staff at CMA do an excellent job of supporting students and creating a positive, welcoming environment. They’re always willing to help, give feedback, and make learning engaging. I really appreciate how approachable they are and how much they genuinely care about each student’s success. I do wish there were more opportunities for one-on-one learning or mentorship since that’s when I learn best. Overall, I have a lot of respect for the teachers and staff for their hard work and dedication.

(3) Teaching

I think the teachers at CMA expect a lot from us, but in a good way. They challenge us to think critically and always push us to do our best, without making it feel like too much pressure. I usually know exactly what they expect because they explain things clearly and are always open to questions. When they talk about success, it’s not just about getting high grades. It’s about becoming confident, capable, and independent; someone who works hard, helps others, and keeps growing. They want us to develop real skills we can use in life, not just memorize information for tests. Overall, I think their idea of success is helping students reach their full potential.

(3.5) Academics

I think the workload at CMA is just the right level of challenge. It pushes me to think critically and stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. The teachers design assignments that make us apply what we’ve learned instead of just memorizing facts, which keeps things interesting. When something feels difficult, there’s always support available, so it never feels impossible. I also think much of what we learn will be useful later in life, depending on what post-secondary path you take. The focus on communication, organization, and collaboration will definitely help me in university and future jobs. Even if I don’t use every subject directly, I’m developing important life skills like problem-solving, independence, and confidence. CMA does a great job preparing students for academic success.

(3.5) Extracurriculars

I am part of student council, which I really enjoy because it builds leadership and school spirit. I do wish she may offer more sports like field hockey even though it’s hard to do with a small school. I also think students could join more activities of the schedule allowed for some lunch activities to be spread out to after school.

(3.5) Students

The students at CMA are friendly, supportive and close-knit, especially within their own grades. People are still welcoming between grades but most friendships and connections form within each group. The school feels more like a small town than a big city because everyone knows each other and it’s easy to feel comfortable. Students who are motivated and enjoy working with others usually do well here since small classes encourage participation. Those who prefer bigger, less personal schools might take longer to adjust. I have found that the younger and older students don’t get many chances to connect, which can make the school feel a bit divided at times. but overall, there is a positive and encouraging atmosphere which makes it easy to focus on learning and feel a part of the community.

(4) School Life

If I were giving a tour of CMA, I’d start with the senior school. It’s a newer, more modern building with great views, and the cafeteria is conveniently located nearby. The space is comfortable and welcoming, so visitors can get a good feel for the school right away. Next, I’d show the middle school campus, which is smaller and made up of portables but still has some unique features. The art yurt for art classes is fun and different, and the woodwork shop is a fantastic space for hands-on electives that students really enjoy. Because CMA is a small school, the tour would be relatively quick, but it highlights the most interesting parts of both campuses and gives visitors a clear sense of the school’s community and opportunities.

(4) Community

The students at CMA are friendly, supportive, and close-knit, especially within their own grades. Friendships and connections are strongest within each grade, though students are generally welcoming across grades as well. The school feels more like a small town than a big city because everyone knows each other, making it easy to feel comfortable. Motivated students who enjoy working with others tend to thrive, as small class sizes encourage participation. For those used to larger, less personal schools, it might take some time to adjust. One drawback is that younger and older students don’t have many opportunities to interact, which can make the school feel a bit divided at times. Overall, though, the atmosphere is positive and encouraging, making it easy to focus on learning while still feeling part of the community.

(4) School Location

Most students at CMA choose to stay on campus because the cafeteria is great and the environment is comfortable and social. As a Grade 12 student with a spare block, I sometimes drive off campus for a break, but most students prefer to stay since there are plenty of places to hang out and it’s easy to socialize.

(4) Admissions

I completed my CMA admissions process a while ago, so some details are fuzzy, but I remember it being very relaxed and low-stress. I wrote a short piece and then had an interview, which was friendly and laid-back with simple questions about me and my interests. It felt more like a conversation than a test. My advice? Just be yourself. The process is welcoming and easy-going, they really just want to get to know you as a person.