REVIEW OF J. Addison School BY student, Steven Guo

(4.5) Student Experience

From my perception, I think J. Addison school is indisputably the most outstanding private school in Toronto among other schools I’ve been to. The experience I had here at J. Addison will forever leave a lasting impression on my mind. I love mostly everything about J. Addison school, though there were some things that didn’t go well for me regarding my personal conduct, however, I am extremely grateful for the care and support provided by the faculty and staff. For the people who are planning to study at J. Addison School, my advice as a young boarder is to avoid getting into conflicts with others such as your dorm peers, faculty and staff. J. Addison School has helped me to grow as an individual this year, which I believe will help me to be a better individual and student. If there’s one thing I could change about the school would be more personal space in the dorm room that optimizes privacy.

(5) School Leadership

I genuinely do respect the school leaders, they put a lot of time and effort in terms of making my school and residence life better. For example, the residence life team ensured that all dorm students were vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the school leadership team works alongside the residence life team to ensure that I am on track when it comes to my education. From my standpoint, every school leader plays different roles in the school to make J. Addison school the best private school in Toronto. They work countless hours to problem solve certain issues that may arise at the school or in the dormitory.

(5) Teaching

I think that the faculty at J. Addison School sets high expectations for students to do well in their classes. For example, in my class, I am required to come prepared every day by reviewing previous lessons, completing my homework as well as studying for upcoming tests. Being a past grade 7 boarding student at J. Addison School, my teachers were always caring and they made an effort to build a positive rapport with me and my peers. Also, whenever I felt stressed or overwhelmed with my studies, the school leadership team, guidance counsellors and teachers offered ways to help in relieving my personal stress. As I reflect, I realized that teachers didn't directly verbally communicate "success" however it was reflected in their actions towards us by ensuring that we succeed in our education. For example, some teachers worked with school and dorm leadership to help students who may have had academic challenges outside of classroom hours. The amount of care in helping myself as well as other students to succeed in our education inspired me that if I put my best effort and work hard, success is inevitable, no matter how small or big.

(5) Academics

Some of the school work in Grade 7 is not as hard as I thought, however, it all depends on the individual and their personal motivation. For example, if a student doesn't like to study or complete their assignments or doesn't pay attention to the teacher regarding what they require in their lessons, then it will be a difficult challenge for that student. My personal advice to any student is to listen to the teacher, ask questions if you are not sure about something, be organized and ask the teacher or dorm staff for help regarding your homework. The reason why I personally succeed at J. Addison School, was because I had great academic support from teachers and dorm staff, who truly cared about seeing me succeed and refused to give up on me! I truly believe what I have learned at J. Addison School would be useful in life such as time management and being organized!

(4.5) Extracurriculars

There are many activities and clubs at J. Addison School. Additionally, there are many activities and clubs at J. Addison School. Additionally, there is an after-school program called Focus For Success, which allows students to take part in outdoor education, culinary arts, cosmetology, student leadership, community service and sports. As a boarding student at J. Addison School, I participated in the sports club, where I loved to play basketball and table tennis. Even though J. Addison School has a lot of great facilities such as a great big indoor gym, dance studio and on-site dormitory which I enjoy, I wish that the school had a swimming pool. It should be noted that boarding students do engage in swimming activities at the local community recreation centres, which are facilitated by the school's dorm staff. An after-school program called Focus For Success allows students to take part in outdoor education, culinary arts, cosmetology, student leadership, community service and sports. As a boarding student at J. Addison School, I participated in the sports club, where I loved to play basketball and table tennis. Even though J. Addison School has a lot of great facilities such as a great big indoor gym, dance studio and on-site dormitory which I enjoy, I wish that the school had a swimming pool. It should be noted that boarding students do engage in swimming activities at the local community recreation centres, which are facilitated by the school's dorm staff.

(5) Students

The students at J. Addison School are friendly, kind and nice. Originally, I was born in China and lived in Canada for about 5 years. I have attended as well as visited many schools in Canada and I must state that J. Addison School is the most outstanding institution for me. The reason why I made this statement is that the school community does feel like an inclusive home based on its multi-cultural/ethnic environment. Also, the school environment is constantly supportive. For example, there are older students who ensure that the younger students are safe. Not to mention, there is zero policy regarding bullying. I honestly feel that the students who tend to struggle at the school are individuals who are initially introverts that tend not to communicate with others. Despite this, those individuals eventually become extroverts, once they become comfortable in the school and dorm environment.

(5) School Life

If I had to give a tour of the school, then I would take visitors to see the school gymnasium as that is one of my favourite places where I constantly play basketball. Also, the school has one of the best basketball programs in Canada, so I would also highlight the amazing athletic talent that we have at our school. One of the most admirable things about our basketball program at J. Addison School is that they offer a wide range of scholarships to students from all over the world to be a part of the team. Another aspect of the school-indoor gymnasium that I appreciate, is the maintenance of the space appears to be built relatively new. Also, the gym is highly complimented by other school teams and the Markham community as one of the greatest features at J. Addison School.

(5) Community

The school atmosphere at J. Addison School is a great environment where everyone feels included. I have the greatest respect for being a J. Addison student as I can truly state that I have never seen one of my peers being bullied. Our school environment exudes tolerance and respect for others, no matter their sexual orientation, race, social status or creed. I am grateful to my parents for allowing me to be a part of a school community that provides a safe environment and if I ever felt disrespected or had a personal issue where I needed to meet with the school leadership team to discuss my concerns, then they would allow me to speak without judgment. I must state that Mr. Venditti, the current school principal, is a great school leader who is firm but open to hearing students' concerns. Every time I leave his office, I feel much better and he always makes an effort to see how students are doing as they walk through the school corridors before the start of their classes.

(5) School Location

The school location at J. Addison School is quite beneficial to any day or boarding student as it is not in a remote location within Canada like other schools that I have attended in the past. There are many amenities that surround the school location, such as local fast-food restaurants, fitness centres, food stores, bus stops, dental and medical offices. There are also recreation centres such as the "Hub," which is a rock-climbing facility. For individuals, who are boarding students like myself, we are allowed to sign in/out on weekdays and weekends with a dorm staff member to enjoy the many amenities as noted, however, we must return to the school within an allotted timeframe.

(5) Admissions

For individuals who wish to apply to J. Addison School, I would firstly recommend that you have sufficient funds to live in Canada as an international student, as it can be quite costly. However, J. Addison School has a scholarship program that can help to alleviate some of the financial costs, once you demonstrate outstanding academic, athletic and civic capabilities. As an international student in Canada who wanted a change from my old school to J. Addison, my parents had to contact a recruitment agent who advised me of the admission process, which was to fill out the school online form which is posted on the school's website, send a copy of my previous transcripts, school recommendation letters, vaccination certificates, a copy of my passport and study permit. Within a few days, a school admissions officer contacted my parents to notify them that I was accepted to the school.