REVIEW OF Wise Owl Private School BY parent, Timna Smith

(5) Student Experience

Our boys' experience at Wise Owl Private School has been truly amazing. Our older son, who is in grade 3, has developed an interest in Math and Arts, thanks to Miss Maria, who gives him drills and teaches him how to approach word problems with confidence. His French teacher, Miss Madeline, helps him pronounce and write words properly, while Miss Julia(who teaches upper classes) supports his character development, teaching politeness and social skills. Our younger son, who is almost 5, loves school and often talks about his best friend, Michael. His teacher, Miss Habibeh, helps him with writing letters and numbers, supports him during lunch and makes learning fun. Miss Julia reads stories to him, and Miss Yana cares for him after school until pickup. The principal, Miss Natalia, is very engaging and hands-on with the children. Every day, the boys look forward to going to school. This shows the loving, healthy and exciting environment the school has created for our boys, as well as every child who has been entrusted into their care.

Why Wise Owl Private School?

We chose Wise Owl Private School because it met both the academic needs of our boys and was conveniently located near our home. Additionally, Wise Owl was the only school within our search boundaries that offered the requirements for both of our boys. We also carefully considered factors such as strong academic standards (the curriculum), affordability and a welcoming multicultural environment.

Expectations vs. Reality

When my family relocated to Canada, one of our biggest concerns as immigrants was finding the right school for our boys. We wanted more than just strong academics. We were searching for a place where the boys would feel safe, welcomed, and truly cared for. It was important to us that our children be treated with kindness and respect, free from any form of discrimination. We were searching for a school that felt like home away from home. A true family environment where our boys can learn, grow, adapt and thrive. Wise Owl's website beautifully markets its values and academic standards. We read, analyzed and hoped that those words were true. We also believed, which informed our decision to enrol our boys, so our expectations were strong academics, safety, honesty, professionalism, inclusion, etc. However, as a mom, you always have the overthinking going on until expectations and reality are in congruence. Quite frankly, Wise Owl has exceeded those expectations. Not only has the academic support been excellent, but the level of care, attention and personal development Beric and Bryce receive is truly outstanding. The school has created a nurturing environment where our boys feel confident, supported and happy to learn every day. What stands out to me is the level of personal and academic improvement since enrolling. For example, Bryce (the younger one) was shy and had difficulty expressing himself because he sounded different. He couldn't get three words out properly when he wanted to say something. Within a few months at the school, Bryce started speaking not only clearly but in complete sentences. His confidence started developing, and all of us took note of the change. In my opinion, the school may have undersold their actual performance and the quality of what it offers. Maybe that's a little 'magic secret' kept to wow parents and students when they get to experience it firsthand? The genuine care, strong academic standards and close-knit community that truly set Wise Owl apart should be highlighted more.

Your Advice

Any parent considering Wise Owl Private School should feel confident in doing so. Beyond the excellent academic standards, what really stands out is the strong sense of community. There is a genuine connection between parents, teachers and students. I am talking about the kind of environment where parents know each other's children, children recognize their classmates' families, and everyone interacts with kindness and respect. This level of harmony, togetherness and acceptance is something we did not expect but deeply appreciate. Just last Saturday (March 28, 2026), one of the kids celebrated his birthday. His classmates were invited. Almost all of the parents of the students in that class were there. Those parents could have been somewhere else, but they showed up. That's community. That's Wise Owl! These aren't just words. These are honest and sincere testimonies of my lived experience.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership, headed by the principal, Miss Natalia, is truly remarkable. Her passion for education and vision to positively impact society set her apart. I still remember the first day my husband and I walked into her office. Her warm smile, the calmness in her voice and the reassurance she gave immediately put us at ease as parents. Our interaction and her ability to listen, reassure and support families created a sense of trust that informed our decision. The way she lights up when talking about her students shows that running a school is not just a career for her, it's a calling. She also strikes a perfect balance between discipline and academics, ensuring that children grow not only intellectually but also in character. Bryce reminds everyone at home about the DOs and DONTs of Miss Natalia's rules. The kids love her, and it's clear she cares about them. Communication at Wise Owl is effective. I feel connected and supported. I have direct contact with most of the teachers and can reach them through calls, text, emails or WhatsApp whenever needed. They are always accessible and responsive. Even if a teacher is unable to answer immediately because they are in class, they make it a point to return calls or texts within a short time. This gives great peace of mind as any concerns or questions will be addressed promptly. Miss Madeline, who leads communication, deserves special recognition. She is extremely efficient, professional and often responds within minutes. Miss Julia is always willing to help and give the necessary information parents need. Miss Natalia also helps with any information a parent may request. There's no such thing as a hierarchy (where parents wait in queues to get served) when it comes to how the school communicates with parents. Everyone is available to give you the information you need.

(5) Teaching

The quality of teaching at the school is excellent. The teachers are highly knowledgeable, dedicated and attentive to each child's needs. I receive regular and meaningful feedback from Miss Maria, Beric's teacher, and Miss Habibeh, Bryce's teacher. They keep me well informed about our boys' progress, challenges and the specific support they provide to help them improve. Miss Maria, in particular, challenges Beric by giving him exercises from higher grade levels because she recognizes his ability. He enjoys these challenges and is motivated to do more. This shows how well the teachers understand and nurture each child's potential. Miss Natalia also provides helpful updates regularly, which reflects strong engagement from leadership. Homework is regular and well structured, given twice (Wednesdays and Fridays) to help reinforce learning at home.

(5) Academics

Wise Owl Private School offers a competitive and well-balanced academic program that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. The curriculum combines core academic subjects with enriching extracurricular activities that ensure students receive a holistic education. In addition to regular lessons, the school organizes outdoor learning experiences such as trips to museums and parks, which help students with real-world experiences. The school also introduces innovative programs, such as hands-on workshops like 3D printing, where students learn design, digital literacy, and problem-solving capabilities using platforms like TinkerCAD. The academic environment is engaging and progressive, so I am confident that our boys will be adequately prepared to take the next step in their academic journeys when the time comes. While no program is ever perfect, we have not personally experienced any significant weaknesses. However, continuous improvement will always ensure the curriculum remains adaptive and strong.

(5) Extracurriculars

(5) Students

The school has a relatively small student population, which creates a warm and close-knit environment. One of the first things you notice is how happy the students are when they arrive at school. There are always smiles on their faces. The interaction between students and teachers is wonderful, with greetings and friendly conversations. Teachers often take a moment to connect with parents as well, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere. The kids truly enjoy being there. It always feels like they look forward to seeing their friends and teachers daily.

(4.5) School Life

Our boys genuinely love going to their school. They look forward to seeing their friends and teachers every day. They enjoyed their lessons as well as the various activities and games that made learning fun. The school creates a positive, lively and supportive environment where children feel happy, comfortable and motivated. One area for improvement could be the physical space. The classrooms are adequate, but additional outdoor space for activities and learning would be beneficial. That said, I understand how challenging relocation can be, especially given the school's convenient location. Overall, the quality of experience far outweighs this challenge.

(5) Community

The parent community at the school is warm, respectful and very welcoming. It is common to see parents interacting during drop-off and pick-up, building genuine connections with one another. We talk, exchange contacts and even attend each other's children's birthday events, which reflects the strong sense of community within the school. Communication between the school and parents is excellent. Parents have direct access to teachers, and the school consistently shares updates through weekly newsletters capturing the week's activities, WhatsApp, emails and calls. This level of engagement ensures that parents are well-informed and involved in their children's development. One area for further enhancement could be revamping a more structured Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). While parents are already engaged extensively and regularly individually, a formal body could provide an organized platform for collaboration and allow parents to contribute more broadly to the school's growth and overall well-being.

(5) School Location

One of the key advantages of Wise Owl is its excellent location. Situated at 99 Sheppard Avenue West, the school is very easy to find and conveniently accessible. It is not hidden away in an isolated area, which makes daily drop-off and pick-up smooth for parents. There is also a parking lot right in front of the school that adds to the convenience. The school is well-connected by public transportation with several subway stations nearby, making it accessible for families commuting from different parts of the city. Additionally, there is a nearby park that provides opportunities for outdoor activities. The surrounding environment is clean, safe and pleasant, which contributes to a positive learning environment and overall experience for both parents and students.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process was very smooth and largely stress-free for us. We initially reached out through the website, sent an email and were able to book an appointment with Miss Natalia quite easily. From our very first interaction, we had a positive impression. We were running a few minutes late and called to inform her, and she kindly reassured us that it was no problem and that she would wait. That moment really reflected the kind, patient and considerate person she is. During the meeting, she clearly explained the admissions process and took the time to address all our questions and concerns. She went beyond just discussing procedures/requirements and offered support with other matters we were dealing with as new immigrants at the time, which we appreciated. The level of care, understanding and personal attention we received exceeded our expectations.