Our son loves the variety of the activities at March: each student has an individual piano lesson each week and sings in a choir; they also have yoga, taekwando, cross country skiing in the winter, nature studies, art, French, time for reading and social time before school for games. The school has outings, put on a musical last Christmas, has a recital and other social activities for the students and their families. Reading is supported and encouraged, which our son enjoys. Portions of the learning are done with the entire school, which allows older and younger students to interact and to learn from each other. This creates a positive social environment that our son loves. The integration of academic education, social skills and different activities makes the learning environment a positive one for our son. He feels safe and supported with his teachers and peers.
March Academy is the epitome of what schools should be. My son has flourished since he began attending. My only regret is not having him there sooner! He no longer begs me not to send him to school, not even once this whole year! He is much happier and content with life as a whole. He is always smiling and cheerful when he comes out the door at the end of the day. At his regular school he looked like he had been to war when he got off the bus. It is difficult to leave what is comfortable and go someplace new but the staff and students went out of their way to make him comfortable. The greatest attributes are the quality of teachers, small class sizes, and the focus on the "whole" child (including social skills).
Our eldest daughter completed JK-trough grade 1 in the public school system and it was painful to see her go every morning as her experience there was full of tears, disappointment and loneliness. So we researched several private schools in Ottawa and as soon as we met with the staff at March Academy we knew this was going to imply a monetary effort for us, but we also knew it was going to be worth it. She started in grade 2 and since then she has been the happiest kid as she is thriving, so we haven't looked back and believe every dollar we spend is worthwhile. Our daughter started to enjoy learning, she came home after school like a renewed kid. She has been attending March academy for three years now and is going onto her fourth one. Now both of our kids attend March Academy. What we appreciate the most is the personalized attention they receive there; our kids' concerns and opinions are heard and valued. The personalized attention results in teachers getting to know the kids in a meaningful way, so the report cards that come home are a clear reflection of this. Our kids are not afraid to be themselves or ask questions because they feel safe at March Academy.
March Academy has completely changed my child and his outlook on school. It is now a place he looks forward to going each day. He is thrilled that there is more to March than just academics. At March Academy they look at the student as a whole person, who learns in many ways, not just in a classroom. My son loves that they get to do taekwondo, yoga, piano, cross country skiing and many other activities that he otherwise may not have tried. There is always something for your child to succeed in at March Academy. At March Academy, my child feels accepted and he is accepting of everyone. He has become very aware of everyone unique differences and talents and understands the importance of inclusion.
March Academy has been amazing for our son and our family. Our son struggled in the public system and would often come home frustrated and crying. At March Academy, he has thrived and he comes home everyday with a smile on his face! He will always say “I love it here!" He enjoys the small class sizes and loves playing soccer in the huge field at recess. He has gained confidence and life skills that will assist him for the rest of his life. He has enjoyed the martial arts! He even broke a board and received his yellow belt with all the children and teachers cheering him on. He has made some good friendships here at the school and they accept my son for who he is.
