REVIEW OF MindWare Academy BY parent, JENNIFER KITCHER

(4.5) Student Experience

MindWare Academy’s small class sizes have been a game-changer for our child. With only five classrooms, the school is large enough to provide a full range of grade levels, yet small enough that every student knows one another. This creates a powerful sense of community where no one feels lost in the crowd. The shorter class periods punctuated by frequent breaks are perfect for students who crave routine but needs to get up and move. We also love the flexible approach to grouping; core subjects are taught at grade level, while physical education, art, and drama allow for multi-age social interaction. The change to multi-age groups for learning in areas needing individual improvement like reading, ensures the students get the support they need. Beyond academics, the school’s focus on social skills development has been invaluable in helping our child navigate peer interactions both inside and outside the classroom. Perhaps most importantly, the administration works as a true partner with parents, co-creating success plans for students who may struggle with standard classroom routines. Having a sports minded child, they occasionally wish there was a gym and the opportunity for intramural sports. Having seen the individual growth and development of students graduating over the years speaks to the variety and support Mindware Academy offers its students.

Why MindWare Academy?

The balance between academic and social supports that Mindware offers was what our child needed to have an opportunity to succeed at school. Centrally located, and with the partnership of an after school program fit with our family's routine.

Expectations vs. Reality

It aligned to our expectations that the school has staff that really work together to help ensure students succeed. The principal goes beyond what we ever expected in helping our child throughout his career at the school. The practice of having students shadow before being admitted helps keep expectations and realities close together.

Your Advice

If you child struggling with self-regulation in a big school with large classes, Mindware gives a space for kids to be themselves and a part of the class. It supports them to be the best self they can be.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership at MindWare Academy is exceptionally hands-on; it’s clear they take immense pride not just in the school as an institution, but in the personal growth of every individual student. We have found the administration to be deeply connected to our child’s journey, fostering an environment where they are truly invested in student success. What stands out most is the transparency and consistency of their communication. They don’t just reach out when there is a challenge; they are proactive in sharing regular 'positives,' which helps build a well-rounded picture of our child's progress. Whenever we’ve had concerns, the leadership has been remarkably accessible and willing to engage in honest, collaborative discussions. They take a high level of personal responsibility for the student experience, constantly seeking ways to refine their approach and ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to learn and thrive.

(4.5) Teaching

We have been incredibly impressed with the quality of instruction at MindWare Academy. The teachers are more than just educators; they are genuinely caring and passionate individuals who clearly enjoy their work and want to be there every day. This enthusiasm is infectious and creates a positive learning environment where our child feels seen and valued. The instruction is far from a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. The teachers excel at basing lessons on the specific interests of the students, using creative and unique methods to bring the curriculum to life. Each teacher brings their own personality and expertise to their subjects, making the material engaging and relatable. We feel our child receives a healthy balance of academic challenge and necessary support, as the teachers are skilled at tailoring their feedback to be both constructive and encouraging. Communication has been effective, ensuring we are always aware of how our child is doing.

(4) Academics

The academic program at MindWare Academy is profoundly restorative. Its greatest strength lies in its use of Modified Education Plans (IEPs) that are meticulously tailored to each student’s current level rather than their age-matched grade. For children who have grown discouraged because they couldn't find success in a traditional classroom, this approach is transformative. By meeting them where they are, the school replaces the 'gap' between their ability and the curriculum with a sense of achievable goals. The school cultivates a supportive, low-pressure academic culture that prioritizes Social Development and emotional regulation as much as literacy and numeracy. It recognizes that students' abilities can vary greatly between subjects and accommodates those strengths and weaknesses. We have watched our child’s confidence grow as they realized they could be successful learners. This shift is reinforced by their reporting style; reports are highly qualitative, focusing deeply on our child’s unique strengths and specific areas for growth. Instead of just a letter grade compared to a provincial average, we receive a clear picture of how they are progressing against their own personal goals. In terms of 'next steps,' we feel this program is providing the essential foundation—resiliency and self-advocacy—that our child will need for high school and beyond.

(3.5) Extracurriculars

They do not provide extracurricular activities like sports teams and competitions, but do offer to incorporate other non-academic activities into their weekly programming. They offer group projects and competitions like bridge building and egg drops for the entire school, offering opportunities for leadership for older students and learning for younger students. Based on the size and focus area of the school, I would not expect sports to be a focus.

(4.5) Students

A defining characteristic of MindWare Academy is its deep commitment to building a genuine community. Because it is a small, intimate school with fewer than 50 students, it functions more like a family than a traditional institution. This size ensures that every student is known by name, creating a safe environment where the social barriers typically seen between grades simply don't exist. We’ve been particularly impressed by the organic mentorship that occurs; older students naturally step into leadership roles, helping and encouraging the younger ones during multi-age activities and breaks. Significant effort is poured into developing positive, respectful relationships both within individual classrooms and across the entire school. Diversity is not just acknowledged but actively celebrated, with students being given practical, everyday tools to support and advocate for one another. This focus on inclusivity ensures that every child feels a sense of belonging, which is the essential foundation they need to succeed academically.

(4.5) School Life

Our child loves going to school each day, which is a significant improvement from their previous experiences. In a larger, traditional system, they could not handle the number of students in the building and the amount of time just spent waiting for others, but at MindWare Academy, they feel like they truly belong. The primary reason for this is the school’s deep focus on community; since there are fewer than 50 students, our child is known and interacts with every teacher and peer. They especially enjoy the multi-age interactions, finding a sense of pride in helping the younger students. The quality of life is further enhanced by the school's 'social coaching' approach. Instead of just managing behaviour, the staff provides students with actual tools to navigate friendships and celebrate diversity. This creates a low-stress, inclusive atmosphere where our child feels safe to take academic risks.

(4.5) Community

The parent community at MindWare Academy naturally recognizes each other due to the small size of the student body. One of the most significant benefits of a school with under 50 students is that you aren't just a face in a crowd; you quickly get to know the other students and see parents during pick up and drop off. As the school draws from a large geographical area, there isn't the natural opportunity for the students to interact outside of school or the after-school program, as there would be with a group of students who live in the same neighbourhood, as most public schools would pull from. This means that parents do need to be more proactive in organizing activities for the students to get together outside of the school.

(4.5) School Location

The school is located just off the highway, making access from various areas of the city convenient. For older students, there is a regular bus service allowing for public transportation as a way to get to the school. The proximity to BGC has allowed for the partnership to have students attend after-school activities. The school has ample parking for easy pickup and drop off of students. It is also located near city parks that the school makes use of regularly.

(5) Admissions

As it is a small school, admissions are done directly with the school administration, who know the ins and outs of the school. As such, they can easily answer any questions parents might have as part of the admission process. The school offers a shadow program for all potential students as part of the admission process. This allows students to experience the actual in-class environment and day-to-day activities that take place in the school. It also offers the students a chance to ask other students questions.