Founded in 1994, Nancy Campbell Academy is a preparatory school intending to provide a strong academic program, a foundation in character development, and to deliver students prepared to succeed in university. Gordon Naylor, the founder, remains as principal, giving valuable consistency to leadership. Over that time, curriculum was developed to address the overarching concepts of world citizenship, consistent with the provisions of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It can risk sounding lofty, though the school works to ground those ideals within the day to day. “If we can create an environment that is based in an ethical way of doing things,” says Naylor, “then we can demonstrate what we’re about, rather than just posting something on the wall saying this is what we’d like to be.” Certainly, reports from students, parents, and alumni vouch for the success of the approach. Students are encouraged not just to consider the concepts of ethical citizenship, but to think about what they, personally, can bring to the world. Academic achievement is a source of social capital within the setting; this is a place where it’s very much cool to be smart, engaged, and curious. The student body is diverse, and the program is designed specifically to address the needs of international learners arriving from overseas. The program, in turn, is strengthened by the breadth of and diversity of perspectives that they bring with them. The size of the student population—enrolment averages 80 students across the secondary grades—ensures that every member is known to faculty and peers, and feels part of the school community.
Nancy Campbell Academy
We are very happy with the staff and students at Nancy Campbell Academy. Our daughter felt that her teachers listened to her views and opinions. We can see a positive change in her attitude towards learning. Many of the older nurtured her and became older sisters and brothers, and she made lasting friendships The School's philosophy 'Choose Happiness' was evident in the excitement felt at student-led coffee houses and service projects within the community at large. The philosophy of strivi... View full review
My daughter entered Nancy Campbell Academy at Semester in Jan 2020. Immediately she was welcomed by staff into a student body that can best be described as a family. The teachers display academic rigor and relevance in their teaching and push every student to be their best. However, teachers are also available and there is much support for students' academic achievement as well as emotional wellbeing at both the school and the residence. While the switch to online learning was problematic for... View full review
I am a current student at Nancy Campbell Academy. I transferred in the second semester of my Grade 9 year because I was looking for a school that I felt was supportive, where teachers pushed me to learn but also helped me and was in a safe place. The one thing I wish I knew about the school before I arrived is what a great experience it would be. My first semester at a local school was filled with students who were doing drugs, full of drama and while some of my teachers were good, many didn't ... View full review
In a year of great turmoil, 2019/2020 was the first year our daughter attended NCA, her experience was outstanding. One of the primary reasons for choosing NCA was the global awareness to student development and a class size that allowed greater attention to student needs. The switch to online classes was seamless and we were kept full apprised of where she needed assistance and where she was excelling. The teachers desire to see nothing but the very best results was the catalyst for her strong ... View full review
Nancy Campbell is an amazing experience and I would never regret coming here. My confidence level is 100 percent after spending one year here. This school gave me the opportunity to express how I feel and made me realize talents that I thought I did not have. I could not love this school more. I came here shy, knowing no one to know every one of the students and staff. Everyone here supports each other and this is what I wanted all my life. We met and became family for a lifetime. I wish I att... View full review
I think it's safe to say that what my daughter likes the most, is the environment of the school. They try to keep it as a family. We live in another country, as many of the students there, and since the day we left her at school, we felt it. Try to wonder how hard it's to leave your daughter of only 14 years old on her own, in another country, with another language and culture, without knowing anyone! But all my worries disappeared at the moment I met the whole staff and teachers. They are all ... View full review
My child enjoyed and appreciated the warm, family-like atmosphere and a solid academic foundation at Nancy Campbell Academy. At this school, no matter where students are from, they seem to quickly and easily settle in and acquire a strong sense of belongings. The culture diversity helps students to share and learn and grow faster. People at Nancy Campbell Academy do choose happiness. It is really a happy place to spend your teenage years. "Happiness through purpose is the motivation for students... View full review
I attended Nancy Campbell Academy for my 12th grade year. It was one of the best experiences I have had in my life! There was always a positive vibe all around the school. The teachers and the staff also really care about you. They are readily available to help out any student one on one with any academic or emotional concern. Not only do they care about your academic progress they also care about your position in society and for you to become a helpful soul. Students do outreaching to help thei... View full review
Nancy Campbell Academy for My Daughter and Family is the realization of a dream. The school has a unique educational sense and a commitment to the development of our children's education in those areas that emphasize each other's best skills. With friendship, love and unity, the school staff takes care of our children like family and it is gratifying to see the happiness of my daughter by knowing more and more the principles of this amazing school! We are Brazilians and it is very important t... View full review
My experience attending Nancy Campbell spanned from age 15 to 18 and were the most formative years of my life. Nancy Campbell's number one priority as an institution is to create world citizens, who care about their environment and seek to better the world. I can say with confidence that because of the shared goal of the institution and the students, I transformed into the man I am today. The community service opportunities the school offered gave me the means to become a more conscious, aware, ... View full review
