Interview with Niagara Christian Collegiate PARENT, Cindy Yerich
Cindy, a parent at Niagara Christian Collegiate, shared her perspective on how her daughters thrived through strong academics, supportive teachers, diverse friendships, challenging expectations, and a welcoming, values-based community.
Highlights from the interview
A friend had seen some children out in the community who were wearing NCC hoodies, and they were very well-behaved, well-managed, and polite.
They attended the open house, and both of them were blown away. They enjoyed the fact that it seemed to be challenging; it seemed like the teachers were trying to push the kids. And then we found out that they had a bus system, so that made it more of a possibility for our kids to go there.
When they came back, they were so happy, and you could see that spark for learning come back for them.
Applying to the school was easy. And I really liked the process that they went through. They looked at the report cards, and they needed character references from people.
When they came off the bus, they were laughing and giggling, and the high school kids had been chatting with them, and they were having a great time. And I think the teachers welcomed them with open arms, and they felt welcome at the school.
They were excited to be learning and excited for the challenge that the school offered them.
We don’t feel like we need tutors; we don’t feel like we have to have a parent sit with them. They seem to do all the work independently. In the past, I felt like I had to help facilitate the homework, but I feel like everything has been explained so well in the classroom that we don’t need to do that now.
The kids are really kind. They’re inclusive. And I think that they celebrate each other’s differences.
I like the fact that there are a lot of extracurricular activities for them to do. Both girls have the opportunity to compete in a speaking competition with schools from Oakville all the way down to Smithville.
You feel like you’re part of the school. It’s not the type of school where you drop your kid off and there’s no connection between you and the school.
Tour the school. Meet the teachers. See how the students interact on campus. And see if it’s a good fit for your child.
