REVIEW OF North York Academy BY parent, Yasaman Shetabi

(5) Student Experience

North York Academy has been a wonderful place for both academic and personal growth. The teachers are dedicated, patient, and genuinely care about each student’s success. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and the school provides a welcoming atmosphere for international students as well. What truly stood out about NYA is its commitment to helping students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prepare for university and beyond. The school’s curriculum encourages critical thinking and creativity, and the staff always go above and beyond to ensure students feel supported — both academically and emotionally. As a parent, I’ve seen how much effort the school puts into creating a strong community. The communication between staff and families is excellent, and there’s a real sense of teamwork and respect. I’m proud to be part of the NYA community and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a quality education in a caring environment.

Why North York Academy?

I chose North York Academy High School because of its supportive environment, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers. Compared to other schools, it felt more welcoming and focused on individual student success. The strong support for ESL students and the sense of community really stood out and made it the best choice for me.

Expectations vs. Reality

North York Academy High School met my expectations by providing a supportive and welcoming learning environment with caring teachers and small class sizes. It also diverged from my expectations in a positive way, as the level of individual attention and the strong sense of community were even better than I had anticipated.

Your Advice

I would tell parents that North York Academy High School is a great choice for students who benefit from a supportive and personalized learning environment. The teachers genuinely care about student success and provide individual attention when needed. The school fosters a welcoming community, especially for international and ESL students, helping them build confidence both academically and socially.

(5) School Leadership

The school leadership at North York Academy High School is excellent. Mr. Aliferis, the principal, is very professional, approachable, and truly cares about the students’ success and well-being. He handles situations fairly and creates a positive and respectful school environment. Ms. Wang, part of the administration, is also incredibly supportive, organized, and always ready to help students and parents. Communication is clear and effective, and any concerns are addressed promptly. Overall, the leadership team does a great job fostering a welcoming, safe, and well-managed school community.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at North York Academy High School is excellent. The teachers are passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about their students’ progress. They explain concepts clearly and take the time to ensure that every student understands the material, especially those who may need extra support. The small class sizes make a big difference, allowing for more personalized attention and meaningful interaction. Teachers also provide constructive feedback that helps students improve and build confidence in their abilities. At the same time, they challenge students to reach their full potential, creating a balanced learning environment. Communication is strong, and students always feel comfortable asking questions. Overall, I am very happy with the quality of instruction and the supportive approach taken by the teaching staff.

(5) Academics

The academic program at North York Academy High School is well-structured and supportive, creating a strong foundation for student success. The school promotes a positive academic culture where students are encouraged to stay focused, work hard, and take responsibility for their learning. One of its key strengths is the personalized approach, with small class sizes allowing teachers to give individual attention and support when needed. The school also does a great job supporting ESL students, helping them build both language and academic skills. The atmosphere is welcoming and motivating, which helps students feel confident and engaged in their studies. Overall, I believe the academic program prepares students well for their next steps, whether that is post-secondary education or future career opportunities.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

North York Academy High School offers a good range of extracurricular activities that allow students to get involved both socially and academically. While it is a smaller school, there are still meaningful opportunities for students to participate, build friendships, and develop new skills. The school creates a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to try new things and grow beyond the classroom. Overall, it helps promote well-rounded development in a positive and inclusive setting.

(N/A) Students

The student body at North York Academy High School is diverse, welcoming, and supportive. Because the school is smaller, students are able to get to know each other more easily, which creates a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Many students come from different cultural backgrounds, especially international students, which adds to the richness of the school community. Students generally interact respectfully and are supportive of one another, both inside and outside the classroom. It is easy to build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. The overall spirit of the school is positive, and students are encouraged to grow academically and personally. This creates a comfortable environment where students feel safe, motivated, and confident in their daily school experience.

(5) School Life

Overall, school life at North York Academy High School is very positive and enjoyable. Students feel comfortable, supported, and motivated in their daily experience. The smaller school environment helps create a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, making it easier for students to feel included and build strong relationships. The staff are friendly and approachable, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere. Students generally enjoy coming to school because of the supportive environment and the balance between academics and social life. The school does a great job creating a safe and respectful space for students from different backgrounds. While there is always room for growth, North York Academy already provides a strong and positive school life experience for its students.

(5) Community

The community at North York Academy High School is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. Parents are encouraged to be involved and are kept informed through clear and consistent communication. The school fosters a strong connection between students, families, and staff, creating a sense of trust and collaboration. It is clear that the school values its community and works to create a positive and engaging environment for everyone involved.

(5) School Location

North York Academy High School is located in a convenient and accessible area, which is a big advantage for students. The surrounding neighbourhood is safe and offers nearby amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and public transit, making it easy for students to commute and feel comfortable. While students mainly stay focused within the school during the day, the location adds to the overall positive experience by providing a welcoming and well-connected environment.

(N/A) Admissions

The admissions process at North York Academy High School was smooth, supportive, and well-organized. The admissions staff were friendly, responsive, and took the time to answer all questions clearly, which made the process much less stressful. They genuinely worked with us to ensure the school was the right fit and provided helpful guidance every step of the way. Communication was consistent and transparent, which gave us confidence in our decision. Overall, it was a positive experience, and I would highly recommend the school to anyone considering applying.

(N/A) University placement and counselling

The university placement and counselling at North York Academy High School is very supportive and helpful. Students are guided throughout the entire application process, from choosing the right programs to preparing their applications. The staff take the time to understand each student’s goals and provide personalized advice to help them succeed. Guidance is given early enough so students feel prepared and confident when applying to post-secondary institutions. The counsellors are approachable and always available to answer questions, which makes the process much less stressful. Students also receive helpful information about deadlines, requirements, and different pathways. Overall, the school does a great job supporting students in achieving their future academic goals and preparing them for the next stage of their education.