What stands out for me is the positive and loving vibe when I go into Oak. The environment is carefully designed to inspire young minds, such as the beautiful paintings on the wall of trees and various toy stations, and library. The student body is very small and collegial. What I love is that the teachers are accessible and it feels like a family vibe. We know most of the parents in the school, we frequently go to each of the children's birthday parties (including the teachers) and the children are not siloed into classrooms by age. There are mixed classes where some of the older students can model appropriate behaviours for the younger students. A sense of community is promoted within the school by encouraging all students and parents to take an active role.
Oak Learners is a small school, with children aged 3-10 and growing. Most of the children are special needs to some degree and all have flourished in ways that parents report being out of reach at previous private schools. The general atmosphere is loving, welcoming and gentle. No harsh words, no meanness - instead gentleness, kindness and respect are the watchwords and role modelled for the children by the staff daily. Every member of the staff is a loving and gentle adult who wants nothing but to help each child thrive. Even when their peers experience learning or behavioural challenges, the children are empathetic and try to think of ways to help each other. They enjoy each others' victories and work hard to build each other up based on the staff's example.
The student body is small but very cohesive. Students enjoy playing and working with each other, and perhaps because of the small size, learn to get along and develop deep friendships. They learn how to work through issues that come up, fostering important social skills. They are enthusiastic and welcoming, and there is always a happy atmosphere when we arrive at school. All of them are happy to see each other in the morning, and sad to say goodbye at the end of the day. Students have many opportunities to learn and play together, so quickly learn who they work best with, who are their best playground friends, and how to learn and be friendly with everyone around them. Both of our kids love being a part of the school community.
The student body is small, diverse and very cohesive. The atmosphere that parents sense in the mornings at drop-off time is one of excitement. Students are intellectually curious and high-energy. Students are encouraged not only to work on their own personalized plans but to also help each other achieve their individual goals. The atmosphere that parents sense in the afternoons at pick-up time is one of satisfaction as our children have worked hard and tell us they are tired. As with any other schools, student dynamics are never issue-free. In this context, one of Oak Learners' strength is that its small size and high teacher-to-student ratio enables the school staff to identify issues between students very quickly. This typically allows for the creation of action plans before student dynamics issues snowball into something much larger.
