"OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners is a nurturing independent school that supports students with diverse learning profiles and social emotional needs. Small group learning and individualized programming help students develop confidence, academic skills, independence, and positive peer relationships within a supportive environment. Student wellbeing, family collaboration, and personalized learning are central to our approach. As a non-profit organization, our Board of Directors is made up of parent volunteers."
At OakHaven Academy, we believe all students can thrive when supported in the right way. Our school is specifically designed for students with diverse learning needs, offering a supportive environment. Each student is assessed when enrolled to identify their strengths and areas for growth. We provide intensive remediation and direct instruction in literacy and numeracy to build strong foundational skills. With a low student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1, students receive personalized attention they need to succeed. Our individualized “Success Plans” replace traditional IEPs, targeting specific academic and developmental goals. We teach social-emotional skills using evidence-based programs and our students learn as a group. Learning extends beyond the classroom through regular community excursions using public transit to visit parks, libraries, museums, farms, and other local experiences that support real-world learning and engagement. We do not support full time one-to-one support.
At OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners, we focus on evidence-based, individualized support in foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. This commitment requires intentional tradeoffs. By prioritizing depth over breadth, we do not offer extensive extracurriculars, competitive pacing, or traditional grade-level progression. Instead, we give students the time and support they need to build strong academic and emotional foundations.
Our small-group model and low student-to-teacher ratios create a nurturing, flexible environment, but we do not provide intensive one-to-one behavioral support for students with oppositional behaviour. Maintaining this structure ensures a predictable and emotionally safe setting for all learners.
We share these tradeoffs so families understand what we value most: foundational skills, individualized growth, and a calm, supportive learning environment. Families interested in exploring fit are welcome to participate in a three-day trial.
OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners was founded in response to the growing need for a learning environment that truly supports students with diverse learning profiles. As a new micro school in the GTHA, OakHaven was created by educators who saw firsthand how many bright, capable students were struggling in traditional settings that did not meet their individual needs. Our program was designed to focus on the core skills: literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development—while also nurturing the whole child through afternoon programming in the arts, science, social studies, and healthy living. We believe that learning should extend beyond the classroom. Regular community excursions are a key part of our approach, helping students apply their learning in real-world contexts, develop independence, and build meaningful connections with their surroundings. OakHaven Academy continues to be guided by our belief that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners supports students who thrive in a personalized, nurturing environment. It serves those with learning differences like dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, or autism, as well as students needing more time, structure, or flexibility than traditional classrooms allow. Learners benefit from direct instruction in reading, writing, and math, and support for attention, processing, executive functioning, anxiety, or self-esteem challenges. With a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, individualized Success Plans, structured and multi-sensory literacy, math, and social-emotional instruction, students gain skills, confidence, and a love of learning. Experienced educators work alongside Child and Youth Care students to provide collaborative, hands-on support for each child’s success.
OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners may not suit families seeking a fast-paced, academically competitive setting, extensive extracurriculars, or a traditional, grade-focused curriculum. We don’t offer accelerated programs, heavy homework loads, or large-group instruction. Instead, we emphasize foundational skill-building, and social-emotional development. Our approach is ideal for families who value structure, flexibility, and relationship-based teaching. Those looking for academic rankings, rigid discipline, or conventional school models may find our individualized, slower-paced methods less aligned. With small class sizes, Ontario Certified Teachers and other experienced educators and therapeutic teaching strategies, OakHaven Academy is designed for students who need an alternative path to success rather than traditional academic pressure.
Families choose OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners because they want a school that truly understands and supports children who learn differently. Many come after their child struggled in traditional classrooms where their needs weren’t fully met. They value our small 5:1 class sizes, personalized Success Plans, and skilled, compassionate educators. Families appreciate our evidence-based literacy and math programs, direct social-emotional learning, and frequent, transparent communication that keeps them involved in their child’s progress. They also value our holistic approach, including community excursions that build real-world skills and independence. Unlike schools with rigid structures, OakHaven Academy adapts to each child’s needs, creating a calm, inclusive environment. This flexibility and individualized support is why families choose us over others that often prioritize standardized pacing or large class sizes.
OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners is seen in the community as a compassionate, inclusive school offering expert support for students with diverse learning needs. Known for its personalized, evidence-based approach, OakHaven Academy stands out for small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a nurturing environment. Ontario Certified Teachers and trained educators specialize in supporting neurodiverse learners, including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, executive functioning deficits, ADHD, and autism. OakHaven Academy’s strong focus on social-emotional growth, real-world learning, and transparent parent communication fosters trust and collaboration. A parent-led Board of Directors helps guide the school’s mission, ensuring family voices remain central. Community members recognize OakHaven Academy as a supportive, relationship-based alternative to traditional education—where students build confidence, develop skills at their own pace, and feel truly understood.
At OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners, families may notice our frequent community outings—like library visits, daily walks to the local park, swim sessions, and city trips accessing public transportation—but could overlook their deeper purpose. These experiences are intentionally embedded in our curriculum to help students connect learning to the real world and foster a sense of community responsibility. What makes this possible is our small class sizes, allowing our experienced educator team to know each student well and communicate with families daily. With a parent-led Board of Directors, families play an active role in shaping our school. This strong, collaborative community is what makes real-world, meaningful learning thrive.
Families may be surprised by how deeply student voice and well-being are woven into daily life at OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners. You might see a student jumping on our small trampoline or sitting quietly with headphones on—and that’s by design. We encourage students to communicate their needs, and we listen. If they need movement, calm, or space, we provide it. We believe open, reciprocal communication is key to student success. That includes daily conversations with teachers and actively welcoming feedback from both parents and students. Our parent Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping the school community, ensuring families have a meaningful voice. This strong partnership isn’t just valued—it’s essential to each child’s growth, progress, and achievement.
OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners has recently moved into a new learning space that reflects our commitment to student well-being, personalized learning, and inclusion. Our environment features flexible workspaces, and quiet zones where students can self-regulate and focus. Our flexible learning groups are intentionally small and designed to support multi-sensory learning, with tools and materials that meet a wide range of needs. This move allows us to expand our programming, offer more one-on-one support when required, and deepen our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for all learners. The location also strengthens our ability to host community excursions and real-world learning experiences using Halton Transit. Students thrive when their individual needs are recognized, respected, and supported. This new space is more than a building—it’s a reflection of the inclusive, student-centered learning we believe all children should receive from our experienced educator team.
In the next five years, OakHaven Academy for Diverse Learners plans to expand, offering continued support for neurodiverse learners from childhood through adolescence. This will allow us to guide students through critical transitions with the same personalized, relationship-based approach. We also envision moving into a permanent learning space designed to reflect our core values—with calming indoor environments, flexible classrooms, and dedicated outdoor learning areas that support movement, nature-based education, and social-emotional growth. Our expansion will deepen our commitment to individualized learning, well-being, and real-world skill-building, ensuring students are not only academically prepared but confident, capable, and connected. As we grow, we will continue to centre student voice, strong family partnerships, and inclusive, strength-based teaching—creating a lasting community where every learner can thrive.
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