REVIEW OF OakHaven Academy For Diverse Learners BY parent, Deidre Santos

(5) Student Experience

In just one month, I’ve seen a complete shift in my child’s attitude toward school. He actually enjoys going each morning — something I honestly never thought I’d see. His confidence has blossomed, and for the first time, he feels capable and understood. The teachers at OakHaven are exceptional. They meet each child exactly where they are — academically, emotionally, and socially — and build from there. I didn’t think that kind of personalized teaching was possible in a classroom setting, but they’ve proven otherwise. This school has everything a child with diverse needs could possibly need — structure, empathy, creativity, and genuine care. OakHaven Academy hasn’t just supported my son’s education; it’s transformed his outlook on learning and restored our hope as a family.

Why OakHaven Academy For Diverse Learners?

After five years of struggling in the public school system, where my son’s unique learning needs were often overlooked due to a lack of resources and individualized support, finding OakHaven Academy has been nothing short of life-changing.

Expectations vs. Reality

The only possible downside at this point is that the school does not yet have a permanent space — they are currently renting space from Code Ninja. If you require after-care, that can be a bit challenging to coordinate, though before-care is available and very flexible. Even with that small limitation, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. The difference Oak Haven has made in my child’s life is beyond what I ever imagined possible.

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The cohort also makes a difference; being surrounded by peers who have diverse learning styles helps create a sense of belonging and understanding. Still, what stands out most is that the teachers don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. They provide personalized strategies and behavioral support tailored to each child’s needs, helping them develop the tools to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

(5) School Leadership

The principal at OakHaven Academy is outstanding. She is always available for communication — whether at drop-off, pick-up, or throughout the day — and genuinely takes the time to connect with families. Her openness and accessibility make such a difference. One of the things I appreciate most is that she shares daily pictures and videos, giving parents a real window into their child’s day. It’s such a thoughtful touch that shows how much she values transparency and parent involvement. The Student Success Plan she creates for each child is incredibly detailed and individualized. It’s clear that she deeply understands the students’ strengths, challenges, and goals, and works closely with the teachers to ensure each child thrives. Above all, you can tell she truly loves the students. Her warmth, commitment, and genuine care set the tone for the entire school community.

(5) Teaching

The teachers at OakHaven Academy are truly exceptional. They use a multi-sensory approach to teaching that engages every type of learner — visual, auditory, and hands-on. This approach has made such a difference for my son, helping him actually connect with and retain the material in ways that traditional methods never could. They also use a token economy system for motivation, and it’s been incredibly effective for my child. He feels proud of his progress and is learning valuable lessons about responsibility and self-regulation in the process. What stands out most, though, is their patience and kindness. They create a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe to try, make mistakes, and grow. My son genuinely looks forward to working with his teachers every single day, which says everything. The teachers at OakHaven aren’t just teaching academics; they’re building confidence, curiosity, and a true love of learning.

(5) Academics

At this stage, my son is still working toward establishing his core foundational skills, so it’s hard for me to comment on specific academic challenges. What I can say with absolute confidence is that he is finally in the right environment to grow, learn, and succeed. A major strength of the academic program at Oak Haven is the use of individualized Student Success Plans for every child. Each plan is carefully tailored to the student’s unique needs, with specific, achievable goals that meet the child exactly where they are in their learning journey. The teachers then build on these goals using personalized strategies, including multi-sensory approaches and targeted behavioural supports. This level of individualization is truly remarkable and is something I did not experience in the public school system. The school cultivates an academic culture that is supportive, patient, and empowering. Students are encouraged to try, make mistakes, and develop confidence alongside their skills. The atmosphere is calm, nurturing, and focused on growth rather than competition, which allows children to thrive both academically and emotionally. While it’s still early days, I believe that this academic program provides a strong foundation that will prepare my child for future learning and life steps. The focus on individualized growth, confidence-building, and skill development ensures that students are not just learning content but also learning how to learn—a skill that will benefit them for years to come.

(2.5) Extracurriculars

At this point in time, OakHaven Academy does not offer formal extracurricular programs, which for us isn’t a concern since we’re already very involved in hockey, baseball, and golf outside of school. What the school does provide, though, are meaningful experiences that still allow the children to explore and connect beyond the classroom. My son has already enjoyed the field trips offered this year, including a visit to Springridge Farm and an afternoon adventure to the public library. These outings are thoughtful and engaging, giving students hands-on experiences that complement what they’re learning in class. The children are also encouraged to bring items like a soccer ball or outdoor games, which creates wonderful opportunities for peer interaction and play. My son has even taken the lead in organizing some afternoon play with his classmates. He loves being able to showcase his physical strengths and enjoys helping other students learn more about sports. Even without formal extracurriculars, OakHaven has created an environment where students can build friendships, explore their interests, and grow in confidence — both inside and outside the classroom.

(4) Students

The student body at OakHaven Academy is small (just eight students) but that’s part of what makes it so special. The atmosphere feels warm, calm, and inclusive. You can sense right away that the students genuinely care about each other. Because of the small class size, every child is known, supported, and valued. The students interact with kindness and empathy, and there’s a real sense of community and connection among them. Conflicts are rare, but when they do happen, the kids have been guided to understand each other’s feelings and work through things respectfully. What stands out most about the student body is its spirit of understanding and cooperation. It’s not competitive or cliquey; it’s collaborative and compassionate. My son feels safe, accepted, and part of something positive every day and that kind of environment makes all the difference.

(4) School Life

My child absolutely loves going to school at OakHaven Academy. He feels supported, understood, and safe every single day. For the first time, he goes to school knowing that he will receive the help he needs and that no one will make fun of him for his challenges. That sense of emotional safety has made a huge difference in his confidence and overall happiness. He looks forward to seeing his teachers and friends each morning, and he genuinely enjoys learning again. The only thing he misses a bit is scheduled recess and gym periods. While the school provides outdoor time in the afternoons, he always wishes there was even more physical activity built into the day — he’s an active kid who thrives when he can move. Even so, the support, patience, and care he receives at OakHaven far outweigh that small limitation. For him, it’s become a place where he feels accepted, capable, and excited to learn.

(5) Community

The broader community at Oak Haven Academy for Diverse Learners is warm, welcoming, and incredibly supportive. The parents are friendly and understanding, many of them having experienced challenges in the public school system. They are educated, engaged, and genuinely invested in ensuring the best possible outcomes for their children, which creates a positive, encouraging atmosphere for everyone. Parents are welcome to be involved in the life of the school. There are opportunities to participate in virtual meetings, and depending on your schedule, there are ways to contribute to the school board as well. In my experience, the school has struck a good balance between meaningful engagement and respecting families’ time, and I don’t feel there is a need for additional opportunities for parental involvement at this point. Overall, the combination of an involved parent community and a caring school environment contributes to a sense of connection, understanding, and shared purpose that is rare to find.

(3) School Location

OakHaven Academy is currently located within an Activity Plex, renting space from Code Ninja while the school searches for a permanent home. The location itself is functional and safe, providing everything the students need for their day-to-day learning and activities. Students do have opportunities to venture beyond the school grounds, such as trips to a nearby park in the afternoons to burn off energy. However, for the most part, the children remain within the Code Ninja facility, which serves as a secure and well-equipped hub for learning and social interaction. Overall, while the school is somewhat self-contained, the surrounding environment is safe, practical, and allows for occasional outdoor activity, giving students both structure and opportunities to move and explore.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at OakHaven Academy was straightforward and stress-free. From the moment I contacted the principal, I felt supported and guided. She connected me with the parent group, answered all my questions, and ensured that the process felt welcoming rather than overwhelming. The application forms were easy to complete, and I greatly appreciated the option of a trial period, which made the decision feel low-risk and flexible. The school also offers monthly payment options, which was a huge relief and made planning much easier. Overall, the process was not stressful at all. It’s clear that the admissions team works closely with families to ensure that the school is a good fit for each child, rather than simply filling a spot. I would encourage anyone considering OakHaven to reach out with confidence — the team is supportive, transparent, and genuinely invested in the students’ success.