How we see Pythagoras Academy
Pythagoras famously said “educate the children and it won't be necessary to punish the men.” Which sounds harsh, there on its own, but it’s true—education is the means to the liberal arts ideal of becoming active, productive, empathetic participants in all aspects of civil life. That means experiencing new things, engaging critically with new ideas, while offering our own talents in the service of others. It also means growing in to an understanding of what membership in communities offers, as well as a sense of roles and responsibilities that those communities require of us. Pythagoras thought big thoughts, and the school does too, as well it should. They offer a rich program, an extensive co-curricular offering, and cast a wide net in terms of instructional delivery. It’s an active place, full of opportunities to do all those things that Pythagoras valued: experience, interaction, values, while accessing a holistic approach to learning and life. Pythagoras also lived in a cave, though that’s a point where this school sharply departs from its namesake. The building is a chief asset of the program. Spaces are open, fluid, bright, modern, and engaging. Any way you slice it, from instruction to school community, there’s a lot to love.
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How Pythagoras Academy sees itself
"Pythagoras Academy is a progressive JK to Gr. 8 independent school that embraces the role of the Arts and Sciences. Education can be relevant, engaging and inspiring and our teachers are dedicated to making this a reality for Pythagoras Academy students. By regularly designing learning experiences that are active and hands-on, our staff ensure that students’ whole personhood is involved in learning and growing. We teach students how to apply their interests and talents in order to solve real-word problems."
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How people from the school’s community see Pythagoras Academy
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Michael Bouchard, Head of School
A Welcome Message from Our Head of School
At the heart of every child and youth is a curious person, knowing what matters and what interests them. Pythagoras Academy teachers are experts at connecting to students and engaging them deeply in their learning by taking into account the unique qualities of the students they teach. Our students understand that they belong in our community because they ‘stand out’ and not because they try to ‘fit in’.
Students need both creative and complex challenges to thrive. In this light, we have designed many specialized programs to encourage this creativity and to build on students’ problem-solving skills. We have a world-class musical theatre program and information technology/broadcasting program where students are innovative, expressive and confident. Creativity abounds in our Story Studio, our innovative writing space.
We take pride in our students’ collaboration and communication skills. We develop our students’ confidence by coaching them during collaborative, real-world problems solving activities. Learning to work together and knowing how to give and take, appreciate others and generate quality ideas together are skills our students will need in the future. Our learning process is dynamic, crosses disciplines, and often involves a Fine Arts component.
Our parent community works in harmony with our school leadership and warm-hearted, talented staff. Together we create an enriched environment where students feel safe, cared for and supported to invest all of themselves into their learning opportunities.
If you are beginning to get to know Pythagoras Academy, you are welcome to explore our website, book a tour, or speak with me directly about any questions you may have. We welcome all parent inquiries and encourage parents to connect with us on our life-long journey of building a healthy, compassionate, and innovative learning community.
Warmest regards,
Michael Bouchard
Interim Head of School
Most big schools provide your extroverted child with plenty of social opportunities and the ability to interact with different peer groups with a wide range of personalities, interests, values, etc. A larger student population and more extracurriculars—including activities like team sports, arts programs, and debate—will give them a broader scope of opportunities to participate in events that scratch their interpersonal itch. “This may also give them the opportunity to hone certain skills,” say Ann and Karen Wolff of Wolff Educational Services. “For instance, they might run for student council to develop leadership and public speaking skills and learn to be a voice for other students.”
Through extensive group work, projects, and activities, Reggio Emilia schools provide the kind of social and collaborative learning environment many extroverts crave. Since it’s believed children learn well through social interaction, they’re given plenty of time to interact, listen to each other, ask and answer questions, and work on their communication skills. This can nurture their curiosity and imagination, improve their social skills, and enable them to form close and fulfilling friendships. While most Reggio Emilia schools also give kids quite a bit of unstructured social time, make sure you ask about this.
Make sure any prospective school, no matter what size, provides the right social environment to help your child feel at home, make friends, and develop confidence. This is especially important at big schools, which are sometimes more socially overwhelming and challenging for an introvert to find their bearings in. Of course, “Because larger schools usually have a more diverse student population, introverted kids are more likely to find a small group of people like them, a peer group they can relate to and find acceptance from,” says Dona Matthews, Toronto-based education consultant and co-author (with Joanne Foster) of Beyond Intelligence.
Bigger schools often have a broader scope of extracurricular activities, which is another way to help your child meet the right group of friends. “This may also give them the opportunity to develop certain skills,” say Ann and Karen Wolff of Wolff Educational Services. “For instance, they might run for student council to develop leadership and public speaking skills and learn to be a voice for other students. Remember, though, each child is different—so what works for one may not work for another.”
In Reggio Emilia schools, teachers consider each child’s relationship to one another and aim to promote positive connections between them, a blessing for introverted kids (as it is for extroverted kids). The warm, community feel of the Reggio classroom—which is set up to promote lots of interaction—can enable your child to feel at home, connect with classmates, and overcome their shyness. Given the social and dynamic environment of the Reggio classroom, make sure your child will get enough time on their own, in and out of class, to replenish their energy and psychological resources.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Pythagoras Academy
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