REVIEW OF St. Jude’s Scholars’ Hall BY parent, Janet Koyanagi

(5) Student Experience

Scholar's Hall is like a second family to all three of my children, who attended. Each teacher can focus on my child - pushing where they are strong, supporting when they need it or struggling. My oldest daughter was disappointed at how small the high school classes were, but that has changed over the years. That is no longer an issue. My son completed his entire school career at Scholar's Hall, and they helped make him the man he is today. In JK, he needed much support, and he was not receptive to authority. Scholar's Hall was able to guide him to graduate high school with a 92% average and get accepted to all his universities, with scholarships. I know they will do the same for my daughter, who is finishing up grade seven.

Why St. Jude’s Scholars’ Hall?

My oldest daughter was in private school in another region when we moved to the KW area. Scholar's Hall was the only private, non-denominational and focusing on strong performance and small classes. My other two children attended because it is such an amazing institution.

Expectations vs. Reality

My expectations were for hard work and good grades for all my children. What is different about Scholar's Hall is that they also focus on strong ethics and values to not only create intelligent students, but also amazing, caring people. Any school can teach and give work, but Scholar's Hall cares about each student.

Your Advice

If you are considering Scholar's Hall for your child, please go and see the school. You will be amazing at happy and hard-working students who will hold a door for you or say hello. Scholar's Hall is an incredible investment in your child and their future!

(4.5) School Leadership

Communication is a priority at Scholar's Hall, both with the students, the parents and the faculty. Newsletters are sent monthly, and all staff are available when needed. All issues are handled timely, effectively and fairly. Every member of the Scholar's Hall team is approachable and caring. They want your child to succeed and are prepared to be available whenever they are needed. They all go above and beyond to support both parents and students. All discipline is well communicated to the parents and students, and expectations are clearly set.

(5) Teaching

Scholar's Hall offers support and will challenge your student. Communication is a two-way street - they want to hear from parents, and they are excellent at providing communication to parents. Teachers are passionate about the subjects they teach, and classes are small enough to ensure that all students get the support they need. I have many times gone to speak with the Director or Principal regarding concerns for one of my children, and they are always available to listen, respond and support. One of the best features of this school is providing both support and challenging students. All teachers are approachable throughout the school year and make each student their priority. Report cards are completed timely manner and maintain a constant measure of your child's progress.

(5) Academics

Scholar's Hall taught my children many things, including hard work, manners, compassion and structure. The academic structure is hard work, and supporting each other. The strength is the small class sizes, so no student falls through the cracks, academically or socially. And, all students support each other and can teach and lead their fellow students. I don't have any weaknesses to report. I assumed a lack of high school course options would be an issue in a small school, but it was not. My son got all the courses he needed to graduate and to apply to the universities he wanted. The school knows your child intimately and helps them academically and socially where needed. That personalized support is the biggest strength of any school, in my opinion.

(4) Extracurriculars

Being a smaller school, extracurriculars can be a challenge, but Scholar's Hall finds ways to introduce clubs and events for many interests. As the school has grown over the years, there are more opportunities now than ever for sports events, clubs, arts and crafts or general interest events. If you are looking for a school that develops well-rounded students, this is it!

(5) Students

Upper school students interact with the lower school, so the entire school has a family vibe. The environment is inclusive to all students and all grades. All students get along and are encouraged to work together. There is a caring mindset taught to all students to look out for each other and anyone who comes into the school. The school demonstrates incredible school spirit and all students from JK to grade 12 work together to along and have fun. Leadership time is a priority to bring the upper school students together weekly with the lower school students. My daughter, in grade 6, loved reading to the JK and SK students. It was one of her favourite parts of the week! And she got a gift from her reading buddy, so it was definitely a mutual.

(5) School Life

In lower school, my kids loved going to school. They looked forward to it every day and would even get up early to get ready for school. Middle school and high school - no child wants to go to school for the work. But all my children came home happy and never overwhelmed when a test or exam was coming up. My kids all grumbled about the workload, but they had to invest very little time in studying for exams as Scholar's Hall had them prepared. My oldest daughter left Scholar's Hall to attend public high school, and she still says it is one of her biggest regrets. Her marks dropped, and she had to cram for exams and always felt unprepared. This was never an issue at Scholar's Hall. The school is a family, and I have no suggestions on how to improve on what they do so well.

(5) Community

I met and am still meeting many parents of students at Scholar's Hall. I have not been hugely involved in the parent community, but I know it is present and could be a participant if I choose. Many events over the year bring families together, and Scholar's Hall welcomes parents into the family at all times. I worked with parents to arrange camping trips for my children, a European trip, and my husband has attended many school trips. Parent involvement is welcomed and appreciated by the Scholar's Hall team. There is a parent Facebook group where you can ask questions of the school or other families, and all responses are timely and appreciated. I have no recommendations on how to make an already smooth process run any better.

(4.5) School Location

The school is in Kitchener, in a business area and offers many off-site trips and outdoor lunch hours. It backs onto a wooded area, so you have no feelings of being in a business park. Students travel to many off-site learning locations over their career at Scholar's Hall - including tours of universities, baseball games, water parks, museums, etc. Students also have the ability to get involved with the local community.

(5) Admissions

I do not remember the admission process being anything but amazing. Scholar's Hall wants to know your child, personally and academically. It was a very personal one-on-one meeting, including a tour and the ability to witness classes in place and student learning. I remember students opening doors for me and being polite and courteous. I was impressed from the moment I entered Scholar's Hall! If you are interested, go and see the school and feel the friendly, family feeling they provide.

(5) University placement and counselling

This is a place that Scholar's Hall outshines all others! I spent hours with the Principal with my son to review the best university programs that fit with my son's interests and capabilities, requirements for these programs and what could be done to ensure that he achieves what is needed to get into these programs. After speaking with parents of public school children, I realized the support we received was WAY above anything offered elsewhere. My son's future was of utmost priority to everyone at Scholar's Hall. Timelines for various steps in the process were well communicated to my son to ensure nothing was missed. Final marks were uploaded very quickly, and support was not only provided during the application process but also support post application.