REVIEW OF Hydrostone Academy BY parent, Erica Adams

(5) Student Experience

When your children are consistently excited about going to school and don’t want to leave at the end of the day, you know you’re in the right place. Our kids have a true sense of belonging and safety with peers and teachers. Their independence is welcomed, and their uniqueness is respected and celebrated. Small classroom sizes allow trusting relationships to form and confidence to grow, and I see this in both my kids every day. Teachers find creative and engaging ways to teach all subjects, and peer mentorship has been such an amazing opportunity for my kids. They get the chance to be a leader with younger kids and form relationships with older ones. If I asked my kids what they like most, it would be the teachers.

Why Hydrostone Academy?

We chose Hydrostone Academy because of location, curriculum and teaching style but we stay because of the supportive and respectful community it offers for our kids and family.

Expectations vs. Reality

Hydrostone Academy aligns well with the values we uphold in our house and knowing our kids have consistency between home and school life is very important. There is nothing that stands out as diverging from our expectations.

Your Advice

I would say that you should send your kids for a day and let them experience it for themselves and talk to parents of students who go there. It’s not just something you can read about, you need to experience and feel it to understand it.

(4.5) School Leadership

The leadership and administration foster an open and positive environment for students and families. They communicate well, are respectful and make you feel at home.

(4.5) Teaching

The teachers at Hydrostone Academy are probably the thing my kids love most about HA. They are positive, creative and more often than not allow the kids to lead and express is the ways they need or want. Teachers are in constant communication with parents and I appreciate knowing what is going on in the classroom and with our kids.

(4.5) Academics

What I love about the academic program at Hydrostone Academy is that it’s not as rigid in process as others. While the outcome is the same, the process is adaptable and works well for young learners. Our kids are rarely bored and enjoy the fun and creativity that is embedded in their learning.

(3.5) Extracurriculars

While there are some clubs and extracurricular activities, there is a limited opportunity for recreation or competition in sports. This is likely due to the small size of the school.

(4) Students

The size of the school is smaller than most, and that is one of the perks. Students feel connected beyond their grade, which creates a fun dynamic. I often see the older students helping the younger ones in the yard, and the younger students are excited to engage with the older ones.

(4.5) School Life

Our kids love going to school. They are supported and respected by their teachers and staff, and our kids have great respect for their teachers.

(5) Community

The sense of community is very positive at Hydrostone Academy. Most families know each other, and the opportunities to get involved are plentiful. The community at the school is a really important factor in why we stay at HA.

(4.5) School Location

The school is in a very special and historical neighbourhood in Halifax. Students get to explore parks in the area and venture further out of the city on wilderness adventures.

(4.5) Admissions

The application process was simple, and administration was supportive the whole way. The only advice I have is to call and book an appointment to discuss possibilities for your family.