REVIEW OF Hydrostone Academy BY parent, Andrew Cranmer

(5) Student Experience

My kids have had an amazing experience at the school. Both academically and socially, they have thrived throughout their time at Hydrostone Academy. Their teachers allow the kids to explore topics that appeal to them while, at the same time, providing ample opportunity for outdoor education, music, drama, and the arts. One of the beautiful aspects of the school is the ongoing relationships and support the kids have with their peers. Many of whom will return for concerts and plays to celebrate and support their friends, even after they've left the school. While COVID was a challenging time for the culture at Hydrostone Academy, there is an amazing culture of support amongst the families, the kids, as well as the teachers and staff. The space has given us confidence as parents that our kids are cared for while at school on a day-to-day basis. The teachers see the kids every day for who they are and what they need. WE have made some lifelong friends with other parents at the school and would take our kids through again, without hesitation.

Why Hydrostone Academy?

Originally, we had the wonderful opportunity of having my daughters first years spent with their grandmothers. When it came time to choose a pre-school, we had a number of options in our neighbourhood. Given my daughter was shy and hadn't been with large groups of kids, we appreciated the gentle environment and smaller scale of Hydrostone Academy. While she really enjoyed the school, she in fact, didn't say a word to anyone (including her teacher) for five months after starting. But she loved her teacher and the gentle approach allowed our daughter to come out of her shell at her pace. She is now a leader in her class, has excelled both academically and socially. Given this amazing experience, we have continued to attend the school.

Expectations vs. Reality

The culture and the teachers significantly exceeded our expectations. As a result, both our kids have attended, and we have been active volunteers at Hydrostone Academy. However, with an older building has come some challenges. As a heritage property, the building does need work and upkeep. As a smaller school, it has been a challenge in terms of funding capital investments, though the administration and board have improved those operations.

Your Advice

I would say to anyone considering Hydrostone Academy is see past the building and look at the teachers and culture created. The kids thrive, they know their fellow students across many grades, and excel in the environment. I look back on our time and have no regrets for having our kids attend. Their a culture of kindness and support that allows kids to thrive.

(4) School Leadership

The school administration is fantastic but, as a smaller school, are challenged with having enough resources for everything that needs to be completed. The board, in my experience, was always trying to support the administration and ensure the schools long term viability. But, I would say that the Executive Director of the school has always been a key person to create the culture. The current ED is amazing. She is hands-on and active with all the kids. What's really wonderful is getting random pictures texted from the director when the kids are doing something interesting. You know your kids are cared for and safe at Hydrostone Academy.

(4.5) Teaching

We have been delighted by the instruction at the school which has allowed our kids to explore topics they want. We can see our kids starting to really explore areas of interest and no just the subjects because that's what they are learning. My daughter for instance has explored a wide range of science topics that has fueled a passion in her learning. While my son, on the other hand, has been able to explore his family history and certain personal health matters as supported by the teachers. The school has a wonderful approach to parent-teacher meetings where in junior high and above, the kids are attending the sessions. In these sessions, the teachers engage directly with the kids asking about how they feel the term has been and any concerns they might have. It is wonderful to see your kids excitedly wave or say hello to teachers outside of school.

(4.5) Academics

While it is a smaller school, it might have a full diversity of subjects, and the level of academics is very strong. We can see the benefit of the smaller class size and the higher level of teaching than some of our friends with kids in public school. Our children are learning advanced topics in the sciences and mathematics. While at the same time blending a mix of classical arts learning with subjects like history, language arts, and social studies. This academic focus is balanced by a wonderful mix of music, art, and sports that provide the kids opportunities to grow in areas outside traditional academics. Based on our kids' learning, we expect they will be very well prepared for whatever academic routes they follow after Hydrostone Academy.

(3.5) Extracurriculars

With a smaller school there is a bit less on the extracurriculars than we would like but it tends to be in the team sports area. They are ample clubs, small groups sports, and the arts of the kids to thrive. I've seen my kids build their personal goals inside the school and, if they have other pursuits, we focus those outside the school. The balance has been positive for our family.

(4.5) Students

The class sizes are wonderful with my kids both in "larger classes" with ±15 kids in each class. The kids have developed some beautiful friendships and they want to see most of their classmates outside school or over the breaks. There is a really wonderful culture of support where the other kids and family are cheering on all the students. As an example, during concerts we hear other kids and parents yelling out support for ours when they have a solo. Or when my daughter advanced to regional and then national science fair, she was supported by her classmates without hesitation. I don't think I've ever seen in my personal life a more wonderful culture of kindness and support than at Hydrostone Academy. This is what has kept us at the school more than anything.

(5) School Life

My kids are upset when they are sick or unable to attend Class. This is very different from my experiences growing up. While the older building comes with some headaches - occasionally drafty winters - their is a bonding that occurs for the kids, teachers, families, and staff. I would say for anyone considering the school that the environment of support and child-centred learning, where the interests of the kids actually play into how and what the teachers bring forth, is a unique offering. Balancing the needs of the curriculum with the kids of topics the kids enjoy is a delicate balance. When our kids and their friends are excited to attend class, excited to see their teachers, and happily regale us with their daily experience, we know they are in the right environment.

(4.5) Community

Coming out of the COVID pandemic, the school community took a bit of time to restart. We had become accustomed to a lively time at pick-up when parents would chat while kids ran around. But, we seem to be returning to a positive culture. Parents and families are engaged at school events like concerts and "pot-lucks". While outside of school, parents and families are engaging socially at parties and other events. When we see other Hydrostone families outside school, we stop, we chat and engage. This is one of the wonderful aspects of the school that has kept us returning.

(4.5) School Location

Good located for the school with ease of access for our family. There are a few opportunities form older kids to get off campus to local cafes at their breaks. We are close to Needham Park which offers a variety of outdoor activities and educational support for nature learning as well as the Halifax Explosion memorial. While we moved out of the neighbourhood, we love that our kids are in the area.

(4) Admissions

We've had no issues with admissions though the process has changed a few times over the years. We receive generally clear communication from the school and understand the dates and timelines through the process. Given the smaller school and close culture, we have not had any issues and the administration works with families to ensure the required documents are executed and in hand in a timely manner.