REVIEW OF Hydrostone Academy BY parent, Calla Lachance

(4.5) Student Experience

Our son enjoys the school's strong integration of rigorous academics, coupled with a vibrant arts program and meaningful community engagement. The school hosts a weekly "forum" discussion across multiple grades, and the community guest speakers (often prominent community and cultural leaders) introduce the students to important knowledge, current, historic and cultural, to foster critical thinking and social awareness. He loves the student-centred music and theatre programs, and engaging, multi-day, nature-based trips that have fostered connection amongst his peers. In a short time, our son formed meaningful friendships across middle school, and he is thriving academically with a renewed sense of confidence. He is now looking ahead to Grade 9 with excitement—something we never imagined he would say. He also loves that there is a sense of generosity and sharing across all the grades, removing the invisible line of hierarchy (which he felt in his previous school of 1000 students), that generates a warmer, welcoming environment. He genuinely feels respected, safe and cared for as he goes about his day.

Why Hydrostone Academy?

The small class size was a significant factor in our decision, as our child struggles with anxiety. Another important factor was the school community itself - a well-balanced mix of socioeconomic, cultural and gender diversity. It is important that the school reflects the real world.

Expectations vs. Reality

As a parent, I see HA as a deeply human school—one that reflects, on a smaller scale, the kind of world we hope for child’s generation: a place where social justice, creativity, environmental activism, and informed discourse are nurtured and valued.

Your Advice

The culture of inclusion at Hydrostone Academy, the support and school pride is felt by students and parents alike. Whether at social gatherings, concerts, or during everyday school pick-ups and drop-offs, there is a palpable warmth that surrounds our little school in the vibrant North End of Halifax. Students are encouraged to be uniquely themselves and their fellow students are expected to show up for each other, to be open to all members of their community, no matter their difference. I feel our son is learning to be an empathetic and caring human being, who also understands and appreciates the power of knowledge, words, creative thinking.

(4.5) School Leadership

Staff and teachers are always responsive to our inquiries, and we never feel that a question is unwelcome. They are also pragmatic: they listen with intent, offer thoughtful feedback, and provide solutions to better support our child’s overall learning and engagement with the curriculum. The school takes a holistic approach to creating an environment of respect, while setting clear boundaries so students understand when to adjust their behaviour. Communication is ongoing through informative weekly newsletters, and expectations and guidelines are clearly outlined in a comprehensive HA Policy Handbook.

(4.5) Teaching

We are very happy with the level of teaching at the school and find each teacher to be an expert in their field. Resources are well aligned with the subject matter, and instruction and assignments are thorough and thoughtfully designed. Our son is challenged to work above his grade level in a supportive manner. While expectations are higher than at his previous school, he is encouraged to work at his own pace. He enjoys being exposed to challenging material, such as classic literature and world history that is not overly Eurocentric or US-centric. He especially loves his Science Fair class, where he is encouraged to think about big ideas and observe how his classmates apply their critical- and problem-solving skills. This fosters a healthy, motivating competitive environment. Teachers are generous with their feedback, as demonstrated in report cards. In addition to rubric indicators, they provide detailed, substantiated comments that give us a true sense of our child’s progress—no more one-line statements.

(4.5) Academics

The school curriculum is well balanced between rigorous academic subjects and creative, experiential programs. Science, science fair, mathematics, English, history, and geography are given equal consideration alongside art, drama, music, physical education, health, and yoga. The core curriculum is challenging, and students are expected to be curious about course content—exploring their own ideas as well as those of their classmates and teachers. Independent thinking is highly valued, while collaborative learning is actively encouraged. One standout aspect of the music program is that from Grade 7 onward, each class forms its own rock band. Students are expected to learn and arrange a piece of music of their choosing using a full complement of band instruments, depending on each child’s skills and abilities. These may include vocals, electric and bass guitar, drum kit, strings, piano, and horns. Students perform at two musical events each year. We were overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm at his first concert, where audience members leapt to their feet in well-deserved standing ovations. I have never seen a gym erupt with so much excitement. The addition of yoga is especially welcome. Although it is only one hour per week, the fact that it is not simply an “add-on” to gym class means our son is learning to value and integrate nervous system regulation and mental health care as important, lifelong tools. The drama program offers students the unique experience of participating in a regional drama festival, as well as opportunities to practice performing on stage or contributing in stage-management roles. Each class presents two productions per year for the wider school community, and both are fully student-centred, featuring student playwrights, directors, performers, and stage managers.

(5) Extracurriculars

Our son has participated in several clubs offered at the school, including Improv Club (great for problem-solving and confidence building), Dungeons & Dragons, Anime Club, French Speaking Café, Card Trading, and Robotics. While he is not currently on a sports team, he appreciates that the school offers a co-ed basketball team that competes with other schools. As mentioned previously, the school places a strong emphasis on experiential learning through outings, which go above and beyond anything we have experienced at other schools. At the start of the school year, students in the middle and upper grades participate in multi-day outings. These serve the dual purpose of helping students and teachers ease back into the school year while also fostering friendship-building among peers. Trips include visits to provincial parks, where students have the opportunity to explore new environments. We also look forward to future outings, such as ski trips and overnight camping experiences offered as part of the high school program.

(5) Students

The overall school community, from K–12, consists of approximately 150 students. It is an intimate environment in which students genuinely get to know one another across grades. This inter-grade interaction creates unique opportunities for role modelling, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. The school is 2SLGBTQIA+ positive, and there is a strong culture of support, acceptance, and encouragement of individual expression throughout the community. Students grow alongside their classmates and, over time, learn to be part of a thriving and evolving educational ecosystem that mirrors the real world. School pride is palpable, and I have never seen so many students carry themselves with such confidence. They truly feel at home at Hydrostone Academy—part of a community that is intentionally designed to support their growth and development.

(4.5) School Life

For the first time in a long while, our son genuinely enjoys going to school. While he may still complain about homework, we can see him maturing and rising to the demands of his studies. Due to the small class sizes, there is a strong sense of camaraderie among students and more time and space for them to truly get to know one another. At his previous school, he was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of students and did not feel safe being himself; instead, he felt as though he constantly had to “perform” according to others’ expectations. The intimate HA community fosters a safe environment in which students can be their authentic selves. When issues arise in the classroom, teachers invite the entire class to come together to explore solutions collectively and build understanding as a community. Students are expected to work hard, but they are also encouraged to be kids—to have fun, express their true colours, and embrace creativity as part of their learning and personal growth.

(4.5) Community

We have quickly settled into the HA community and actively contribute to, and participate in, school events. For example, we helped host a Christmas tree fundraiser and a school community meal prior to the holiday concert. These events created meaningful opportunities to connect with other parents and to build relationships with the families our child is getting to know. It is easy to be involved, as there are countless ways to support the broader aims of the school, including strengthening its presence within the local neighbourhood. I have also seen that when families are in need, others are quick to lend a hand. This shared sense of care and community is what makes the school truly special and why so many families are drawn to become part of it.

(5) School Location

The location of the school is excellent. It is just steps away from coffee shops, a bakery, and some of the best pizza and sushi restaurants in town. The school grounds include a wonderful play area for younger children, shaded by exceptional trees that line the street. While the school does not have its own field, it is only steps away from a beautiful park that is well suited for large outdoor events and sports. Many students walk or ride their bikes to school, which adds to the vibrant, community feel.

(4.5) Admissions

Registering for the school was a very easy and stress-free process. The paperwork and orientation were straightforward, and all correspondence was responded to promptly and clearly. I would recommend contacting the school well before the September term begins, simply to make planning easier. That said, we did not reach out until mid-August and still had plenty of time to gather the information we needed, make our decision, and enroll for the fall. Everyone was incredibly accommodating. Our private school tour helped calm back-to-school nerves and prepared all of us for a smoother transition to a new school.