How we see The Cole Academy
A holistic approach to learning, richly infused with the arts, self-expression, environmental education, and social awareness, sets The Cole Academy apart as a uniquely progressive school. Central to its curriculum is outdoor learning, with one day each week dedicated to environmental studies, cultivating a connection with nature. The Cole Academy carefully tailors individual education plans to each student's needs, benefitting from small class sizes and the Student Mapping and Success program, celebrating each student’s unique talents and interests. Core subjects like mathematics and science are supplemented with lessons about under-represented communities, cultivating a deeper sense of citizenship and social consciousness among students. Beginning in Grade 7, the academy offers comprehensive guidance on high school preparation, encompassing school choice, application processes, and the development of essential skills. This holistic approach at The Cole Academy is designed to cultivate well-rounded individuals, thoroughly prepared to embrace the challenges of secondary education and beyond.
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How The Cole Academy sees itself
"The Cole Academy supports & nurtures children, celebrates their uniqueness, & sets them up for success. We use the arts to promote independence, confidence, & self-expression. Environmental education is embedded in all subjects & one day each week is devoted to learning outside. Curriculum is taught through stories of under-represented communities, including 2SLGBTQ+, BIPOC, & women. Hands-on learning, cooking, community service, environmental awareness, and artistic expression are touchstones of our programming."
"Student input is essential in TCA's programming as we strive to fine-tune our approach to meet each student's learning styles. All students receive an individualized approach through our unique Student Mapping and Success plan that follows them throughout their time at TCA. Arts and environmental studies are part of all classes and students learn the curriculum in exciting and practical ways."
How people from the school’s community see The Cole Academy
If you’re considering a small school for your extroverted child, make sure it offers plenty of social opportunities, including the ability to seek out and interact with different peer groups. Since smaller schools have smaller and less diverse student populations than big schools, it can sometimes be more challenging for your child to find a like-minded group of friends—friends with similar interests, values, etc.
“It’s important to look at the social makeup of the school,” says Ruth Rumack of Ruth Rumack's Learning Space. "Is there enough variety that your child will have a group that they feel connected with? Because you want to have friends that are like-minded and you want to be in a social situation where you feel honoured and respected. Variety can also be found in extracurriculars, leadership programs, and sports activities, which tend to have kids with a wide range of personalities.”
Also, make sure a school’s teaching and learning approach is suitable for your social child. “For instance, a school focusing on individual learning instead of group learning may not play into your child’s strengths,” say Ann and Karen Wolff, Toronto-based education consultants at Wolff Educational Services. “You want to make sure the social, emotional, and academic realities of the classroom are a match for your child’s personality.”
Smaller schools often have small classrooms and tight-knit communities, which can make it easier for your introverted child to come out of their shell, make friends, and feel like they belong. Since they’re less socially overwhelming, your child should find it easier to navigate their social environment. And since they’re conducive to group work, small classes often have plenty of interaction, which can help your child develop critical interpersonal skills.
Of course, small schools normally have a less diverse student population than big schools, which can sometimes make it more challenging to find a group of like-minded peers—peers with similar personalities, interests, values, etc. This makes it especially important to ask a school about its extracurricular programs, which can help your introverted child establish an intimate social circle.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: The Cole Academy
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