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Interview with The Study Academy PARENT, Merlene George
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- Name
Merlene George - Child 1
Gr. 6 - Gr. 10 (Male, Current Day Student)
Merlene, a parent at The Study Academy, shared her perspective on the school’s small class sizes, inclusive community, supportive teachers, and strong sense of belonging. She reflected on how the school’s welcoming, family-like environment helped her son feel at home, grow in confidence, and receive the individual support and encouragement he needed, while also creating a meaningful partnership between the school and her family.
Highlights from the interview
I had a colleague who had been encouraging me to send my son to The Study Academy for quite some time because she kept telling me that he would thrive there. And it took me some time to really wrap my head around sending my son to private school, but once I made that decision, the process was very simple.
I was looking for a school that would offer small class sizes and know how to really engage and challenge my son… We were quickly set up with an appointment to meet with the Dean, to get a tour of the school, and to have my son do trial sessions at the school, which is really what won him over. And it's been great ever since.
"It felt like home" is how he would describe it. It felt like a house. And for me, hearing that, it meant that he felt safe, that he felt welcomed, that he felt like he was in a place where he belonged.
The thing that my son most appreciates about The Study Academy is that he's part of this big family. He feels that he knows everyone, or he feels comfortable speaking to everyone. That was one of the things that he would always talk about.
I, as well, felt like I was part of this school and that my son and I brought value to the school… The school really makes an effort to be diverse in all ways and to be very inclusive.
I would get to school, and often I'd be one of the first parents there waiting to pick him up, and I would be one of the last ones to leave because he would not leave.
It really does feel like just a group of parents with a shared interest in wanting the best for our children.
- My experience with the teachers and administrative staff at the school, all I can say is that they are understanding, they are compassionate, and they are so encouraging.When my son was struggling, they not only got to support and guide him, but they also supported and guided me.
My experience with the teachers and administrative staff at the school, all I can say is that they are understanding, they are compassionate, and they are so encouraging. When my son was struggling, they not only supported and guided him, but they also supported and guided me.
I was looking for a place where I knew that my son would feel at home, that he would feel welcomed, that he would feel like he is part of the community, and that he could grow in his confidence. And I think The Study Academy community has really offered him that.
