Turnaround in a new environment
Lives change inside private schools
Stories from inside private schools demonstrate the beneficial effect of a fresh, positive environment for struggling teens troubled by low self-esteem and related issues.
Stories from inside private schools demonstrate the beneficial effect of a fresh, positive environment for struggling teens troubled by low self-esteem and related issues.
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"I have totally turned my life around," says Cassie, a 15-year-old boarding school student. Cassie was having trouble fitting into her previous school system. She had developed a drug addiction and stopped going to class.
"I was doing nothing and had nothing," she says. "It was the worst time of my life." When she arrived at Rocklyn Academy in Meaford, Ontario, just over a year ago, she found the teachers incredibly supportive. Though she was caught up in her past, the staff encouraged her to look toward the future.
"They said to me, 'You're smart, you're amazing, you can really do this,'" she says. "I was finally ready to accept help and it was here for me."
Cassie will graduate this January, a year-and-a-half early, and plans to go on to university to study medicine. Why medicine?
"I love a challenge," she says. "And, I've seen a lot of doctors in my past who were very judgmental. . . I don't think that's fair. I want to be the one person who says, 'No matter what you've done, it's okay!'"
At the start of the year, Katia, 11, was fairly quiet and reserved. She would put her hand up in class, but would only answer with a "yes" or "no."
It wasn't until she participated in an annual Grade 6 public speaking event that she really came out of her shell.
Her speech on the history of the printing press, which she presented to parents and a panel of three judges, captured first place.
The experience has not only given Katia more confidence, but has led her to re-think her future. "I wanted to be a dentist, but now I think it would be fun to be a politician," says Katia. "You can express all of your feelings in front of a lot of people."
Having seen her talents, Katia's parents and teachers now think she'd make a great politician. "Public speaking taught her how to articulate her thoughts and opinions," says Elaine Kliem, her teacher at Hawthorn School for Girls in Toronto, Ontario.
Katia looks forward to her public speaking event next year, when she will be in Grade 7. "Now that I've seen how much fun it was. . . I'm excited to try again," she says.
Grade 9 student Taryn says that her school environment has helped her a lot. "It's a really great place. It's less pressure, which is the biggest thing. We don't feel pressure to put on a certain kind of appearance," she says. "You can just be yourself, and say what you need to say."
Now, Taryn is taking classes above her grade level and focusing on the future. "I want to get into journalism when I graduate," she says.
Taryn is just one of many students who has benefited from year-round schooling. The program, offered by Rocklyn Academy in Meaford, Ontario, helps the girls overcome personal issues, including low self-esteem, social and family problems.
"A lot of students come here for one semester to get back on track," says Laura Murray, assistant director of academics.
Being among other women also helps, according to Murray, who says that the girls-only education takes away the distraction of boys and helps students focus on improving their grades.
"The girls form close friendships," Murray says. "It becomes very important-many are not close to home."
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Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
"At Ridley College, an IB World School and one of the largest boarding schools in Canada, our mission is to teach students a foundation of skills and habits to pursue their dreams and build fulfilling careers.
—From the school
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"Havergal’s supportive environment drives academic excellence and cultivates confident leaders through unparalleled programs, empowering students to pursue their passions, take initiative and thrive.
—From the school
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"Armbrae offers a close-knit, inclusive community with balanced academics, strong arts and athletics, play-based early learning, and real-world enrichment from Preschool to Grade 12—supported by personalized guidance.
—From the school
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"Our Beyond the Books approach prioritizes academic success & personal growth, using success to nurture students' confidence & self-esteem to develop a willingness to take risks in the classroom & school activities.
—From the school
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"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!
—From the school
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 Oakville, Ontario QEW Highway/403 Highway "Walden International School is the only private school in Halton region that is authorized to deliver the IB PYP and MYP programmes. Walden is committed to Making Good People. And, from goodness arises greatness." —From the school
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 Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school
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 Belleville, Ontario "We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 3-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments" —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Eglinton "We go beyond curriculum expectations to provide opportunities for students to earn admission into their university of choice using our AP accreditation, staff expertise and individualized goals in small classes." —From the school
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 Brampton, Ontario "OES offers fast, flexible, and fully online OSSD courses with 24/7 tutoring. Join a community where 80% of students achieve over 85%. Expertly supported, Ministry-accredited, and available year-round." —From the school
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 London, Ontario "Matthews Hall aims to inspire academic excellence and a lifetime of joyful learning in the students we serve. We offer a trusted and balanced journey of academic, character and leadership development to our students." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario "MIA is proud to foster a family environment through our small class sizes and close knit academic community. Our support for students goes far beyond the classroom to best prepare them for life after graduation." —From the school
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 North York, Ontario Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue "Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Sheppard Avenue East/Highway 401 "Sunray Academy of Canada prepares learners with a personalized high school education (OSSD), empowering them to design their future, pursue global opportunities, and emerge as confident & internationally minded leaders." —From the school
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 Oakville / Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Finch "Monarch Academy is a private school for children with autism, rooted in a culture of belonging. We offer a strength-based, individualized approach that supports each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —From the school
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 North Vancouver, British Columbia Wellington Dr/Fromme Rd "Cousteau School offers a bilingual French-English education with a dual curriculum: the French Ministry of Education program and the BC curriculum, fostering academic excellence and global citizenship." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Hawthorn partners with parents to form well-rounded young women rooted in the Catholic faith. Through personalized attention, students excel in academics, leadership, and character, with exceptional university placement." —From the school
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 Milton, Ontario "At Oxford Learning Academy, our teachers will use the proven scientific approach of Cognitive Development to teach our students new ways of thinking and understanding what they are learning and how they are learning." —From the school
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 Wilcox, Saskatchewan Railway Ave/Rouleau St "No other high school in the world has developed more Elite, Junior, Collegiate, USPORT, NCAA, National, Olympic or Pro athletes with over 215 in the NHL alone. ND graduates attend the top ranked universities worldwide." —From the school
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 Cambridge, Ontario Franklin Blvd/Myers Road "Oak Bridge Academy helps students with ASD thrive. By blending education with expert ABA/ACT therapy, we empower children to overcome bullying, build lasting friendships, and rediscover a love of learning." —From the school
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 St. Catharines, Ontario Ontario St./Welland Ave. "Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest" —From the school
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 Surrey, British Columbia 64th Avenue/Fraser Highway "Crescent Heights Academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum that integrates arts, sciences, and athletics, preparing students for success in post-secondary education." —From the school
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 North York / Pickering, Ontario Finch Ave. W./Bathurst St. "CAA has been serving the GTA for 70 years. Our students learn through a strong academic curriculum, community engagement and alumni mentorship – with a 98% acceptance rate to the University of their first choice." —From the school
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 Amaranth, Ontario "The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school
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 Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 9-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta "Renfrew is a specialized school for children with disabilities, where education and therapy are integrated to create personalized, inclusive programs that support each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —From the school
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 Bayfield, Ontario "After 25+ years of teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in experience, credibility, and expertise. Our student-centred model provides a world-class educational experience for thousands of Ontario students each year." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "CMPS is a faith-based, academically rigorous community blending Montessori and traditional methods to inspire a love of learning, strong character, and confident leadership from Preschool to Grade 12." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore road/Southdown road "Rooted in Christian values, Meadow Green Christian Academy combines academic rigor, personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment to empower each student’s unique potential." —From the school
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 Halifax, Nova Scotia Russell St/Gottingen St "We weave together arts, academics, and mindfulness to unlock each student's full potential. Guided by our Five-Pillar philosophy, young minds don't just learn - they discover their power to shape a better tomorrow." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "At Alive Montessori, Grades 1–6 students develop independence, curiosity, and strong academic foundations through hands-on Montessori learning, personalized instruction, and a supportive school family." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Danforth/Broadview "Passages is an alternative school that empowers young people to shape their education. Supported by adult mentors, learners follow their interests, contribute to a democratic community and feel engaged in learning again." —From the school
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 Markham / North York, Ontario Don Mills Road/York Mills Road "For over a decade, Merit College has been helping thousands of talented students from local communities and around the world reach their full potential and gain admission to top universities." —From the school
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 Merrickville, Ontario "Our small class sizes, dynamic club programs, and house-based community activities ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging at Fulford Academy. Whether they are boarding or day students, all individuals know" —From the school
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 Breslau, Ontario "Woodland combines academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. With a Christ-centered education, diverse curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive culture, it's an ideal choice for families." —From the school
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 North York, Ontario Bathurst/Wilson "Magnificent Minds reimagines education through a neurodiversity-affirming, whole-child approach that integrates learning, mental health, and skill development in a supportive, low-ratio environment." —From the school
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 Victoria, British Columbia "Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on Vancouver Island, BC, offering small class sizes, engaging teachers and a caring community to boarding and day students from grades 4 to 12." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Sheppard Ave "Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 6-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access." —From the school
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 Woodbridge, Ontario Kipling/Highway 7 "You belong here! At TDChristian, we celebrate each student’s unique gifts in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. With faith, learning, and belonging at our core, we engage, enfold, and empower every student." —From the school
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 Etobicoke, Ontario Bloor St West/Kipling Ave "Beamish Academy combines certified teachers with AI-supported learning through CENTURY Tech, helping students K-6 of all levels achieve mastery while building confidence, independence, and future-ready skills." —From the school
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 Markham / Unionville, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave "Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program caters to children from 1.5 to 5 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario "Shining Stars School believes by combining the most conducive, inclusive and safe learning environment and developmentally appropriate curricular supports, our students can succeed!" —From the school
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 Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori delivers an enriched Montessori program that builds strong academic foundations, critical thinking, and independence, while developing adaptive, future-ready skills in a supportive community." —From the school
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 Nepean, Ontario "R.I.S.E. Academy empowers youth with personalized, experiential learning rooted in equity and the UN SDGs.We focus on inquiry-based, culturally relevant education that fosters creativity, leadership, and community impact" —From the school
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 Burlington, Ontario Appleby/Britannia "Evergreen Academy redefines education through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and small classes where children are truly known, challenged, and inspired to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally." —From the school
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At-risk teen girls
Private school can be a great option for at-risk teen girls (May 2, 2019)
Troubled teen girls
Private schools can be a great option for troubled teen girls (May 1, 2019)
At-risk programs
The successes and benefits of at-risk programs (May 1, 2019)
At-risk students
Private schools can be a great option for at-risk students (May 1, 2019)
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