REVIEW OF Académie de la Capitale BY parent, Yujie Zhang

(5) Student Experience

Our daughter started JK at AcadeCap in 2024, and it’s been a truly positive experience for her and for us as parents. She genuinely enjoys going to school every day, and we’ve been impressed by how much she’s learned and grown in less than one year. What stands out most is how caring and engaged the teachers are. They really take the time to know each child, and it shows in the way they interact with the students. Our daughter feels supported and confident, which has made a huge difference in how she approaches learning. One of the things we appreciate most is how even the youngest students are included in a wide range of enriching activities. For example, the school’s drama performance, The Nightmare Before Christmas, was a major highlight. Our daughter was so excited about it that we listened to the soundtrack on repeat for months. The experience wasn’t just fun—it also helped her develop confidence speaking in front of others and working as part of a team. Another memorable experience was the Rube Goldberg machine project. It was amazing to see students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 working together to design creative chain reactions, then present their work clearly and enthusiastically. Even the JK students had memorized their lines and presented them with pride. It was a great example of how AcadeCap encourages critical thinking and communication from an early age. We also loved the Pysanky and egg-decorating workshop. The kids used flowers and natural herbs to dye eggs, while learning how different cultures celebrate spring through similar traditions. It was hands-on, culturally rich, and a perfect example of how learning can be engaging and meaningful. These experiences show how AcadeCap values learning through play, exploration, and creativity. When kids are having fun and feel encouraged, they naturally learn, and AcadeCap truly makes that happen.

(4.5) School Leadership

Communication with the school leadership has always been smooth and reassuring. It’s a pleasure to speak with Mme Lucie and the rest of the staff; they are warm, approachable, and genuinely care about the students and families. What really helps is the consistent weekly update email, which includes all important announcements, reminders, and upcoming events. This makes it much easier for us to stay organized and feel connected to what’s happening at school. It’s clear that the administration puts thought into keeping parents informed and engaged. They create a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged, and they respond quickly and thoughtfully when concerns come up. This kind of transparency and accessibility gives us confidence that our child is in good hands.

(5) Teaching

We’re very happy with the quality of teaching at Académie de la Capitale. The small class sizes allow teachers to adjust their lessons based on each child’s needs, which means students can be challenged when they’re ready. The teachers put a lot of thought into how they teach. For example, in English, they use a “read-draw-color” activity that helps children understand new words by connecting them with pictures and creativity. They also explore how words are similar or related, which makes it easier for young learners to recognize patterns and build vocabulary in a fun way. This approach is much more effective for Kinders than simply asking them to read and memorize words without context. It keeps learning playful and meaningful, which really helps the kids stay engaged. Feedback is consistent and meaningful. In addition to regular 3-way conferences where we review our child’s progress, we also get informal updates during pickup time. These conversations give us insight into how our child is doing and help us stay engaged with her learning.

(5) Academics

Even though my child is still in Kindergarten, I’ve been impressed by the variety and depth of the academic exposure she’s already receiving at Académie de la Capitale. From STEM and visual arts to drama and music, the school provides a well-rounded curriculum that introduces young children to many subjects in creative and age-appropriate ways. It’s not just about early literacy and numeracy; students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and ask questions. While it’s too early for me to comment on academic strengths and weaknesses, I’ve seen the level of work produced by older students at events like the science fair and some other competitions, and it gives me confidence in the school’s academic standards and learning culture. The atmosphere is encouraging, and students are clearly motivated to think critically and express their ideas. I can already see how much my daughter has learned in just one year, not only academically but in how she approaches problems, collaborates with others, and expresses herself. From what I’ve observed so far, I believe the academic program at AcadeCap will continue to give her a strong foundation for the next stages of her education, and just as importantly, will help her enjoy the process of learning.

(4) Extracurriculars

There are a variety of extracurricular opportunities at Académie de la Capitale, ranging from field trips to shows like Cirque du Soleil and Escape Manor Junior to after-school clubs like coding and running. Teachers take initiative to learn what interests students and create activities that match their needs. While younger students have fewer after-school options, the school still provides fun and enriching experiences that support well-rounded development.

(4.5) Students

The class sizes at Académie de la Capitale are generally small, which comes with both advantages and trade-offs depending on what families are looking for. On the positive side, the small student-to-teacher ratio means each child receives more individualized attention, which definitely enhances their learning experience. It also allows teachers to better understand each student’s strengths, interests, and challenges. On the other hand, with fewer students per grade, there may be fewer opportunities for children to socialize with a large group of same-age peers. Personally, I’m very happy with the current class size; my daughter feels comfortable, supported, and known. What stands out most is the sense of community among the students. Younger children often interact with older students during school activities, and those interactions are positive and inclusive. The overall student atmosphere is friendly, respectful, and full of joy.

(5) School Life

Overall, student life at Académie de la Capitale has been a very positive experience for our family. My daughter genuinely loves going to school. She looks forward to spending time with her teachers and classmates each day and always has stories to share when she comes home. The variety of activities, from language and drama to science and outdoor play, keeps her engaged and excited about learning. What touches me most is how emotionally connected she feels to her school environment. She often makes cards for her teachers and friends: “get well soon” cards when someone is sick, “miss you” cards when someone is away, or just to show what she has learned. That kind of gesture reflects the warmth and sense of belonging she feels at school. If there’s one area for improvement, I’d love to see more after-school clubs for the younger age group, especially since the older students seem to have more structured options. That said, the foundation of care, creativity, and respect that shapes daily life at AcadeCap truly makes it a special place.

(5) Community

The parent community at Académie de la Capitale is strong, supportive, and very engaged. Parents are well-informed about what’s happening at school through regular communication, and we’re encouraged to participate in meaningful ways. There are many opportunities to get involved, whether it’s speaking at the career fair, leading an after-school club like coding, helping with the school garden, or organizing the library. The school makes it clear that if you’re willing to help, they’ll find a way for you to contribute. What stands out most is how many parents actually take the initiative to participate. It’s not just appreciated, it’s part of the school culture. I genuinely value how involved and generous other parents are, and it creates a strong sense of community that benefits the students, teachers, and families alike.

(4) School Location

The new school location is very lovely, with plenty of green space for the kids to explore and play. Once the fencing is complete, it will feel even safer and more secure. The only minor downside is limited parking, which occasionally requires extra planning during pickup and drop-off. Overall, the setting is calm, family-friendly, and well-suited for a school environment.

(4) Admissions

The admissions process at Académie de la Capitale was straightforward and well-organized. Everything was clearly outlined, and Mme Kara was incredibly helpful throughout, always available to answer questions and provide clarification. During the school tour, we were asked thoughtful questions and learned a great deal about the school’s philosophy and programs, which helped us feel confident in our decision. While we initially had some confusion about the fees and payment schedule, it was quickly resolved thanks to the school’s prompt and clear communication.