We all want to go where everyone knows our name, and while there is a strong academic program at APA, that sense of place is one of the primary draws for the families that enroll here. Students are known throughout the school, and their successes are routinely recognized, shared, and celebrated. For many students, that in itself can provide a transformative learning experience. The community of the school actively includes the parents and siblings of the students who attend, something that brings a welcome warmth and familiarity to the lived experience of the school. The size of the school also allows for faculty to approach each student individually, providing appropriate challenge and support to ensure that all reach their academic and social potentials. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a close-knit, personal, challenging academic setting.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Aurora Preparatory Academy is a small school that produces big results. With our smaller class sizes, teachers develop a meaningful connection with each child, facilitating higher academic performance and stronger overall development. Our welcoming, inclusive community ensures an environment where students, teachers and families work together for the success of every learner. By meeting and enhancing the Ontario curriculum, our approach to education promotes independence, responsibility and confidence."
Supported and Enriched Ontario Curriculum
Small Class Sizes (Average 12-16 Students)
Personalized Support From Our Team Of Dedicated Teachers
Full Sports Programme
All-Grade French, Art, Music, Phys. Ed. and Technology
Unrivalled School Community
Affordable Payment Options
19,000 sq. ft. Facility
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"At Aurora Prep, we provide a broad-based foundation that focuses, not only on exceptional academics, but also on athletic, artistic, social, emotional, and psychological...(more)
"At Aurora Prep, we provide a broad-based foundation that focuses, not only on exceptional academics, but also on athletic, artistic, social, emotional, and psychological development. We maintain a small, cohesive environment in which students are supported by a community to which they truly feel they belong. This approach allows them to explore and enhance their existing skills while simultaneously encouraging them to face and overcome challenges."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Aurora Prep chooses to remain small and affordable. Our tuition costs are among the lowest of all schools in York Region, making private education within reach for a greater...(more)
"Aurora Prep chooses to remain small and affordable. Our tuition costs are among the lowest of all schools in York Region, making private education within reach for a greater number of families. In addition, we deliberately keep our community small, allowing it to retain its feeling of cohesiveness while providing a greater number of opportunities for students. It truly feels like a one-room schoolhouse that still provides an exceptional array of educational opportunities."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Although Aurora Prep is committed to being smaller in size, families sometimes believe our programming is limited. Nothing could be further from the truth. We enjoy a 19,000...(more)
"Although Aurora Prep is committed to being smaller in size, families sometimes believe our programming is limited. Nothing could be further from the truth. We enjoy a 19,000 sq-ft building and a generous yard. We introduce itinerant subjects - music, French, phys. ed, and art - immediately in Junior Kindergarten. We don't split grades. We also have charitable opportunities, school concerts, clubs and field trips, and a school musical. Aurora Preparatory is truly comprehensive in its offerings."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Aurora Prep espouses and embodies the belief that it takes a village to raise a child. Every member of our community plays an integral part to ensure the best possible experience...(more)
"Aurora Prep espouses and embodies the belief that it takes a village to raise a child. Every member of our community plays an integral part to ensure the best possible experience for all our students. Our teaching staff works incredibly closely, supporting one another and contributing to each student, each class, and the school as a whole. Administrators are deeply involved in school life, often spending time with classes or individual students in order to foster connection and provide guidance."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Gr. 3 to Gr. 7 (current), SK to Gr. 4 (current) — Watch our parent interview with Nicole Joyce to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Aurora Preparatory Academy.
It is my sincere hope that other parents with a child that has had difficulties in school due to being diagnosed with an LD and having an IEP find that there is help. The help is APA! The school is small with the biggest heart. This is a school that really, really cares about their students (family) and it is just that amazing atmosphere that brought my daughter out of sadness, anxiety, withdrawal and failing grade 6 to flourishing in grade 7 and 8.
When you see your child cry morning and night scared to go to school a parent can feel as I did...helpless! The public school next to us was not set up for my daughters LD and could not say for sure that she would pass the year because of her grades and IEP requirements.
This is when I spoke with the Principals at APA and never felt more confident in my daughters education than after that meeting.
It was a done deal after we had our “trial day”. I have to say as a single Mom it was the scariest thing I have ever done to pull her out of the school system and pay for Private School. But It was the BEST thing that I have done for my daughter and I would without a question of a doubt do it all over again after seeing who my daughter is today.
It is without a question in my mind because of the dedication and commitment from EVERYONE at APA.
Aurora Preparatory Academy is a happy place. Making this change for my son was one of the best decisions we made. The principals and the teachers created a joyful and safe environment for the children. All the staff is very welcoming. My son is excited and looking forward to each and every day at school. His fellow students and friends are kind, caring individuals, which makes his days at APA great. He is not worried about going to school, he never complains about the children, they are all happy together. He likes wearing his uniform but he loves the monthly casual dress days.
My son loves the fact that they are actually learning at this school and taking academics seriously, weather it is art, music, language or science. He himself noticed his improvements in many little ways that made a huge difference in his confidence that shows through his work, marks, and mood. There is no stress or anxiety, only encouraging conversations, that stimulate curiosity and sparks the imagination. My son loves everything the school offers.
Making the decision to switch my eldest to APA was literally one of the best decisions we have ever made. He is flourishing there and encouraged to be himself. He feels a sense of safety and belonging, and I feel like he is able to “be” a kid again.
He looks forward to school and feels optimistic and empowered about his potential and his future.
He (and we) feel that he is respected and understood as an individual and not just one part of a whole. He is able to express his thoughts, opinions and ideas about things without worry of judgement or "not fitting in". Everyone gets to be who they are meant to be at APA.
There have been no disappointments thus far.
What do I feel my son likes best? That's a difficult question to answer... I feel that he is very proud to attend APA - this is something they foster in all their students, and something I have never experienced anywhere before. We are new to the private school system as of April 2018.
Both my children have had a fantastic experience at APA. The teachers and administration are very respectful, inclusive and kind. Everyone belongs at APA.
I think my children have most enjoyed the wonderful relationships they have developed with their friends and with their teachers. My son is now in university and still comes back to visit the teachers. He is also in touch with a number of the students he went to school with there.
My son was somewhat of a slacker in school. He did not have to work hard to obtain good marks. The teachers at APA always encouraged him to put more of himself into his daily work. They had high expectations of him and really encouraged him to rise to the level he was capable of.
I absolutely love Aurora Prep! It is a bit small but it comes with plenty of charm and smiles. It has small classes so you'd get so much attention and help if you beed. I am a gifted student and love it because of the small classes. I came in Grade six after a very large move from the US and this school took me in with a smile and great attitude! The uniforms make me and my brothers look very professional. Also the teachers are great, they are kind nice and supportive of you no matter what. This school is part of the SSAF and have many sporting teams for athletes. I love this school so much, I went from a big city rough area, kid who hated school, to a smart, professional, and kid who loves waking up in the morning to go to school, thanks Aurora Preparatory Academy!
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