AVRO was founded in 2010 by David Berger and Jason Ellenbogen, both of whom remain at the head of the school, continuing to guide it with a keen fidelity to their initial vision. They aren’t your typical educators which, again, is part of the draw. Berger is a long-time educator, and is also very integrated within the life the community that provides a context for the school, including a co-director of Spiritfest, an annual community arts festival. Ellenbogen, too, brings a unique set of skills and experience, including that of being a psychologist with clinical experience with teens and their families. They tailored the delivery of the curriculum based in a sense of best practices that they’d been growing in their professional lives. The faculty continues in kind. Chriasee Sen-Varma, an instructor and academic coordinator, is a physicist. Mindy Alexander, head of social studies, has taught art in prisons. And it continues from there. The feel is small, personal, and the approach builds from the talents and curiosity that the students bring with them into the classroom. The school was created out of a sense of doing things well, but differently, and with an added bit of spark. As such the school has attracted students and instructors of a like mind. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a diverse, close-knit, challenging while supportive learning environment.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"AVRO Academy is more than a private high school. It’s an empowering community that supports the whole teenager to trust themselves and learn on their own terms. AVRO delivers personalized full & part time programs in engaging ways. We listen and explore individual interests to develop each student’s best learning path. With dynamic IEPs, mentorship and therapeutic counselling, AVRO students build on their strengths and gain the academic confidence they need to succeed in the university or college of their choice."
Small class sizes
One on one support
Rapport-based learning
Flexible schedules and courses
Unique Therapeutic Program
Summer School Program
Dynamic Individual Education Plans
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"SMALLER CLASSES
We offer 5:1 as well as 1:1 attention to every student.
OUR DYNAMIC IEP
Every student is assessed for their support needs to develop their individual Dynamic...(more)
"SMALLER CLASSES
We offer 5:1 as well as 1:1 attention to every student.
OUR DYNAMIC IEP
Every student is assessed for their support needs to develop their individual Dynamic IEP - a living, evolving guide for success.
RAPPORT-BASED
Teacher and student rapport builds strong relationships, that re-engage learning, curiosity, initiative and confidence.
THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM
Our team provides students and their parents professional on-site support, for both academic and emotional 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?
Information not yet available.
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Flexibility
Our admissions are open throughout the year because we know sometimes students need a change of environment that can come at any time. Our team helps onboard new...(more)
"Flexibility
Our admissions are open throughout the year because we know sometimes students need a change of environment that can come at any time. Our team helps onboard new students with assessments of work and progress to date as well as planning and integration into a new class with all the supports needed for success.
."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"AVRO’s Therapeutic Program is unique.
It provides students and parents regular, on-site professional support for both academic and emotional challenges. Our aim is to support...(more)
"AVRO’s Therapeutic Program is unique.
It provides students and parents regular, on-site professional support for both academic and emotional challenges. Our aim is to support the psycho-social needs of our students, in addition to their education.
The program uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, as well as music and expressive arts therapy, to enhance creativity and develop a sense of enjoyment in learning."
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?
My daughter thrives on the individualized attention she gets at AVRO. Individualized programming is what Avro excels at. She also developed a great deal of confidence by the teaching staff who truly cares about her. They care about not just her academic success but also her emotional and social well-being. There were many opportunities to listen and be listened to both by staff and other students in the school. These opportunities were both scheduled and spontaneous. The insights of the staff helped my daughter to better understand herself and thus help her navigate social and academic situations. My daughter is not always self-motivated, and the staff never gave up on creatively finding ways to motivate her in an extremely positive and supportive way.
Creating a safe environment is key when it comes to finding the balance between emotional wellness and academic success. Helping students with relationships, ensuring there is a zero-tolerance policy around bullying, and having all staff closely involved in the students’ daily lives, are among the things AVRO has implemented to support well-being.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998
