REVIEW OF Erindale Academy BY Alum, Robert Zhan

Overall Experience 5

My name is Robert Zhan, and I’m a proud graduate of The Erindale Academy. After completing the Gaokao in China, I wasn’t satisfied with my university options, so I made the decision to spend a year at The Erindale Academy. That choice truly changed my life. Following my time there, I was accepted into the Computer Science program at the University of Waterloo. Four years later, I graduated and began my career at a software development company in Toronto, where I’ve built a wonderful life for myself and my family. I wholeheartedly recommend The Erindale Academy to anyone seeking a fresh start and new opportunities. It was a transformative experience that opened up a world of possibilities for me.

School Leadership 5

Looking back, one thing that really stood out to me about The Erindale Academy was the leadership team’s accessibility and genuine care for students. From the principal to the support staff, I always felt like they treated us with respect and took our concerns seriously. They didn’t just run the school, they were present in our daily lives. I remember the principal, George, often stopping by our classrooms, asking how things were going, and actually listening. The attitude among students was generally one of respect. We saw the leadership not as distant administrators, but as part of our learning environment. They were firm when needed, but always fair. I personally witnessed how they handled discipline issues with compassion and a focus on growth rather than punishment, which built trust in the student body. They also communicated regularly with both students and parents. During the university application season, for example, the administration worked closely with us to make sure we understood our options and deadlines, and that support made a big difference. Overall, the leadership at Erindale made me feel safe, supported, and valued—not just as a student, but as a person. I think that’s a big part of what helped me succeed, both academically and personally.

Teaching 5

The teaching at The Erindale Academy was one of the biggest reasons my year there was so impactful. I was honestly impressed by how dedicated and knowledgeable the teachers were. Many of them had international teaching experience and a deep understanding of both the curriculum and how to support students from diverse backgrounds like mine. The relationship between teachers and students was respectful but also approachable. It wasn’t overly formal, which I appreciated. We could ask questions, have discussions, and even talk about our goals and concerns outside of class. That kind of openness made the learning environment more comfortable and motivating. What stood out most was how passionate the teachers were about their subjects. My computer science teacher, Paul, and my math teacher, Alla, were especially enthusiastic and consistently encouraged us to go beyond the basics and challenge ourselves. They provided clear explanations, gave constructive feedback, and constantly challenged us to think critically and solve problems independently. One teacher who had a major impact on me was my English teacher. At first, I was really struggling with academic writing and public speaking. But through patient guidance, detailed feedback, and a lot of one-on-one support, I made huge progress. I even ended up doing well in a public speaking competition; something I never thought I could do before. Overall, the teachers at Erindale genuinely cared about our growth, both academically and personally. They believed in us, even when we doubted ourselves, and that belief made a real difference.

Academics 5

The academic program at The Erindale Academy was rigorous, balanced, and designed with university preparation in mind. What I appreciated most was the combination of high expectations and individualized support. The school didn’t just focus on grades—it focused on developing critical thinking, communication skills, and independent learning habits that truly prepared me for university. One of the academic strengths was how personalized the learning experience felt. Class sizes were small, which allowed teachers to give detailed feedback and tailor their support to each student’s needs. I never felt lost or overlooked. The curriculum also encouraged interdisciplinary thinking. For example, I took a course on AI and business innovation that blended tech, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving—something I hadn’t seen in other high schools. The academic atmosphere among students was serious but supportive. Most of us were there because we had a goal—getting into a top university—and that created a sense of focus. But it wasn’t cutthroat or overly competitive. Students helped each other, shared resources, and celebrated each other’s wins. I felt appropriately challenged at Erindale. The assignments and exams were tough but fair, and the pace pushed me to stay disciplined. At the same time, there was always someone I could turn to for help—whether it was a teacher, advisor, or peer. Looking back, I can confidently say the academic program at Erindale prepared me well for the University of Waterloo. I entered university with strong time management skills, confidence in my academic abilities, and a solid foundation in both STEM and communication skills that helped me succeed and later transition into a great job in tech. If you’re looking for a school that combines academic excellence with a caring environment, I think Erindale is a great choice.

Extracurriculars 5

While the Erindale Academy is a relatively small school, I was pleasantly surprised by the range and quality of extracurricular opportunities available. What stood out was that the school encouraged every student to get involved, not just for university applications, but to grow as a person. The school encouraged initiative. If a student had an idea for a club or event, the teachers and staff were open to helping them organize it. That kind of environment made us feel empowered and valued. One thing I appreciated was that extracurriculars weren’t just “add-ons”; they were seen as an important part of the Erindale experience. They gave us a chance to explore our interests, develop soft skills, and bond with others outside of class. I definitely felt they contributed to my personal growth and helped me become a more well-rounded student. For any prospective family wondering whether a small school can offer meaningful extracurriculars—yes, Erindale can, and does. It’s really about the quality of engagement and the support students get to make the most of those opportunities.

Students 5

The student body at The Erindale Academy was small but diverse, which created a tight-knit and supportive atmosphere. Many students were international, like me, and many had come to Canada after finishing part of their education in their home countries. That shared experience helped us connect quickly; we understood each other's challenges, goals, and hopes for the future. What stood out most was the sense of mutual respect and shared ambition. Everyone was serious about their studies and had clear goals, whether it was getting into a top university, improving their English, or adjusting to life in a new country. At the same time, there was a real sense of community. We helped each other out, celebrated each other's achievements, and often became close friends. The “typical” Erindale student was focused, motivated, and willing to work hard. But there was also a lot of diversity in personality and background. Some students were quiet and academic, others were more outgoing and involved in extracurriculars. What we respected most in each other was effort. Whether someone was naturally gifted or had to work twice as hard, students who showed dedication and persistence earned the most respect. Because many of us were international, the school felt like a second home. Students came from a variety of countries, mainly China, but also other parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Socio-economic backgrounds varied, but we all shared the same reason for being there: we were looking for opportunity, growth, and a better future. The dynamic between students was generally very positive. There wasn’t much cliquishness or exclusion; people were open to making new friends and supporting one another. Teachers also played a big role in helping us build a healthy community by encouraging collaboration and communication. Overall, the student body at Erindale was full of young people with potential—serious about learning, respectful of one another, and eager to make the most of their time in Canada.

School Life 5

Overall, I had a very positive experience with student life at The Erindale Academy. I genuinely looked forward to coming to school most days—not just because of the academics, but because of the people and the environment. It felt like a community where students were respected, supported, and encouraged to succeed. What contributed most to my quality of life was the school’s balanced approach. On one hand, expectations were high, and there was definitely pressure during exam and application seasons. But on the other hand, the school made an effort to create a healthy environment—through small class sizes, supportive teachers, comfortable dorms, and regular extracurricular activities. I always felt that if I needed help—academically or personally—there was someone I could go to. Students at Erindale were generally quite focused. Many of us were working toward ambitious goals, so it wasn’t always a “fun and games” atmosphere—but it was purposeful. Yes, there were moments of stress, especially around university application deadlines or final exams, but these were balanced by moments of celebration, community meals, cultural events, and shared success. I think one area the school could continue improving is creating even more outlets for stress relief—like more sports or social events to help students unwind and connect. But even during my time, I saw improvements in this area year by year. Most students I knew were happy to be at Erindale. Some had come from environments where they felt lost or unsupported, and Erindale gave them structure and care. I think what made the biggest difference was the school’s ability to make each student feel seen—as a person, not just a number. If you’re looking for a school where academic goals are taken seriously, but where student well-being is also a real priority, I’d say Erindale offers a very meaningful experience.

Community 5

One of the things that really stood out to me about The Erindale Academy was the sense of connection—not just among students and teachers, but across the broader school community. Even as an international student far from home, I never felt isolated. The school fostered an environment where everyone was encouraged to build relationships, not just complete assignments. I found that parents were kept informed and welcomed into school life, especially during key moments like university planning and graduation. My parents appreciated the regular updates and the staff’s willingness to communicate in a clear and supportive way, even from across the world. As for the alumni community, I’ve stayed in touch with several classmates, especially those who also went on to Canadian universities. We’ve met up in Toronto, shared career advice, and even helped each other with job opportunities. I also still follow some of the school’s updates and alumni achievements. It’s nice to see how far some of us have come—and how Erindale played a part in that journey. It may be a small school, but Erindale has a growing, global network of students and graduates who are doing amazing things. I think that speaks to the strength of the community the school has built.

School Location 5

The location of The Erindale Academy is one of its biggest advantages. It’s in a quiet, safe, and beautiful part of Mississauga, right next to the University of Toronto Mississauga campus and the Credit River park system. That setting gave me a strong sense of calm and focus, perfect for studying and adjusting to life in Canada. Even though the school provides a very supportive on-campus experience, we did venture beyond the school grounds regularly. There are grocery stores, restaurants, and public transit stops within walking distance, so it was easy to explore the local community. On weekends, we sometimes went to nearby malls or took the bus to downtown Mississauga or even Toronto. But during the week, most students stayed around campus to focus on academics. The neighborhood felt very safe, even at night, which helped my parents feel more at ease knowing I was in a good environment. Being close to the university also gave us a glimpse of what college life would be like—we even attended guest lectures and visited the campus, which was really inspiring. For prospective families, I’d say Erindale’s location offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful and secure place to study, with easy access to the broader city and university resources.

Admissions 5

My advice to anyone applying to The Erindale Academy is: don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. The admissions team is approachable and really wants to help you find the right fit. From my own experience, the process was smooth and surprisingly personal. Coming from China, I was a bit nervous at first, especially about interviews and paperwork, but the staff guided me every step of the way. They weren’t just checking boxes—they genuinely wanted to understand my goals, interests, and whether Erindale could help me get where I wanted to go. That gave me a lot of confidence in my decision to enroll. I’d also recommend being honest during the process. The school is looking for motivated individuals who are ready to grow. If you show that you’re serious about your future and willing to work hard, they’ll see that and support you. For me, that first step, reaching out and applying, was life-changing. I’m glad I did it, and I’d encourage others to take that step too.

University placement and counselling 5

The university counselling program at The Erindale Academy was one of the most valuable parts of my experience. As an international student unfamiliar with the Canadian university system, I really appreciated how the staff guided me step by step, from researching programs to preparing documents and meeting deadlines. I started receiving university prep guidance early in the school year, which helped me stay organized and confident. The counsellors helped me identify which programs fit my strengths and interests, especially in computer science. They also supported me in refining my personal statements, preparing for interviews, and making strategic choices between multiple offers. What stood out was how individualized the support was. I didn’t feel like just another applicant—they actually listened to my goals and tailored their advice. There were also workshops and one-on-one meetings throughout the application period, so I never felt like I was doing it alone. If there’s one area that could be strengthened, it might be offering even earlier exposure to university options for students arriving mid-year or those who need extra time to adjust. But overall, I felt very well supported, and I’m grateful—because without that guidance, I might not have ended up at my dream school, the University of Waterloo. For any student hoping to apply to top Canadian universities, I’d say Erindale does a great job of preparing and guiding you through the process.