One of the greatest things you can ever hear an educator say is this: “We’re all here together. To help one another. That’s what it’s about.” That’s a quote from Susan Goode, principal and founder of GlenOak Academy. She was speaking about the range of learning exceptionalities that students have, from those who are currently achieving below grade level, those above, and those in between. If there is a core concept to the GlenOak program, it’s precisely that: kids learn differently, at different rates, and the reasons are as varied and as personal as the students themselves. Here, they all participate together, in small class settings, with instructors adapting to meet the needs of each student. It’s less about IEPs, and more just about that all children need support, and that learning begins when they are able to feel good about themselves, their abilities, and the relationships they share with others within the learning environment. It’s true that many students—not all—arrive here having felt at sea elsewhere, having exhausted other options, and looking for a solution. Parents regularly report on the welcoming nature of the environment, and appreciate a close, casual relationship with the administration. The programs are inclusive, and build learning and interpersonal skills along with a mastery of the curriculum. There are part-time and full-time options, and staff is positioned to work closely with families to make sure that all needs are being met. For many, if not all, the experience of GlenOak is transformational, helping learners achieve in ways that they were unable to in other academic settings.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"GlenOak provides an education as EXTRAORDINARY as your child! Our online program offers individual programming tailored to your child's needs. Our Indigenous SOAR Program provides customized & creative educational programming in person in a small school setting where students benefit from our low student-teacher ratios & dedicated teaching team. We start with heart at GlenOak, where our relationships-first & outside-the-box, progressive approach to teaching & learning translates to your child's success!"
Intimate learning environment
Ontario Curriculum
Certified teachers in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers
Relationships first approach with a focus on emotional well-being and social development
Individualized programming with opportunities for enrichment
Inclusive and progressive programming
Hands-on, child-centred approach to teaching and learning
Online and hybrid learning options
Options for Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and additional support
Wide variety of extra-curricular and field trip opportunities
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"GlenOak's strength is in its relationships-based approach to teaching and learning, with a focus on making meaning through DOING with hands-on learning! We pride ourselves on...(more)
"GlenOak's strength is in its relationships-based approach to teaching and learning, with a focus on making meaning through DOING with hands-on learning! We pride ourselves on connecting with students and families who have perhaps been let down by the "system" and who are looking not only to renew their hope, but to reconnect with a school community that strives to do its very best for everyone who walks through our doors. GlenOak is a small but growing community, and we welcome YOU!
GlenOak Academy's SOAR Program offers highly specialized and culturally responsive educational programming for students in Indigenous communities. A typical student of the SOAR program requires boosting of their skills and confidence to support their learning, particularly in math and literacy. We address this through low student to teacher ratios, tailored classroom lessons, and targeted small group Math and Language Interventions."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"We pride ourselves on our Core Values, RISE: Relationships, Integrity, Solutions, and Excellence!
For this reason, we do cap our class sizes at no more than 10 students."
"We pride ourselves on our Core Values, RISE: Relationships, Integrity, Solutions, and Excellence!
For this reason, we do cap our class sizes at no more than 10 students."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"The SOAR Program began in November 2019 and has been growing and developing ever since!"
"The SOAR Program began in November 2019 and has been growing and developing ever since!"
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"We know that every student is capable of growing and learning, so we strive to meet learners where they are at and build on their strengths. Classroom activities are tailored to...(more)
"We know that every student is capable of growing and learning, so we strive to meet learners where they are at and build on their strengths. Classroom activities are tailored to support a variety of learning needs and focus on relevant, authentic experiences. This is bolstered by small class sizes, qualified and passionate educators, and experienced support staff. Indigenous histories and cultural components are woven throughout our programming, as fostering a sense of cultural pride and understanding in our students is considered integral to their success."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"We're a small school with a BIG heart! Come in to talk with us, or connect with over the phone; either way, we're happy to sit down and determine if we are the right fit for your...(more)
"We're a small school with a BIG heart! Come in to talk with us, or connect with over the phone; either way, we're happy to sit down and determine if we are the right fit for your student's educational needs."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families who come to GlenOak are often looking for a different approach to learning, where their child is challenged and encouraged to extend their learning and inquiry within a...(more)
"Families who come to GlenOak are often looking for a different approach to learning, where their child is challenged and encouraged to extend their learning and inquiry within a safe and inclusive school community. They value the balance we offer in terms of academics and our relationships-based approach. At GlenOak, we're a "family" and we are often commended on the warm and welcoming culture we have created."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"We are well-known for our outside-the-box approach to teaching and learning. We pride ourselves on delivering Ontario Curriculum in a unique, hands-on way. More than anything, we...(more)
"We are well-known for our outside-the-box approach to teaching and learning. We pride ourselves on delivering Ontario Curriculum in a unique, hands-on way. More than anything, we are a relationships first school, meaning we START WITH HEART and prioritize emotional health and well-being."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"GlenOak is a small school with a BIG heart ready to make a difference in the lives of our students and families. Our size enables us to create dynamic, engaging programming, and...(more)
"GlenOak is a small school with a BIG heart ready to make a difference in the lives of our students and families. Our size enables us to create dynamic, engaging programming, and connects our school community with an inclusive "family feel". Why is this important? Because students flourish when they feel safe, accepted and supported to be the very best they can be."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families are often surprised at how much we do beyond the curriculum at GlenOak! From school events & activities, to clubs & groups, to fundraisers & field trips, our students are...(more)
"Families are often surprised at how much we do beyond the curriculum at GlenOak! From school events & activities, to clubs & groups, to fundraisers & field trips, our students are always doing something. Our Indigenous program in the north offers an opportunity for students to connect with & learn from one another and their culture."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"We are continuously growing! This year we have 9 full time staff on site in our northern Indigenous SOAR program. The team consists of classroom teachers, educational assistants,...(more)
"We are continuously growing! This year we have 9 full time staff on site in our northern Indigenous SOAR program. The team consists of classroom teachers, educational assistants, resource, and leadership, all of whom serve a purpose in supporting our students."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"GlenOak is a small, but growing school! We would love to continue bringing our programming to more students through our virtual schooling and in-person Indigenous programming. Our...(more)
"GlenOak is a small, but growing school! We would love to continue bringing our programming to more students through our virtual schooling and in-person Indigenous programming. Our goal is to bring the SOAR program to as many communities as possible!"
My 6 yr old son loves his teachers. He also really enjoys and thrives in the small class size with the special attention he receives from everyone. He has made friends with not just the students in his class, but most of the students in the school. He hated going to his previous schools, but this one from day 1, he didn't cry a single time. My son loves the intimate setting of the school too. The location is surrounded by amazing trails and parks. Furthermore, the focus on the child, over a strict academic regime is something that I feel allows my son to really excel in areas that he enjoys learning about. In terms of disappointments, honestly I have yet to come across one.
My son, who has special needs transitioned from preschool into JK at GlenOak Academy. His experience for 3 school years has been great with increased cognitive and physical development. The educators are professionally trained to support special needs students and are always accommodating to his needs. My son has made many friends from kindergarten to grade 8 whom he treasures their friendship and companionship. Every morning, when I see my son looking forward to go to school and meet with his teachers and friends, I know this is the perfect school for him to grow and learn. By wearing his school uniforms everyday to school, I can see his confidence and pride building up everyday as he progresses in his academics. My son has truly enjoyed his school life at GlenOak Academy.
When our child entered GlenOak in Grade 4, he was very apprehensive and nervous about changing schools. The teachers initially took the time to get know him and understand his learning needs. As a result of the teachers being proactive combined with the small classes, he immediately started establishing a strong and meaningful relationship with his teachers and classmates. Our child really enjoys how the teachers engage with them and gets them thinking for themselves. The assignments are meaningful which challenges our child allowing him to be super excited about going to school. Because the classes are small and intimate, he gets the attention and focus that allows him to really learn the basics while leaving time to pursue the interests that are important to him.
I can't say enough great aspects of GlenOak Academy. My kids loves that the school class sizes are small enough to get the attention they want when they need it. There is always support in the classroom and they always tell me that they had a great day! I know that my kids appreciate this small class size because they always tell me how much easier it is for them to concentrate and get their work done. The other aspect my kids love is that they get to learn outside. Since Covid, the school has put great effort into making that possible for the kids. They come home tired from a day of actual activity of body and mind. Since the day they both started at GlenOak Academy not once have I heard either of them say anything. During the first week my son was there, he asked if there was school on Saturday because he really wanted to go.
My children like Art and Craft, and are always excited to see what they will have to create based on the time of the year or special occasions. The activities have been varied. For example very recently it was designing and creating Leprechaun traps for the older child, and making snow for the younger child.
They enjoy the online applications that they are exposed to for learning. They were able to easily adapt to structured online learning because of the structure introduced at the start of the academic year.
They enjoy the gym activities that include interactive videos that have them moving, yoga stretches that help them relax, and a big outdoor space that they are able to run around in, even roll around in the Fall leaves. The school is near nature trails that they both enjoy being able to explore.
At GlenOak, the academic programming can be tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each child. All of the programming follows the Ontario curriculum, in addition to regular community learning activities, outdoor play, hands-on learning, with smaller classroom sizes. Our son started at GlenOak Academy for grade 1 and is very happy to get up and go to school every morning! Which is a significant change in attitude from previous school years. From the moment we met Susan Goode, the school principal, we felt that the environment at GlenOak was going to be a good fit for our son. It has a warm, nurturing and friendly environment that encourages learning, independence and exploration with hands-on learning. Our son was invited to spend a few mornings at GlenOak and he was able to experience first-hand what it would be like to attend the school. He really felt comfortable in the classroom environment, and really connected with the teachers and students. Our son is a very curious and energetic child and he just loves to be able to learn in the school kitchen or outside in the garden, with lots of outdoor time and physical education scheduled daily.
My daughter absolutely loves GlenOak. She’s probably one of the only kids I know who’s genuinely disappointed on Friday’s and school holidays because she doesn’t get to go to school.
My daughter doesn’t learn like other kids. She needs a little extra guidance at some times and a little more of a push to be independent at other times. She gets just the right mix of both and is challenged to do more than she would otherwise bring herself to do. We know it’s working because she often comes home from school exhausted but at the same time, can’t wait to show us what’s she’s learned today. The enthusiasm to continue pushing herself to learn comes directly from the experience she has at GlenOak Academy.
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