REVIEW OF Howlett Academy BY parent, Suzanne Murphy

(5) Student Experience

We have been extremely pleased with Howlett and would unreservedly recommend it to other parents. The level of instruction is very high. When our friends whose children go to other Toronto private schools catch a glimpse of our child's homework, they always comment on how the work our child is doing is more challenging than the work their children did when they were in her grade. We were initially concerned that the workload might be too heavy and the atmosphere might be too competitive. This, thankfully, has not been our experience. The classes are small (never more than 20 students) and have two teachers. The teachers are extremely supportive. The children are encouraged not to share and discuss their grades. We like the Howlett community. The parents are easy-going and low-key. Very few parents permit their children to be on social media, which helps other parents in holding that boundary with their kids.

(5) School Leadership

The school is very responsive and thoughtful in its approach to issues when they arise. The teachers are very aware of dynamics among the children and when there is conflict. I'm always surprised by how much feedback the teachers provide at parent teacher interviews regarding my child's friend group, who she plays with at recess, what she does at recess and any challenges she may be having with other kids. The children regularly (in some cases on a weekly basis) switch desk partners.

(5) Teaching

Most (if not all) of the teachers have a master's degree. The teachers tend to be young and enthusiastic. The teachers are very warm but are clearly in control of their classrooms. There are high expectations in terms of conduct. Most subjects are split up into two different groups within a grade so that the teachers can teach to 2 different levels. The teachers mark work very quickly so that the children receive almost instant feedback. The teachers are great at breaking down important skills like persuasive writing and studying for exams. Testing is done frequently so that the teachers can ensure that the children are grasping the materials. The children have several opportunities to present their work to their classmates in order to work on presentation skills.

(5) Academics

The academics are very rigorous, but somehow the school manages to ensure that the kids are not stressed out and that a competitive environment doesn't develop. Somehow, Howlett managed to teach multiplication to my daughter in December of grade 1. The school has a very strong music and art program. I've been impressed with the quality of the artwork, and the children get to work with various instruments. The school offers numerous activities focused on team building, building comfort with public speaking, current events, and mental health. From the get-go, the school works hard to raise readers. When my daughter was in grade 1, her homework each evening was to read for 20 minutes. The school has a great selection of books for the kids to use for evening reading.

(3.5) Extracurriculars

The school offers a number of clubs, including arts & crafts, debate, singing, robotics, and languages. The school tries to pull together various sports teams, such as soccer, volleyball, badminton, and track, but this is a challenge given the lack of onsite gym facilities. Practices are held at the University of Toronto. As a result of the limited sports facilities, the number of sports team practices tends to be quite restricted, and each sports season is quite short. If your child is an athlete, they may be disappointed with the limited sports opportunities and the caliber of the sports teams.

(4.5) Students

All the kids at Howlett we have interacted with have been genuinely nice. There isn't a focus on affluence; the kids seem unaware of who has what. There are numerous activities where older students are encouraged to work with younger ones. The kids tend to be confident and intellectually curious. Generally, they are inclusive, and cliques do not form, as the school discourages them. The school attracts kids from across the city, making it difficult to arrange playdates with classmates. It is small (approximately 125 kids). We wonder how our daughter will adapt when she moves to a much larger high school with a higher student-teacher ratio, but no doubt Howlett will prepare the kids for the transition.

(5) School Life

Howlett Academy is very good value for your money. The rates are very reasonable as compared to other private schools, even when you take into account facilities. Once you pay your tuition, that's it for the year. Your tuition covers the cost of all supplies, activities and school trips other than the cost of a school trip to Camp Muskoka for a couple of days for the older grades. My child has really enjoyed and benefited from attending Howlett. She finds the work challenging, but not overwhelming. She loves the teachers and the administration team. I think she is looking forward to attending a bigger school in high school, but Howlett laid a great foundation for her early years. They really know my kid and what she needs.

(4) Community

If you are looking for a school where parents can become deeply involved through Parent Teacher Committees, fundraising, attending school trips etc., then Howlett isn't the school for you. There is very limited opportunities for parental involvement. The school doesn't encourage it. The school is very well run so we are happy to cede control to Howlett but this approach may not appeal to everyone. There are only a couple of concerts throughout the year but as a working parent, I appreciate not having weekly school events scheduled during the middle of the day. The principal is usually outside during drop off and pick up times in order to make himself available to parents. The principal is very responsive if you reach out to him regarding any concerns.

(3.5) School Location

The school regularly uses facilities at the University of Toronto and Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre for gym class, sports team training and school performances. The children in grades 7 and 8 can buy their lunch on Bloor Street every Friday. Given the ages of the children, the school is more of an island. The location is great and accessible by subway.

(4) Admissions

I recommend that anyone considering Howlett visit the school and speak with the Principal. His approach to interviews and tours is quite unique. My daughter applied in grade 1, so I'm not familiar with the admissions process for higher grades. I expect that the transition for older kids can be a bit tough for the first couple of months given the advanced academics, but the low student-to-teacher ratio allows Howlett to provide significant support to transfer students during their initial months.