REVIEW OF Howlett Academy BY parent, Michael Packham

(5) Student Experience

Our daughter has been at Howlett Academy since Grade 3 and is currently completing Grade 6. Her experience has been truly exceptional across every aspect of her education. Academically, she has been challenged in all the right ways — developing strong study habits, learning how to prepare for formal exams, and building the critical thinking skills that will serve her well into high school and beyond. Socially, she has formed close friendships and has benefited from being part of a warm, supportive school community where students genuinely care for one another. The small class sizes have allowed her to receive personal attention from outstanding teachers who know her well and encourage her growth. The broad range of extracurricular activities, from sports teams to clubs to leadership opportunities, has added richness and balance to her school life. She feels known, valued, challenged, and supported every single day.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership at Howlett Academy is outstanding and one of the school's greatest strengths. Court Howlett-Ben, who serves as both principal and owner, provides clear, decisive, and hands-on leadership that is felt throughout every aspect of the school. He carries forward the vision originally set by his mother, Jan Howlett, a world-class educator who founded Howlett Academy after recognizing significant shortcomings in the traditional Toronto education system. Under Court’s leadership, there is no bureaucracy, no internal politics, and no unnecessary delays — decisions are made thoughtfully, fairly, and always with the best interests of the students as the top priority.

(5) Teaching

We are extremely happy with the quality of instruction at Howlett Academy. The teachers are passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to the success and well-being of their students. They bring their subjects to life with enthusiasm and expertise, making even the most challenging material engaging and accessible. Beyond simply delivering content, the teachers communicate clearly and consistently, providing detailed, constructive feedback that helps students understand their strengths and where they can continue to grow. They set high expectations for academic performance while also offering the right amount of support, encouragement, and individualized attention to ensure that every student can meet those expectations. Our daughter feels both challenged and fully supported every day. She has developed strong skills, confidence in her abilities, and a genuine love of learning thanks to the outstanding teaching she has received at Howlett.

(5) Academics

The academic program at Howlett Academy is both rigorous and exceptionally well-rounded. From the early grades onward, students are carefully taught how to prepare for and write formal exams, which helps them develop strong study habits, time management skills, and the ability to perform under pressure — essential tools for success in high school and beyond. In addition to structured learning, students are encouraged to think independently through major initiatives like the Da Vinci Project, where they research a topic of personal interest and present their findings to the school community. This balance of structured academic training and independent exploration fosters deep intellectual curiosity and discipline. The academic atmosphere at Howlett is one of high expectations, constant support, and pride in effort. We feel very confident that the academic program at Howlett is setting our daughter up for long-term success.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

Yes. Students can participate in track and field, cross-country, swim team, badminton, soccer, Leadership Club, News Club, and other activities. There are opportunities for both competition and pure enjoyment, and students are encouraged to try new things. Experiences like the Camp Muskoka trip each fall also help to create lasting memories and team-building opportunities. As it is a small school, Howlett will use neighbourhood facilities such as gymnasiums at the JCC, Knox, Varsity Field, Varsity Track, etc.

(5) Students

The student body at Howlett Academy is small and close-knit, which fosters a warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere. Students know one another across different grade levels, creating a strong sense of community that extends beyond individual classrooms. It is clear that respect, kindness, and mutual support are core values that are consistently reinforced by both the staff and the culture among the students themselves. There is a genuine feeling of camaraderie and positive school spirit, where students celebrate each other’s achievements and work together in a friendly, collaborative way. Competition at Howlett exists in the healthiest forms, such as through spirited events like the Howlett Cup, which encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, and pride without creating division. The overall environment is one where students are motivated to do their best while feeling valued, supported, and connected.

(4.5) School Life

Student life at Howlett Academy is excellent and a major part of what makes the school so special. Our daughter truly enjoys going to school every day — she feels consistently challenged academically, supported personally, and connected to a warm and welcoming community. There is a strong sense of belonging among the students, and the positive relationships they build with both peers and teachers contribute greatly to their overall happiness. A wide variety of extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and special events like Camp Muskoka add richness and balance to the academic experience. If there is any area for improvement, it might be to continue expanding the range of clubs and intramural activities even further, to offer even more choices for students with different interests. Overall, however, the quality of student life at Howlett is extremely high and continues to impress us.

(5) Community

The broader Howlett Academy community is strong, positive, and welcoming, creating an environment that extends far beyond the classroom. Families are incredibly supportive of one another, and there is a genuine sense of connection among parents, students, and staff. Many lasting friendships among both parents and students have formed naturally over the years, adding an important social dimension to the school experience. Events organized by the school, such as sports days, performances, and leadership activities, help strengthen these relationships and encourage a true feeling of community spirit. Parents are made to feel like valued partners in their children’s education, and communication between families and the school is consistently open and respectful. The overall culture is one of collaboration and encouragement, and it plays a significant role in making Howlett Academy such a special and supportive environment for students and families alike.

(5) School Location

The location of Howlett Academy is excellent. Situated in Toronto’s vibrant Annex neighbourhood, just steps from Bloor and Spadina, the school is easily accessible by public transit and convenient for families across the city. Students benefit from access to nearby amenities, including local parks, the University of Toronto’s athletic facilities, and the JCC community facilities. The surrounding neighbourhood offers a safe, lively environment that complements the school’s strong academic and extracurricular programs. It’s an ideal setting for student life.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at Howlett Academy all starts with a tour and a genuine conversation. It is much more relaxed and personal compared to the often formal and intimidating processes at other schools. From the very beginning, the focus is on getting to know your child and ensuring that the school is the right fit for your family, rather than simply ticking boxes. The experience feels welcoming and sincere, making it a true joy compared to the stressful and overly rigid admissions procedures we encountered elsewhere. It set the right tone from day one.