REVIEW OF Howlett Academy BY parent, Alberto Martin

(5) Student Experience

My three boys go to Howlett. Teaching is very personalized, with small classrooms, and the kids move at their own pace. They really enjoy it there. In addition, there is great camaraderie at the school, and all our boys have friends who will likely last a lifetime. While the school doesn't have a gym, they do use gyms that are nearby at UofT and churches. They participate a lot in sporting events such as soccer, badminton, etc. In grades 7 and 8, the kids start the year at Camp Muskoka, which is a great way for the kids to get to know each other. In grade 8 graduation, my boy will do a school trip to Montreal...he is quite excited about that. Excellent overall experience. I highly recommend this school.

(5) School Leadership

The school principal is the best. He runs a tight ship. The education is excellent, and he goes above and beyond. For example, he trains students for interviews to get into high school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school closed for only 2 weeks and reopened with a full slate of online classes. All other schools, that I know of, remained closed for months. Court, the principal, is very open and approachable. He organizes many activities that help make the Howlett experience great. I only have good things to say about him.

(4.5) Teaching

Excellent teachers who give one-on-one tutorials when needed, especially if a kid is struggling with the material. Our kids really enjoy their feedback, and all are doing extremely well. They are typically ~2 years ahead of public school students in many disciplines, including math and writing. Some years are more difficult than others, but I welcome this for my children as it prepares them for the future. Homework is typically limited, but some years there is more homework than other years. Parent-teacher days are a great way to gauge the teachers and your kids' performance. I have only been impressed with the level of education that is provided by teachers. The teachers really care about how the kids in the class are doing.

(5) Academics

Only strengths here. For example, my boys are doing math that is typically 2 years ahead of their grade in public school. Very helpful writing skills are developed there, with frequent one-on-one tutorials to improve these skills. Grade 7 and 8 students have thesis-based projects that become public speaking events, so excellent training in public speaking. In addition, these experiences are great for developing research skills. My boy, who is in grade 8, applied to high schools and got into UCC, St. Mikes, and RSG. He selected UCC as 3 of his Howlett friends also got awarded entrance to UCC. This is impressive because the grade 9 UCC class is ~40 students, and some of this class includes UCC students from earlier years, hence, Howlett probably has the largest cohort of students entering into UCC, one of Canada's premier high schools.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

Students have many extracurriculars that include sports: track and field, soccer, frisbee, and badminton tournaments. In grades 7 and 8, the kids start the year at Camp Muskoka, which is a great way for the kids to get to know each other. In grade 8 graduation, my boy will do a school trip to Montreal...he is quite excited about that. The school also offers after-school activities for parents who work. The school just had an Art Walk that showcased student artwork to all parents.

(5) Students

Howlett is a small school. There are approximately 18-20 students per class with two teachers in each class, so about a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The classes are diverse in terms of ethnicities. There are more girls than boys in the later years this particular year, but this, I believe, is an anomaly. There is great camaraderie at the school, and all our boys have friends who will likely last a lifetime. We are friends with many of their parents as well. There is no bullying, and the odd time that this happens, the school principal brings in the parents and their kids to discuss this issue; this is handled professionally. Overall, a great experience for our kids.....they really like going to school here and making new friends.

(4) School Life

Overall, a great experience for our kids.....they really like going to school here and making new friends. We live in the neighbourhood, so we walk to school everyday, but some parents drive their kids and there is parking in front of school. Our 3 boys are very happy with their experience. My youngest boy gets upset when we are late. The school opens at 8:30am, but classes don't start till 9. My three boys are typically the first there at 8:30am. The School could grow more as there is a big demand to go there. So it could improve by buying new buildings or moving location. A lunch room would be great as well as a gym. However, i believe that Court, the principle, prefers Howlett remain a boutique school.

(4) Community

See my responses to the Student Experience and School Location sections.

(4) School Location

Howlett is within the Annex. It is a very attractive neighbourhood with a lot of UofT students and faculty living in the area. It has subway access (Spadina) so it is easy to get there via subway. There are nearby restaurants and parks. Frat houses are nearby, but these are not usually a problem, especially in the UofT community. Our grade 6-8 year boys typically go to buy lunches in nearby restaurants. They are offered more autonomy. There is construction currently next to the school, so it is a bit loud and dusty, but the construction is expected to finish in about a year. Parking for parents who drive is ok...there is parking on Spadina, and you can access Howlett through an alley. The Madison pub is across the street, but this only gets loud later in the evening, so no issues here.

(5) Admissions

Court, the principal, is very approachable and meets with parents interested in sending their kids there. He will also interview the kid. No stress in the interview process. There is a preference for kids who have siblings there, and indeed, all my 3 boys go to Howlett. There is a waiting list, so best to get on early, in like kindergarten or grade 1. Some kids go to other private schools starting in grade 7, so there are several spots that open up for Grade 7.