Irene Woods began her career as an educator within the public system, and while there noted that often the after-school tutorial sessions were more productive, and more time efficient, than the teaching done in the classroom. The obvious question—at least it was obvious to her—was, why don’t we just teach this way all the time? Which, in time, is exactly what she did, applying the tutorial model—small group, student-led instruction—to the entire curriculum. Kells was founded in 1978, and Woods has been an instructor and director there ever since. Those aspects of the tutorial model—individual attention, and a creative approach to instruction—are what continue to define the program today. The school has grown considerably over the years, including the creation of a boarding program, though the division between the elementary and high school programs helps to keep the focus small-group instruction.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"By using a differentiated approach to learning, Kells Academy supports students in reaching their full potential. Serving K-12 in three separate campuses, we offer small classes with a focus on student engagement and high achievement, excellent academic, arts and sports programs, as well as a wide variety of extracurricular activities and clubs. Kells enjoys a close to 100% graduation rate, high acceptance in all disciplines in CEGEP and university, is co-ed, and the Certificate of Eligibility is not required."
The Certificate of English Eligibility is not required
Small class sizes
Convenient location accessible by public transit
Accelerated Math program option
Homestay and residence options available
On-site tutoring
Three levels of ESL instruction
Beginner French class option
Sport-Études Program
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"At Kells, we understand that success looks different for everyone. That is why, from the first meeting with admissions staff, our mission is to get to know each prospective...(more)
"At Kells, we understand that success looks different for everyone. That is why, from the first meeting with admissions staff, our mission is to get to know each prospective student and begin to map out how Kells can meet their specific needs and help them find success. Our school is welcoming and innovative, with an array of programs and extracurricular options that allow students to find a path that is empowering and enriching for them."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"In almost fifty years of operation, several pivotal moments have shaped Kells Academy. Kells began accepting international students in the 1970s. The resulting diversity of our...(more)
"In almost fifty years of operation, several pivotal moments have shaped Kells Academy. Kells began accepting international students in the 1970s. The resulting diversity of our student body led to the establishment of the Language Center. The introduction of the Flex program allowed students to explore their own passions and interests with options like cinematography, chess, robotics, baking, and yoga. Kells was an early adopter of assistive technology in the classroom, which has allowed us to respond effectively to unprecedented challenges like the pandemic, and future proofs us as new technologies, such as AI, transform the educational landscape. As Kells continues to expand, our program offerings expand in kind to match student needs. Math enrichment courses were introduced and Kells started to participate in national and international math competitions, with glowing results. The Grade 12 program was introduced in 2017 to facilitate the transition from high school to university."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Thanks to our customized approach to learning, most students are a good fit for our school. We get to know them and then tailor our approach to their needs. We are a...(more)
"Thanks to our customized approach to learning, most students are a good fit for our school. We get to know them and then tailor our approach to their needs. We are a university-preparatory school, so it is important that our students intend to work towards that goal. Upon graduation, our Grade 12 students have gone on to attend postsecondary studies at some of the most prestigious universities in North America and abroad, such as McGill, University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, Queen’s, Western, Howard, Clemson, KU Leuven, and Eindhoven. Kells Grade 11 graduates, who graduate with a Quebec High School Diploma, enjoy a high acceptance rate in all disciplines in CEGEP, which is Quebec’s 2-year college program."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Since we do not have football and hockey contact sports teams, Kells may not be a good option for a student if that is their focus. However, we have started a Sport-Études...(more)
"Since we do not have football and hockey contact sports teams, Kells may not be a good option for a student if that is their focus. However, we have started a Sport-Études program at the school, which allows students to study at Kells part-time while training with an affiliated sports association. This is the perfect program for elite athletes who wish to pursue excellence in their sport and in the classroom, as Kells offers them the flexibility to thrive."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families choose our school because we really know our students. We are responsive to the needs of our students and constantly adapt to support them more effectively."
"Families choose our school because we really know our students. We are responsive to the needs of our students and constantly adapt to support them more effectively."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Our image is growing and changing. For many years, we proudly focused on supporting the needs of students with specific learning profiles. Our stable faculty’s skills...(more)
"Our image is growing and changing. For many years, we proudly focused on supporting the needs of students with specific learning profiles. Our stable faculty’s skills strengthened as a result. We became known as a school that can deliver high quality instruction in a customized way. Families locally and internationally saw the value of this approach for all students, not just those with specific learning profiles. Now, our school has expanded and is known for academic excellence and customized education."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"The spirit of our school is underappreciated. There is a feeling of happiness, acceptance, and respect here the moment you walk through the doors. In everything we do, we...(more)
"The spirit of our school is underappreciated. There is a feeling of happiness, acceptance, and respect here the moment you walk through the doors. In everything we do, we celebrate diversity and our positive school culture is the result."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families might be surprised to learn that our students receive scholarships from well-known universities worldwide. This past year, our graduates won scholarships totalling...(more)
"Families might be surprised to learn that our students receive scholarships from well-known universities worldwide. This past year, our graduates won scholarships totalling $390,000 from various institutions. Families might also be surprised to learn that there are around 60 countries represented at our school. We celebrate diversity and we know that it enriches the learning experience for everyone at our school."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"One of the top priorities at Kells is to respond to the needs of students as they arise by introducing new initiatives. For example, we added an advisory program to give students...(more)
"One of the top priorities at Kells is to respond to the needs of students as they arise by introducing new initiatives. For example, we added an advisory program to give students one-on-one support and guidance. We added beginner French, as many of our international students come to Kells with no prior experience in French. At our Language Center, we re-established three levels of ESL (beginner, intermediate, and high intermediate) to help our ESL students gain fluency at their own pace and integrate into Kells High School with confidence. As our school has grown, we have also added new members to our team: a full-time sports and student life coordinator, a full-time learning support specialist, and a full-time communications coordinator."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"If the past several decades are any indication, Kells Academy will continue to grow. In response we will continue to assess the needs of our student body and remain responsive to...(more)
"If the past several decades are any indication, Kells Academy will continue to grow. In response we will continue to assess the needs of our student body and remain responsive to them."
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998
