What does Oak Bridge Academy do differently or uniquely well?

Oak Bridge Academy's vision statement encompasses our belief and conviction where success is presumed and actively pursued. With intentionality and conviction to this statement, we are committed to be the leading provider of educational services for students with exceptionalities. Our values include acceptance of differences, succeeding together, inspiring the love of learning, providing a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community while prioritizing training and evidence based practices.

What tradeoffs has Oak Bridge Academy made to serve families in this way?

At Oak Bridge Academy, we prioritize individualized support over standardized approaches. This means we place less emphasis on traditional benchmarks and uniform curriculum pacing, choosing instead to focus on each student’s unique learning, social, and emotional needs. We also emphasize life skills and behavioural development, which may mean less reliance on high-tech tools or competitive academic programming. These tradeoffs reflect our belief that neurodivergent learners thrive in environments built on flexibility, patience, and connection—not conformity. By letting go of a one-size-fits-all model, we empower every student to grow with confidence.

What key junctures in Oak Bridge Academy's history have most shaped its present?

Oak Bridge Academy was founded in Cambridge, Ontario, on the belief that all children can learn and thrive with the right support. Created to meet the needs of students with autism and other exceptionalities, Oak Bridge offers individualized education in a supportive, inclusive environment. A key milestone was the opening of our second campus on Hespeler Road, reflecting the growing demand for our unique approach. From small class sizes to life skills and behavioural support, every part of our program is rooted in our history and mission: empowering students to reach their full potential.

What type of student is a good fit for Oak Bridge Academy?

Students who benefit most from Oak Bridge Academy are those who need individualized support, structure, and a compassionate, understanding environment—often neurodivergent learners, including those with autism. Families who thrive with us value collaboration, are patient with progress that looks different for every child, and see long-term growth in life skills, emotional development, and independence as equally important as academics. Parents who are open to working closely with our team of educators and support staff will find a strong, dedicated partner in helping their child thrive.

To your knowledge, why do families choose Oak Bridge Academy over others?

At Oak Bridge Academy, we believe every child has the right to a meaningful education—and that a love of learning is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Our mission is to support students with exceptional learning needs in becoming confident, engaged members of their communities. We do this by nurturing academic, emotional, and social growth in a supportive environment where each student’s strengths and needs are recognized and respected. Our dedicated staff receive ongoing training to ensure every child receives the care and guidance they deserve.

How would you characterize Oak Bridge Academy's image amongst the public?

When people think of Oak Bridge Academy, they think of a safe, supportive school for children with autism and exceptional learning needs. We're known for our small class sizes, individualized approach, and caring, highly trained staff. Families and educators often describe us as a place where students who haven’t fit traditional school models can finally thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. This strong public image reflects our core identity: a school built on understanding, inclusion, and the belief that every child can succeed with the right support.

What aspect of Oak Bridge Academy is underappreciated?

Many of our students come to Oak Bridge Academy with a history of being sent home from school due to behavioural challenges. Their families often felt isolated and unsupported in traditional school settings. At OBA, that experience changes. Instead of exclusion, families find a welcoming community that understands, supports, and embraces their child's differences. Students who once struggled to stay in class now attend full school days in an environment where they are accepted and empowered to grow.

What do families find surprising about Oak Bridge Academy?

The impact of our learning environment on families is priceless. Oak Bridge Academy intentionally works with students and families on alternative behavioural responses instead of suspending or sending children home. Family dynamics are more about living and loving than coercing and bribing appropriate behaviour. Perhaps most importantly, families no longer need to choose between therapy and education; both are provided at OBA.

What improvements or changes has Oak Bridge Academy made recently?

At Oak Bridge Academy, our commitment to individualized support and inclusion has driven recent growth and improvements. The opening of our second campus on Hespeler Road allows us to serve more students with exceptional learning needs in a fully accessible environment. We’ve expanded our behavioural support programs and increased staff training to better meet each student’s unique needs. These changes reflect our dedication to creating a safe, nurturing space where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally—bringing our core values to life in concrete ways every day.

How will Oak Bridge Academy change in the next 5 years?

In the coming years, Oak Bridge Academy aims to deepen our commitment to personalized learning and inclusive support by expanding our programs and resources. We plan to enhance our life skills and social-emotional development offerings, ensuring students gain independence and confidence. Our vision includes growing our team with specialized staff and further developing accessible facilities to better serve more families in Cambridge and beyond. By staying true to our mission, we will create even more opportunities for students with exceptional learning needs to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally—strengthening our role as a trusted, nurturing community where every child can succeed.

Oak Bridge Academy: A Detailed Report with Information, Reviews, and Insights

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Oak Bridge Academy

REPORT CONTENTS

School Overview

Reviews

Insider Reviews

Analysis

School Leadership
Academics
Student Body
Tuition
Admissions
University Placement

School overview

Pages in this report:

Grades
SK — Gr. 12
Gender
Coed
Class Size
8 — 12 students
Tuition
$31,000 to 45,000/year
Language of instruction
English
Associations
OFIS
Enrolment
100 day students
Curriculum
Traditional
EBROCHURE
View eBrochure

View address

Next open house
N/A
Application Deadline
Rolling (Day students)

The big picture on Oak Bridge Academy

We summarized the school ourselves

Oak Bridge Academy is designed for kids with exceptional learning and/or behavioural needs. Its academics are strong thanks to small class sizes, and a dedicated highly trained teaching and behavioural support staff. Oak Bridge’s individualized educational and social and emotional development support helps kids thrive. Kids also learn organizational strategies, as well as interpersonal, collaboration, and self-regulation skills. Oak Bridge also offers adjunct programming in life skills and a host of other exciting extracurriculars. Offering Kindergarten through Grade 9, Oak Bridge was founded on the core belief that all kids are able to learn and make progress when provided with the appropriate support.

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Oak Bridge Academy offers a blended academic and therapeutic environment using evidence-based teaching methods of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and specialized remedial literacy and numeracy programs. OBA is spearheading a paradigm shift where parents no longer need to choose therapy or school for their child with exceptionalities. We are an accepting and supportive small school environment that fosters personalized attention."

Small class sizes with 10 students to 1 teacher and 2 Behaviour Technicians
Ontario Certified Teachers
Specialty literacy programs based on Orton-Gillingham
Chromebooks provided for each student
Read & Write Assistive Technology available to all students
Clinical oversight
Multi disciplinary collaboration (OT, SLP, ABA)
Adjunct programs in mindfulness, contingency management, goal setting and emotional regulation
Adjunct programing in social and daily living skills

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"Oak Bridge Academy's vision statement encompasses our belief and conviction "where success is presumed and actively pursued". With intentionality and conviction to this...(more)

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"At Oak Bridge Academy, we prioritize individualized support over standardized approaches. This means we place less emphasis on traditional benchmarks and uniform curriculum...(more)

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

"Oak Bridge Academy was founded in Cambridge, Ontario, on the belief that all children can learn and thrive with the right support. Created to meet the needs of students with...(more)

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"Students who benefit most from Oak Bridge Academy are those who need individualized support, structure, and a compassionate, understanding environment—often neurodivergent...(more)

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"Oak Bridge Academy may not be the right fit for families seeking a highly academic, competitive, or fast-paced environment. We don’t focus on standardized testing or traditional...(more)

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"At Oak Bridge Academy, we believe every child has the right to a meaningful education—and that a love of learning is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Our mission is to...(more)

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"When people think of Oak Bridge Academy, they think of a safe, supportive school for children with autism and exceptional learning needs. We're known for our small class sizes,...(more)

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"Many of our students come to Oak Bridge Academy with a history of being sent home from school due to behavioural challenges. Their families often felt isolated and unsupported in...(more)

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

"The impact of our learning environment on families is priceless. Oak Bridge Academy intentionally works with students and families on alternative behavioural responses instead of...(more)

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

"At Oak Bridge Academy, our commitment to individualized support and inclusion has driven recent growth and improvements. The opening of our second campus on Hespeler Road allows...(more)

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"In the coming years, Oak Bridge Academy aims to deepen our commitment to personalized learning and inclusive support by expanding our programs and resources. We plan to enhance...(more)

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Oak Bridge Academy: Parent Review from Anna & Kristi Cohen

Gr. 1 to Gr. 3 (current) — Watch our parent interview with Anna & Kristi Cohen to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Oak Bridge Academy.

Parent, Chantal Fortin-Menchenton (2023)

(5)

Gr. 7 to Gr. 8 — We loved the Oak Bridge experience, the staff were second to none and provided my child the support he needed during a very difficult time. The experiences that our son received, in a small group setting, helped to build his confidence and expose him to real-life situations that will benefit him long-term. For a person who is quiet and struggles to connect, he made a small group of friends to which he is still connected today. We value the connection with their families and that has helped us on our journey to not feel so lonely. Thrilled with our experience at Oak Bridge! I think my child really felt good about having so many trusted and qualified adults around to help him every day, he felt so supported.

Parent, Laura Martin (2023)

(4.9)

Gr. 4 (current) — My son has had a wonderful experience at Oak Bridge and he has come farther than I thought was possible, both academically and behaviorally. Being a mom of a special needs kid, I feel like I am always worrying about what the future will hold. But by sending him to Oak Bridge, I feel 100% confident that I am doing everything I possibly can to ensure he will have a successful, happy life ahead of him, whatever that may be. Although the academic part of school is essential, I feel like the focus on the behavior and social side of life is essential for raising an autistic child. He's learned some great strategies for staying calm when he's struggling with being wrong and losing. He loves his classmates, teachers, and therapists. They've created a wonderful school community for him.

Parent, Mark Shiffer (2022)

(4.5)

My child felt welcome at Oak Bridge Academy. He loved going to school which made it easier on all of us. Ilon thrived in the smaller classes and individual attention given to students. One of the things Ilon liked best was the “cash out” rewards for working hard and behaving well. Students earned screen time which is something Ilon always looked forward to. The only disappointment was that we moved to Toronto, making it a long daily commute. Despite this, Ilon hated the occasional days he had to miss school. It was amazing watching Ilon grow academically and socially during his four years at Oak Bridge Academy. His teachers were always supportive and helpful. They understood his strengths and weaknesses, working to bring out the best in their students.

Parent, Karen Maton (2022)

(5)

We are absolutely thrilled with the progress our grandson has made in the two years he has been at Oak Bridge Academy. His language and math skills have improved dramatically. He is able to write his name legibly. His articulation of words and vocabulary is amazing. The teaching staff are wonderful and caring. They go the extra mile to ensure each child has the best possible education. The small class sizes are such a great way for the kids to make friends. The thought and creativity that the staff put into teaching the different subjects really helps keep the children focused. I think one of the most important tools our children are given is learning to understand their feelings and emotions and all the different ways to deal with stressful situations. It's a life skill that we should all learn.

Parent, Melissa Vardon (2022)

(4.4)

All Students at OBA are accepted and welcomed just as they are. Unlike a traditional public school setting, they receive significant personalized instruction inside the classroom with academic expectations tailored specifically to their grade level. No two students are alike, and therefore their learning goals are unique and customized to their needs. They are well supported to make and maintain friendships and encouraged to try new skills and activities. Students are given rich and diverse opportunities for personal growth and emotional/mental well-being. For example, in addition to academics, our son has been able to try "Young Engineers" (STEM activities using LEGO), coding club, kung fu classes, horseback riding lessons, swimming programs, and social clubs. Our son looks forward to school every day to see his friends and teachers and he is never excluded because of his special needs. I truly cannot think of an example of when he has been disappointed in anything at OBA, it is a remarkable school.

Parent, Colleen Coghlin (2022)

(4.7)

My child has had a fantastic experience at Oak Bridge Academy. He loves that there are fewer kids than in a standard public school so things are not as overwhelming and it does not get as loud as a standard classroom. Having registered behaviour therapists in the class provides the additional support that he needs on a daily basis. With the smaller amount of kids in the classroom, they can get to know each other better and feel more comfortable with the group of peers. For the most part, the same kids stay together year-over-year to enhance their bonding. My child has learned so much in regards to his emotional growth over the past two school years and that has given him a significant amount of confidence in himself and varying situations that used to cause him difficulty.

See all reviews (7 total)

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:Oak Bridge Academy

School overview

Pages in this report:

The big picture on Oak Bridge Academy

We summarized the school ourselves

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Oak Bridge Academy: Parent Review from Anna & Kristi Cohen

Parent, Chantal Fortin-Menchenton (2023)

(5)

Parent, Laura Martin (2023)

(4.9)

Parent, Mark Shiffer (2022)

(4.5)

Parent, Karen Maton (2022)

(5)

Parent, Melissa Vardon (2022)

(4.4)

Parent, Colleen Coghlin (2022)

(4.7)

Dig deeper into Oak Bridge Academy

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Oak Bridge Academy