What does R.I.S.E. Academy do differently or uniquely well?

R.I.S.E. Academy specializes in personalized, experiential education, empowering students through inquiry-based, culturally relevant programming. We excel in supporting all youth who may be bored in traditional schooling as well as students who thrive with hands-on, flexible learning tailored to their unique needs, abilities, and ambitions. Rooted in equity, our mantra, Every Student’s Brilliance Matters, guides our culture of creativity, leadership, and collaboration. We offer innovative programs in entrepreneurship, social impact, and high-performance athletics while integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into learning. Resources like 1-1 programs, community mentors, and dynamic extracurriculars reflect our commitment to holistic growth. Our focus on real-world skill-building means we prioritize individualized success over traditional approaches, creating confident, socially conscious leaders ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

What tradeoffs has R.I.S.E. Academy made to serve families in this way?

To serve families equitably and prioritize personalized, hands-on learning, R.I.S.E. Academy has intentionally minimized traditional classroom structures, opting instead for flexible schedules and inquiry-based programming. This tradeoff means 1-1 programming and a focus on quality over quantity, allowing us to deeply support each you individually youth. We have invested heavily in community partnerships, mentorship, and real-world learning opportunities. Our approach emphasizes equity, empowerment, and innovation, but it requires balancing resources carefully to maintain affordability for families while ensuring every student receives the attention and opportunities they need to thrive. This commitment allows us to focus on building leaders and changemakers while fostering a deep sense of belonging and purpose in every student.

What key junctures in R.I.S.E. Academy's history have most shaped its present?

R.I.S.E. Academy was born in September 2020, during Rebecca Chambers’ journey to create equitable, personalized education after 17 years in the Ottawa public system. Taking leave to focus on innovative learning approaches, Rebecca built R.I.S.E. with a mission to serve marginalized, racialized, and low-income youth. Early challenges, including operating on a deficit, shaped the academy's focus on community partnerships and social enterprise to sustain programming. Experimenting with 21st-century learning methods, R.I.S.E. became an unofficial social innovation lab, emphasizing inquiry-based, culturally responsive education. Over four years, milestones like accreditation, partnerships with local organizations, and the introduction of programs tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals solidified R.I.S.E.’s mission to empower youth. These defining moments reflect Rebecca’s vision of transforming education into a platform for equity, creativity, and lifelong impact.

What type of student is a good fit for R.I.S.E. Academy?

R.I.S.E. Academy is the perfect fit for youth who thrive with personalized, hands-on, and flexible learning. Our extracurricular programs are designed with and for each student, ensuring every youth's brilliance is recognized and nurtured. We serve students who may struggle in traditional school settings, offering them a supportive and empowering environment to rediscover their potential. At the same time, we cater to gifted and high-achieving students who seek more challenging and meaningful opportunities to grow. Families who align with R.I.S.E. value an innovative approach to education, emphasizing creativity, equity, and community impact. They understand the importance of tailoring education to their child’s unique needs and ambitions. Whether seeking support, enrichment, or real-world learning, students at R.I.S.E. benefit from a culture of belonging, encouragement, and the opportunity to become confident leaders and changemakers in their communities.

To your knowledge, why do families choose R.I.S.E. Academy over others?

Families choose R.I.S.E. Academy for our commitment to equity, personalized learning, and hands-on, inquiry-based programming. We adapt to each student's needs, whether supporting those struggling in traditional schools or challenging gifted learners. Families value our focus on fostering creativity, leadership, and real-world skills while promoting a sense of belonging and empowerment. Our culturally relevant approach, small class sizes, and strong mentorship programs set us apart from traditional schools. As one parent shared, “R.I.S.E. helped my child rediscover their confidence and excitement for learning. We are so grateful for the care and support that made all the difference.” Families seeking a flexible, student-centered environment choose R.I.S.E. for its ability to uncover and amplify their child’s brilliance, preparing them to thrive in school and beyond.

How would you characterize R.I.S.E. Academy's image amongst the public?

R.I.S.E. Academy is seen as a transformative school, empowering youth through equitable, personalized, and culturally relevant learning. Known for uncovering each student’s brilliance, we provide a flexible, supportive environment for those underserved by traditional systems or seeking enrichment. The public associates R.I.S.E. with inclusion, innovation, and real-world skill-building. Our small class sizes, mentorship programs, and focus on equity highlight our commitment to individual growth and social impact. As one parent shared, “R.I.S.E. changed the trajectory of my child’s education, reigniting their confidence and passion for learning.” R.I.S.E. inspires hope and opportunity for every student.

What aspect of R.I.S.E. Academy is underappreciated?

An underappreciated aspect of R.I.S.E. Academy is our ability to blend education with real-world impact through our inquiry-based and culturally relevant programming. While many families recognize our focus on personalized learning and small class sizes, they often overlook the transformative value of our emphasis on community engagement and social responsibility. By integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into our curriculum, students not only earn credits but also develop leadership, empathy, and a deep understanding of how they can contribute meaningfully to their communities. This approach equips students with critical life skills often missed in traditional settings, fostering resilience and confidence. Families may not initially realize how these experiences prepare their children for both personal success and a broader role as changemakers in society, but these skills often become the foundation for their lifelong growth and achievement.

What do families find surprising about R.I.S.E. Academy?

Families might be surprised by how deeply personalized and transformative the R.I.S.E. Academy experience is. While many expect a focus on academics, they discover that R.I.S.E. goes far beyond traditional learning, emphasizing creativity, leadership, and real-world skills through hands-on, inquiry-based projects. Families are amazed at how quickly students grow in confidence, resilience, and critical thinking, even those who struggled in traditional schools. The strong sense of community and belonging, along with our integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, empowers students to connect their education to meaningful, global impact, transforming their potential and outlook.

What improvements or changes has R.I.S.E. Academy made recently?

R.I.S.E. Academy has expanded its reach and deepened its impact through several key improvements. We’ve launched virtual one-to-one credit-bearing programs like the Social Change Maker Program, empowering youth to lead projects in their communities. We’ve added new partnerships to support high-performance athletes and underserved youth, and introduced flexible, personalized learning pathways. Our programs now integrate entrepreneurship, social justice, and real-world experience. We've also invested in staff training, student mental health supports, and data-informed strategies to ensure every learner thrives.

How will R.I.S.E. Academy change in the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, R.I.S.E. Academy plans to expand in-person programming through pop-up experiences across Ontario. These pop-ups will allow youth to earn high school credits while engaging in extracurriculars such as sports, arts, entrepreneurship, and community action. By bringing flexible, hands-on learning directly to communities, we aim to reach more marginalized and underserved youth, offering personalized, credit-bearing experiences that connect education to their passions and real-life goals.

R.I.S.E. Academy: A Detailed Report with Information, Reviews, and Insights

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
R.I.S.E. Academy

REPORT CONTENTS

School Overview

Analysis

School overview

Pages in this report:

Grades
Gr. 8 — Gr. 12
Gender
Coed
Class Size
1 students
Tuition
$2,000 to 16,000/year
Language of instruction
English
Associations
OFIS
Enrolment
100 eschool students
Curriculum
Reggio Emilia & Montessori
EBROCHURE
N/A

View address

Next open house
N/A
Application Deadline
N/A

The big picture on R.I.S.E. Academy

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"The R.I.S.E. Social Change Maker Program empowers youth to create meaningful impact in their communities while earning high school credits. Through one-to-one virtual programming, students engage in hands-on, project-based learning focused on social justice, entrepreneurship, and leadership. With mentorship and real-world experience, youth gain confidence, critical skills, and a vision to lead positive change."

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"R.I.S.E. Academy specializes in personalized, experiential education, empowering students through inquiry-based, culturally relevant programming. We excel in supporting all youth...(more)

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

"To serve families equitably and prioritize personalized, hands-on learning, R.I.S.E. Academy has intentionally minimized traditional classroom structures, opting instead for...(more)

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

"R.I.S.E. Academy was born in September 2020, during Rebecca Chambers’ journey to create equitable, personalized education after 17 years in the Ottawa public system. Taking...(more)

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

"R.I.S.E. Academy is the perfect fit for youth who thrive with personalized, hands-on, and flexible learning. Our extracurricular programs are designed with and for each student,...(more)

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

"R.I.S.E. Academy may not be the best fit for families seeking a traditional, structured educational environment with rigid schedules, or a focus on standardized testing. Our...(more)

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

"Families choose R.I.S.E. Academy for our commitment to equity, personalized learning, and hands-on, inquiry-based programming. We adapt to each student's needs, whether supporting...(more)

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

"R.I.S.E. Academy is seen as a transformative school, empowering youth through equitable, personalized, and culturally relevant learning. Known for uncovering each student’s...(more)

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"An underappreciated aspect of R.I.S.E. Academy is our ability to blend education with real-world impact through our inquiry-based and culturally relevant programming. While many...(more)

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

"Families might be surprised by how deeply personalized and transformative the R.I.S.E. Academy experience is. While many expect a focus on academics, they discover that R.I.S.E....(more)

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

"R.I.S.E. Academy has expanded its reach and deepened its impact through several key improvements. We’ve launched virtual one-to-one credit-bearing programs like the Social...(more)

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

"Over the next five years, R.I.S.E. Academy plans to expand in-person programming through pop-up experiences across Ontario. These pop-ups will allow youth to earn high school...(more)

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Student, Michelle Tippeneskum (2025)

(5)

Gr. 9 (current) — I absolutely love it at R.I.S.E. Academy! Working with my teachers, Abbey and Jess, has been such a positive experience. I honestly had a good understanding of what to expect when I first arrived, but it turned out to be even better than I imagined. I really feel like I’m encouraged and supported every step of the way. The flexibility of the school allows me to take my time with assignments, and I can work at my own pace, which has really helped me focus on what I need. I really appreciate how the staff here understands that everyone has their own learning style and needs. There’s not a single thing I’d change about the school. I’m really happy here and feel like I’m getting the most out of my time. One thing I wish I’d known before arriving is just how much I’d be able to grow and learn, not only academically but also personally. It’s a space where I feel comfortable, and I’m glad I chose R.I.S.E. Academy.

Parent, Andrea Sacca (2025)

(5)

Gr. 11 to Gr. 12,Gr. 9 (current),Gr. 9 (current) — I am beyond grateful that our journey led us to Rise Academy. This school has gone far beyond my hopes and expectations. What sets Rise Academy apart is its approach to education; it’s not about rigid rules, memorization, or treating students like they’re all the same. It’s about real learning, growth, and community. The focus here is on the whole child, on discovering each student’s strengths, interests, and unique personality, and then shaping an educational experience around that. It’s not robotic. It’s not cookie-cutter. It’s thoughtful, individualized, and truly student-centered. My children have thrived at Rise, not just academically, but personally. Their confidence has grown, their curiosity has deepened, and they are more themselves than ever. This school has helped bring out the best in them, and as a parent, there’s nothing more beautiful than watching your children flourish in an environment that sees and supports them for who they truly are. Another incredible aspect of Rise Academy is its flexibility. As a family with high-performance athletes, maintaining a traditional school schedule alongside demanding training and travel wasn’t always feasible. Rise allowed us to choose a model that works with the public school system, providing personalized support and structure without the cost of a full private school. That flexibility, combined with the outstanding quality of education and care, was a game-changer for our family. It’s not just the small class sizes or the personalized attention, it’s the quality of everything: the incredible teachers, the inspiring leadership, and the mission that guides it all. The principal and staff genuinely care, and that care shows in every aspect of the school culture. Sending my kids to Rise Academy has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has been a true gift to them, and I’m so, so thankful for what this school has brought into our lives.

Alumnus, Adine Emerimana (2025)

(5)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — My time at R.I.S.E. Academy was a defining chapter in my personal and academic journey. What stands out most to me is how the school didn’t just focus on academics, it focused on building character, confidence, and a sense of purpose. R.I.S.E. helped me come out of my shell. As someone who once considered themselves introverted, I learned how to step into leadership roles, speak with confidence, and connect meaningfully with others. One of the things I liked best was the way the staff truly believed in us. They pushed us to aim higher, speak up, and show up as our best selves, even when we didn’t fully see our potential yet. The environment was empowering. It made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to, and that kind of support is rare. If I could change anything, it would be to add more platforms for students to apply their leadership skills outside the classroom, maybe more real-world projects or entrepreneurial initiatives. Still, R.I.S.E. gave me the foundation I needed to build on those dreams myself. I absolutely believe R.I.S.E. prepared me for what came next. Entering university, starting a business, and navigating adult responsibilities would have felt much more overwhelming without the foundation of confidence and discipline I developed there. For anyone thinking of joining R.I.S.E. Academy, I’d say: be ready to grow. Be ready to find your voice, challenge yourself, and discover passions you didn’t know you had. It’s not just a school, but it’s a place where you rise, and you rise with people who truly want to see you win.

Alumnus, Yenna Dushime (2025)

(5)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — R.I.S.E. Academy was more than just a school—it was a journey of self-discovery and growth. The personalized, inquiry-based approach allowed me to explore my passions while developing critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills. The flexibility of the program encouraged independence, pushing me to take ownership of my learning and challenge myself in ways that traditional education often doesn't. Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, I learned to connect with my community and become a Social Change Maker. Whether through collaborating on community initiatives, engaging in meaningful discussions, or tackling global issues, R.I.S.E. instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. More than just academics, R.I.S.E. taught me that education is about impact, growth, and lifelong learning. The supportive environment, passionate educators, and like-minded peers made it a place where students weren’t just encouraged to succeed but empowered to create change. I’m proud to be an alum, and I’m excited to see future students embrace the same opportunities for transformation, leadership, and innovation. R.I.S.E. isn’t just a school—it’s a movement that equips students with the tools to shape their futures and make a real difference in the world.

Parent, Nathalie Keppie (2025)

(5)

Gr. 12,Gr. 11 (current) — The quality of education that my children have received from RISE Academy has been the reason why we have continued their academic journey with RISE Academy. My children specifically enjoyed being in control of their learning while also understanding the requirements for their success. My children have benefited from the teachers being caring, supportive and always willing to take the extra steps to ensure that the students have a positive experience, whether it is a simple change of a scheduled meeting, to discussing a world event that caught their attention, or in-depth assessment of work on progress or completed. There were no negative experiences that my children found disappointing and would change. For them, it was an overwhelmingly positive experience from start to end.

Alumnus, Alec Izere (2025)

(4.8)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — My experience at Rise Academy was truly transformative and far exceeded my initial expectations. When I first enrolled, I was skeptical. The idea of online learning during COVID seemed daunting, and as a Grade 9 student already balancing my workload, I wasn't sure if adding something new would be worthwhile. I initially thought it would just feel like more schoolwork, but what surprised me most was how unique and engaging the experience turned out to be. The facilitators at Rise Academy made all the difference. Their approach was incredibly flexible, with sessions only twice a week and workloads that were manageable yet impactful. What made it stand out was how personal the learning felt. Lessons weren't just about completing assignments-they connected to my life and sparked curiosity in ways I didn't expect. For I instance, we worked on projects that allowed us to delve into our personal stories. This creative approach made me feel genuinely invested in what I was learning, which motivated me to continue with the program year after year. One thing I truly appreciated was how Rise Academy didn't feel like a traditional school. While the structure was there, it was different because of the emphasis on exploration and connection. For example, instead of simply focusing on textbook material, we explored topics that aligned with our interests and future aspirations. This approach gave me a new appreciation for learning and helped me discover what l'm passionate about. The facilitators also connected us with professionals in fields we were interested in, providing insights that were invaluable. As someone who dreams of becoming a physician, having access to mentors in that field was inspiring and gave me a clearer understanding of the path ahead. If there's one thing l'd change about Rise Academy, it would be to create more opportunities for students from different semesters to connect. For instance, hosting a mid-year gathering in March or April where students from both semesters could share their experiences and ideas would be a fantastic way to build community. This would also give us a chance to learn from each other's journeys and make the program feel even more interconnected. Rise Academy prepared me exceptionally well for my next steps in life. The flexibility it offered allowed me to get ahead in my courses, which meant I could complete Grade 12 early. This gave me the freedom to focus on university applications without the usual stress of wondering if I'd meet my conditional offers. Instead, I felt confident knowing I had already done the work and was well-prepared. For prospective students considering R.I.S.E Academy, I’d say it’s an incredible opportunity to experience a new way of learning. The flexibility of the schedule, the personalized approach, and the connections you’ll make all contribute to an experience that doesn’t feel like traditional school. Instead, it’s a place where you can explore your interests, build skills, and prepare your future in a way that truly excites and inspires you!!

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
R.I.S.E. Academy