REVIEW OF Star Academy BY parent, Alyson Musial

(5) Student Experience

Our time at Star Academy has been wonderful. Both our kids had some challenges and were not thriving in the public school system. Star provided them with a warm, welcoming, and positive education community that both of our kids love attending each morning. Classes are small, and the teachers are engaged and care deeply. The administration is engaged, and it truly feels like a team effort to help your kid along. One teacher helped us navigate an ADHD and LD diagnosis, while the other helped with some behavioural challenges that have mostly subsided thanks to their patience, guidance, and support. Kids are encouraged to be their best selves, to try hard, and engage in their little school community. Star has been a game changer for our family!

(5) School Leadership

The school leadership is very hands-on, engaged, and caring. Unlike in many schools, "going to the office" isn't about punishment or sitting in a chair. They have meaningful discussions about how the child can improve, grow, and their emotional well-being is always cared for. Communication from the school is frequent, detailed, and thoughtful. There's a weekly newsletter that helps parents stay informed, provides helpful tips, and keeps you abreast of what's going on! You can tell the school is passionate about education via these communications.

(5) Teaching

The teachers at Star truly care about their kids and the learning journey. They are patient, engaged, talented teachers. Communication is frequent and thoughtful; you are always aware of what your child learned/accomplished each week. Both our kids' teachers send home a weekly round-up on Fridays, we are always aware of what our kids worked on that week. It's fun to see pictures of their learning. Challenges or issues are immediately communicated home, and they are always available for discussions. Issues don't fester because they are addressed early and firmly, but with compassion. The kids are very aware of the school's expectations. Our daughter has an IEP, and her teacher works daily to ensure she has everything she needs to thrive. She has helped us navigate ADHD in the classroom and provides very helpful feedback.

(5) Academics

Star's motto rings true to their practice; they teach kids to love to learn. The small class sizes allow kids to lean into their own pace and strengths, and in-school tutoring is available. The school tutor helped our daughter make strides in her writing and reading. In our son's SK class, especially, you can see that the kids are learning so much more than they would in a huge classroom. However, the learning is fun, and the kids are very engaged. 100% Star has prepared our kids for their next steps, while teaching them other critical skills like time management, responsibility, and being a responsible citizen. The curriculum is well-rounded and seems to go beyond the Ontario requirements, growing the kids into responsible global citizens.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

Our kids love the clubs at Star, including the homework club after school. The clubs encourage kids of different grades to connect. They have a fantastic, large school yard, and it feels a bit like a forest, allowing the kids to run and explore. Extracurriculars were not a primary focus for us, but they have been a fun addition to the Star experience.

(5) Students

Star is very small, and this was a perfect fit for our shy daughter and son, who are overwhelmed by big sounds and crowds. We loved the warm community vibe; the principal greets each kid in the morning as they arrive (with music playing during the holidays). It's a very calm environment, and the kids all seem to care for one another. Behavioural expectations are clear and enforced with kindness. The student body is diverse, and it's lovely to see kids who are thriving and struggling and everything in between learning together with a positive attitude. The older kids are very kind to the littler ones, and it really feels like a little community. Our kids have made many lovely friends in their time at Star.

(5) School Life

Our kids love Star! They have such a positive attitude towards learning now. Mornings and homework are no longer a battle. Our older daughter now takes initiative and responsibility for her learning. The older kids also do a September camping trip that my daughter adores. It's a real growing experience for her. The kids are encouraged to pursue interests, start clubs, and be creative in their learning. I can't say enough about what a warm, calm environment they foster at Star. In the public system, I recall mornings being so chaotic, loud, and stressful for our family. Drop off is now a calm experience where our kids are greeted and enter into a soothing, warm, caring environment. Going to Star was like a sigh of relief; our kids are so much happier.

(5) Community

From school BBQs to mothers'/fathers' day teas, to grandparent days, to school performances, Star does a fantastic job of engaging parents. Communication from teachers and leadership is frequent, and if you ask to speak to someone, you are almost immediately responded to (not waiting a long time to set up a meeting). As parents, we always feel welcome and are encouraged to engage in our kids' education. The school communications help keep everyone engaged. The weekly teacher and leadership newsletters make us feel we are fully aware of our kids' learning experience. They also share lots of photos, which help us start up conversations at home. There are opportunities for parents to volunteer, such as an annual teachers' lunch put on by the parents to thank the teachers and staff for all they do. The Fall and Spring school BBQs are also a great event where parents can connect and get to know the school community even better.

(3.5) School Location

The school isn't in a particularly walkable area, and unfortunately, there has been a lot of construction in the area surrounding it. Star has made the best of the situation, and the kids have a lovely, big, semi-forested yard to run around in! It provides tons of room for sports and shade in the warmer months. Our kids love this space.

(5) Admissions

We found the admission process to be organized and quite simple. Star Academy isn't intimidating; it's a very welcoming space, and we were encouraged to tour and really get a sense of the school vibe. We worked directly with the school Director and principal during the admission process. Their main concern was to ensure that our kids would thrive there, and they asked us lots of great questions about the kids to really get to know them. Overall, a very calm process.