2454 Bayview Avenue (south of York Mills), Toronto, Ontario, M2L 1A6
School Busing:
Junior Academy offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are door-to-door pickup.
The regions Junior Academy offers busing from are:
Markham
Richmond Hill
Toronto
Vaughan
Additional notes: We work with several busing companies that transport students from all over the G.T.A. Please inquire with Nicholas Johnson at njohnson@junioracademy.com to learn more
Meet Junior Academy's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW
The big picture on Junior Academy
We summarized the school ourselves
Dianne Johnson founded the Junior Academy in 1988 in the belief that small is better, and indeed the school has remained small, with an annual enrolment of just 100 students. Johnson lead the school for most of its life, lending a continuity to the program and keeping the focus clearly on the quality of the students' learning experience, and maintaining, above all, an atmosphere of care and support. While not all students arrive from the immediate area, the school prizes its position within the community, and encourages active parental involvement within the life of the school.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Junior Academy is a co-educational school for students from Toddler age to Grade 8. We strive to put a child’s strengths at the forefront of their education. We believe that students do well if they can, therefore we provide a supportive environment where students are accepted, appreciated, encouraged and challenged according to their individual strengths. Progressive programming includes project-based learning, character development, executive functioning, outdoor education, daily PE, music, art, and drama."
Small class sizes allow for personalized attention and support from our highly trained educators
Progressive education model that incorporates strength and project based programming
Comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning Program to teach and practice self-regulation
Promotion of acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity within the school community
Extended Co-Curricular programs that encourage socialization, team building, and leadership
Highly qualified, diverse range of experienced teachers who receive ongoing P.D.
Encouraging healthy living through regular Health and Physical Ed. classes, Sports clubs and Teams
Our curriculum follows provincial guidelines and incorporates multisensory teaching techniques
Customized learning plans tailored to the strengths and needs of each student
"At Junior Academy, we strive to empower each learner to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally through student success plans, innovative teaching...(more)
"At Junior Academy, we strive to empower each learner to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally through student success plans, innovative teaching methods, and a strong community of care. We use specialized teaching methods that follow provincial guidelines that incorporate multisensory teaching techniques, technology integration, and hands-on learning activities to engage all types of learners. We provide a valuable option for students who need a more tailored and supportive educational environment, helping them to thrive both academically and socially. Junior Academy has the unique ability to offer on-site Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Services, Child Counselling and ABA Therapy during the school day. These professional services work one-on-one with students and also collaborate with Junior Academy staff to help students thrive and achieve their personal goals."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Over the years, Junior Academy has made intentional trade-offs as part of our commitment to maintaining a close-knit, family-oriented environment. By keeping the school small, we...(more)
"Over the years, Junior Academy has made intentional trade-offs as part of our commitment to maintaining a close-knit, family-oriented environment. By keeping the school small, we ensure that every student is treated like a valued individual, fostering a strong sense of community and personalized attention. At the same time, we have made it a priority to support students with special needs, providing them with the resources and accommodations they need to thrive. This focus on inclusivity reflects our belief in creating an environment where every child can succeed, regardless of their challenges, while still preserving the intimate, warm and supportive atmosphere that defines our school. Junior Academy is designed to accommodate and celebrate the unique strengths and needs of each student, fostering a community where everyone is valued and supported."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"In 1988, Junior Academy (J.A.) was established in Leaside with the mission of educating all students. Over time, the school’s approach has evolved to better support students...(more)
"In 1988, Junior Academy (J.A.) was established in Leaside with the mission of educating all students. Over time, the school’s approach has evolved to better support students with a range of academic and social needs. As the school grew, J.A. expanded to a new facility on Bayview Avenue to accommodate more families and provide spaces aligned with its programs, such as a full-sized gymnasium for daily physical education. Since the move in 2008, J.A. has introduced programs focused on social-emotional development, project-based learning, and academic remediation. These initiatives, along with small class sizes, allow for individualized attention to help students excel academically. J.A. has remained flexible, adapting its programming to meet the needs of the school community. Additionally, the school offers on-site tutoring, occupational therapy (OT), speech-language pathology (SLP), ABA services, and counseling. In 2020, J.A. introduced two daycare classes."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Junior Academy is dedicated to providing specialized education for all types of learners. Our neurodiverse school offers comprehensive programs tailored to meet the unique needs...(more)
"Junior Academy is dedicated to providing specialized education for all types of learners. Our neurodiverse school offers comprehensive programs tailored to meet the unique needs of students with diverse neurological profiles, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning and developmental differences. Students who are a great fit for our school are typically ones who need additional support academically, socially and emotionally. We pride ourselves on offering specialized programs that help bridge academic gaps while explicitly teaching social and emotional skills in order to provide a the greatest opportunity for success."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"At Junior Academy, each student is valued and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Our approach is grounded in flexibility and understanding, allowing us to meet students where...(more)
"At Junior Academy, each student is valued and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Our approach is grounded in flexibility and understanding, allowing us to meet students where they are in their educational journey. Our teachers are specialized and highly trained professionals who are equipped with the skills and empathy to support each student’s learning journey. We never take a punitive approach. Instead we teach the necessary skills for students to come to an understanding of who they are as a learner and as a member of society.
Families who are seeking a large, highly competitive environment with strict academic expectations/demands as well as competitive sports teams may find that Junior Academy is not the right fit. Instead, we cater to those who prioritize individualized attention, a supportive atmosphere, and a tailored learning experience that can adapt to each child's needs and strengths."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"We believe families choose Junior Academy over other schools because of the extra time, support, and dedication our staff give to our students, and their families. The common...(more)
"We believe families choose Junior Academy over other schools because of the extra time, support, and dedication our staff give to our students, and their families. The common feedback we hear from our community is how well we maintain the lines of communication because we believe that working together as a cohesive unit is how we achieve success.
Another factor is how much Junior Academy focuses on the social and emotional aspect of a child. One of our core teaching philosophies is to put the Social and Emotional development of our students at the forefront of their educational journey. Supporting Social and Emotional Learning is essential as it nurtures the whole child, balancing academic achievement with emotional and social growth. Our SEL program is designed to teach students essential skills in managing emotions, building positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and developing social awareness."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Junior Academy has established a strong reputation for its unwavering commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of elementary students with diverse...(more)
"Junior Academy has established a strong reputation for its unwavering commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of elementary students with diverse learning needs. Known for focusing on nurturing well-rounded individuals, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth in all areas of a child's life. With its small class sizes, Junior Academy ensures that each student receives personalized attention, allowing for tailored support that addresses their unique needs. The school also cultivates a tight-knit community, fostering a family-like atmosphere where students feel valued, safe, and encouraged to thrive both academically and personally."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Junior Academy is a "one-stop shop" for a variety of supports and services and some families may not be aware of this feature. We offer in-house OT, SLP, Tutoring, Behaviour...(more)
"Junior Academy is a "one-stop shop" for a variety of supports and services and some families may not be aware of this feature. We offer in-house OT, SLP, Tutoring, Behaviour Therapy, 1:1 support, Orton Gillingham reading intervention and much more. These specialized resources and adaptive teaching strategies empower students to achieve academic and personal growth, preparing them for meaningful contributions to their communities and fostering a lifelong love of learning. In addition, on-going professional development workshops equip our educators with strategies to foster a supportive classroom climate, utilize best practices for classroom management, and address students’ social-emotional needs. Teachers are taught how to model emotional regulation and conflict resolution and explicitly teach these skills that may not be inherent for some students. The commitment and dedication our educators have to provide the most supportive learning environment is truly unmatched."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Most people see J.A. as having no greenspace, which can be an issue for perspective families, but we are very fortunate to be able to use dozens of acres of fields and forest...(more)
"Most people see J.A. as having no greenspace, which can be an issue for perspective families, but we are very fortunate to be able to use dozens of acres of fields and forest across the street for Outdoor Ed., Phys. Ed., and many more outdoor activities.
Secondly, when you drive by J.A., nobody really knows about the full-size gymnasium 30 feet below grade until they step foot in the building. In here, we host our spring/winter concerts, basketball games, dance and movie night, and much more."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Junior Academy is always working to improve its programs to provide a better overall experience to all families. This allows students to complete additional therapies and receive...(more)
"Junior Academy is always working to improve its programs to provide a better overall experience to all families. This allows students to complete additional therapies and receive learning support during the school day so families can enjoy time together. In the past two years, we have introduced additional options for students to receive academic and social-emotional support at the school. This is done by providing smaller group sessions or one-on-one coaching through our on-site OT and child counselor."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Over the next five years, Junior Academy is dedicated to continuing its mission of providing high-quality academic instruction and comprehensive social-emotional education for all...(more)
"Over the next five years, Junior Academy is dedicated to continuing its mission of providing high-quality academic instruction and comprehensive social-emotional education for all types of learners. Our approach will remain focused on nurturing each student's unique strengths and helping them overcome challenges to achieve their full potential. In addition to our ongoing commitment to academics, we are excited to expand and enhance our in-house programs, which will offer students more opportunities to develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence. These programs will be designed to prepare students not only for success in their current academic environment but also for the challenges they will encounter in the next phase of their education."
Gr. 7 (current) — Enrolling my daughter at the Junior Academy, specifically in their STEPS classroom, has been one of the best decisions I have ever made about her development. Being on the Autism Spectrum, my daughter has always required unique learning and behavioural support which could not have been met through mainstream school systems. Since her first day at Junior Academy, my daughter has felt welcomed, supported, accepted and most importantly, encouraged to express her creativity and individuality. She has gained a great deal of independence and confidently navigates her way around the school. My daughter has made many friends over the last two years which has strengthened her social and communication skills. Junior Academy has been absolutely life-changing for our family and we are so incredibly grateful!
Junior academy has been life changing for our family. My son needs academic and behavioral support to succeed and he has received that and more! Accessing in house behavioral support, and OT has made it much easier for our family and for our son. This school celebrates individual differences and focuses on strength based initiatives. I truly feel that I am part of a team that includes his teachers, the principal/ vice-principal, OT, and the admin/leadership. We have had our school challenges throughout the pandemic but have worked together to move forward. My son has seen such improvement in his social and academic skills that I feel are related to the programming and teachers at JA. This school is amazing at integrating a strength based approach to social , behavioral and academic challenges . We are very grateful!
Our children sincerely enjoy authentic relationships with every adult in the building, feel known, and understand what is expected. They know there are boundaries in place and expectations to be met.
They feel secure due to the consistent routine and motivated by the program. They have each been patiently guided through tricky ups and downs with their peers and benefit from the genuine confidence fostered in their early years at the school by its emphasis on belonging.
Since the school is smaller, we anticipated that after being at the school for so long, they would start to crave a broader social circle as of middle school.
While this has been true, the other fundamentals in place, such as the invitations to frequently contribute as leaders, have helped them to remain patient as they await new adventures in Grade 9.
My daughter has had a tremendous experience at JA for 9 years. She is engaged in the classrooms, enjoys participating in the clubs, the concerts, talent shows, assemblies, special/free dress days, pizza lunches, recesses, skating, girls club, choir clubs, physical education, outdoor education, LEAP projects, and especially the Onandaga camping trips. Even during the lockdown, the school kept the online learning engaging. They created storytime and other offerings to help fill the child's day. The teachers continued to strive to make the child's day positive and challenging and the best it can be. The school is bright, clean and cheery and the staff arevery pleasant, kind and fun. She comes home happy every day! As she is moving to high school next year, the teachers and guidance councillor have been tremendous at helping to chose the best school for her.
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