Interview with Junior Academy PARENT, Kristy Carrod

My eldest child was in Grade 1 at our local public school, and it was becoming more and more obvious, especially during the pandemic, that he was going to need a different environment—one that was more supportive for his needs. I started looking for a school at the end of last school year. I started researching on the internet and then realized that I really wanted better data to help me make a decision, so I actually employed an educational consultant who was an expert in all the different schools in Toronto and working with children with different needs. She recommended two schools, with Junior Academy at the top of the list.

Their transition process was amazing, and it went really, really smoothly for my son, who typically wouldn't do well with change. Over the summer, the school allowed us to come in as many times as we wanted. The week before school started, we had two meetings: one where I met with the principal, the occupational therapist, and his teacher to discuss my son's needs openly, and the next day, my son had a one-on-one meeting with his teacher and the principal, who gave him another tour of the school. On the first day of school, parents were invited to spend an hour in the classroom with their children, which was incredibly supportive.

Junior Academy has a large basement with a huge gym and an occupational therapy area filled with sensory and physical tools, like gymnastics mats and hammocks. They have an occupational therapist on-site, and she works directly with many of the kids. My son goes to occupational therapy once a week, and it's his absolute favorite activity. He often goes with a peer, and they plan their activities in advance, helping him develop social skills and enjoy the space, often pretending it’s a pirate ship.

The school’s approach is extremely inclusive, and every child is valued for who they are. They greet us every day at the car drop-off line, knowing each child’s name, which creates a welcoming and supportive environment. My son feels confident, supported, and appreciated for who he is, which is a significant improvement compared to his experience in public school. The teachers and staff have truly created the best environment for him to learn.

Junior Academy does an incredible job of building confidence and leadership skills in children. My son, who is typically shy, has been encouraged to take on responsibilities, like a different job each week, and he feels supported enough to try new things. Recently, he asked his teacher if he could read a book to his class, which was unusual for him, but he felt encouraged to do so. This has built his self-esteem, as he’s learning that his classmates and teachers support him.

I can’t believe how responsive they are and how open the lines of communication are at all times. Junior Academy has the flexibility to cater to individual strengths. For instance, my son has a natural ability with math, and when I asked if he could attend an older grade's math class, they readily agreed. This openness to creative ideas and flexibility ensures that children’s unique needs are met.

Since it’s a small school and different from our neighbourhood public school, we had to make an effort to build a community. During my son’s first year, I invited all the parents and kids over for a Halloween party in my backyard to get to know each other. We also created a WhatsApp group for his class, which has been great for coordinating homework questions, birthday invitations, and more. This effort has helped us form a supportive community outside of school.

I recommend hiring an educational consultant, even though it requires an upfront investment. I felt reassured knowing this consultant, who came highly recommended, had placed children in various schools and gathered feedback on whether they were a good fit. She knew far more than I could ever learn from online research alone, which made my decision to choose Junior Academy much more informed and comfortable.