Interview with Junior Academy PARENT, Michelle Gibson

From the very beginning, we had a wonderful experience visiting the school. When we toured with the principal, Paul, we were impressed by the staff and administration. We had specific questions, and the responses made us feel comfortable that this was a place where our son would thrive. The warm and professional atmosphere reassured us that Junior Academy was the right choice.

The inclusivity of the school was evident from the first day. Immediately, other students introduced themselves and welcomed my son, and even parents approached me, saying, "You are going to love this school." The welcoming environment extended beyond teachers and administrators—it was ingrained in the entire community, including families. This created a strong sense of belonging for both my son and our family.

After his first day, my son told me, 'I love my school, Mommy,' which was something he had never said before. That immediate sense of comfort and joy was a testament to how well the school ensured that students felt included, seen, and heard. The learning environment was nurturing rather than intimidating, making school a place he was excited to be.

One aspect of Junior Academy that stands out is the small class sizes. My son appreciates not being in a high-pressure environment where teachers are forced to raise their voices just to manage the classroom. In a smaller setting, teachers can be more mindful of students' individual needs, providing personalized support and learning modifications. This approach builds confidence, allowing students to feel comfortable asking for help, trying new things, and actively participating in class discussions.

The school environment itself is beautiful, clean, and filled with natural light. This was an important factor for us because his previous school was dark and open-concept, making it difficult for him to focus due to background noise from other classrooms. The bright, airy spaces at Junior Academy provide a calm and conducive learning atmosphere.

Inclusivity is a core value at Junior Academy. Bullying is not tolerated, and students actively help one another. My son, who excels in science, has had opportunities to lead certain lessons, bringing in projects and sharing his knowledge with classmates. This collaborative, team-based approach fosters both learning and a strong sense of community among students.

Families at Junior Academy come from across the GTA, drawn by the school's unique, nurturing approach and its commitment to recognizing and accommodating neurodiversity. The shared understanding that children learn differently creates a supportive and safe environment where every student can thrive. Parents are also deeply supportive of one another, reinforcing a strong, inclusive community.

Academically, my son has made incredible progress. Previously, he struggled with typing, using only two fingers, but now he types with proper hand placement. Recently, he completed a 1,500-word essay, organizing his thoughts and structuring paragraphs—something that would have been extremely difficult for him in a traditional classroom. The support and modifications at Junior Academy have allowed him to build confidence and independence in his learning.

The school is highly responsive, working closely with parents and students to ensure success. Teachers are nurturing, caring, and proactive in providing the right learning modifications for each child. There is no yelling—just a commitment to understanding and supporting students in a way that fosters growth. The collaborative approach ensures that every child receives the individualized attention they need.

Ultimately, we chose Junior Academy for the support, the nurturing environment, and the learning modifications available. For families looking for personalized educational support, a small classroom setting, and a caring atmosphere, Junior Academy is an excellent choice. While every family's needs are different, it is crucial to visit schools, ask detailed questions about available supports, and assess how well a school matches the needs of their child. Junior Academy has been the right fit for us, and it could be for others seeking a similar environment.