Our Story
VVA (Via Vita Academy) began with a friendship, a shared dream, and the belief that education could be something more.
Co-founders Adele MacLean and Meghan Drew met in university, where their friendship quickly blossomed over summers spent running day camps together. From there, their journeys stayed closely intertwined—becoming teachers, teaching side by side, and eventually navigating the world of parenthood together.
As their experience deepened, so did their passion for education. They envisioned a school that reflected everything they had come to value: compassion, curiosity, connection, and a commitment to helping every child thrive. A place where strong academics lived side-by-side with creativity, community involvement, outdoor education, and the life skills that mattered most.
With notebooks full of plans, an unstoppable work ethic, and the support of a generous community, Via Vita Academy was born.
In 2016, they opened the doors of Via Vita Academy with 16 students and 3 teachers—two of them being Adele and Meghan themselves. The school quickly grew, both in numbers and in heart. By 2017, VVA was home to 48 students in the school year ,and a small group of eager campers in the summer. By 2019, school enrolment reached 60 and the camps were flourishing, supported by a vibrant and passionate team of educators and childcare leaders.
Rather than grow endlessly, Adele and Meghan chose to stay true to their values, keeping VVA intentionally small and personal—what they call their “happy place”—with around 50 students, a passionate group of full and part time staff, and a similar in size summer program. All with a deeply rooted sense of community.
Over the years, VVA has expanded its offerings with programs like their LIT/LEAD Youth Leadership, Summer Camps with up to 50 campers, and Before-and-After school Care that supports not just VVA families but those from local schools, Smokey Drive and École du Grand Portage.
Today, VVA is a thriving, woman-owned, year-round local business in the heart of Lower Sackville. Still guided by passionate teachers, programmers and dynamite volunteers who deeply believe in what a school and childcare centre can be, VVA is a place where strength, grit and perseverance meet creativity, life skills, and meaningful relationships.
Rooted in compassion, empowered by community, and inspired by wonder, we remain proudly small and deeply connected—so every child is known, every voice matters, and learning feels personal and purposeful.
Past students and campers return to visit, volunteer, work alongside us and cheer us on. Families stay connected long after graduation, joining for events each season. And every child who walks through our doors becomes part of a story still unfolding—a story built on the belief that when a school is led with heart, grounded in excellence, and supported by community, it becomes something truly extraordinary.
To learn more, click on the links below:
Via Vita Academy PK-9 School | Summer & March Break Camps | Before & After School Care
Co-founders Adele MacLean and Meghan Drew met in university, where their friendship quickly blossomed over summers spent running day camps together. From there, their journeys stayed closely intertwined—becoming teachers, teaching side by side, and eventually navigating the world of parenthood together.
As their experience deepened, so did their passion for education. They envisioned a school that reflected everything they had come to value: compassion, curiosity, connection, and a commitment to helping every child thrive. A place where strong academics lived side-by-side with creativity, community involvement, outdoor education, and the life skills that mattered most.
With notebooks full of plans, an unstoppable work ethic, and the support of a generous community, Via Vita Academy was born.
In 2016, they opened the doors of Via Vita Academy with 16 students and 3 teachers—two of them being Adele and Meghan themselves. The school quickly grew, both in numbers and in heart. By 2017, VVA was home to 48 students in the school year ,and a small group of eager campers in the summer. By 2019, school enrolment reached 60 and the camps were flourishing, supported by a vibrant and passionate team of educators and childcare leaders.
Rather than grow endlessly, Adele and Meghan chose to stay true to their values, keeping VVA intentionally small and personal—what they call their “happy place”—with around 50 students, a passionate group of full and part time staff, and a similar in size summer program. All with a deeply rooted sense of community.
Over the years, VVA has expanded its offerings with programs like their LIT/LEAD Youth Leadership, Summer Camps with up to 50 campers, and Before-and-After school Care that supports not just VVA families but those from local schools, Smokey Drive and École du Grand Portage.
Today, VVA is a thriving, woman-owned, year-round local business in the heart of Lower Sackville. Still guided by passionate teachers, programmers and dynamite volunteers who deeply believe in what a school and childcare centre can be, VVA is a place where strength, grit and perseverance meet creativity, life skills, and meaningful relationships.
Rooted in compassion, empowered by community, and inspired by wonder, we remain proudly small and deeply connected—so every child is known, every voice matters, and learning feels personal and purposeful.
Past students and campers return to visit, volunteer, work alongside us and cheer us on. Families stay connected long after graduation, joining for events each season. And every child who walks through our doors becomes part of a story still unfolding—a story built on the belief that when a school is led with heart, grounded in excellence, and supported by community, it becomes something truly extraordinary.
To learn more, click on the links below:
Via Vita Academy PK-9 School | Summer & March Break Camps | Before & After School Care