Frequently Asked Questions
What separates you from other private/independent schools?
Our approach to teaching and learning—along with the size of our school and classes—sets Via Vita Academy apart from other independent schools. Our vision, a culture empowered by community, compassion, and wonder, lies at the heart of everything we do each day.
It’s why we place equal value on academic excellence and personal growth, why we remain intentionally small and family-focused, and why we integrate physical activity, outdoor education, the arts, life skills, and inquiry-based learning into every school day. At Via Vita, the process of learning is as important as the outcome—because that’s where curiosity, confidence, and connection truly grow.
How many students will there really be in my child's class?
At most,15. But honestly, our favourite teaching environment is between 10-12 students. Our budget is structured to keep class sizes close to this size, and from our experience, it offers the best range of activities and learning opportunities for students. The owner of the school also teaches in the school, so we will always stay true to our word - we're living it every day!
Who will teach my child?
Your child will be taught by a collaborative, dedicated team of diverse, passionate, and experienced educators who value respect, curiosity, and compassion. At Via Vita Academy, our teachers are carefully selected and supported to grow both professionally and personally, developing deep roots within our school community.
Each educator brings specialized training and genuine passion for their field—an essential ingredient in inspiring a love of learning and nurturing each student’s individual growth. New teachers undergo a rigorous hiring process, including interviews with a panel of parents and staff, and a teaching session that allows students to meet and engage with them before hiring decisions are made.
All teachers receive training in Via Vita’s philosophies, teaching methods, and policies before joining the classroom and participate in ongoing mentorship, professional development, and evaluations throughout the year. This commitment ensures a consistent, caring, and high-quality learning experience for every student.
What does my tuition payments pay for?
We truly wish we could offer this educational experience to every child free of charge—every child deserves the chance to learn and grow in a school dedicated to their success. However, as an independent school, tuition is our sole source of funding, supporting the essential costs of running Via Vita Academy. These include educational resources, facility expenses, insurance, teacher salaries, marketing, and general operational needs.
At Via Vita, every tuition dollar goes directly back into the school to sustain, strengthen, and grow our programs. As a teacher-owned and operated school, we are guided by a deep passion for education and a commitment to transparency. Tuition exists solely to keep the school thriving—nothing more. We remain dedicated to providing clear, honest communication about our programs, policies, fees, and future plans, ensuring families always understand where their investment in their child’s education goes.
What if it's not the right fit once we begin the year?
We work closely with each family to ensure we are providing the education that fits with each child's needs, abilities, and interests. We follow a careful plan with each student and their family to maintain communication and ensure we are working with everyone's goals in mind. In the situation where we are not able to provide a program that works for your child or family needs, or you need to withdrawal, we, of course, will be very sad to see you go. Assuming all payments up to that point are made on time, we will provide all necessary documentation and reports needed on your end. Financially, we request a 4 month notice, after which point, remaining payments will be refunded to you. The deposit to enrol is non-refundable.
Why don't you offer high school?
High school is a time to embrace independence, demonstrate leadership, build meaningful friendships, and celebrate individuality. It’s a stage where students apply the skills and self-awareness they’ve developed to navigate new opportunities, challenges, and connections in a larger world.
At Via Vita Academy, we prepare students for this important step by helping them understand who they are, how they learn, and where they want their path to lead. By Grade 9, our students have cultivated a strong sense of self, confidence, and determination, balancing the responsibilities and privileges of being leaders within our school community.
Throughout their time at Via Vita, students have participated in a variety of extracurricular and leadership opportunities—from athletics and arts to community initiatives and school events. Moving into high school allows them to apply these experiences on a larger scale, exploring new possibilities and continuing to grow through broader programs and activities.
Our priority is to ensure that each student leaves Via Vita with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive in high school and beyond—ready to face life’s challenges and joys with curiosity, empathy, and strength.
How can you ensure my child's safety during the day?
Safety is a top priority for all of us, students and staff. With a small student-teacher ratio, we always have available staff to help any child in need, be it with emotional coaching, academic support, mental health or physical first aid. We ensure every child is cared for, throughout each day.
Our school space operates within the building of Faith Baptist church. We are the main tenants of the building and have access to the entire facility. Only VVA staff and building officials have keys to the facility, as the exterior doors remain locked during the day. Visitors must notify ahead of time and ring the doorbell upon arrival.
All staff and volunteers have a criminal records and child abuse registry check completed. All staff are trained in safety protocols, First Aid and CPR, with specified staff further trained in WHMIS, Mental Health First Aid, and Food Handling. All volunteers in the school are monitored and supervised while within our school. All staff and students are practised in fire and lockdown procedures, with communication and lockdown systems in place. Safety is one of our top priorities to ensure a welcoming and engaging learning environment.
Are you affiliated with the church?
Educationally, no. We are a non-sectarian school, using Nova Scotia Department of Education Curriculum, which has no religious affiliation. We simply rent the space and have grown to love working with this community as they have shown us a tremendous amount of support over our many years renting. They are very welcoming of our school, our educational philosophies, and our families. We cherish the working relationship we have with them, and hope it continues well into the future, but to clarify, no, we are not affiliated with any church or religion in any other capacity.
Do you give homework?
Yes, we assign classwork with due dates that may occasionally need to be completed at home. These assignments—along with quizzes, projects, and group work—help students develop essential life skills such as accountability, time management, perseverance, organization, communication, and self-motivation.
As students reach upper elementary, they also benefit from a dedicated homeroom period focused on homework, where they can receive extra support from teachers and peers. This structured time helps them learn to manage responsibilities effectively and complete work with care and confidence.
We maintain ongoing communication with families to ensure everyone understands the purpose behind homework and due dates. At Via Vita Academy, we see assignments as an important tool for practicing independence, responsibility, and goal-setting—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Homework takes many forms depending on age and ability. Sometimes it involves independent practice, and other times, it offers a chance for positive family involvement. Completing tasks within a set time helps students see their own progress, build self-confidence, and experience the pride that comes from hard work and perseverance. It also provides meaningful opportunities for families to engage with their child’s learning, strengthening the connection between home and school.
We believe that, when balanced and purposeful, homework is a valuable part of learning—supporting not only academic growth but also the lifelong skills needed for success.
So, you teach inquiry-based themed curriculum. How is this different than what my child is receiving now?
As an independent school, we can deliver curriculum in a method and philosophy that we feel best meets the needs of our students. Inquiry-based themed curriculum adapts each year with students, and will challenge a child, no matter the grade. By posing questions and encouraging students to pose their own questions and seek out answers, the delivery of curriculum focuses on the process of finding out rather than simply giving students information to remember. The process is tailored to bring out their strengths and engages them to work with others, build up their own learning needs, and develop concrete understanding of real-life concepts. It allows students to build teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills as they work with others, learning to respect each other's strengths, challenges, and needs. It also provides many opportunities to learn hands-on life skills. By teaching and learning in this way, we are able to better support multiple learning styles and create a positive learning environment where challenges become building blocks for success, preparing them for the ever-changing future ahead of them. These methods, as well as our students, thrive in a small school setting. Without our small classes and small school, committed families, and dedicated teachers, we would not be able to offer such a unique program and style of teaching.
Why are you teaching life skills as part of the curriculum?
Life skills are often overlooked in traditional education or taught inconsistently across grade levels, leaving students without a clear understanding of how to apply them in real life. Yet, experiences such as starting a job, managing finances, balancing work and life, leading others, living sustainably, and finding joy and purpose all depend on these essential skills.
At Via Vita Academy, we believe that life skills are just as important—and deeply connected—to academic learning. They play a vital role in helping students build the confidence, adaptability, and resilience needed to lead successful, happy, and healthy lives.
We integrate life skills naturally into every aspect of learning—through collaborative projects, hands-on experiences, daily routines, and community involvement. Students practice communication, organization, problem-solving, teamwork, and self-management in real contexts, developing independence and practical know-how. From classroom discussions and group challenges to leadership opportunities and daily responsibilities, these experiences help students grow into capable, confident individuals who are prepared for life beyond school.
Do you offer French Immersion?
We do not offer French Immersion at our school, however every student in the school has within their weekly rotation of life skill classes a Languages class, where French is the number one language they learn first. Our Languages course starts with conversational French in our youngest grades, then moves into local cultures & languages including Gaelic & Mi’kmaq, building towards an appreciation for our nations’ diverse cultures and languages, and then globally diving into cultural and linguistic history, geography, and human rights by junior high.
Furthermore, every 3 years our junior high students take a 10-day trip to Quebec and Ontario, where they have the opportunity to further develop and apply their appreciation for language and culture. This often proves to be a deeply meaningful and impactful experience in broadening their understanding of both French and the diversity of culture.
Do you take field trips?
Yes. We take many field trips, and invite many guest speakers and workshoppers! Sometimes as a whole school, sometimes as a class. Field trips provide hands-on experience and successfully help to build a concrete understanding.. They contribute to an enhanced learning experience and can provide an excellent springboard for further discussion and learning activities. Field trips can be anything from visiting the grocery store to touring a museum, or even simply going for a hike. Each offers its own unique learning experience!
Do you wear uniforms?
Yes. We wear comfortable tops with the school logo and bottoms of choice. Tops are the style of choice, but are grey, black, blue or green in colour - the school colours. Simple, easy to clean, and easy to move around in. It's important to remember that students may be running in the gym, painting on the floor, reading on the couch, building at a table, writing in a journal, acting on stage, gardening outside, and cooking up a delicious meal in the kitchen - all in one day. We wear uniforms to, hopefully, make choosing an outfit in the morning easy, to keep safe as an identifiable group, and to build a unified feeling of being a part of something special. Uniforms are expected to be worn every day, with the exception of special casual/costume days or performances requiring costumes.
How do you handle concerns from parents?
As a community that values teamwork and collaboration, we recognize that concerns are a natural part of working together—and that they often present opportunities for positive growth and improvement. When concerns are brought forward with the genuine intention to make things better, everyone benefits.
At Via Vita Academy, we believe face-to-face communication is the best way to connect. Tone, empathy, and understanding are easiest to convey in person. If a concern is shared by email, you can expect it to be followed up with a request for a meeting, phone call, or in-person conversation. Likewise, we encourage families to bring concerns to us directly whenever possible—personal conversation helps maintain trust, clarity, and connection.
We are a solutions-oriented community, and every concern is treated with care, respect, and attention to detail. We aim to find resolutions that work for everyone involved. Whenever appropriate, we invite all parties to come together to discuss matters openly—reducing tension, preventing misunderstandings, and building empathy.
Our approach to teaching and learning—along with the size of our school and classes—sets Via Vita Academy apart from other independent schools. Our vision, a culture empowered by community, compassion, and wonder, lies at the heart of everything we do each day.
It’s why we place equal value on academic excellence and personal growth, why we remain intentionally small and family-focused, and why we integrate physical activity, outdoor education, the arts, life skills, and inquiry-based learning into every school day. At Via Vita, the process of learning is as important as the outcome—because that’s where curiosity, confidence, and connection truly grow.
How many students will there really be in my child's class?
At most,15. But honestly, our favourite teaching environment is between 10-12 students. Our budget is structured to keep class sizes close to this size, and from our experience, it offers the best range of activities and learning opportunities for students. The owner of the school also teaches in the school, so we will always stay true to our word - we're living it every day!
Who will teach my child?
Your child will be taught by a collaborative, dedicated team of diverse, passionate, and experienced educators who value respect, curiosity, and compassion. At Via Vita Academy, our teachers are carefully selected and supported to grow both professionally and personally, developing deep roots within our school community.
Each educator brings specialized training and genuine passion for their field—an essential ingredient in inspiring a love of learning and nurturing each student’s individual growth. New teachers undergo a rigorous hiring process, including interviews with a panel of parents and staff, and a teaching session that allows students to meet and engage with them before hiring decisions are made.
All teachers receive training in Via Vita’s philosophies, teaching methods, and policies before joining the classroom and participate in ongoing mentorship, professional development, and evaluations throughout the year. This commitment ensures a consistent, caring, and high-quality learning experience for every student.
What does my tuition payments pay for?
We truly wish we could offer this educational experience to every child free of charge—every child deserves the chance to learn and grow in a school dedicated to their success. However, as an independent school, tuition is our sole source of funding, supporting the essential costs of running Via Vita Academy. These include educational resources, facility expenses, insurance, teacher salaries, marketing, and general operational needs.
At Via Vita, every tuition dollar goes directly back into the school to sustain, strengthen, and grow our programs. As a teacher-owned and operated school, we are guided by a deep passion for education and a commitment to transparency. Tuition exists solely to keep the school thriving—nothing more. We remain dedicated to providing clear, honest communication about our programs, policies, fees, and future plans, ensuring families always understand where their investment in their child’s education goes.
What if it's not the right fit once we begin the year?
We work closely with each family to ensure we are providing the education that fits with each child's needs, abilities, and interests. We follow a careful plan with each student and their family to maintain communication and ensure we are working with everyone's goals in mind. In the situation where we are not able to provide a program that works for your child or family needs, or you need to withdrawal, we, of course, will be very sad to see you go. Assuming all payments up to that point are made on time, we will provide all necessary documentation and reports needed on your end. Financially, we request a 4 month notice, after which point, remaining payments will be refunded to you. The deposit to enrol is non-refundable.
Why don't you offer high school?
High school is a time to embrace independence, demonstrate leadership, build meaningful friendships, and celebrate individuality. It’s a stage where students apply the skills and self-awareness they’ve developed to navigate new opportunities, challenges, and connections in a larger world.
At Via Vita Academy, we prepare students for this important step by helping them understand who they are, how they learn, and where they want their path to lead. By Grade 9, our students have cultivated a strong sense of self, confidence, and determination, balancing the responsibilities and privileges of being leaders within our school community.
Throughout their time at Via Vita, students have participated in a variety of extracurricular and leadership opportunities—from athletics and arts to community initiatives and school events. Moving into high school allows them to apply these experiences on a larger scale, exploring new possibilities and continuing to grow through broader programs and activities.
Our priority is to ensure that each student leaves Via Vita with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive in high school and beyond—ready to face life’s challenges and joys with curiosity, empathy, and strength.
How can you ensure my child's safety during the day?
Safety is a top priority for all of us, students and staff. With a small student-teacher ratio, we always have available staff to help any child in need, be it with emotional coaching, academic support, mental health or physical first aid. We ensure every child is cared for, throughout each day.
Our school space operates within the building of Faith Baptist church. We are the main tenants of the building and have access to the entire facility. Only VVA staff and building officials have keys to the facility, as the exterior doors remain locked during the day. Visitors must notify ahead of time and ring the doorbell upon arrival.
All staff and volunteers have a criminal records and child abuse registry check completed. All staff are trained in safety protocols, First Aid and CPR, with specified staff further trained in WHMIS, Mental Health First Aid, and Food Handling. All volunteers in the school are monitored and supervised while within our school. All staff and students are practised in fire and lockdown procedures, with communication and lockdown systems in place. Safety is one of our top priorities to ensure a welcoming and engaging learning environment.
Are you affiliated with the church?
Educationally, no. We are a non-sectarian school, using Nova Scotia Department of Education Curriculum, which has no religious affiliation. We simply rent the space and have grown to love working with this community as they have shown us a tremendous amount of support over our many years renting. They are very welcoming of our school, our educational philosophies, and our families. We cherish the working relationship we have with them, and hope it continues well into the future, but to clarify, no, we are not affiliated with any church or religion in any other capacity.
Do you give homework?
Yes, we assign classwork with due dates that may occasionally need to be completed at home. These assignments—along with quizzes, projects, and group work—help students develop essential life skills such as accountability, time management, perseverance, organization, communication, and self-motivation.
As students reach upper elementary, they also benefit from a dedicated homeroom period focused on homework, where they can receive extra support from teachers and peers. This structured time helps them learn to manage responsibilities effectively and complete work with care and confidence.
We maintain ongoing communication with families to ensure everyone understands the purpose behind homework and due dates. At Via Vita Academy, we see assignments as an important tool for practicing independence, responsibility, and goal-setting—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Homework takes many forms depending on age and ability. Sometimes it involves independent practice, and other times, it offers a chance for positive family involvement. Completing tasks within a set time helps students see their own progress, build self-confidence, and experience the pride that comes from hard work and perseverance. It also provides meaningful opportunities for families to engage with their child’s learning, strengthening the connection between home and school.
We believe that, when balanced and purposeful, homework is a valuable part of learning—supporting not only academic growth but also the lifelong skills needed for success.
So, you teach inquiry-based themed curriculum. How is this different than what my child is receiving now?
As an independent school, we can deliver curriculum in a method and philosophy that we feel best meets the needs of our students. Inquiry-based themed curriculum adapts each year with students, and will challenge a child, no matter the grade. By posing questions and encouraging students to pose their own questions and seek out answers, the delivery of curriculum focuses on the process of finding out rather than simply giving students information to remember. The process is tailored to bring out their strengths and engages them to work with others, build up their own learning needs, and develop concrete understanding of real-life concepts. It allows students to build teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills as they work with others, learning to respect each other's strengths, challenges, and needs. It also provides many opportunities to learn hands-on life skills. By teaching and learning in this way, we are able to better support multiple learning styles and create a positive learning environment where challenges become building blocks for success, preparing them for the ever-changing future ahead of them. These methods, as well as our students, thrive in a small school setting. Without our small classes and small school, committed families, and dedicated teachers, we would not be able to offer such a unique program and style of teaching.
Why are you teaching life skills as part of the curriculum?
Life skills are often overlooked in traditional education or taught inconsistently across grade levels, leaving students without a clear understanding of how to apply them in real life. Yet, experiences such as starting a job, managing finances, balancing work and life, leading others, living sustainably, and finding joy and purpose all depend on these essential skills.
At Via Vita Academy, we believe that life skills are just as important—and deeply connected—to academic learning. They play a vital role in helping students build the confidence, adaptability, and resilience needed to lead successful, happy, and healthy lives.
We integrate life skills naturally into every aspect of learning—through collaborative projects, hands-on experiences, daily routines, and community involvement. Students practice communication, organization, problem-solving, teamwork, and self-management in real contexts, developing independence and practical know-how. From classroom discussions and group challenges to leadership opportunities and daily responsibilities, these experiences help students grow into capable, confident individuals who are prepared for life beyond school.
Do you offer French Immersion?
We do not offer French Immersion at our school, however every student in the school has within their weekly rotation of life skill classes a Languages class, where French is the number one language they learn first. Our Languages course starts with conversational French in our youngest grades, then moves into local cultures & languages including Gaelic & Mi’kmaq, building towards an appreciation for our nations’ diverse cultures and languages, and then globally diving into cultural and linguistic history, geography, and human rights by junior high.
Furthermore, every 3 years our junior high students take a 10-day trip to Quebec and Ontario, where they have the opportunity to further develop and apply their appreciation for language and culture. This often proves to be a deeply meaningful and impactful experience in broadening their understanding of both French and the diversity of culture.
Do you take field trips?
Yes. We take many field trips, and invite many guest speakers and workshoppers! Sometimes as a whole school, sometimes as a class. Field trips provide hands-on experience and successfully help to build a concrete understanding.. They contribute to an enhanced learning experience and can provide an excellent springboard for further discussion and learning activities. Field trips can be anything from visiting the grocery store to touring a museum, or even simply going for a hike. Each offers its own unique learning experience!
Do you wear uniforms?
Yes. We wear comfortable tops with the school logo and bottoms of choice. Tops are the style of choice, but are grey, black, blue or green in colour - the school colours. Simple, easy to clean, and easy to move around in. It's important to remember that students may be running in the gym, painting on the floor, reading on the couch, building at a table, writing in a journal, acting on stage, gardening outside, and cooking up a delicious meal in the kitchen - all in one day. We wear uniforms to, hopefully, make choosing an outfit in the morning easy, to keep safe as an identifiable group, and to build a unified feeling of being a part of something special. Uniforms are expected to be worn every day, with the exception of special casual/costume days or performances requiring costumes.
How do you handle concerns from parents?
As a community that values teamwork and collaboration, we recognize that concerns are a natural part of working together—and that they often present opportunities for positive growth and improvement. When concerns are brought forward with the genuine intention to make things better, everyone benefits.
At Via Vita Academy, we believe face-to-face communication is the best way to connect. Tone, empathy, and understanding are easiest to convey in person. If a concern is shared by email, you can expect it to be followed up with a request for a meeting, phone call, or in-person conversation. Likewise, we encourage families to bring concerns to us directly whenever possible—personal conversation helps maintain trust, clarity, and connection.
We are a solutions-oriented community, and every concern is treated with care, respect, and attention to detail. We aim to find resolutions that work for everyone involved. Whenever appropriate, we invite all parties to come together to discuss matters openly—reducing tension, preventing misunderstandings, and building empathy.