Our daughter just started school this year (4 years old) and we were nervous about having her attend pre-k. We started asking around about schools and was surprised to find one so close to home, Via Vita Academy. We did some research and we had heard nothing but wonderful things about the school so we decided to enrol her after a school tour. We are so happy we did! The small class sizes have helped my little one really get that 1 on 1 attention to help her flourish and doing things I would have never expected a 4 year old to do! We love that school takes the kids outside to be in nature, the kids learn so much more then just the regular classroom academics. They really get to do and learn what they enjoy as kids; yoga, sports, cooking and so much more! All the teachers are so wonderful, easy to speak with, and everyone knows everyone so you really get the feel of community. Helping, growing and learning together. Meghan and Adele (Directors) are so very wonderful to speak with, they’re transparent with everything about the school, they really give you the confidence in how the school is operated. They are able to answer questions quickly and will tell you everything upfront. I couldn’t imagine my little one being in any other school! Lindsey & Andrew (Parents of a PK student)
We had all the intention to homeschool our son for as long as we could. When he became curious about our kids' school experiences, we began our research and shared what we learned about our local public school and private schools with him. When we decided to visit VVA for a tour, he immediately asked, "can I come here? I love it here.". The academic growth (don't get me started on bragging about how far his writing has come!) and social development is a testament to the balance of hands-on encouragement and support he receives from his teachers and older peers. The comprehensive approach to supporting our little to grow into a caring, brilliant and compassionate full human is deeply appreciated and recognized as his learning shames who he is not just as a student but as a person. We are proud to be part of the VVA community. Shakira (Parent of a K student)
We chose Via Vita for our daughter’s Pre-K year, as we wanted to give her the most positive introduction to the school environment we could find. Via Vita has been a wonderful place for her - she loves the staff, the teaching, and the sense of community. We love the exemplary communication, passionate teaching staff, and the emphasis on the “whole child” rather than just grades. As a former educator myself, this is what you wish every school was like! -Amy (Parent of a PK student)
I am so pleased with Via Vita's Pre-K and Primary program. My son can identify and assess his emotions, thanks to the tools provided by the staff. His self-confidence has soared and the hollistic approach that aligns with my morals and values makes it easy to reinforce great behaviours and outlooks. He has made friends, both young and old, and I am so excited for his next years at Via Vita Academy. Thank you to the teachers who do a wonderful job at fostering a positive learning environment. -Lara (Parent of a PK student)
Every time I read one of his report cards, I tear up! In a good way :) They are so well written and thoughtful. It really shows how much you all care for our little ones. My son has done so well since starting at VVA. He has grown so much! He's trying new things and starting to speak up for himself - this is huge for him! Deciding to put him into VVA has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. He loves all of his teachers. I love all the teachers! It's not just a school, it's an extended family! -Debra (Parent of a grade 2 student)
Life as a kid should be FUN, carefree, filled with laughter, exploration and good friendships. It can become a little more complicated when you enter the school system and conformity to a way of being has you challenged to reign in your enthusiasm, passion and creativity. By the time our daughter hit Grade 6, we knew we had to make a change as she was not thriving in the current environment in a variety of ways. We wanted to find a school that was different. One where there was more flexibility for her to learn in her own way, be challenged and to feel safe being her own unique self. Following her "trial day", she (and we) know it was the right place for her. At Via Vita, they teach the whole child. It's not just about academics. It's also about social and emotional development in an amazing community filled with caring teachers and fellow students/friends. -Kelly (Parent of a grade 8 student)
My son struggled his whole academic career inside the public school system. He knew he was smart and could do the work, but wasn’t motivated or pushed to do any of it to his full potential. Via Vita Academy changed that inside of two months. I now have a kid that meets deadlines, writes raps and essays, LIKES algebra and truly enjoys going to school. It is a moving experience to see a 12 year old cry because his report card was so positive and reflective of how hard he was trying and the quality of work he can produce. I will never forget that moment and neither will he. I will also never forget what he said to me after reading it, “Mom, I’m going to go to high school and blow them away, aren’t I?” I see him learn something new every day, see him engaged and see him happy. This is a dream come true as a parent. Thank you Via Vita! -Lindsey (Parent of a grade 7 student)
Via Vita Academy offers caring teachers, small class sizes, multigrade teaching and an emphasis on open and frequent communication between the teachers and parents, and all that at a very affordable price. My older son currently attends Via Vita Academy, and once he’s old enough I’ll definitely sign up my younger son as well. I highly recommend Via Vita Academy. -Markus (Parent of a grade K student)
By definition, a school is "an institution where instruction is given". Our teen son's experience with school (before Via Vita) was exactly that: school was simply a building he went to daily to receive instruction. Now, at Via Vita, school is redefined: it is a community he goes to daily to receive not just instruction, but life skills, acceptance, friendship, peace of mind, and so much more. After 2 1/2 years at Via Vita, his self-worth and confidence have increased exponentially, his academic grades have gone up, and he is on a whole other level socially. Although navigating Junior High can be daunting (for both teens and parents), the teachers at Via Vita are there for every step of the journey, taking the time to connect with each student and provide encouragement, support, and open communication along the way. Making the decision to join the school was absolutely life-changing for our family - from the bottom of our hearts, thank you Via Vita Academy! -Christian (Parent of a grade 8 student)
What an amazing school filled with happy and engaged learners, excellent teachers and a philosophy of teaching the "whole child". Both my children have been enrolled at Via Vita for over a year - they are receiving an excellent education, are provided daily encouragement, have become confident and eager kids who love school! Just look at the weekly photo blogs and you can see the difference - outdoor activities are plentiful, cooking, learning, playing, engaging - it is all there. I am an eager "storyteller" of all the awesomeness of Via Vita and would happily recommend it to any parents looking for a wonderful, engaging and positively happy learning environment for their children. -Patty (Parent of a grade 2 & 4 students)
Neil deGrasse Tyson said “When students cheat on exams it’s because our school system values grades more than students value learning.” Working in the business world, it’s apparent that this philosophy extends beyond school and into the workplace and it shows up as a lack of ethics as people hyper-focus on goals. It’s a tough problem to solve. How does one encourage excellence and reward accomplishment while holding the process as an essential component of the outcome? How does one balance the reality that excellence in results are the pragmatic yard stick, but results without ethics and values are hollow (although often rewarded). I see Via Vita as a school that understands this quandary. Of all of the schools we visited before enrolling Victoria, we saw that Via Vita was the place that was addressing this. What we want for Victoria is a place that values learning; a place that values the process of learning. We want her to strive for excellence and learn to self direct and self motivate. We want her to understand the value of achievement and excellence but achievement and excellence that are inextricably coupled with compassion and ethics. The single most important thing that keeps families coming back to Via Vita is a commitment to the vision. This commitment comes in the form of clear articulation and “living the vision”. This feeling of what it’s I experience at Via Vita is what brought me to Via Vita and what will keep us there. -Kirk (Parent of a grade 1 student)
Via Vita Academy has excellent academics, teaches social skills, life skills and so much more. The staff is by far the best! They love the children, all while encouraging them to take one more step forward, building their confidence and self assurance. A very special way of teaching that develops the students by strengthening their own unique skills and talents. Each student learns differently and brings something special to the school. Via Vita Academy has decreased my children’s anxiety by creating a school that thrives on encouragement and growth. They guide, support and encourage the children to excel past the limitations that they set upon themselves. They strive for excellence, and achieve it. The school & staff are like a second family. Family, top rated education and personal growth. Warm, kind, and loving. We recommend this school 100%. -Karyn (Parent of grade 7 & 9 students)
I asked my son to tell me what he thought of his school and this is what he said: "we get more freedom...and when it's recess, rather than dodging our teachers, we'll go over and talk to them... there's more freedom, and we feel more comfortable." He is taking on more responsibility willingly and showing leadership qualities we have never seen before. This was definitely the right move for him! -Krista (Parent of a grade 6 student)
I never thought our son was capable of doing anywhere near grade level work. I used to find parent-teacher such a negative event. I was frustrated with the lack of resources that public school offered kids like him. He wasn't learning, sitting in a classroom all day was painful, and he was frustrated. His attitude took a turn as a result. Sending him to Via Vita this year has been the best decision we've ever made. I'm truly sorry we didn't send him there sooner. It's remarkable the changes in him over this past year, academically and socially and overall as a contributing member of society. Via Vita teaches kids as a whole, integrating learning with real life skills. The educators there are truly special individuals. I could never thank them enough for all they have done for our family. We are so pleased with the changes in our older son that we've decided to send our youngest there next year. The end of an amazing school year is approaching, and I can't wait to see what Via Vita has in store for next year! -Carrie (Parents of a grade 8 student)
I can't say enough about this amazing school. Incredibly small class sizes help promote high academic achievement all the while incorporating student lead themed based learning. An incredibly organized daily schedule includes not just academic activities but also life skills, cooking, gardening, hands on science projects, sports, crafts, field trips and public speaking (and so much more). -Not to mention awesome teachers that are excited about teaching and reasonable tuition fees. Daily chores that incorporate peer mentoring helps develop responsibility and leadership skills. My daughter loves this school as much as I do! -B. & W. Malley (Parent of a grade 7 student)