Reports from students, parents, and alumni highlight Greenwood's small, welcoming environment that fosters genuine connections, support, and acceptance across diverse interests and personalities.
Personally, I really liked that it was co-ed—I didn’t want to go to an all-girls school and then switch to co-ed again for university without having done group work in high school. I also loved how small it felt. The student-to-teacher ratio was around 7:1 when I joined. You walk in, and it feels like a little community.
You go straight to camp at the start of Grade 7, which is an amazing way to connect right away. My parents were a bit unsure at first, especially my dad, who’s a big traditional math guy, because of the blended learning approach. But after talking to someone in admissions, they were convinced, and we felt like part of the community from day one.
Greenwood students are engaged, friendly, and involved. You're not just going to class—you’re part of clubs, teams, and committees. You know everyone’s name. I remember the head girl knew my name in Grade 7 and would ride the bus home with me. That kind of welcoming spirit is part of the culture.
The first reason I’d recommend Greenwood is its sense of community. You build real relationships with classmates, teachers, and staff. Second, the leadership opportunities. Because it's a smaller school, you can get involved from the start—whether that’s running for grade rep or leading a club. Third, the support. Whether you're looking for academic challenge, extra help, or just someone to talk to, the support is there. And it finds you—you don’t always have to go looking for it.
It’s not just students who become part of the school; families are involved too. Whether it’s formal committees or just going to events, teachers reach out. My parents feel like part of the Greenwood community and are really happy that both my sister and I went there.
The school’s small size and supportive learning atmosphere made a lasting impression. Greenwood has fewer than 500 students from Grades 7 to 12, which gives it a close-knit community feel. Despite its size, the school offered a surprising number of options, both academic and extracurricular. I appreciated that you didn’t have to be the best to participate in sports or clubs; you just had to show interest and put in the effort. Unlike schools where making a team can be highly competitive, Greenwood created an inclusive space where trying something new was always encouraged.
Inclusivity was deeply woven into the school culture. Greenwood made space for everyone, regardless of where they were on the spectrum of interests or personalities. I was the student with my head in a book and a backpack full of math textbooks, but I always felt accepted. Inclusivity wasn’t just talked about; it was felt throughout the community. Teachers demonstrated genuine care and passion for student success, taking time outside of class to help us learn and grow.
Reflecting on my early days at Greenwood, I wish I had jumped in faster. I came from a school where I had been since JK, so starting fresh in Grade 7 with all new people was overwhelming. Although I joined sports teams, I kept to myself at first. In hindsight, I wish I had started trying clubs and meeting people earlier, because the Grade 12s were incredibly welcoming and willing to mentor younger students. It took me time to recognize just how deep Greenwood’s culture of inclusion went.
One of my favourite memories is from a Grade 9 trip. I was having a tough time and keeping to myself, but one student noticed and made it his mission to include me. Those people are still some of my closest friends. That moment really encapsulates Greenwood—students looking out for one another and building meaningful connections. As I grew older, I tried to be that person for others, contributing to the atmosphere of encouragement and support.
Greenwood was really committed to making learning work for everybody. Some schools expect students to fit into a set mold, but Greenwood met you where you were. It recognized that everyone’s needs and learning styles are different and created ways for all kinds of learners to succeed with the right nurturing. That commitment showed not just in academics, but in social life, extracurriculars, and outdoor education as well. It gave people more space to be themselves.
The school embraces different kinds of passion and encouraged people to be unapologetically enthusiastic about what they loved. Greenwood has a sense of humour. I think Greenwood would be the kind of person who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. That kind of attitude—being able to laugh at yourself and have fun—is a big part of the school’s culture. Greenwood would also be a loyal friend, someone who’s there for you through good times and bad. I think Greenwood would be quirky in their interests too—doing things that might seem odd at first but are really fun once you get to know them.
I think Greenwood attracted people who felt a little different. When I joined, the school was in its second year, and that felt like a risk—but it also felt like an opportunity. The people who took that leap were maybe a little different themselves and looking for a place that was different too. It did feel like a different educational experience compared to what others had, and that was a good thing. There was a shared sense of quirkiness among the students, which helped create a strong sense of community.
Greenwood feels like a home to me. The more I have gotten to know the school and the people inside of it, the more I have liked it. I would say my favourite part of Greenwood is the environment, or the atmosphere. When you enter the school, everyone has a smile (even below the masks!) and is happy to have a day of school. For me, this atmosphere is unmatched. Even if you are having a bad day, you can see your friends and it all goes away. Everyone at this school is unique, so you will always find new interests and learn new things. Something very special about Greenwood is the advisor program. This program brings students into a class with one advisor. This advisor helps the students get more involved with the school, helps students with any problems, and they can even help students with homework. This program allows students to get to know the school better and get more involved, which builds the school community even stronger. Even after the pandemic, the community at Greenwood is indestructible.
—Alexander Viola, student (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
I would describe Greenwood students as welcoming and happy. When I first arrived at Greenwood, I was very nervous, but in less than 5 minutes I had already made a new friend. I continued to meet more people in the school from other grades and my own, and I got to know the school much better. These experiences allowed me to be more comfortable in the school and enjoy the days a lot. I feel that students that are involved with the school (clubs, committees, etc.) tend to do best at the school, because they are getting to know more people and building valuable experiences. On my first day at Greenwood, I was amazed at how it felt like everyone knew each other, no matter the grade they were in. Greenwood does many programs like peer mentors, where students from younger grades can be paired with an older student to help them with work and other things around the school. These programs allow students from many different grades to get to know each other and build strong friendships. Overall, the students at Greenwood are all very close and cheerful.
—Alexander Viola, student (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
My student experience at Greenwood has been incredible. I really love this school and it feels like a second home to me. Every day is exciting, enjoyable and fulfilling. There are always fun things to do around the school whether it is playing basketball in open gym with your friends, or joining a club to do something that you enjoy. These activities make the school days something to always look forward to for many people. Before I arrived, I wish I knew to go outside of my comfort zone. At Greenwood, going out of your comfort zone is highly valued because it can give you unforgettable experiences. Whether you try to meet someone new, jump off of the diving board at Kilcoo, or tell a joke on the announcements, going out of your comfort zone is important to grow as a person. If I'm honest, I wouldn't change anything at Greenwood. Sure, there are a few imperfections like that there isn't a field to play sports with your friends, but this adds to the amazing essence of Greenwood. Who doesn't love bus rides to football games? Every day, I enter the school doors greeted by radiant smiles, which sets the tone for the rest of the day. I am really extremely grateful to be able to go to this school.
—Alexander Viola, student (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
I have three kids (1 girl, and 2 boys) who go to or went to Greenwood (our daughter graduated in 2020). All of my kids started at Greenwood in grade 7. My kids have different personalities and different academic interests and strengths and they have all had a very positive experience at Greenwood. I think the thing that stands out the most for our kids is the sense of community at Greenwood. The day starts off with heads of the student council and some staff greeting students at the door as they walk into school. The multi-grade House activities as well as other multi-grade programs (e.g. peer mentoring, sports, arts, committees) at the school give an opportunity for students to meet and work with a variety of students as well as teachers. Kids get to know a lot of different people in the school.
—Jen Hastings, parent (beginning 2014) (see
full review)
The general atmosphere of the student body seems to be one of people who want to be at Greenwood and want to participate with student life. There are many ‘multi grade’ opportunities for students to interact together - e.g. in clubs, committees, some sports teams and especially with House activities. Also, when grade 7 students leave for their Outdoor Education trip to camp in September, they have grade 12 students as their ‘counselors’. Due to these many opportunities for students to be together, the dynamic seems to be one of people in the same grade as well as other grades interacting with each other and getting along. As well, because teachers and staff go on OE with the students (and trained guides), the dynamic between teachers and students becomes more familiar.
—Jen Hastings, parent (beginning 2014) (see
full review)
My three kids have enjoyed and appreciated going to Greenwood. As I mentioned my kids are very different from each other as far as their learning habits and interests and all three kids have had success and feelings of accomplishment and loved being at Greenwood. The day starts off welcoming with students and staff greeting students at the door as they enter the school. There are also many spaces throughout the school and opportunities (Community Time, breaks, etc) for kids to interact with other students and hang out with their friends. Whenever I have been at the school it seems as though the kids are very happy to be there.
—Jen Hastings, parent (beginning 2014) (see
full review)
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