"Discover excellence at Oakwood Academy, the only certified institution in Canada using the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®) Model. Located in Mississauga, our distinguished educational approach empowers students from preschool to Grade 12 to cultivate critical thinking skills over memorization, fostering a deep appreciation for learning. With social relationships at the core of our curriculum, we tailor education to each student, ensuring academic and social excellence."
Oakwood Academy is one of the only schools in Canada a that specializes in DIR therapy and learning. Oakwood combines a variety of different therapies to ensure that each students needs are well tended to and prioritized. Some of these therapies include: Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Music Therapy, Physiotherapy, and more. Our teachers combine therapy with education to best approach the needs of Oakwood students.
At Oakwood Academy, we prioritize foundational growth over traditional academic structures, ensuring long-term success for our students. We limit technology use, focusing on hands-on, relationship-based learning that builds real-world skills. While academics matter, we emphasize learning how to learn, fostering emotional regulation, communication, and executive functioning—skills that support success in any setting. Instead of enforcing surface-level behavioural compliance, we address root causes, helping students develop self-awareness and regulation, which naturally lead to positive behaviours. By making these intentional choices, we create a deeply supportive, developmentally appropriate environment where students build confidence, independence, and lifelong learning skills.
Oakwood Academy was founded to address gaps in education that traditional schools couldn’t overcome due to financial and systemic limitations. Recognizing that most schools prioritized behaviour over child development, we built a model that places social-emotional growth at the core of learning. We became the first school in Canada to implement a full-time social skills and self- regulation program, integrating developmentally appropriate practices into the entire school day. Our success led public and government-funded institutions to seek our expertise, shaping broader educational approaches. By pioneering relationship-based learning and proving its effectiveness, we’ve influenced how education supports neurodiverse students, ensuring development, not just behaviour management, remains the priority. Today, we continue to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in student centered learning.
Oakwood Academy is ideal for students who benefit from a relationship-based, development-focused approach to learning. We support neurodiverse learners who may struggle in traditional settings due to challenges with **social-emotional regulation, communication, or executive functioning**. Our students thrive with **individualized support**, small class sizes, and a focus on **foundational skills** rather than rigid academics. Families who get the most from Oakwood value **collaboration, developmental progress, and a whole-child approach**. They understand that long-term growth comes from **building emotional resilience, communication, and self-awareness**, not just academic achievement. Parents who trust the process and see the **bigger picture**—that success starts with strong social-emotional foundations—are the best fit for our community.
Oakwood Academy is not the right fit for families seeking a traditional behaviour-based therapeutic school or one that prioritizes rigid academics over developmental growth. Our approach focuses on foundational ground-up approach as opposed to a top-down approach to learning. Families must be open to a developmental approach (DIR Floortime)—Parents must want some involvement and value thinking, relating and communication growth as the foundation for learning. Those looking for standard rote learning, or quick-fix behaviour management may find our methods misaligned with their expectations. At Oakwood, success comes from building connections, self-awareness, and intrinsic motivation, not forcing compliance. Families who embrace this philosophy will see their
children thrive in ways beyond traditional measures.
Families choose Oakwood Academy over others because we provide an inclusive, supportive environment tailored to neurodiverse students' needs. Our evidence-based practices and specialized curriculum prioritize individualized learning and emotional regulation, ensuring personal growth and development. The small class sizes and personalized attention allow for an educational experience that respects each student's unique abilities. Families appreciate our commitment to fostering community and belonging, as well as our dedication to involving them in their child's education journey. Our holistic approach, integrating academic, social, and emotional learning, makes us a preferred choice for families seeking comprehensive support.
Oakwood Academy is perceived as a warm and inclusive learning environment that champions the needs of neurodiverse students. Our commitment to individualized education and evidence-based practices has earned us a reputation as a leader in specialized education. Families and the community recognize our dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and community among students, staff, and families. We are known for our specialized programming, which emphasizes social skills, emotional regulation, and academic success through personalized education plans. The use of assistive technology and sensory-friendly environments highlights our innovative approach to education. Our image is further strengthened by the strong community partnerships we maintain and the active involvement of families in school activities. Overall, we are seen as a nurturing and supportive institution that prioritizes students' holistic development and prepares them for a successful future.
Our commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and belonging is often underappreciated. While our specialized programs and individualized attention receive recognition, the collaborative atmosphere we cultivate among students, families, and staff is equally vital. This supportive community enhances students' educational experiences and contributes significantly to their overall development and success.
Families might be surprised by the depth of our enrichment activities, which extend beyond traditional academic pursuits. We offer gymnastics, swimming, yoga, and therapeutic riding, all adapted to meet sensory and developmental needs. These activities support motor development, coordination, and confidence, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Additionally, our emphasis on life skills and independence through daily routines and field trips may be unexpected. The integration of speech and occupational therapy further enhances our holistic approach. Families may also be surprised by the active role they can play in their child's education through resources like parent training and involvement in school activities, fostering a collaborative and inclusive school community.
Recently, we have enhanced sensory-friendly environments, adding flexible seating and quiet zones to promote self-regulation and reduce anxiety. Our curriculum has been updated to incorporate even more evidence-based practices, particularly in emotional regulation and social skills development. We have increased opportunities for parent involvement, offering more resources and workshops to strengthen the home-school connection. These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to adapting and enhancing our educational offerings.
Over the next five years, we anticipate expanding our specialized programs and increasing our capacity to accommodate more neurodiverse students. We plan to deepen our partnerships with mental health professionals and community organizations to enhance our holistic approach. Continued investment in technology and sensory-friendly resources will ensure we remain at the forefront of innovative educational practices. We aim to broaden our enrichment offerings, introducing new activities that support diverse developmental needs. Our commitment to fostering a strong sense of community will remain central, with increased opportunities for family involvement and collaboration. Through these changes, we will continue to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that prepares our students for future success.
Hear directly from Oakwood Academy community as they share insights.
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