Having longstanding teachers is a clear indication of Metro Prep's strong community spirit, as well as the shared belief in the school’s mission. “I like the loyalty that we have at our school,” says Seeley. “I've been there for over 20 years and I've worked with a lot of the same people. Of course, we have new teachers as well, but I like that it feels like a second home to me.”
There is a diversity of perspectives among the faculty at Metro Prep, and a culture that embraces individuality and self-expression, which encourages students to think for themselves. Staff are given real ownership over programs and policies. Seeley, similar to his predecessor McKelvey, believes that educators with the right attitude can have a profound impact on a student’s life. Both staff and students are encouraged to have a voice.
“Our central values are compassion and communication,” says Seeley. “We love to talk to the kids. It's not just about academic talks but about their life, their future aspirations, or just casual conversations about their weekend or their favourite subjects.”
At the same time, Seeley highlights the academic focus at Metro Prep Academy. “We are a very academic school with a strong focus on the sciences, including maths, STEM, and computer science.” Metro Prep has a unique approach to balancing academic and artistic pursuits, taking both aspects of education seriously, as well as their integration.
“Our teachers are passionate and skilled, always striving to improve and explore new aspects of their subjects,” says Seeley.
Metro Prep Academy aims to guide each student toward the path that is right for them, which involves building the student’s confidence, helping them understand themselves, and discovering what success means for them. “We want to prepare you for the future, which doesn’t necessarily mean we're preparing you to become a doctor or a lawyer,” says Seeley.
Students at Metro Prep are not required to wear uniforms like some other private schools do. Instead, they are encouraged to express themselves as individuals through their clothing and voices.
For Seeley, the warm and cozy atmosphere of Metro Prep Academy is an expression of its unique character. "Metro is a small, close-knit school with personalized classrooms and curriculum. We aim to remain modern and progressive, instead of holding onto older traditions, though we do have our traditions," he says. "Our students enjoy the co-educational setting, because it mirrors the real world where they will work with various kinds of people."
The founder of Metro Prep, the late Wayne McKelvey, believed that success only happens when students believe in themselves. “You let the kids know they’re important, and you go from there.” Echoing that sentiment, Seeley says: "By truly understanding and listening to the students, we motivate them to work harder and achieve their goals."
