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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
St. Jude's Academy

Grades JK TO Gr. 12 — Mississauga, ON (MAP)

St. Jude's Academy:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

School address

  • 2150 Torquay Mews, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 2M6 (MAP)
  • Busing available (View details)

School Busing:

St. Jude's Academy offers bus transferring. Service options offered are regular rider, regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only, door-to-door pickup.

The regions St. Jude's Academy offers busing from are:

  • Milton
  • Brampton
  • Mississauga

Additional notes: To ensure quality, St. Judes's Academy provides its own busing solution to our families.

Our Perspective

How we see St. Jude's Academy


St. Jude’s is, notably, an IB world school which, as of September 2018, will be offering the entire continuum, from the primary years through the high school grades. That’s a draw for the families that enroll here, principally because of the strength of the academic program and the international focus that it allows. The IB was developed to educate toward a facility with the core curriculum—language and numeracy—as well as interpersonal communication, creative engagement with others, and an empathetic view toward the diversity within the global setting. St. Jude’s does all of that, including the values piece, which often isn’t perhaps stressed as much whenever people discuss the IB. The school promotes an understanding of our place in the world, as citizens, in the awareness that other people, of course, are citizens, too, just like us. The culture of the school is close-knit, with small class sizes and an very safe, family feeling throughout. It’s also a very vibrant, active school community--the entire school meets every day for a morning assembly, something that solidifies the sense of place and belonging, something further enhanced by the house system. There’s a lot going on, and every point within the school affords a front-row seat. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a diverse, challenging, socially engaged academic atmosphere.

School's Perspective

Compare with:  

How St. Jude's Academy sees itself


The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"St. Jude’s Academy (JK-Grade 12) is the leading private university preparatory and IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP) in Mississauga/GTA. Our experienced faculty are world leaders in IB education. The focus on fundamentals and individualized approach ensures 100% of our graduates are accepted into their chosen university while our Phys. Ed, Arts and Language specialists nurture the whole student. Supported by our community of faculty and parents, our students are prepared to confidently make their mark in the world. "

  • Leading private university preparatory and IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP) in Mississauga/GTA.
  • 100% of SJA graduates are accepted into university of their choice
  • A personalized approach to education
  • A welcoming student body where children want to be
  • A vibrant student life that has families re-registering year after year
  • Excellent sports teams and an elite prep basketball program
  • An active student government
  • More clubs than we can mention
  • Local and international class trips that expose students to the world
  • University visits to help students make their best choice in post-secondary education

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"SJA was the first in Mississauga to offer a continuum of education for students aged 3 to 19. Our students’ experience, their stride and their goals will be helped by the care and expertise of faculty and staff. SJA offers a unique education experience that goes beyond academics and provides a careful balance of Student Life. This careful balance has proven to provide lasting, influential and significant changes in the lives of our students."

What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"Our commitment to doing what is best for the student means that we do not automatically conform to the trends of other schools (like using semesters, which are proven to hinder students).
Our commitment to having our teachers really know the students means that teachers need to go above and beyond class time.
Our commitment to resourcefulness and keeping costs low means that we have to get creative in facilities and partnerships to give families more for less.
Our commitment to critical thinking means that we don’t get carried away with one side of a cultural issue or trend.
Our commitment to nonconformity means that our staff and students have to focus on what really matters versus satisfying people’s perceptions.
Our commitment to responsibility means that we risk turning people away who do not want to take ownership of their successes and failures."

What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"• Families and students who are looking for the best, IB education.
• Families and students who want to start and finish their entire JK-Grade 12 IB education at the same school.
• Families who want their children to feel cared for, listened to and respected.
• Families who are tired of the social agendas that replace learning in public schools.
• Families who can recognize exceptional values.
• Students who are looking for teachers and staff who personalize their approach toward their learning.
• Families who embrace traditional values like hard work and responsibility.
• Families who live in the northwestern GTA, especially Mississauga and surrounding areas.
• Families and students who like to think outside of the box, challenge conventional thinking and take risks.
• Students who are looking for elite sports experiences."

Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"• SJA won’t be a good fit for parents who do not want to partner with a school to give their child the instruction and guidance they need to succeed.
• SJA won’t be a good fit for parents who are not willing to participate and be engaged in their child’s education, who see themselves as consumers more than members.
• SJA won’t be a good fit for parents and students who don’t embrace a holistic approach to education, seeing every part of their SJA experience as working toward the same goal."

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"SJA provides unparalleled value in the private, IB school category. Exceptional teaching, positive student life atmosphere, variety of opportunity and elite athletics are all offered at a competitive price. 100% of our graduates go on to attend the university of their choice. Furthermore, as parents often note, “There’s a different energy here.” Our staff have succeeded in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where every student feels a strong sense of belonging. Families that connect with SJA stick with SJA because they and their children are treated as individuals by our staff. Finally, St. Jude's Academy administration is a strong, unified and committed group who take pride in the school and strive to make it better every day. We are passionate about growing a school that families can be proud of. That difference can be seen and felt."

How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"• The first private school in Mississauga to have the IB Continuum program.
• Steady growth.
• Always improving.
• Largest private school in northern Mississauga.
• Quickest to adapt to unforeseen contingencies.
• Problem-solvers who overcome all challenges.
• 100% university acceptance.
• Longest tenured owner.
• Respected, US-style athletics.
• Pioneers in IB: Our DP Coordinator first brought the IB Program to the Peel Region.
• Leaders in IB: Our Head of School has been on the IBSO Board (International Baccalaureate Schools of Ontario) since 2015."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"In the caring and vibrant SJA community, students are motivated and guided to take ownership of their intellectual and moral growth and develop the self-esteem and courage. At St. Jude's Academy they will need to deal successfully with the challenges and opportunities that high school and university hold. It is the only school that has a n educational experience designed to inspire and challenge students."

What might families find surprising about your school?

"At SJA, the student really does come first above everything else, and it is evident. Our decision-making begins with the question, “Is it good for the student?” The faculty and staff go above and beyond every day to prioritize students’ development of academics, confidence, strong work ethic, independence and effective learning habits. This personalized approach, delivered in the parameters of the IB programme and in the context of a caring and vibrant community, creates highly motivated students who take ownership of their success."

What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

"We have continued to grow steadily at SJA. We have brought in many international IB educators to enhance our IB education. We have added new teachers to accommodate our growth. We have increased our presence on social media as a means of increasing communication and school spirit. We have added new marketing and communications staff. Lastly, we have placed a new focus on our prep basketball program."

How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"We are excited to announce that as of the fall of 2024, we are adding a new 50,000 sq. ft. building right next door at 6745 Century Avenue which will house our high school (Grade 9-12) students. This new facility will include a new Science Lab, Cafeteria, Music Room and Performing Arts Studio. This change will also free up needed space and make life more comfortable for our JK-Grade 8 students at our main location on Torquay Mews. We are excited to announce that as of Fall 2024 we will have renovated our Athletics Dome into the best basketball facility in Southern Ontario. It will have three separate basketball courts that can be used for various other applications as well, along with flexible seating for up to 450 spectators. We felt this was a fitting investment for our growing Athletics program and the best prep basketball program in Ontario. Lastly, as of the summer of 2024, we will be unveiling a complete refresh of our logo, corporate image and website."


School Facilities

Photo-tour of facilities


Athletics facilities


Arts facilities


Campus


Classrooms


Residences


Science facilities


Instructional resources


Shared spaces


School Videos

Insider Perspectives

How people from the school’s community see St. Jude's Academy


Video reviews of St. Jude's Academy

Alum, Wayne Xue (2022)

Watch our alum interview with Wayne Xue to learn about the unique experience of attending St. Jude's Academy.

Alum, Orlando Scarlett (2020)

Watch our alum interview with Orlando Scarlett to learn about the unique experience of attending St. Jude's Academy.

Written reviews of St. Jude's Academy

(4.7)

Parent, Hazel DeFrancesco (2020)

My kids enjoy the small, tight-knit community. Every teacher and faculty member knows them by name ...

(4.7)

Alumnus, Farah Ahmad (2018)

The time I spent at St. Jude's Academy was unforgettable. When I came to St. Jude's Academy I was a ...

(N/A)

Student, Yousra Al Mograbi (2018)

I have never felt so accepted and part of a community before; St. Jude’s Academy has provided that...
See all written reviews (8 total)

School leadership

Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone


Interview with school leader

Watch our St. Jude's Academy leadership interview with Aaron Sawatsky to learn about the academics, culture, and values of the school.
Watch the interview

Message from school leadership

Aaron Sawatsky, Founder

St. Jude's Academy is distinctive due to the weight we place on achieving fluency in language and effectiveness in numeracy; we instil in all our students a firm practical, cultural and artistic framework which reinforces all academic studies. Our students have confidence to express themselves effectively in both their public and private lives. I encourage parents to come check out our school and see the difference a caring atmosphere can make.


THE OUR KIDS REPORT: St. Jude's Academy

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