REVIEW OF St. Jude's Academy BY student, Lyne El-Husseini

(N/A) Student Experience

My time at St.Jude's Academy has been exceptional. I have been in the school for four months already and there is nothing that I would think of changing in any way! I am beyond grateful to have found such a welcoming and accepting community. I will never forget how quickly I made friends at St. Jude's. People were amiable and understanding from the minute that I walked in. Talking about my fondness of the school won't be enough to convey how deeply I respect and admire it. Being a new member of the school, I wonder about the different opportunities and experiences that I can acquire from it. In four months, I have already developed more confidence, knowledge, and open-mindedness than at any other school I’ve attended in my life. I owe that growth to the supportive teachers and staff as well as the diverse students that have created a secure and safe environment. I am lucky enough to have joined an environment where I am proud to refer to my school-mates as my extended family.

(N/A) School Leadership

At St. Jude's Academy, the administration team is outstanding. Everyone is always ready to assist and help at anytime. Teachers and guidance counsellors are always available to talk and help academically and mentally. The level of discipline is remarkable, I have not encountered any situation where someone was disrespectful to anyone else. The school leaders incorporate values and education together to ensure that all the students are future global citizens (which is what the IB program offered is all about.) A positive and energetic environment seems to flow naturally at SJA. The students feel a sense of belonging to the school. The parents are also a part of the leadership; many of the families help in organizing extracurricular programs, meal plans, and sports teams.

(N/A) Teaching

The teachers at St. Jude's are one-of-a-kind. Professional and supportive, they make every student feel worthy at the school. They believe in each one of us and work hard to make us reach our full potential. Since the classes are relatively small, every student gets the full attention they require in the class. All the teachers are very dedicated to the school and their work, hence the extra help offered by them at anytime. We are all treated with respect regardless of what grade we’re in, and that creates a very healthy relationship between the students and teachers. There were some subjects that I disliked in the past but I’ve learned to love them this year all because of the teachers' engagement, humour, and friendliness.

(N/A) Academics

St. Jude's academics program was one of the main reasons I enrolled into the school. The school offers an IB program (International Baccalaureate) that aims to develop a student's inquiry, knowledge, communication, and many other skills so they can become caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The IB programme is different from other curricula because it encourages students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions, develop independent thoughts about national systems, incorporate quality practice from research and global community, encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts, and develop multilingual students. The academic system works in a way where everyone recognizes their potential and works hard on improving their strengths and weaknesses. We are always encouraged to give our best performance, and with the support we get at the school, we know we can perform well for the present and also the future, hopefully.

(N/A) Extracurriculars

The school offers a balanced life of both academics and activities. The extracurriculars are encouraged but are not mandatory because it should be a fun and learning experience, not something a student should feel forced to do. A lot of clubs and sports programs are offered. For the upper school, we have Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Football, and more sports teams. If someone is more creative than athletic, then they have the option to choose from Wellness Club, Mock Trial, DECA, IB, Yearbook and the Newsletter Club. For the younger kids, they have the opportunity to work on their hobbies like piano practices, yoga, reading, and much more. The extracurricular opportunities are beneficial for improving social skills, developing new interests, and getting out of the everyday routine a student tends to go through.Students at St. Jude's Academy are among the brightest out there. Each one of us has a certain outlook on life and we encourage each other's passions and ambitions. All of us are treated equally and with respect. My younger sister and I both agree that St. Jude’s has one of the most enthusiastic and caring environments out there. Friends are from well-mannered families with backgrounds from all around the world. I have come to understand a lot about other cultures as well as having the opportunity to share my own. Having a small student body makes everyone closer to each other. The students at St. Jude’s will be remembered fondly, even as I move on to University.

(N/A) Students

Students at St. Jude's Academy are among the brightest out there. Each one of us has a certain outlook on life and we encourage each other's passions and ambitions. All of us are treated equally and with respect. My younger sister and I both agree that St. Jude’s has one of the most enthusiastic and caring environments out there. Friends are from well-mannered families with backgrounds from all around the world. I have come to understand a lot about other cultures as well as having the opportunity to share my own. Having a small student body makes everyone closer to each other. The students at St. Jude’s will be remembered fondly, even as I move on to University.

(N/A) School Life

Each student is placed in a house at the beginning of the year in which we participate in activities to interact with everyone and build a better sense of community. I love the idea of being close to everyone there because I know that every person is going to positively impact my life. I never thought that going to school or working on my education would be fun until I joined this school. St. Jude’s is very well maintained, and all our needs are met. Students feel emotionally, mentally, and physically comfortable because of the school's lifestyle. It's an honour to attend a place where I can work on expanding myself, while I feel safe, meet great people, and get a top-notch education.

(N/A) Community

The community at St. Jude's continues to expand in many ways. The school feels like home to everyone. With colourful classrooms and shared tables, teamwork and sharing are two important qualities that are highlighted at the school. This has contributed to so many friendships that keep getting better. People that have already graduated often come back to visit the school to help out and they reminisce about the good experiences they had at SJA. This proves how much of a “home” this school can be for people. From the Headmaster to the teachers and staff, everyone is supportive and encouraging, so there is no way for someone not to feel like this school is home.

(N/A) School Location

The school is located at a place where everything is near the school, including restaurants, convenience stores, and different plazas. Students stay on campus throughout the day, but are given the option to order lunch from any place of their choice, and have it delivered to the school. With a field outside of the school, students have the opportunity to go out and get a change of scenery if needed. Overall, the school doesn't get boring or repetitive since there is always something to do on the school grounds.

(N/A) Admissions

When I first went to apply, I felt nervous about the outcome and how the process was going to be held. As soon as I was greeted by the admission's office, I felt instantly at home. Their contagious smiles made me feel at ease, and the rest of the admission process went by really fast. I felt safe, respected, and content from my first encounter. Parents and students are welcomed to book a tour to see the school, as well as to schedule a meeting to join the school at any point of the school year. Some students may need to undergo a test during the admissions process, but the test results are referred back to the parents.