“Vianney Academy was a life saver for our family,” says one parent, and that sentiment is common among the parent community. The program is small, student-centered, and eminently supportive, addressing the unique needs of students who have struggled in other, less focused learning environments. The main thrust of the program is on core literacies, gaining a sense of mastery with literacy and numeracy while also building the students’ confidence as learners. The administration is prone to engage with the parent community, and many feel that they are being listened to, and truly understood, for the first time. A rich co-curricular program, including frequent field trips, helps keep things fun, and connection high. Simply, it’s one of those excellent programs that was founded in order to change lives, and help families, and it’s proven its ability to do precisely that.
School's Perspective
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How Vianney Academy sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"At Vianney, we believe that all children, regardless of their learning challenges, can succeed academically if given the right environment, therapies and curriculum. Our focus is on students who are struggling with the core subjects of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and math. Our unique classroom style is flexible, supportive, and tailored to the students’ individual needs – utilizing multiple educational therapies, small classes, and individualized coaching. Our students feel safe, cared for and understood."
Relational counselling to foster strong peer relationships, and to develop compassion for others
At Vianney every teacher is a mentor who genuinely cares about your child
Educational Therapy, Neurodevelopment Through Movement, Sound Therapy
OAP Funding accepted for therapeutic programs
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"At Vianney, we are open to working with parents to determine the best curriculum and approach to teach their child. We are flexible in our thinking – we are willing to change or adapt our program for each student. Parents are welcome in our classrooms to observe, help their child transition, or to volunteer.
The majority of our students are following the Ontario Curriculum. However, if a parent decides that they would like to omit courses or modify parts of the curriculum for their child we are happy to make a unique program for the child.
We believe that all children, regardless of their learning challenges, can learn if given the right therapies and curriculum. We offer a variety of proven educational therapies within a program that will enable your child to learn and thrive.
We connect with each student. Our students are happy to come to school. They feel safe, cared for and loved."
What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At Vianney, we focus on bringing students who are generally struggling or who are behind in school back up to grade level. We have a greater focus on educational therapies, remedial work, and fine motor skills, resulting in less intensive French, drama, and music programs.
As a small school, we have multiple grade levels in the same classroom - our division based on age is less pronounced than in a public school system. This has numerous positives – students become accustomed to socializing with different age groups, reflecting what they would likely encounter at a local park."
What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Generally, our students come to us when they are a year or more behind in their academics. This could be due to a variety of reasons – dyslexia, ADHD, high functioning ASD, behavioural issues, illness, etc. Our main goal is to bring them up to grade level, by offering an environment that is flexible, supportive, and tailored to their individual needs – utilizing multiple educational therapies, small classes, and individualized coaching. Once at grade level, we continue to provide specialized teaching to ensure the student will have ongoing success and the greatest possible academic opportunities in the future.
Further, we cater to students who have had difficulty building or maintaining friendships, or who have felt they do not ‘fit in’. With the support and coaching at Vianney, strong and healthy relationships are developed. All students learn to understand and accept differences, to learn, play, and care for each other like family."
Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Vianney is a small school - children with severe behavioural issues would not be a good fit for our small environment.
Further, if a child does not have any learning or social difficulties, and they are having success in their current school situation, there would be no reason for them to attend Vianney. We have found, though, that once a student’s challenges have been overcome in our environment, they do not want to leave! Students frequently state that they like being able to learn at their own pace, they like the small and supportive environment, and the strong sense of community that Vianney fosters."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Our student to staff ratio is much lower than most schools, typically 5:1. Classrooms are designed for up to 20 students, but we cap enrollment at 12, meaning the learning areas are spacious and comfortable. Parents love the flexibility we provide in each student’s curriculum. Parents are permitted, and encouraged, to volunteer in the classroom, allowing them to see first hand the great work we do. Teachers are accessible to parents on a daily basis. OAP funding is available to use for our therapeutic programs. Vianney has a very strong sense of community, with our students often complaining they cannot come on weekends and holidays."
How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"At Vianney, we will do whatever it takes to ensure every student has success. The majority of students who come to Vianney have challenges, whether academic or otherwise. With our flexible and tailored support and guidance, the students overcome these challenges – they develop the confidence to make mistakes, to learn from those mistakes, and to keep trying. Whether it is slow and steady, or very quick, the students always improve.
We are frequently told that we care – about our student’s academic growth, but also about their emotional well being. The result is happy and successful students, where happiness and success had been missing."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Children need the right environment in order to thrive/succeed. At Vianney, with our small class sizes and low student to teacher ratios, we provide an environment where the student feels secure and understood, so they are comfortable enough to make mistakes, and to know that no one will tease or belittle them as a result – the staff and their fellow classmates are supportive, allowing the student’s confidence - and academic success - to improve."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"The educational therapies utilized at Vianney exceed expectations. It is one thing to tell a parent that they will see their child’s cognitive abilities and emotional regulation/self control steadily increase from the therapies employed. It is another for a parent to tearfully relate how shocked they are with the leaps their child has had. Students of all ages, regardless of their challenges, will experience continuous growth/improvements in their cognition and behaviour.
As the child experiences these changes, learning becomes easier for them, and they are motivated to do the therapies and more work."
What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Vianney moved to a new facility in January of 2023. This facility provided much more open space and natural light, and allowed our enrollment to nearly double. In September 2023, Vianney opened a second facility to cater to middle and high school students.
The additional space allows Vianney to offer additional services in the evenings and on weekends - specialized tutoring, respite care, after school and evening courses."
How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"We plan to continuously educate ourselves on therapies that can help improve our students learning experience – we are constantly researching the best methods to get the fastest results.
With two new facilities, our goal is to improve the existing program, expand into afterschool and weekend programs, utilizing our space to improve the lives of as many students as possible."
School gallery
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Insider Perspectives
How people from the school’s community see Vianney Academy
Both my children experienced attention to their worries and concerns. They were listened to beyond ...
School leadership
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Message from school leadership
Karen Uschold, Mrs.
Hello!
Thank you for considering Vianney Academy for your child's education! Is your child struggling in school? Do they have a learning disability? Are you both frustrated, not knowing where to turn for help? We can help! Vianney Academy is a warm and welcoming small school with programs designed to help your child learn the core subjects of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and mathematics. We offer cognitive therapies and activities that will help speed up your child's processing speed. If you answered yes to my questions I hope you will reach out to me. Vianney can give you hope and guide your child to success. Let's chat and see if our program is right for you and your child I look forward to hearing from you.
