Feedback from Families
" My daughter's teacher not only teaches the class, but she goes above and beyond to care about my daughter's well-being and that she is taken care of. The connection and bond she created is phenomenal, and the surrounding teachers and EAs also make it a point to teach not only academic but also other valuable life lessons to the children."
The communication with the staff is effective and efficient, especially in unusual circumstances; the response from the team in these cases shows professionalism and provides a sense of safety."
- Daniele
We were so thankful to find EPA in our searches for education outside of the public school system. The public school system was trying to put our child into a 'box' that they were never meant to fit - and EPA was the first to recognize that with our initial meeting with Ms. Jen.
EPA not only welcomes, but encourages and fosters creativity - and celebrates neurodivergence. Our report cards went from "N needs to sit down in class" (public system) to "N is a delight to have in our classroom. He brings a different perspective and is a wonderful addition to our school" (EPA). Our child used to dread going to school, or fear of bullying and lack of understanding with staff - to being sad that school closes for the summer because he wants to be there all the time.EPA has learners grouped by skill to help them flourish, rather than believing all children should be on 1 level at the same time, learning at the same pace.
EPA is the gold standard for private education, and should be the model for the public school education system.We have finally found where we belong.
- Emily
Our child is in his second year at Edelweiss Private Academy (EPA).
We were rigorous about researching institutions offering a low teacher/student ratio and individualized education for children with special needs. We tried public schools where kids would be left on their own as teachers would not know how to handle them. Our child also spent time in the special needs programme in a public school that left much to be desired in terms of actual goals of learning for the children.
Having found EPA has been life-changing for our child and for our family. Not only has he flourished at the school, but he loves his teachers. He evolved from being a child that wouldn't talk much and was not able to follow instructions, to a child who's actually learning in class and can focus.
We give credit to EPA's Applied Behavioural Analysis approach which teachers follow rigorously, for having equipped our decision-making process with appropriate incentives that get the child to work towards something they enjoy. The teachers my child has had, in particular Mrs Tryna, have been fundamental to my child’s progress. Her experience, knowledge, patience and empathy have allowed our boy to really look forward to going to school and he’s learning like never before.
Before EPA, we had a patchwork of therapies and services in the hope of supplementing what was unavailable in the public system.
At EPA, we find our son gets all the help he needs and makes best use of the most productive hours of his day.
We highly recommend EPA for children that need an individualized approach to flourish.
- David & Suzette S.
"Prior to EPA our child could not cope in the mainstream school. He had daily meltdowns from the stress and struggle of trying to learn, in a system that could not provide the supports or resources he needed to succeed.
EPA has been a God-send. You could feel the care and kindness immediately. The small class size, child-centered approach, knowledgeable staff, and belief in the child, enabled our son to like school again. His self esteem has grown considerably, he is happy, he is learning, he has friends, and he feels valued."
– F. L.
"Our son has Asperger's and he has been so happy since he started Grade 2 at Edelweiss Private Academy in September. Public school was a nightmare of suspensions and escalating behavioural issues. He was under so much stress and he was suffering academically and emotionally.
At Edelweiss, he can be a happy 'normal child'. He knows that there are rules to be followed and the staff is extremely adept at helping him to succeed. Knowing that our son is finally in an environment where he can thrive and be accepted has made a world of difference in both his life and our family's life."
– Jenny M.
"Adam has been at Edelweiss for two years. Before starting at Edelweiss, Adam was several years behind in all academic areas when comparing him to his peers. He is now almost caught up and getting ready to transition to a public school. His comprehension skills have progressed profoundly through Edelweiss’ teaching strategies and thus I’m confident that Adam will have a smooth transition and be able to participate in a typical public school environment."
– Lisa L.
