As part of the Academy’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the entire school participated in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup on Friday, September 23. We revisited a section of the Don River that we had cleaned up three years ago: the Don River shoreline between Pottery Road and Beechwood Drive. The Shoreline Cleanup is a nationwide event. Our school joined…
YMCA Academy Program
The YMCA Academy is a Ministry of Education–inspected, alternative high school in downtown Toronto. Inspired and supported by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, our personal differentiated approach, specialized programs, and individualized use of assistive technology is ideally suited to students with mild learning disabilities or learning style differences. Our school offers a safe and supportive learning environment that includes: Individualized…
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Admissions Process
The Academy admits young people in grades 9-12 who have learning style differences and/or who seek a smaller learning environment, individualized teacher attention, or an alternative learning experience. Admissions applications are accepted year-round. Since the admission procedure is competitive, parents are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible. Step One: Visit and Admissions Application Both student and…
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Who Are Our Students?
The YMCA Academy is ideal for students with exceptionalities including learning disabilities, mild diagnoses on the autism spectrum, attention issues, and anxiety — as well as non-identified students seeking an innovative and supportive learning environment. Our school equips students with the skills and experiences to develop independence and resilience. Support services include: Academic support On-site social/emotional support and counselling Special…
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Beyond the Classroom
Testimonials
We went through numerous organizations and schools and no one could offer anything even close to what the Academy offers. My child blossomed and finally started to achieve success after enrolling in the Academy.
My daughter started in Grade 9 this year, and it is the first time in six years that she loves going to school. Her self-esteem and self-confidence has grown immensely. Her motivation to succeed has skyrocketed.
Latest Academy News
Cooking Club is at it again!
The YMCA’s afterschool Cooking Club started off the new school year by making a delicious (and healthier version) of a 7-layer dip. Students worked together to prepare the ingredients for the 7 layers and assembled their own individual dip in a plastic cup. A great idea for parties and it avoids double dipping! Students in the club meet once a…
Math Students Apply their Skills!
The YMCA Academy’s Grade 11 College Math class took to the park to apply their skills to real world problems. After studying trigonometry in class and using technology to verify its laws, students were ready to see its applications firsthand. Trigonometry has been used through the ages to solve problems in fields such as astronomy, land-surveying, navigation, architecture and more!…