While we couldn’t cook at school, or share our culinary creations with each other during a potluck, the Food and Nutrition class made the best of our situation, and moved our meal preparations into the comfort of our own kitchens. Over the course of the 5 week octomester we had 4 “cookoffs”, in which the students practiced a variety of…
About the Academy
The YMCA Academy is a Ministry of Education–inspected, alternative school in downtown Toronto offering wrap-around special education support.
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Admissions Process
The Academy admits young people in grades 7-12 who have learning style differences and/or who seek a smaller, more supportive learning environment.
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Who Are Our Students?
The Academy is ideal for students with learning disabilities, mild diagnoses on the autism spectrum, attention issues, and anxiety.
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Academic Opportunities
Our Facilities
High School Program
Middle School Program
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
Test Anxiety and Study Habits
The time leading up to your test can often be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Being in a high-pressured situation can actually deplete or take away from your working memory and reduce your academic performance. We call this choking. Choking is not exclusive to kids/students, but is also experienced by adults. This form of anxiety is seen everywhere and in everyday life,…
Middle School: Reflecting on Fantasy Stories
It is important for students to pause and celebrate their successes – big and small! Particularly, during these weird and sometimes bleak times, we need to encourage students to see their triumphs and accomplishments. Recently, the middle schoolers finished writing their fantasy stories and we took time to reflect and celebrate their hard work. It took the class several weeks…