The YMCA Academy is a Ministry of Education–inspected, alternative 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:
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- Individualized Special Education support including IEP implementation, assistive technologies, and Resource and Remediation courses
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- Small class sizes and personal support
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- Our High School program offers Diploma (OSSD) and Certificate (OSSC) streams
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- Our Middle School program focuses on building reading, writing and math skills
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- Modern facilities including bright classrooms, fully equipped labs, and a broad range of health and fitness facilities
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- Socio-emotional support including full-time Student Counsellor
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- Experiential learning, workplace internships, and co-op program
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- A range of academic opportunities, including Locally Developed, Applied, and College Preparation courses
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- Online wireless environment with laptops for every student
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- Outdoor education and year-round YMCA of Greater Toronto membership
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- A broad range of extracurricular opportunities, including clubs, events, and a cross-Canada exchange
The YMCA Academy is the next step for high school students who learn differently. Book a tour or contact us by email (info@ymcaacademy.org) or phone (416-928-0124) to find out more about our unique program.
Made all the difference
Our son struggled with school due to an unidentified learning disability and undiagnosed anxiety disorder. Achievement was elusive despite IEPs, accommodations, changing programs, changing schools, tutoring, summer school, and guidance counselling. Overwhelmed and unable to keep up, he developed low self-esteem and, ultimately, counterproductive coping strategies.
Once his learning style differences were identified, we were referred to The YMCA Academy. Its small classes, interesting courses, individual attention, technological support, caring environment, emphasis on respect and mindfulness, modern attractive facility, and, most of all, terrific leadership, teachers, and staff, made all the difference! They fostered his individuality, inspired his creativity, showed him how to be productive academically, and just plain let him shine. He is looking forward to exploring everything that post-secondary education has to offer and towards an inspiring and fulfilling career.