ABOUT ABOVE & BEYOND
A Different Kind of Learning Experience
Above & Beyond Learning Experience provides a supportive, individualized learning environment where students are respected for their strengths, supported through their challenges, and encouraged to build the confidence and skills they need for what comes next.
RESPECTING AND VALUING EVERY CHILD
Students at the Center of Everything We Do
At Above & Beyond, we recognize that every student learns differently. We provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where students can build academic skills, confidence and essential life skills.
Our approach goes beyond academics. We work with students on social development, coping and negotiation skills, self-assurance, and positive relationships with peers and adults. We also work closely with families and outside supports to help create a positive learning experience.
“Every child deserves an opportunity to be the best they can be and to be valued for their unique abilities and strengths.”
Above & Beyond Learning Experience
OUR APPROACH
Personalized Support for Lasting Success
1:4 Teacher-Student Ratio
Smaller classes provide more support, stronger relationships and more individualized attention.
Individualized Learning
Learning plans and instruction are shaped around each student’s needs, strengths and goals.
Specialized Support Team
Certified teachers, special education experts, CYWs and mentors work together to support the whole student.
Mentorship & Coaching
We help students build confidence, independence and skills they can carry beyond the classroom.
OUR APPROACH
Vision & Philosophy
Every child deserves an opportunity to be the best they can be and to be valued for their unique abilities and strengths.
Too often, students are defined by their challenges rather than their potential. At Above & Beyond, we focus on what each student can do, building on their strengths while providing structured support where it is needed.
Our team of dedicated education specialists provides a structured support system that includes:
MORE THAN ACADEMICS
Building Brighter Futures
Our system is designed to support success beyond academics. We help students develop self-respect, self-confidence and optimism while preparing them socially, physically and personally for future education, work and life.
EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS
Find the Right Fit
Discovery Outdoors
Experiential outdoor learning designed to build confidence, life skills and independence.
International Students
Online learning with one-on-one support and classes of no more than four students.
MEET OUR TEAM
Dedicated People. Real Impact.
We have a diverse and talented teaching and administrative staff, each bringing different experience and strengths to our learning community.
Mikki White
Principal
Math & Science Instructor
Susi Rumney
Equine Programme
Social Sciences and Arts Teacher
Pooja Kumar
Special Education
Registered Early Childhood Educator, CPI Trained
Our Support Team
Teachers, CYWs, mentors and specialized support professionals work together to help students thrive.
A VERY SPECIAL PART OF OUR SUPPORT TEAM
Meet Shiloh
Shiloh helps create a calm, welcoming environment for students. Her presence can help reduce stress and make it easier for students with a wide range of learning and behavioural needs to feel comfortable and connected.
A REGISTERED ONTARIO PRIVATE SCHOOL
Quality Education You Can Trust
Above & Beyond Learning Experience operates as a private educational institution in Ontario. For secondary courses that offer credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, private schools seeking or holding authority to grant credits are subject to Ontario Ministry of Education requirements and inspection processes.
ONTARIO PRIVATE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Private Schools in the Province of Ontario
Under subsection 1(1) of the Education Act, a private school is defined as:
“an institution at which instruction is provided at any time between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any school day for five or more pupils who are of or over compulsory school age in any of the subjects of the elementary or secondary school courses of study…”
Basic Criteria a Private School Must Meet
This definition sets out the basic criteria that a private school must meet in order to operate. All private schools in Ontario must be:
– providing instruction any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.;
– on any school day;
– for five or more students;
– of compulsory school age;
– in any of the subjects of the elementary or secondary school courses of study
Validation and Continued Operation
If a new private school does not meet each of the above elements of the definition, it will not pass the validation process required to operate. Similarly, if an existing private school fails to continue to meet any part of this definition, it may face closure through the removal of its Ministry-issued Board School Identification Number (BSID).
There Are Two Types of Private Schools Operating in Ontario
Non-Inspected Private Schools
Include all private elementary schools as well as any private secondary schools that do not provide courses offering credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). These schools are not required to follow the Ontario curriculum, although they must still offer instruction in any of the subjects in the elementary or secondary courses of study.
Inspected Private Schools
Are seeking or have been given authority by the Ministry to provide courses offering credits toward the OSSD. This includes private schools offering a combined elementary-secondary curriculum, in which case only the secondary school will be inspected, and private schools offering credits in an online environment.
How Are Private Schools Different from Publicly-Funded Schools?
In Ontario, private schools operate as businesses or non-profit organizations, independently of the Ministry of Education. Private schools do not receive any funding or other financial support from the Ontario government.
The Ministry does not regulate, licence, accredit or otherwise oversee the day-to-day operation of private schools.
Private school operators set their own policies and procedures regarding the operation of their schools, and are not obliged to comply with the policies and procedures that school boards must follow.
For Example
Despite this flexibility, any person, business or non-profit entity wishing to operate a private school in Ontario must do so in accordance with the legal requirements of the Act, and with the policies and procedures detailed in this manual.
Source: “Private Schools Policy and Procedures Manual”, www.edu.gov.on.ca