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Students

All students want to learn, enjoy school life, be respected, accepted, and prepared for success.

A MEMORY-FILLED HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOCUSED ON ACADEMIC SUCCESS, MUSIC, ART AND ATHLETICS

Self-discovery, accomplishment and achievement

We expertly guide our students along their academic journey, nurturing their innate thirst for knowledge and self-expression. We help them foster a sense of pride in their schoolwork and strive for academic excellence.

They learn how to learn in a respectful, inclusive environment where learning challenges (ADHD, dyslexia, mild autism, social anxieties) are accepted and embraced. We provide them with a safe space where they learn to find joy in learning and prepare for higher education.

Our comprehensive approach to learning is unique, proven and ideal for all types of students – with or without a learning difficulty diagnosis. Over 90% of our students graduate on time and nearly all students move on to CEGEP and university. Our success rates are significantly greater than most public and private schools. We are fiercely proud of our students!

Where lasting friendships are made

We provide students with wings to grow and room to explore, encouraging a sense of community and friendship. Our music, art and athletic programs, in addition to our many student clubs allow students to develop their passions outside the classroom. Student lounges encourage conversation and inclusion. Classrooms (average size of 18 students) are optimally designed for student engagement and learning.

Picture-perfect learning environment

Our new home nestled in a beautifully remote section of the Golden Square Mile provides students with lots of green space, a football/soccer field, an outdoor gym court, and even access to an Instagram-worthy reflection pond. Blending old-world heritage with new, modern amenities, our opulent surroundings leave a lasting impression on students and parents alike – providing a memorable and enviable high school experience.

Student Profile

We believe that all students can succeed in school – and with a 90 percent graduation rate, we have the numbers to prove it.

We focus exclusively on helping students overcome learning challenges, such as ADHD, dyslexia, ASD and others. Our student body also includes teens with issues related to maturity, disorganization, anxiety or social stress.

I feel overwhelmed, disorganized and out of step with school

My schoolwork is unstructured and disorganized, I often forget my books. I struggle to keep up with assignments. I feel overwhelmed at school and stressed over my homework. I need a school that can help me get organized, alleviate my homework stress and prepare me for success. Through a repetitive, highly structured environment, Centennial Academy helps students organize their tasks and provide a unique learning environment that promotes academic and organizational success.

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I’ve always had a learning difficulty

I was diagnosed in elementary school with a learning difficulty. I’ve always had private tutoring and specialized school services. I often feel overwhelmed with learning and need clear structure to succeed. I’m ready to transition to high school, but there are few (if any) high schools that can address my challenges and accommodate my needs. Centennial Academy’s mission is to provide learning challenged students with the structured tools and strategies to overcome their difficulties, in a like-minded, inclusive environment without the need for outside tutoring.

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I have a newly diagnosed learning difficulty

I’m in high school and have been recently diagnosed with a learning difficulty. I’m struggling with my schoolwork, even though I have regular private tutoring and some school services. I can’t keep up with assignments and have lost my confidence. I need to find a new high school that can better support me, help me overcome my learning challenges. Centennial Academy can help this teen embrace their learning challenge to become an autonomous learner in an environment that fosters student success without the need for outside tutoring.

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I am anxious, sensitive and emotional

I am an emotional and sensitive teen. I struggle with anxiety, and I am prone to emotional outbursts. I am a hardworking student but struggle to manage stress, grades, and parental pressure. I want to find a high school that understands me and works to help me overcome these challenges. Centennial Academy helps balance academics with social anxieties in a highly structured, predictable and organized environment that promotes well-being.

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Needs Help with Organization

Student is struggling, despite tutoring. Their schoolwork is disorganized, material often forgotten. They feel overwhelmed with the workload, unable to keep up with assignments. Through a repetitive, highly structured environment, Centennial Academy helps students organize their tasks and provide a unique learning environment that promotes academic and organizational success.

See how we can help

Learning Difficulty in Primary School

Diagnosed with a learning difficulty (dyslexia, ADHD, and other) in elementary school, this student is accustomed to receiving tutoring and specialized school services, but few (if any) high schools can make these accommodations. Centennial Academy’s mission is to provide students with learning challenges the structured tools and strategies to overcome their learning difficulties, in a like-minded, inclusive environment.

See how we can help

Learning Difficulty in High School

This high school student is struggling to learn and succeed. Despite tutoring and school services, their newly diagnosed learning challenge has resulted into a loss of confidence and failing grades. Centennial Academy can help this teen embrace their learning challenge to become an autonomous learner in an environment that fosters student success.

See how we can help

Anxious, Sensitive and Emotional

An emotional and sensitive teen, this student struggles with anxiety and is prone to emotional outbursts. Though very hardworking, this student has difficulty managing stress, grades, and parental pressure. Centennial Academy helps balance academics with social anxieties in a highly structured, predictable and organized environment that promotes well-being.

See how we can help

The Student
Experience

What Students Say About Life at Centennial Academy

What do you like best about being a student at Centennial Academy?

“All the help I get from the teachers.”
Jamie, Grade 9

“The way the teachers help you to learn the different subjects.”
Edward, Grade 11

“I like being a Centennial student because I have good teachers, and I like that my class is small because I get to understand things better.”
Carina, Grade 9

“I really like all of my teachers and the approach that the school takes on education. I also like the fact that we have study hall which is a 45 minute period where we can get our homework done and receive support from our teachers.”
Emmy, Grade 11

“The amount of help I receive from teachers and the school environment is perfect.”
Michael, Grade 11

How has Centennial Academy helped you?

Kasi, Grade 11

Helped me with math
Helped me build more confidence
Time Management

Dimitra, Grade 8

Helped me with focusing
Positivity
Working together respectfully

Carina, Grade 9

Not being afraid to ask questions to teachers
Making sure the I complete my homework on time so I’m not overdue

Emmy, Grade 11

Prioritizing my work and assignments
Learning how to play a new instrument (Saxophone)
Appreciate myself for who I am and what I want to become later in life… which is a certified music therapist

Michael, Grade 10

Organization
Study habits
Grasping the concepts of certain subjects

Shawn, Grade 10

My grades!
Finishing work on time
Listening in class

Dasha, Grade 8

It helped me with my marks
It helped me to be positive
It helped me to work together with others

What activities are you involved in?

“I go to the fitness room at lunch.”
Shawn, Grade 10

“I do intramural sports, student council, and music.”
Michael, Grade 11

“Cougar Band (a lunchtime band), Glee club, Girls Group and Yearbook Club.”
Emmy, Grade 11

“I am on the basketball team.”
Jamie, Grade 9

What is your favourite subject? What is it like to be in class?

“Music. We do an appreciation (listen to the song and write about it) and then rehearse / practice a piece of our choice. Ms. Cox is a wonderful music teacher who is very open to suggestions.”
Emmy, Grade 11

“English as the class is very calm which makes everything easier to learn.”
Edward, Grade 11

“Geography and History because I like to learn about the past!”
Douglas, Grade 8

“Math because the teacher is very detailed in her explanation. Also everyone participates and the teacher is good at captivating us with her voice and practice activities.”
Michael, Grade 11

What has been your favourite memory?

“Going to track and field because it is fun and you get to go with your friends.”
– Douglas, Grade 8

“My favorite moment at Centennial is the welcome back BBQ. I was eating and laughing with my friends.”
– Kasi, Grade 11

“My favorite moment was the Quebec City trip. Especially the bus ride!!
– Edward, Grade 11

“Performing at events and making new friends. Also, having amazing and dedicated teachers who want me to succeed.”
– Emmy, Grade 11

If you could give future students one tip or piece of advice, what would it be?

“It would be to work hard, and stay in school!”
Eitan, Grade 8

“Always manage your time! And make sure to preserve your favorite memories at Centennial.”
Kasi, Grade 11

“You can be anything if you believe in yourself.”
Douglas, Grade 8

“Finish your hard work in study hall with help from your teachers, and do your easy work at home.”
Shawn, Grade 10

“Don’t be afraid to ask teachers any questions or if you need help with something.”
Dimitra, Grade 8

“ Before attending Centennial Academy, I was going through a lot of pressure, mostly because of my schoolwork. I was very nervous before coming to Centennial. The first few days of school went by, and I was very surprised how I managed to fit in and get much better grades than I did at my other school. The teachers want you to succeed and they are much more inclined to help. The pressure I felt before was instantly gone, my grades were a lot better, and I was surprised how much I liked school.”

Student at Centennial Academy

“ From day one, I felt the learning environment change, with smaller classes and more attentive teachers. It wasn’t that the work was easier at Centennial; but, because of the way in which I was taught, it became easier to understand the material.”

Student at Centennial Academy

“ Centennial has really impacted my school life and in only positive ways. I am looking forward to ending Secondary 4 on a strong footing and, next year, succeeding at getting into a good CEGEP.”

Student at Centennial Academy

“ I was very nervous before coming to Centennial. The first few days of school went by, and I was very surprised how I managed to fit in and get much better grades than I did at my other school. The teachers want you to succeed and they are much more inclined to help. The pressure I felt before was instantly gone, my grades were a lot better, and I was surprised how much I liked school.”

Student at Centennial Academy

“ I spent all my high school years at Centennial, and I was so grateful for the small classes and the individualized attention. When I came to Centennial in grade seven, I was really insecure and not confident in myself or my academic abilities. Throughout my five years, I worked really hard and took advantage of the extra help that Centennial has available for their students and graduated on the honor roll! That was a huge accomplishment for me. I also had the most amazing teachers!”

Tamara Granatstein, Centennial Academy Graduate

Student Awards

Hear how Centennial Academy shaped the lives of these students. Meet our recent valedictorians and hear their inspiring journey as they prepare for higher education. Get your tissues ready, it’s going to get emotional!

Connect with Alumni

Join the Centennial Academy Alumni Facebook Group to reconnect with classmates and teachers.

Join our student community

Centennial Academy is home to a diverse student body. Regardless of learning difficulty, students gain the ability to meet and exceed challenges, a strong sense of self-confidence and the opportunity to continue their academic journey.