An exceptionally competent Administration
“As a parent of 4 Royal West Academy students, I would like to express how impressed I am with this school. The students who attend RWA are academically strong and self motivated. During their time here, their energy is nurtured by the great group of educators headed by an exceptionally competent Administration. RWA boasts a strong academic program and students are regularly challenged to further their ambitions. Another wonderful characteristic of this school is how students are reminded of the importance of ‘giving back’ to their community, their family, fellow students, the environment, etc. through the RWA ECA program. My children are (were) lucky to attend a school like this.”
Arzine Brochu
RWA Parent
Royal west academy Testimonials
Competitive environment
“RWA’s academic and competitive environment has helped me succeed in CEGEP by sharpening my study skills and teaching me how to manage my time efficiently. The teachers consistently went above and beyond what is expected of them, spending time to help and enrich the knowledge of students. The environment in the school was conducive to learning and helped push students to be the best they could be.”
Steven Dahdah
RWA Graduate
The sense of pride
“My daughter is a serious student who thrives on constant challenges; she is growing into a self-confident and well-rounded young lady. Her exposure to the rich culture, and the dynamic learning environment that are unique to Royal West, have made her more aware of the importance of community and belonging. She has continued to excel in school, she has developed healthy social relationships, and she continues to be privileged to learn in a safe environment where there is structure and respect. As for my son, Anthony, he has easily integrated into the alternative teaching program that distinguishes Royal West. He too, is finding “his place”. He is exploring many new activities and he continues to develop his personality. The wealth of extracurricular activities, made possible through the implication of teachers and staff, provide students with a wonderful opportunity to define their space in society. His sense of awareness regarding environmental issues has been heightened by his participation in Green Bean and other related activities. At Royal West, the sense of pride that stems from hard work and perseverance are unmatched!”
Lori Rinaldi
RWA Parent
RWA truly lives up to its mission
“Both my children have graduated from Royal West. We live in Verdun and the options we had for high schools in our area were very limited and private school was financially not possible. They would not have had the opportunity to attend this school if the school did not have the authorization to select students from all over the island and off island. Upon graduation they were both fully prepared academically for C.E.GE.P. and received early acceptance to their programs. This was due to the enriched academic program and accelerated content that Royal West offers. While at Royal West they also developed a strong sense of responsibility, organisational skills and self-confidence. This was not the case for many of their friends who did not attend Royal West. They struggled with CEGEP because they were not prepared to organise and time-manage their studies or were not academically ready to handle requirements like researching and writing papers. Royal West Academy is an exceptional high school with devoted teachers, administration and staff who encourage students to reach their full potential. This school truly lives up to its mission and goals.”
Patricia Nolan (Barillaro)
RWA Parent
It’s a gem of a school
“What better way to say it than “it’s a gem of a school”. Our daughter now in grade 8, was always a strong student in elementary school. However, she flourished even more than we could have ever imagined being a student at Royal West Academy, not only academically, but socially as well. There is an exceptional culture existing at RWA which is rooted in excellence, a strong and focused effort, and diversity. A positive symbiosis exists between administration, teachers and students, whereby the students have a sense of pride and belonging and are thoroughly engaged in their academic and extracurricular development. RWA students are given all the tools and encouragement to flourish and succeed, and do so with flying colours.”
Michael Mendelson & Kathleen Cawthorn
RWA Parents
High academic standards
“Every single day I am thankful that my daughter attends Royal West Academy. She is currently in Secondary 5 and is truly among her peers – like-minded students whose objectives are to strive for the best that they can be in all aspects of their education and life. Royal West Academy, with its dedicated educators, high academic standards, enriched programs, and amazing extra-curricular activities has truly encouraged my daughter to excel academically, and to enjoy many cultural, sports and social activities, which not only enhance her school experience, but are preparing her to become a valuable member of society. Her experiences as a member of the extra-curricular honour band have really helped her overcome her shyness, and she is proud to have been elected to an executive position on that band this year. Thank you, Royal West Academy!”
Deborah O’Sullivan
RWA Parent
It is a community
“As the parent of two daughters who have both attended Royal West – one who graduated in 2011 and one who is currently in grade 11 – I have been extremely pleased and satisfied with the overall experiences my children have received. The quality and diversity of the curriculum and extracurricular activities has certainly contributed immensely to the overall maturity and development attained by my children. Additionally, the range of student exchange and other school trips afforded by Royal West makes the school like no other, and adds a tremendous element to the overall development of all students. Royal West is much more than simply a high school – it is a community that values higher education, and encourages diversity, development and growth for all students.”
Ron Wigdor
RWA Parent
Math/Science enrichment
“Our family has been privileged to have been part of the Royal West community for the past 12 years. With three children we saw how they were each able to carve out their own way. Although the school has continued to deliver its purported mission of academic excellence, sports, community and culture our children were able to individualize their experiences. They were exposed to activities and took advantage of opportunities that reflected their own interests. Our children differ as well in their study and learning styles and yet all three seem to have been well served by the school. They have had the opportunity to study in a French immersion environment and take advantage of the Math/Science enrichment the school offers. They have each received support and encouragement as needed. The teachers and administrators have been accessible, reassuring and responsive to both them and us. Most striking is the sense of leadership and responsibility the school fosters in its students. It is incredible to see the student-driven initiatives that are mentored and guided by the dedicated staff. All in all we have found a school, within the public system, that has been able to challenge our three children academically while instilling in them a sense of leadership and community. For this we are very grateful.”
Joseph Abramowitz and Melanie Malus
RWA Parents
RWA is an inclusive and safe school
“As a parent of two Royal West students, I am happy to have the opportunity to send my children to this alternative school. The student environment at RWA is an inclusive and safe one for children that might otherwise be bullied at other schools. In the past 5 years, I have seen my daughter mature in many ways. She went from being a shy person who was intimidated by many things, to being a confident, young woman who has taken on many challenges both within and outside the school. She is no longer afraid to speak up; and she has grown to have a strong sense of her abilities. I believe this is due to the safe environment that is encouraged throughout the school for students to test their capabilities. In addition, both my son and daughter have commented that the discourse, and debate, of current events in the classrooms among the students and teachers is a fun and safe place to offer opinion.”
Sheila Warren
RWA Parent
Nothing but positive
“Our experience at Royal West Academy has been nothing but positive since day one. My oldest has just started a music and science double DEC at Vanier College and this is where his and his teacher’s hard work pays off. RWA is a school that prepares students to the fullest for their post-secondary studies. Malcolm is actually enjoying CEGEP, even in a double DEC, instead of struggling with all the work, only because of how well prepared he was. We live in Lester B. Pearson’s territory, and we cannot find a school there that is to our satisfaction like RWA is. The teachers are dedicated and work really hard to ensure our children’s success. I am always proud to say that my boys are at RWA when people ask me what High School they’re in and will always recommend it to anyone who asks.”
Josée Racine
RWA Parent
Individual support and flexibility
“Our family is extremely pleased and grateful that our son is at Royal West Academy. Unfortunately, in the months before starting grade seven last year; Sam was diagnosed with a serious illness. Aside from the fear for Sam’s health and future, we were very concerned about whether or not he would be able to keep up with the rigorous academic standards and extra-curricular responsibilities of Royal West. In the context of such high standards, it is not obvious that a child with health problems could receive the individual support and flexibility he needs at school in order to thrive. The teachers and staff of Royal West have been extremely understanding. The Guidance Department has provided much needed reassurance and support to our family. All of Sam’s teachers have allowed him the flexibility he needs to adapt to his new and challenging health condition. With their support, he has progressed remarkably well and is now an enthusiastic participant in the Royal West community who is very much looking forward to his first performance as a Bardolator.”
Gary Saxe and Esther Tordjman
RWA Parents
The wonderful school environment
“My family have been truly honored to have the opportunity to be associated with Royal West Academy. Our eldest daughter is a recent graduate of RWA and our son is in Grade 10. Both children’s interests and community oriented values have their roots in activities developed in the school in partnership with the dedicated and committed teachers who have been outstanding role models. Both my children have been involved with the environment committee and have learned firsthand through practical projects how to work towards a sustainable future. Aside from the excellent education, I have been impressed with the incredible mix of personalities that make up the student body and how all these children are encouraged to strive to be the best that they can be through the extracurricular activities at the school, be it in sport, robotics, music, debating or theatre. There are no words to really describe the wonderful school environment to which we have had a privilege to be a part of! We look forward to other families being able to have the chance to experience like us, a school as special as RWA so that they too can let their children have as joyous, enriching and self-affirming an experience as ours have had.”
Dr. Denise Klein
RWA Parent
Warm, safe, stimulating and exciting
“It has been a pleasure to be part of the Royal West Academy community for the past 4 years. It has also been quite a unique experience to be both a school board educational consultant and a parent at the school. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to watch the school grow and change, while watching my own children grow and change. Both my children, Jeremy & Joelle have had a wonderful start to their education at Royal West Academy. It’s hard for me to imagine a secondary school experience quite as warm, safe, stimulating and exciting as children experience at Royal West Academy. As an Article 240 school, Royal West Academy is able to provide my children with a solid well rounded bilingual education that is preparing them thoroughly for the transition to post-secondary education.”
Gil Abisdris
RWA Parent
Very special school
“Royal West is much more than just about the learning and teaching in the classroom. The sports programs it offers as well as all the performing arts options – all at a very high caliber – are fantastic. The dedication of the teachers who run these programs are testimony to their commitment and their enjoyment of being part of RWA. RWA is a very special school.”
Jasmin Uhtoff
RWA Parent
