To give you a feel for the school, we'll be publishing what some of our current students and their parents have to say about City School.
From a student, February, 2012
An experience that really changed my life was when I broke free from the opinions and judgement of others, and came to City. Being at this school has opened up my eyes and my mind to so many new things and new people. I am naturally a very shy and soft-spoken person, but this year I feel like I've really broken out of my shell. There are still times when I revert back to the old, less open version of myself, but that's okay. I know that I'm not perfect – in fact, I'm far from it – but still, I feel like I've made so much progress when it comes to discovering who I am and loving myself regardless of my imperfections.
When I'm at City, I feel happy. Accepted. Like I'm not being judged by anybody because of my past mistakes or decisions that I have made in my life. I used to be very insecure, and I would constantly come down on myself for silly, stupid things that I've done. City School has made me realize that nothing is ever as bad as it seems. When I'm in class and I take a look around at all the posters, the people, the scenery outside... I see life, freedom, positivity. I don't feel trapped, locked in a boring classroom with a teacher droning on in a monotone voice about mathematical equations. I feel energetic, happy, and bright, like the Energizer bunny. When I'm striding down the hallway to my next class, I hear laughter, smiling, and (I never even thought this was possible) beauty.
Since coming to this school, I have never been happier. I finally feel like myself here, whereas before I had no idea who I was or who I wanted to be. I wasn't secure in my own skin for a very long time, but being at City has taught me how to be. The relaxed atmosphere and the positivity of everyone makes me feel safe. The minute I walk through that single white door, shuttling myself up the stairs and away from the cool breeze wafting off the surface of the lake, I feel reassured that I'm going to have a good day, and an even better week. I've moved many times and gone to many different schools, but never have I loved attending a school as much as I love attending City. City has a personality, one that is unlike any of the other schools that I have ever been to. It is full of life and energy, and no matter how tired I am when I get to class every morning, I feel the positivity of the atmosphere radiating through me. I feel like I'm in a place where I really and truly belong.
I used to think that I would never be able to find a place where I could be me and be true to myself, but City has changed that. This school has made me realize that whether I choose to be happy and have a positive outlook on life (or not) is entirely up to me, and nobody else.
- Isabella Brown
From a parent, March 2012
My son went back this year for one semester to City School to upgrade his marks after completing his high school diploma. He enrolled in 2 courses at the school and 1 e-learning course.
When Scott and I went to meet with Peter Morgan regarding enrollment last year, I immediately felt a very welcoming environment and an environment that I thought was conducive for learning.
I can't tell you enough how impressed I am with this school and if I knew about it earlier would have considered him going there in gr 11 and 12.
Not only did he do really well at the school and get the grades, I saw a new enthusiasm in him for school, that I hadn't seen in a long time.
He was motivated by the fabulous teachers that he had and the welcoming atmosphere of the school. He reported to me that the teachers seemed really enthusiastic and caring. They appeared like they enjoyed their jobs and wanted to be there. They knew their subjects and made learning fun.
He never missed a day at school and had his best attendance ever. His teachers were Dan Pitt and Peter Morgan. Whenever I or my son had a question, Marie Melo was very helpful and Lori Bernier would always respond to questions quickly and was supportive.
He received an early acceptance into all of his choices with a scholarship. He will now be attending York University in Kinesiology in the fall (his first choice).
You should be very proud of your school and staff.
- Marilee Cuthbert