Oakwood AcademyOakwood Academy
OAKWOOD ACADEMY
Oakwood Academy is the only recognized school in Canada using the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®) Model. Our school was developed to serve the growing need for individualized education programs that focus on emotional regulation, communication skills, social-emotional skills and supporting their sensory systems.
Our unique developmental approach focuses on the child’s interest and social relationships to increase the student’s communication with others and uses social relationships as the cornerstone of curricular development. Every aspect of our school is designed to meet the individual differences and needs of our students so that they can reach their greatest potential.
At Oakwood Academy, the classroom is only part of what we do! Each day, our teachers and developmental therapists strive to support our students’ development as a whole—cognitively, physically and emotionally. A large part of our programming is supported by our multidisciplinary team, including an Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Physiotherapist and Music Therapist. These professionals support our students’ ability to navigate their physical world, as well as to relate, engage and communicate with others.
Unique developmental approaches empower students with a robust curriculum and extensive support to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Oakwood Academy is one of the most advanced private schools in Mississauga for Individualized Education Plans (IEP). We are the only recognized school in Canada applying the Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®) model.
Discover our school and see what makes us unique among private high schools in Mississauga. We recognize and celebrate the differences in young learners and provide appropriate programs to help every individual reach their potential.
Oakwood Academy celebrates a rich history as one of the first centres for social-emotional therapy and a complete full-day program for students. We are the first recognized school in Canada to offer the DIR® model.
The DIR® approach integrates a focus on developmental stages to foster students step-by-step. It recognizes and respects individual differences with relationship-centered learning. It includes play-based learning and gradual integration with larger student groups. Our comprehensive approach includes collaboration with families to support extended learning and consistency beyond the classroom. The DIR® model is flexible for all learners, making Oakwood Academy one of the best private schools in Mississauga no matter the needs of your child.
Our tradition of excellence extends beyond the academic aspect of education. We help develop well-rounded students with a global mindset and unique skills to navigate the challenges of a technology-focused and diverse world.
Oakwood Academy is located on the St. Jude’s Academy (SJA) campus. We prepare students to transition to high schools in Mississauga at a comfortable and appropriate pace.
Compared to our family of schools, including St. Jude’s Academy, we offer even smaller class sizes and more personalized tutoring to support unique needs and challenges. The transition occurs gradually, with students moving to larger groups within Oakwood Academy first. Students, when ready, can transition to one of the top high schools in Mississauga, like SJA, to continue their education with the social, emotional, physical, and academic skills they need to thrive and succeed.
Transition plans are a requirement of IEPs. Students, parents, and faculty use IEPs to guide and track goals and progression. Students are better prepared for high schools in Mississauga when they work through our IEPs and DIR® programs. With the right support, every child can achieve their dreams and succeed through a Diploma Programme and at University and beyond.
Being within a family of one of the top International Baccalaureate high schools in Mississauga gives Oakwood Academy students unique academic and personal growth advantages.
Our transition team focuses on the individual needs of each student, bringing a foundational relationship between the curriculum and an individualized learning approach. Students in the transition program develop with a multi-disciplinary team that collaborates to set goals and foster active learning, rather than relying on rote memorization and recalling static answers. Children learn how to think, empowering them to solve problems, ask questions, and learn independently.
The transition occurs in stages based on individual learners, ranging from 1:1 learning with specialists to joining 1:4 and 1:7 groups. Gradual integration ensures students have personalized support while adapting to classroom environments at one of the top private schools in Mississauga.
Students unfamiliar with the DIR® system can join a Jump Start Program. It’s ideal for families eager to integrate their children into a private school system. It includes comprehensive developmental, behavioral, and skill assessment, with continuous development and feedback for families. Parents receive extensive educational support, including consultation and at-home resources.
We understand how every family has unique needs. We can offer in-home services with a personalized support plan to aid in the implementation of on-campus programs. Therapy services and scheduling are flexible to suit your needs.
Whatever stage your child is at and whatever your unique learning and integration challenges, Oakwood Academy offers a supportive framework to deliver world-class education and personalized development.
Our campus supports students who need emotional regulation, communication, and social-emotional skill development. Our campus is safe and stimulating, with facilities to support sensory learning. Every aspect of our school meets individual differences in students so they can reach their potential.
We are connected to major transit lines to provide easy access to neighborhoods, business districts, and amenities. We are one of the best private schools in Mississauga for parents seeking a convenient school within Mississauga itself, Oakville, Milton, Brampton, Burlington, Etobicoke, and nearby areas.
We offer the most unique environment with robust programs, including the only recognized DIR® programs available in Canada. Ensure your child has the emotional, physical, developmental, and academic support they need at one of the top private schools in Mississauga. Contact us and explore Oakwood Academy today.
