A unique education, accessible to all.
Families share their stories and the impact Polaris has had on their children and their whole family.


​"Our experience at Polaris has been made by the staff working with our child. He has unique emotional needs and from the beginning it was clear that he would be seen and understood by the staff. This is a school where no child could be overlooked or misinterpreted. During parent-teacher conversations, we have been blown away by his teacher's observations, as it is evident how much she knows him and the amount of time she spends with him. We have had many interactions with childhood professionals: occupational therapy, social workers, therapists, paediatricians, etc. However, it is our son’s teacher that has helped us to understand his needs better. His teacher has been able to read his need for connection better than any other assessor we have sought out. We feel confident he is in an emotionally safe place for growth."
Anonymous Parent
"Polaris has been such a wonderful and welcoming space for us as a family and I have so much to be grateful for. At the time we came to Polaris, we had been shaken by our exposure to racism and discrimination in the public school system. It didn't seem fair to a 5 year old child with still untouched innocence and optimism that we should damage that innocence in any way. At the same time, though, our financial resources were extremely limited.
Polaris' financially accessible model made it possible for us to enrol our child and gave us an alternative we would never have had otherwise. Over the years, I have loved the fact that my children got to keep their teacher year after year, building deep relationships over time. I appreciated the emphasis on being outside, being in nature, and on traditional crafts. I particularly appreciated the completely screen free school days."
Anonymous Parent
"I answered an invitation to an open house at Polaris. I went prepared to impress, to show how much I had to offer so that we can receive an adjusted tuition. I had never been so humbly stalled- Dina subtly reminded me that all members of their community had something to give. I returned home elated and began the process of applying. Rayan was soon accepted and a conversation to determine our contribution was scheduled. Ali and I raked over our shoestring budget and muscled away a monthly contribution we thought we could commit to. The day came and while Rayan and Ali were visiting her soon-to-be classroom, I met with Dina. I was so relieved to hear that we could make it work; that our best was enough. This is the beginning of Rayan’s story, and how Polaris School and Centre opened up a window to her future.

When a small group of courageous people decide to live by their principles, they do so even when the burden is great. The school was unwavering in giving my child the education I sought for her. I was received as a mother who is seeking for her child, and was given dignity. Now I ask others: Give to Polaris School and Centre because they dare to live their vision. Children like my Rayan are relying on donors like you."
Anonymous Parent
"Switching our bright child with learning differences out of public school and into Polaris was a great decision for our family. Our child went from absolutely dreading school to loving it, and describes Polaris as both "way less stressful" and "way more interesting" than public school was. We are witnessing our child begin to blossom this year, and wishing WE had been lucky enough to benefit from this creative, stimulating, and caring approach to education when we were children too! We're relieved and inspired to have found Polaris, and grateful to the talented teaching team and the entire school community for helping to support our child's intellect and self-confidence."
Anonymous Parent

​“When our family was undergoing many changes, including the search for a home for our children to grow and thrive in, we established Polaris as our cornerstone. I knew, wherever we decided to root ourselves within the region, that Polaris would form the daytime village our children needed to optimize their holistic development. Polaris has been a community for our family through isolating periods like the pandemic, offering kindred nourishment and transcendence amidst otherwise limiting times. My children have built enduring relationships with their peers/teachers/wider school collective as they integrate knowledge and continued inner growth through consistency, story, creativity, movement, and ongoing connection to the seasons; forming foundational pillars that orient each of them along their respective educational and spiritual paths.”
Leila S.
"Polaris School and Centre, the Polaris community, the teachers, staff and volunteers have all become significant and established haven for our family. My children have flourished under the nurturing guidance and teaching of this community. We have always felt warmly welcomed and respected. Polaris offers its community a sense of belonging and acceptance while still embracing new families, ideas, and opportunities to learn and grow.
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The school offers a beautiful environment with a balance of academics and individual growth for the entire family, not only for the students in the classrooms. This is a special place with a strong and diverse community. Everyone who has participated in Polaris events knows that this community sets an unprecedented experience for childhood learning and development, as well as a community that fosters meaningful relationships and opportunities. Polaris is a special place and will always hold a special place in my heart."
Pamela W.
By giving today, you’re helping to preserve the vibrant diversity of Polaris that ensures all children—no matter their financial situation—can benefit from a place that nurtures their unique gifts, talents, and potential.