Orchard Lyceum Testimonials
Parent Testimonials
Erin Breau-Barkley, artist and mother of grade 8 student
Our daughter came to The Lyceum mid-pandemic from a small public school with undeniable creativity and adult size anxiety, which we could see was eroding her self-esteem. The first few months were full of learning curves for her as she embraced new routines and let go of things that no longer served her. Over a short time, with the support of her educators and classmates, her fear was replaced with curiosity and her curiosity was met with knowledge, exploration and creativity. The curriculum at The Lyceum is designed to build kids up. There is no measuring against each other and students work collaboratively, with purpose and interest. Holly, Sam, Quincy and the whole Lyceum crew have designed an environment that enables children to make meaningful, long-lasting connections to their own strengths so they can realise their own unique brilliance. Our daughter has accomplished incredible things that she never thought possible of herself. When she began at The Lyceum, she thought she was 'just bad at math', as many young girls do, and by the end of year one she was excelling, surprising herself with every assignment. Sam's food program sparked a culinary curiosity that we had never seen in our food-anxious kid, and she is now eager to try new things despite her allergies. This, in and of itself, was an enormous leap forward. Holly awoke both the reader and writer in her and she now identifies as a creative writer, embracing every opportunity to express herself with language. We watched our super-creative, super-feeling child blossom creatively, intellectually, academically and socially and that is profoundly moving for a parent to witness. As her self-esteem grew, and her anxiety softened, we knew that this school and its educators had changed the direction of our child’s adolescence. The care, guidance, confidence in each students’ ability and the unconditional compassion they provide is incomparable. Our whole family has made lifelong relationships with the extraordinary people who created this remarkable educational community and we are forever grateful to them.
Anya Douglas, tutor and mother of grade 6 student
We were worried about our daughter’s transition to middle school, but Orchard Lyceum made it comfortable thanks to attentive teachers, and supportive classmates. Our kid is thriving and is getting more confident, and we are happy to see her navigating academics and creativity and enjoying herself.
Bianca Wylie, Senior Fellow/Centre for International Governance Innovation and mother of grade 5 student
This was our son's first year at The Lyceum. The experience he's been having there has exceeded all of our expectations, his included. Holly and Sam pour such creativity and care into their curriculum and their community. Through their curation, our son is exposed to worlds within worlds - artistic, culinary, environmental, scientific, civic, historic, and moral - with unique programming and thoughtful instruction. What consistently shines through it all are the opportunities Lyceum students are provided with to discover and develop themselves: independence, confidence, joy, peer support, attention to their community, and curiosity about it. As parents, it’s hard to feel certainty about how to best offer our children ways to grow, to see themselves, and all the potential they hold. The Lyceum experience gives us that certainty. We’re filled with gratitude for the commitment that Holly and Sam show up with for the students, day in and day out. It's inspiring.
Sarah Cullen, artist and mother of grade 8 student
My child's time at the Orchard Lyceum has been an incredible life changing two-year diversion from the public system. On leaving the day she observed the school before formally joining she said "I feel like I have known these people my whole life" - needless to say she felt right at home. The subject matter learned at school has engaged her and challenged her in ways we, her parents, have not seen before. She will keep what she's learned at the Orchard Lyceum with her for the rest of her life. What a gift. If only it went to grade 12. Orchard Lyceum foreverrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Student Testimonials
Alistair, age 14
The Lyceum is a wonderful opportunity to extend the reach of knowledge that is innately engrained in every child. This knowledge is fostered here by teachers who dedicate their lives to their craft. This allows their students to draw from the vast cauldron of intellect. The atmosphere in the school is one of cooperation and respect. As a student who will regrettably be leaving this incredible centre of learning, I will always look back on this as a time of great joy and friendship. This is a truly incredible and unique experience.
Julian, age 17
When I was 8 years old, I sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of the Orchard Montessori, utterly entranced. Dusty golden sunlight slanted through the windows, casting patterns on the perfect geometry of the Montessori math materials. Time stilled. My small fingers traced the colored pieces of the decanomial square, each piece fitting into its place with a click that resonated through my small chest. I was discovering the joy of solving puzzles.
Four years later at The Lyceum, we raced through the world. The clatter of boots in winter as we burst out the door for a walk in Trinity Bellwoods, debating about 1984, philosophy, world peace, physics. Running to chop onions for lunch, then lying on my stomach on the sidewalk trying to photograph the shadows of leaves. Paint under our fingernails, equations in our heads, laughter on our lips. Each day was full to bursting with a dazzling array of puzzles.
Now, as I prepare to enter the University of Toronto’s Engineering Science program as a National Scholar, I am grateful to Orchard and The Lyceum for teaching me what it means to fall in love with a question. I am grateful to Holly for building these spaces where wonder could take root. The love I found at these schools has shaped every part of who I am.
One day, I want to come back home to The Lyceum and teach. I want to pass on that gift the Orchard and The Lyceum gave to me. I want to help the next generations of students discover the golden delight of solving puzzles.
Isla, age 12
Today I ventured into a part of my mind that I have not yet explored. With each passing moment, my scope is widened, my thoughts are expanded and forged into something new. Within these walls there exists a universe of perpetual wisdom. Each of my teachers equip themselves with an encyclopedia of tales, knowledge and understanding. My peers’ enthusiastic expressions are unmatched: each day we are moulded into problem solvers, respectable citizens and critical thinkers. Our community is a melange of dependable oddballs with peculiar perspectives. Everything we do utilizes our strengths and hears our perspectives. Our minds are persistent and willing.
Vita, age 12
When my friends ask me what I did at school today, they always look surprised when I answer. Well…today I turned a bathroom into a darkroom. I played cards with Mother Superior. I helped make a gourmet lunch and I filled a planter on Queen Street with three different types of conifers. Once my friend showed me her spelling list. She had many words but when I asked her what these words meant, she had no idea. I realize how lucky I am each time I step in and out of this building. Many things we do here no adult I know has ever done. Being here, I have become a better version of myself. I have met so many amazing people and had so many amazing experiences. I am very grateful.
Curious about the Orchard Lyceum?
We'd love to hear from you! Learn how we blend creative and academic excellence in the heart of downtown Toronto.