Voices From our Community

Mathias is so happy going to school, and he comes home every day excited to share what he did and learned. He loves that he can choose some of the subjects he takes, and that freedom is clearly reflected in his excitement to learn. At his previous school, he had no choice in which subjects he could take, and it was apparent that he did not apply himself with the same enthusiasm as he does now when studying subjects he is truly interested in.

From day one, Mathias has shown a real appreciation for the way lessons are taught at THOL. He has said that he understands the information much better through this lesson format compared to a traditional classroom setting. When there is a concept he does not quite grasp, the guides are amazing at explaining the subject matter until he understands it. He also likes that he can learn at a pace that suits him, and that he can clearly see, in a very visible and tangible way, where he stands with his classes, grades, and overall learning progression.

He is very much in charge of his work, and the depth of his involvement has made him more interested in his studies. He especially loves the exposure to art and painting he has received at THOL, and he was excited throughout the entire process of completing his painting.

From a parent’s point of view, we appreciate that his learning is not limited to academic classes. At THOL, Mathias is also learning invaluable life skills, including:

• How to organize his time to make sure he completes the necessary tasks each week. 
• How to take notes and create flashcards, helping him process information and summarize it in a way that makes studying for tests more effective. 
• How to resolve conflicts through the open communication and problem-resolution methods that THOL has in place. 

We truly believe, 100%, that enrolling Mathias at THOL was the best decision for his academic journey.

The Heart of Learning is a truly special learning space. Our children have attended for the past two years, and here is what I can say with confidence, both as a mom and as an educator myself: the learning skills they have gained here have far surpassed what they acquired in their previous traditional schools.

They have grown tremendously in their ability to manage their time, work independently, and create schedules that work best for them. The art and drama components of the program have also given them opportunities to step outside their comfort zones and experience the pride that comes with accomplishing something new. 

The curriculum is online, which allows them to thrive by working at their own pace, while still having the support of learning guides whenever needed. We had previously tried online schooling at home, but the missing piece was the accountability and structure that The Heart of Learning provides so well.

We have also experienced other alternative school environments, and what stands out so much about The Heart of Learning is the balance of flexibility with real structure and accountability. The children know what is expected of them, and they are supported in following through. That combination of independence, responsibility, and guidance has made such a positive difference for our family.

Another thing we love is that, even within the small-group environment where every child truly receives the individualized support they need, the school still creates meaningful experiences that make the children feel like they are not missing out on the “big school” moments. We genuinely look forward to the end-of-year play and the art exhibition every year; they are such special highlights for both the children and the families.

The owners have truly poured their hearts and souls into creating a space where children thrive academically, emotionally, and personally. The environment feels family-like, and their care and commitment to each child are evident in everything they do.

We could not be happier with the level of education our children are receiving, alongside the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are genuinely cared for every day.

When I look back and think about all the struggles and stress we have gone through, largely because so few systems are built to support a child with different learning abilities, a mind wired differently, and a creative way of understanding beyond what is conventional, I feel deep gratitude for where we are today.

A mind like Luca’s learns through trust and empathy, because his emotional intelligence is highly developed. I recognized this early, as soon as he began discovering the world, because I was the same way.

We embarked on a long and sometimes painful road to find the right support. What I discovered along the way is that the answer is simpler than it is often made to seem. It is about finding creative, generous souls who operate outside rigid structures; people who understand that traditional frameworks of learning can be shaped to serve these wonderful, bright children, rather than making them feel like outsiders.

Once these children are given the chance to feel truly seen, and once they trust the people around them, they thrive in their own unique way. They grasp patterns and concepts intuitively, from the inside out, which is precisely why following conventional step-by-step methods can feel difficult for them. They have already arrived somewhere most are still walking toward. With patience and the right guidance, they soar. It simply takes a little more time. And the result? They learn the whole idea, and then some.

At Heart of Learning, I found exactly that: remarkable people willing to see what other schools could not. Knowledge, discipline, and heart, all in one place. A space where children are not taught in a single mold, but encouraged to develop their own unique abilities while learning to respect and celebrate each other’s differences.

Luca came to you uncertain about his reading and writing. At Heart of Learning, he is learning to trust the process and to find his own path to knowledge, with patience, technology as a tool, and without sacrificing the beauty of his creative mind. He has become more independent, more confident in himself, and his writing has improved enormously. Most importantly, he has found his own way into learning.

For that, I am truly grateful.

Our boys attended THOL from 2019 to 2024, and we can genuinely say that it worked incredibly well for both of them. The daily structure of completing their individual online schooling while receiving support from teacher aides was a big part of that success. It gave them the guidance and routine they needed, while also helping them learn how to work independently and manage their own time.

Over time, we saw a significant shift in their confidence and in the way they approached school, especially in the later grades. Our oldest was able to complete Grade 12 online independently while living abroad, which helped him transition to university without any issues. Our youngest has also been able to manage high school completely on his own, with plans to enter university as well.

We are truly grateful for the role THOL played in helping them build these skills. It prepared them in a way that goes far beyond academics.