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25 | Thursday, October 22, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com education The choice is yours: Find the right school for your child Young people today face many opportunities, influences and challenges. With the rapid pace of technological innovation, the 24/7 impact of social media and the increasingly competitive post-secondary and employment landscape, the need to equip students with the knowledge and skills to prepare them to make the right choices, grow, and plan for a successful future has never been more important. In Oakville, we are fortunate to have a dynamic group of independent schools that take an active interest in our youth, give back to the community and provide unique educational choices that enrich students' lives. The Oakville Independent Schools (OIS) represent 11 extraordinary schools including primary, elementary, secondary, Montessori, IB World, AP , AP Capstone, traditional, progressive, religious-based, boarding, single-gender and co-educational schools. The member schools share a commitment to educational excellence in safe, supportive environments and emphasize the development of life-long values. All OIS schools are registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education. In addition, there are various inspection and accreditation bodies that schools are affiliated with. Each Oakville Independent School has its own mission and philosophy and is uniquely positioned to address each student's educational goals and needs. Teachers at independent schools recognize the individual challenges students face, and just as importantly, their personal talents. The teachers know their students well, not just in the classroom but also as they engage in athletics, the arts and other clubs and activities. With small class sizes, they are able to establish connections with parents, which allows for open dialogue about each child's progress. Oakville Independent Schools provide a fully-rounded experience for every student. These schools develop character and intellect together, and provide hands-on learning experiences such as field trips, extracurricular activities, leadership training and guest speakers. Independent schools also have the resources and facilities necessary to support continued advancements in learning. This includes the autonomy and flexibility to engage new technologies, explore innovative approaches to education, and guide and encourage students to take risks, confront new challenges, explore their passions and develop confidence and resilience. OIS member schools have the freedom to continuously explore new ways to engage beyond the classroom and offer enriched programs in the arts, music, athletics and languages that complement a solid academic foundation. Extracurricular activities are considered essential and provide opportunities for all students to participate, discover new interests and uncover hidden talents. The Education Oakville website ­ www. educationoakville.com ­ is a resource that explains the benefits of a private school education and the choices available in Oakville. It also contains profiles on each OIS member school with direct links to individual school websites, practical information about how to choose a school, the admissions process, open house dates, and other tools for parents. Now is the time to consider an independent school. Begin by contacting the admissions office at the schools of your choice to book an appointment for a tour. OIS member schools also encourage interested families to visit during the Joint Open House Day on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. ­ 2 p.m. It is a wonderful way for students and parents to learn about the curriculum and activities offered, meet with administrators and teachers, and speak to current students who are thriving in these exceptional learning environments. OIS member schools include: Appleby College, Chisholm Academy, Dearcroft Montessori School and West Wind Montessori Jr. High, Glenburnie School, King's Christian Collegiate, MacLachlan College, Oakville Christian School, Rotherglen School, St. Mildred'sLightbourn School and Wildwood Academy. Learn more about our extraordinary schools and the dedicated educators, families and students that partner with them to provide students with an outstanding education. For more information visit www. educationoakville.com. Advertorial Thinking about your child's education? THE IS YouRS 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. choIce The oakville Independent Schools offer students unique opportunities to enrich their lives, confront new challenges, explore their passions and develop confidence and resilience. come and explore the many benefits of an independent education. learn about the enriched programs in the arts, music, athletics and languages that complement a solid academic foundation. extracurricular activities are considered essential and provide opportunities for all students to participate. All School open houSe Saturday, october 24, 2015 choose an oakville Independent School. To learn more, and to access a map of school locations, visit www.educationoakville.com