Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

Hey folks, this place seems pretty toxic so unsure if this will get any real traction, but I'm looking for any opinions people have regarding private schools (elementary) with a strong athletic program and/or schools specifically related to hockey programming. I'm thinking places like Everest, the Hill, OHA, Blyth academy and the like. Conversation does not need to be Toronto-based at all, and I'm interested in opinions that go beyond hockey development to help engage high-energy/athletic kids in ways that the public school boards currently don't. Does anyone have experiences or opinions they'd be willing to share? What are the pros and cons (other than cost)? Trolls please don't bother, I don't care so you can't hurt my feelings as much as you may try. Looking for an honest convo here, if at all possible. Thanks!

Guest wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 10:11 am Hey folks, this place seems pretty toxic so unsure if this will get any real traction, but I'm looking for any opinions people have regarding private schools (elementary) with a strong athletic program and/or schools specifically related to hockey programming. I'm thinking places like Everest, the Hill, OHA, Blyth academy and the like. Conversation does not need to be Toronto-based at all, and I'm interested in opinions that go beyond hockey development to help engage high-energy/athletic kids in ways that the public school boards currently don't. Does anyone have experiences or opinions they'd be willing to share? What are the pros and cons (other than cost)? Trolls please don't bother, I don't care so you can't hurt my feelings as much as you may try. Looking for an honest convo here, if at all possible. Thanks!

I think it’s really important to visit all the schools you’re considering to see what will suit your child best. From the ones you mentioned, I personally wouldn’t recommend Everest. In my experience, many of the teachers there are former lower level athletes who didn’t make it professionally and have transitioned into teaching to stay involved in sports. While that may work for some, it often means they lack proper qualifications to teach subjects like English and math effectively.

If you’re considering one of these schools with the hope that it will lead to an NHL career, I’d caution against that, it’s just not realistic for most kids. That said, smaller hockey focused schools can be beneficial for kids who aren’t academically inclined or need extra support, as their smaller class sizes allow for more individual attention. The trade off, though, is often a lower standard of academics compared to traditional private schools.

Every school has its pros and cons, so I’d recommend visiting them all and making a decision based on what feels right for your child. Best of luck!

Are these schools even necessary if your kid has actually talent?

OHP is often advertising a school called King heights academy in Vaughan. Anyone have kids here or know anyone who does? Why would a private school need to offer such deep discounts if it was good? It shouldn't be hard to be better than Ontario public schools these days...

I would think open borders will hurt enrollment at these schools.

These schools for the most part lack in academics. A lot of parents put their kids in these schools with the hopes of getting their kids to make it far in hockey whatever that is. But let’s be realistic very few, probably only players you can count on one hand out of Ontario in each group will make it a career in the NHl. There are a lot of USA and European players in the NHl also. Some parents are ok with sacrificing academics for taking a shot of their kid going pro but you can do a lot of the training after school without having to sacrifice academics which will likely be more important in the long run.

So if we ignore the prospect of an NHL career (which to be honest we ALL should), what about kids with a TON of energy who aren't being served well by public schools because of limited PE offerings? Would these schools benefit them academically, socially, and holistically? If your kid loves hockey and would have a better school day overall if they could play a few times a week during school hours, why not?

You make the cheese you can spend it any way you want

If you want to compare public education vs hockey academy's. Then the private hockey academy provides more support, smaller class sizes, accountability for the student. Public education is struggling, so private hockey academy would be best

If you are comparing hockey academy vs hockey academy then you would have to do your research as there are better ones than the other. The on ice coaching staff at some are far more superior than others as well.

Has anyone heard anything trustworthy about Victus Academy in Kitchener? Not many private school options in that area and Ontario public schools just get worse and worse every year...