At Possibilities, we believe that supporting neurodiverse learners takes collaboration between families, schools, and community professionals. Our School Spotlight series highlights private schools that offer inclusive learning environments, specialized programs, and individualized supports designed to meet a range of developmental and learning needs. These features help parents explore private school education options and connect with schools that align with their child’s strengths and support needs.
A small, trauma-informed independent school dedicated to empowering neurodiverse learners in Grades 1–8. At MindWare, every child is seen, heard, and valued for their individual potential.
At a Glance
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario — 985 Pinecrest Rd, Ottawa ON K2B 6B4 |
|---|---|
| School Type | Co-ed day school |
| Grades Offered | Grade 1 – 8 |
| School Population | Maximum 40 students |
| Average Class Size | Maximum 8 students per class |
| Website | http://mindware.ca/ |
What Makes MindWare Unique
More than a school — a welcoming community for the whole family. A place to feel supported, understood, and accepted, sometimes for the very first time. We help students learn to love school again.
Supporting Neurodiverse Learners
- Classrooms built with accommodations and modifications already in place
- Flexible seating and learning spaces throughout
- Staff trained in Orton-Gillingham (Barton System)
- Backgrounds in social work and special education
- Daily social skills and character education block with a new theme each week
- Friday leadership, teamwork, and cooperation block
- Partnership with the Boys and Girls Club for after-school support
- Small-group remediation blocks daily in reading, social skills, and math
- Two dedicated sensory spaces with flexible and regulation seating
Specialized Programs
Orton-Gillingham & Real Spelling
For students with language-based learning disabilities and dyslexia, OG is delivered 1-on-1 with a qualified instructor and woven into everyday language arts teaching. The multi-sensory model supports mind mapping, paragraph writing, decoding, and blending. Individual progress is tracked at all times.
Individualized Learning Plans
MindWare creates a tailored plan for every child — reflecting the full picture of each student’s learning, social, and emotional needs — and collaborates openly with outside agencies and specialists who are welcomed into the school.
Admissions Process
- Intake meeting
- Tour of the school
- Shadow day
- Follow-up meeting
Trauma-Informed School — The 4 R's
Rather than asking what is wrong with a child, MindWare teachers ask what happened to them. Safety, trust, connection, and empowerment guide every interaction, and every student is supported to feel connected to at least one staff member.
Realize
Understand the widespread impact of trauma
Recognize
Identify the signs and symptoms of trauma in students
Respond
Act with knowledge, caring, and compassion
Resist
Actively avoid re-traumatization
In Their Own Words
“At MindWare, we don’t ask students to fit into a pre-existing mold; we reshape the mold to fit the student. By prioritizing a small-scale, community-driven environment, we transform the educational experience from a standard curriculum into a personalized journey where every child is seen, heard, and valued for their individual potential.”
— Bryan, Senior Supervisor and Lead of Regulation
“Supporting neurodiversity means moving beyond simple accommodation to true empowerment. We provide the structure students need to feel safe and the flexibility they need to thrive, ensuring that their unique way of thinking is never viewed as a barrier, but as a blueprint for their success.”
— Susan Mancini, Director
Contact for Admissions
Susan Mancini, Director
613-882-3449
mancini.susanj@gmail.com
mindware.ca
