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 Mississauga independent school offering deeply individualized, relationship-based programming for neurodiverse learners from pre-K to age 18 — where every child’s unique development is honoured and celebrated.
Where is Oakwood Academy located?
2150 Torquay Mews, Mississauga, ON L5N 2M6
Co-ed day school • Pre-K to age 18 • ~50 students
Oakwood Academy shares a building with St. Jude’s Academy, a private school, allowing for inclusion and integration opportunities.
What Makes Oakwood Unique
A fully integrated multidisciplinary team — educators, OTs, SLPs, a physiotherapist, and music therapist — working alongside families to support every dimension of each child’s growth. From pre-K to age 18, Oakwood meets students exactly where they are at and celebrates each child’s unique strengths and individual differences.
What are the class sizes and programs available?
Oakwood offers three distinct program streams, each carefully matched to a student’s developmental profile and support needs:
Transition Program — Ages 3 to 18 | 1:1 support
Designed for students with support needs, including those working on developing communication, self-help skills and self-regulation goals. Students receive 1:1 support and a fully individualized education plan covering all areas of development. Students work toward following a structured school day and participate in social and extracurricular activities. As foundational goals are met, students transition into 1:4 classrooms. Families receive regular parent communication, meetings, and coaching opportunities throughout the year.
1:4 Program — Ages 5 to 18
For students preparing to learn in a small group setting. The curriculum is developmentally based with reference to Ontario Curriculum goals, with a strong focus on social-emotional skills, communication, language, and classroom independence. Project-based and experiential, hands-on learning is central to this program. Two levels of additional support are available within this stream.
1:7 Program — Ages 10 to 18
For students building greater independence. This program blends Ontario Curriculum subjects (language, math, science, social studies, art, physical education) with real-world life skills: job training, writing resumes, volunteer placements, transit training, navigating a map, and community participation. Two levels of additional support are also available in this stream.
How does Oakwood support neurodiverse students?
Oakwood Academy uses the DIR (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based) model — a child-led, relationship-centred approach to learning and development. Programs are completely individualized and monitored to ensure each child is achieving their goals.
- Fully individualized programs based on each child’s unique profile and needs
- Goals are continuously reviewed and revised
- Daily communication with families via verbal feedback and email/blog recap, including practical home recommendations
- Supports students with a wide range of needs including Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, etc. A diagnosis is not required for enrolment.
- Access to both 1:1 and small group learning environments
- Two additional support levels available within 1:4 and 1:7 classrooms
What specialized programs are offered?
DIR Floortime Model
The foundational framework across all Oakwood programming. DIR focuses on each child’s developmental level, individual differences, and the relationships that drive progress — placing the child at the centre of their own learning.
Jump Start Program
A short-term, intensive intervention for families exploring support options. Delivered by a Certified DIR Practitioner over 10 weeks (2-hour sessions, twice per week), the program includes a full developmental assessment, a customized DIR plan, direct implementation, and comprehensive parent coaching and education.
In-Home Services
For families who cannot attend in person, Oakwood offers personalized in-home DIR support — including assessment, program development, direct implementation, data tracking, and parent consultation.
Virtual Consultation
Flexible virtual parent coaching and consultation services are available for families who cannot access in-person supports.
What in-house clinical support is available?
Oakwood’s multidisciplinary clinical team works directly alongside educators to support each child’s full development:
- 2 Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- 2 Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- 1 Physiotherapist
- Music Therapist
Students access these services bi-weekly in 1:1 or small group formats. Classroom staff attend therapy sessions so that skills can be immediately generalized into the student’s daily routine.
Does Oakwood create Individual Education Plans?
Yes. Every student has an individualized program plan that targets their specific goals across all areas of development. Plans address:
- Academics— Ontario Curriculum
- Language and communication
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Social skills
- Safety skills
- Self-regulation goals
- Daily living and life skills
Families also participate in regular parent meetings/coaching sessions to reinforce goals at home.
What opportunities exist beyond academics?
- Gymnastics
- Swimming
- Community Club — monthly community visits via MiWay partnership
- Fun with Flavours Club — food club with hands-on cooking activities
- Artistic Architects Club — art and STEM-based science and technology activities
- School concerts and family events
- Field trips
- Participation is school-wide events (Track and field, Terry Fox Run, Orange Shirt Day, etc.)
- Monthly parent support group with guest speakers, topic discussions and resource sharing
- Parent coaching series with DIR Certified professionals
- March Break and Summer Camp
- Extend care and tutoring
How does Oakwood build school community?
Oakwood invests deeply in its community — for students and families alike. Holiday parties, seasonal events, and family activities are woven throughout the school year. March Break and summer camps provide continuity of support and connection outside the regular school calendar.
A monthly parent support group brings families together to share experiences, hear from guest speakers, and access resources. The school’s location within St. Jude’s Academy also creates meaningful opportunities for students to interact and integrate with a broader peer community.
How does the admissions process work?
- Complete an intake form
- Attend intake meeting and tour of the school
- Half-day trial day(s) if required for student placement
Front Desk: (905) 814-0202
Melissa Filion, Admissions Registrar: admissions@oakacademy.ca | oakwoodacademy.ca
A Family's Experience
“From the moment we stepped foot in Oakwood we felt comforted and secure. Our son was immediately at ease with the very caring staff, this despite never having been away from mom before. He has thrived and grown with massive gains in speech, regulation and independence. The staff are beyond amazing and this truly makes all the difference for the entire family. We are so thankful to have found Oakwood and feel that they have been instrumental in our journey.”
— A.T., Oakwood Academy family
Get in Touch
(905) 814-0202
admissions@oakacademy.ca
oakwoodacademy.ca
2150 Torquay Mews, Mississauga, ON L5N 2M6
