Maximizing Students’ Potential Through Academic Partnerships

Nimbus has been blessed with tremendous partnerships with various schools and educational professionals. These unique opportunities allow students to maximize their learning potential within their classroom or homeschool. Currently there are 15 private schools across Ontario partnering with us. While each school may be different, the goal remains the same: effectively supporting students to achieve success. Periodically we will be highlighting our partnerships to showcase the extraordinary work of these educators.

Vianney Academy of Learning  - A Small School Making a Big Difference
Karen Uschold began homeschooling after her oldest son, despite being gifted, struggled socially at school and required speech therapy. One year later her daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia followed by her youngest son being diagnosed with autism three years later. Unwilling to accept the bleak future predicted by the doctors, social workers and therapists, Karen researched teaching techniques and therapies to help her children. She developed an innovative teaching method that includes various educational therapies and utilizes the child’s strengths. The success she achieved caught the attention of many parents of children with various learning abilities. Karen founded Vianney Academy of Learning as an independent learning centre offering hourly, full time and part time tutoring, educational therapies, workshops, parental support and respite. In 2016 Vianney Academy of Learning became a recognized private school.

During the 2018-2019 school year, Karen was introduced to Executive Director and Principal of Nimbus, Alex van Donkersgoed. They were both intrigued with the innovative work each organization had accomplished. Vianney students began using Nimbus math courses under the guidance of Karen and her teaching staff. Since many of Karen’s students have exceptional needs, there have been some changes to accommodate their various abilities. Karen was pleasantly surprised that Nimbus was very open to the feedback she provided, “the partnership works well because they are willing to make changes based on recommendations.” While it is still a work in progress, Karen appreciates that Nimbus listens to their concerns and is willing to work with students of varying abilities. In addition, the teaching staff specifically like the additional practice questions that help their students to master a concept. Karen has over 20 years of experience teaching children using a variety of curriculum; but, she says Nimbus is much better than the alternatives, “So far I’ve had students use the math courses from grades 9-12 and it is the best online accredited program in Canada.”

Vianney continues to provide an affordable educational alternative to students who often are unsuccessful in a traditional school setting. Currently Karen is working diligently to maintain the high quality of work she provides while keeping the costs manageable for families. Vianney hosts periodic fundraisers to support the extensive work that is required to make a lasting impact with exceptional needs students. Their upcoming “Salsa Dancing Fundraiser” on November 30th is sold out, but donations can still be made by contacting the school directly. All proceeds go toward their universal fund to support the school. Monthly donations can be allocated to a specific student or a particular area of focus. For more details about Vianney Academy of Learning, please visit: http://www.vianney.ca/.

Nimbus is pleased to partner with schools like Vianney Academy of Learning to help students maximize their learning potential to achieve their academic goals. To learn more about Nimbus Christian Education, visit: www.nimbuseducation.ca, or send an email to: office@nimbuseducation.ca.