When Johan W. joined J. Addison School, he was looking for something his previous school couldn’t provide—access to physics and room to explore new ideas. A few months later, he was standing at Markham’s Earth Day celebration at the Milliken Mills Library, presenting an AI-powered heliostat inspired by how plants move toward the sun. He called it “simple yet smart.” It wasn’t just a school project; it really showed what kids can do when they’re given room to explore, create, and show off their ideas.
Then there’s Tony C., a quiet student in Grade 9 with a deep love for numbers. Encouraged by his teachers, Tony participated in the Pascal Contest, one of the top math competitions in the world. Out of more than 25,000 students globally, he ranked in the top 25%. It was a proud moment—not just for Tony, but for a school that takes academic growth seriously.
These stories aren’t unusual here; this is what J. Addison is like every day. The school strives to create an environment where students are challenged, receive the help they need, and feel empowered to truly shine. Daniel Cooper, Principal of J. Addison School, shares, “Our foundation is built on values like discipline, character, and respect. We don’t see academic achievement as the only goal. It’s the outcome of a well-rounded, caring environment.”
At J. Addison, academic success is not the only measure of growth. Teachers take the time to know each student personally. That allows them to create a safe space where students feel confident asking questions, trying new things, and pushing through challenges. “We teach our students to speak up for themselves, to ask for help when needed, and to support one another. Those are life skills. That’s what really prepares them for the future.” says Cooper.
What really makes J. Addison special is how much it cares about students growing up as people, building good character, and feeling like part of a community. It’s not just about getting good grades, but about becoming a capable, responsible, confident and kind individual. And for many students, like Johan and Tony, that makes all the difference.
Building a School, Building a Community
Addison School opened its doors in 2002 with a clear purpose: to raise the bar for private education, especially for international students. In just two years, enrollment crossed 100 students, and the school quickly outgrew its original space in Scarborough. That growth brought the need for more room and more opportunities.
By 2005, the school had purchased a 3-acre plot in Markham. It was here that a purpose-built, 60,000-square-foot campus took shape, focused on the safety and success of its students. When the new campus opened in 2007, it marked a turning point. Cooper recounts, “As our school community expanded, so did our commitment to offering the best possible environment for learning and living. That included developing student residences, welcoming international learners, and ensuring they had the support they needed to succeed.”
Partnerships have played a big role in J. Addison’s journey. In 2017, the school teamed up with York University, giving students added access to post-secondary opportunities. Wilfrid Laurier University followed in 2023, and Metropolitan Toronto University joined in 2024. These partnerships align with the school’s goal of preparing students for life beyond school. More recently, the school joined the York Region Athletic Association in 2024. The goal was to promote perseverance, teamwork, and leadership through competitive teams, alongside the well-established Elite Basketball Program.
Addison is widely recognized for two major strengths. First, the school boasts a 100% university and college acceptance rate—thanks to a strong academic foundation and one-on-one guidance. Second, its basketball program has helped many student-athletes earn scholarships and gain exposure across Canada and the U.S.
But academics and athletics aren’t the whole story. “We celebrate diversity in everything we do,” says Cooper. The school hosts international events and serves global cuisine in the cafeteria, helping students experience cultures beyond their own. Faculty and staff come from diverse backgrounds and speak more than five languages; something that makes a big difference for students adjusting to life in a new country. “We know how hard it is to move across the world to study. That’s why our community is built to feel welcoming and familiar, right from the first day,” Cooper adds.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At J. Addison School, learning isn’t limited to textbooks and tests. A key part of the school experience is the Focus For Success® (FFS) program. Three times a week, students stay for an extra period from 3 to 4 p.m.—not for more homework, but for enrichment. This hour gives students the chance to explore what interests them. Some get academic help in math or science. Others join clubs, try new activities, or discover hidden talents. It’s a time when students can learn, relax, or connect with peers in meaningful ways.
“Focus For Success® is about offering choice and support. It’s where students can step outside the regular classroom and do something they’re curious about or passionate about,” explains Cooper. The program changes based on student interests. Activities range from badminton, dance, and table tennis to embroidery, volunteering, and ESL support. There are also options like the yearbook club, student council, colouring sessions, and OSSLT prep.
This flexibility extends to academics as well. J. Addison’s Flexible Learning Model is designed to meet students where they are. Teachers and guidance staff work closely with each student to find the right course level, pace, and pathway. Those who are ready can move ahead. Others can take more time, with extra help and fewer pressures. Cooper says, “Our small class sizes allow us to really know each student. That’s what makes early support and one-on-one attention possible.”
The school also offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities in areas like STEM, art, leadership, and sports. Whether it’s coding, studio art, or competitive athletics, students are encouraged to explore their passions while developing skills that go beyond academics.
Teaching That Inspires and Adapts
At J. Addison School, the strength of the school begins with the people in the classroom. More than just delivering lessons, the teachers here form real connections with students, offer encouragement, and help each learner find their path forward. “We look for educators who lead by example. Strong character, care for students, and the ability to build rapport—that’s what matters most,” opines Cooper.
The school supports faculty members through ongoing professional development. Several days each year are dedicated to workshops and team discussions. These sessions help teachers reflect, learn from one another, and stay updated with the latest teaching methods. One major focus is technology. Teachers are trained to use new tools in meaningful, student-centered ways. Smart Boards and other interactive platforms are available in classrooms, but the emphasis remains on thoughtful use—not on flashy features.
Addison also encourages students to become digitally literate and responsible tech users. It guides them to use educational tools not as shortcuts, but as ways to explore and deepen their understanding. “Our goal is to help students use technology with intention. They learn to research, present, and create using the right tools, but also to think critically about how and why they use them,” says Cooper. By blending personal attention with purposeful innovation, J. Addison creates classrooms that are active, relevant, and responsive to the world students are growing up in.
A School Connected Through Families and Futures
Addison School is a community that brings together families, alumni, and staff in support of a shared mission. From the start of each semester, teachers reach out to families through welcome emails that introduce themselves and share what’s ahead. This sets the tone for open and ongoing communication. “We believe in strong parent partnerships. Good news, concerns, updates—families are always kept in the loop,” shares Cooper.
Parents are invited to be part of the school’s journey, and alumni often return to reconnect, speak with students, and offer advice based on their own experiences after graduation. These connections make the path ahead feel more real and achievable for current students. The school also seeks families who value more than just academic success. Character development, responsibility, and contribution to the community are central to the school’s vision. “We empower students to reach their potential,” Cooper explains. “That only works when families, students, and teachers work together toward the same goals.”
Looking ahead, J. Addison is preparing for a future shaped by both values and technology. The team recognizes the growing influence of tools like artificial intelligence in education. However, they also know that technology can’t replace the personal connection of a teacher. Cooper states, “AI will never replace the human teaching experience. But we do need to use it wisely—to adapt our strategies, understand different learning styles, and make education more inclusive and responsive.” The next five years will bring change. But J. Addison is ready to meet it; with the same focus on values, support, and purpose that has guided the school since the beginning.
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