The Erindale Academy

Middle School Program

Our Vision

At The Erindale Academy, we redefine Grades 7–8 as a pivotal journey toward academic excellence, curiosity-driven exploration, and real-world problem-solving. Our students don't just learn—they question, create, and lead. Nestled beside the Credit River ecosystem and the University of Toronto Mississauga, our school is a launchpad for future innovators and leaders.

Through a Problem-Oriented, Inquiry-Based Learning model, students approach education as active participants, tackling real-world problems with curiosity and creativity. This method bridges theory with hands-on application, fostering critical thinking, resilience, and communication skills that empower students for high school and beyond.

"We don't just teach facts—we shape future trailblazers."

From Our Principal

"Our mission is to cultivate confident thinkers, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners. In Grades 7 and 8, we fuel curiosity, nurture potential, and prepare students to thrive."
— George Vanderkuur, Principal, The Erindale Academy

Why Choose Us

Choosing The Erindale Academy means selecting a rigorous and forward-thinking program designed to equip students for their academic futures. With a university-inspired learning environment, we instill independence, ambition, and a love for exploration.

✅ Next to University of Toronto Mississauga Our location immerses students in a vibrant academic atmosphere with guest lectures and mentorship opportunities.
✅ Real-World Learning We spark creativity through inquiry-based education, ensuring students develop practical skills and a lifelong passion for discovery.
✅ Leadership & Growth Our holistic approach nurtures critical thinkers and compassionate leaders who excel in high school and beyond.

Program Highlights

✅ Core Math & Core English Essential skills in logic, communication, and problem-solving
✅ Inquiry-Based Learning Students take on real-world challenges with curiosity and analytical thinking
✅ Project-Based Innovation Interdisciplinary learning through hands-on projects
✅ STEM, AI & Robotics Digital fluency and future-ready skills in cutting-edge technologies
✅ Whole-Child Development Academic excellence balanced with emotional and physical wellness
✅ Nature-Based Exploration Students learn beyond the classroom through immersive outdoor experiences
✅ Leadership & Community Engagement Small classes foster collaboration, mentorship, and confidence
✅ UTM Academic Partnership A gateway to higher learning, offering mentorship and university-level exposure

Core Math

We establish a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning, ensuring students develop the analytical skills needed to excel. Real-world applications, problem-solving strategies, and interdisciplinary connections reinforce mastery and boost confidence in tackling complex challenges.

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Core English

Beyond grammar and comprehension, we inspire students to express ideas with clarity and creativity. Through diverse literary genres and engaging real-world contexts, students cultivate advanced communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills to thrive in academic and professional settings.

Inquiry-Based Learning

Students embark on a journey of curiosity, tackling real-world problems that matter to them. Hands-on exploration, collaborative research, and critical problem-solving empower students to turn questions into discoveries.

Project-Based Innovation

Our students don't just learn—they create! Through project-based learning, they develop solutions to real-world issues, designing prototypes, conducting research, and presenting innovations with confidence.

Sample Projects

Project 1. AI-Powered Startup Company Project

Description:
Students form teams to create a startup powered by artificial intelligence. They tackle business strategy, product development, and AI technology to design and present their own entrepreneurial ideas.

Key Components:

Problem Identification: Teams brainstorm and select a real-world problem that can be addressed with AI.
Solution Development: Using AI and data science, students design and prototype a solution, whether it's an app, a smart device, or a service.
Business Planning: Teams create a business plan covering market research, target audience, financial planning, and marketing strategies.
Interdisciplinary Learning: The project integrates knowledge from AI, computer science, data science, and business leadership, encouraging students to collaborate and innovate.

Skills Developed:
Innovation, problem-solving, entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork, communication, and technology application.

Project 2. School Energy Audit

Description:
Students conduct a full audit of their school's energy use, identifying inefficiencies and proposing sustainability solutions, applying physics, environmental science, and critical reasoning.

Skills Developed:
Critical thinking, data collection and interpretation, problem-solving, and effective communication.

STEM, AI & Robotics

We are at the forefront of middle school STEM education—where students engage with robotics, AI, coding, and design thinking in interactive, future-focused challenges.

AI-Powered Drone Waste Collector Project

Sample Projects

Project 1. AI-Powered Drone Waste Collector

Description:

Students design and program autonomous drones equipped with AI to identify and manage waste efficiently, learning about computer vision, machine learning, and robotics applications for sustainability.

Functioning:

Drone Programming: Students program the drone to navigate a predefined area, using waypoints and obstacle avoidance.
AI Integration: The drone's AI system is trained to recognize various types of waste (like plastic, paper, or metal) through image recognition.
Data Collection: The drone collects data on the location and type of waste, which is then analyzed by students to improve waste management strategies.

Objectives:

To apply AI and robotics in a practical, real-world scenario.
To foster innovation and creativity in using technology for environmental sustainability.
To enhance problem-solving skills and interdisciplinary learning by integrating AI, computer science, and environmental science.

Learning Outcomes:

Technical Skills: Students gain hands-on experience with programming drones, implementing AI algorithms, and working with sensor data.
Problem-Solving: Students learn to address real-world issues like waste management through technology.
Collaboration: Working in teams, students develop collaboration and communication skills essential for future STEM careers.

Project 2. Autonomous Driving Car Project

Description:

In this project, students work together to build and program an autonomous car from different components. They assemble the car step-by-step, integrating electronic parts, sensors, and AI modules for voice and image recognition. The final goal is to create a small-scale car that can navigate around the classroom autonomously, avoiding obstacles and responding to voice commands.

Objectives:

To understand the fundamentals of electronics, robotics, and AI.
To develop practical skills in programming and problem-solving.
To encourage innovation and creativity in applying technology.

Learning Outcomes:

Electronics Knowledge: Students learn about circuits, sensors, and actuators.
AI and Robotics: They gain hands-on experience with AI algorithms and robotics programming.
Systems Thinking: Students develop an understanding of how different technological components work together to create a functional system.

Whole-Child Development

We nurture cognitive and emotional intelligence, fostering well-rounded, resilient individuals.

Nature-Inspired Exploration

Learning extends beyond textbooks into nature, where students develop curiosity and environmental awareness.

Our unique location next to Credit River ecosystem allows us to bring nature into everyday learning. From science observations by the Credit River to creative writing inspired by the forest, students regularly engage with the natural world. This fosters environmental literacy, curiosity, and a sense of calm and well-being. Our outdoor education approach builds not just knowledge, but also stewardship and a lifelong connection to nature.

Sample Projects

Project 1: Environmental Exploration in Credit River ecosystem

Objective: To engage students in hands-on learning about local ecosystems and environmental science through direct observation and data collection.

Activities:

Tree Species Identification: Students use field guides to identify and document different tree species, noting characteristics and ecological roles.
Water Quality Testing: Another group collects and analyzes water samples from the Credit River, assessing parameters like PH, turbidity, and biodiversity.
Digital Documentation: Students take notes and photos on tablets, recording their observations and hypotheses about the park's ecosystem.

Outcomes:
Students develop observational skills, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of local flora and fauna. They also gain hands-on experience with scientific methods and environmental stewardship.

Project 2: "Tree of Life: A Local Biodiversity Field Study"

Objective: To help students develop observational, scientific, and ecological thinking skills by identifying, cataloging, and analyzing tree species within Credit River ecosystem — connecting nature to biology, geography, and climate science.

Project Overview:

Students will embark on a guided exploration of Credit River ecosystem to:

Identify various native and non-native tree species.
Measure tree height and trunk circumference.
Record GPS coordinates and plot locations using GIS tools.
Assess the health of each tree (leaf color, bark texture, presence of fungi or insects).
Research and report on each tree's ecological role and cultural or historical significance in Ontario.

Learning Activities:

Pre-trip classroom session on tree anatomy and field data collection techniques.
Field work in Credit River ecosystem, using field guides, measuring tools, and tablets.
Post-trip data analysis, including creating GIS maps and biodiversity heatmaps.
Creative component: Students create a digital or hand-drawn "Tree of Life" wall poster showing connections between species and ecosystems.

Subjects Integrated:

Science (Ecology, Botany)
Geography (Mapping, GPS)
Math (Measurement, Data Representation)
Art (Scientific Drawing, Infographics)
Digital Literacy (GIS and mapping tools)

Student Outcomes:

Understand biodiversity and ecosystem interdependence.
Gain practical skills in field data collection and analysis.
Foster appreciation for local nature and conservation efforts.

Leadership & Community Engagement

We cultivate leadership skills and encourage active community involvement, empowering students to lead with confidence and make meaningful contributions to their surroundings.

Sample Activities

Activity 1: Model United Nations (Model UN)

At The Erindale Academy, our students actively participate in Model United Nations (Model UN), where they simulate international diplomacy and engage in debates on global issues. This activity fosters leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills, allowing students to collaborate, negotiate, and solve real-world problems. Through Model UN, our students build a deeper understanding of international relations and develop the confidence to become active, informed global citizens.

Activity 2: Global Youth Challenge (GYC)

UTM Academic Partnership

Our exclusive academic partnership with University of Toronto Mississauga ensures students experience university-level learning through guest lectures, mentorship programs, and guided campus visits.

Located steps from the University of Toronto Mississauga, our students benefit from meaningful connections with one of Canada's top research universities. They participate in guest lectures, campus visits, and mentorship opportunities with university professors and graduate students. These experiences spark academic curiosity, provide early exposure to postsecondary life, and inspire our students to aim high — academically and personally.