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Voices of FACE

Staff, families and alumni share what FACE means to them, in their own words: the creativity, the confidence, and the moments that shape who our students become.

“It feels like I help FACE students survive, and the arts help them thrive.”

Sasha D., School nurse
Students taking part in a fine arts class at FACE

From the people who teach and care

Teachers and staff on what they see in FACE students every day, in the classroom, on stage and beyond.

  • Creativity
  • Confidence
  • Independence
  • Well-being
  • Community
Photo of Jessica F.

It is such a joy to get to work with so many talented young people every day. Even in math and science, I can see that FACE’s curriculum has fostered creativity and confidence to be bold in my students. The artwork, music and theatre produced by our student body never fails to blow me away!

Jessica F. Teacher, Science & Technology (Grades 7 and 10) and CST Mathematics (Grades 10 and 11)
Creativity

As a school nurse I mostly see students when they have a problem and need help. At FACE, however, I also get to see them on stage, performing moving works of music and theatre at a very high level.

I appreciate getting to see them in these very positive contexts, and then being able to discuss their art with them the next time they come to my office. It feels like I help FACE students survive, and the arts help them thrive.

Sasha D. School nurse
Well-being

What makes our school special is that students begin developing independence at an early age. They learn to manage their time, move confidently between activities, and take on responsibility in a supportive environment.

Mark Sankoff Teacher, K–6 English and Physical Education
Independence

Families and alumni

The FACE experience stays with students long after the school day ends, at home, and for years after graduation.

A fine arts class at FACE

A parent’s story

“FACE reignited her love of school.”

FACE has been a transformative experience for our daughter and our family. We moved her to FACE in Grade 4 after seeing her struggle to connect with school in a way that supported both her learning needs and her strengths.

Read Carissa’s full story

As a child with ADHD, she often found the academic demands of school challenging and, over time, began to lose her enthusiasm for learning. What made FACE different was its strong emphasis on the arts. Having dedicated time every day to immerse herself in creative expression gave her a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and joy.

The arts became an essential outlet where she could fully engage her strengths and passions. As a result, she was able to approach the more challenging academic aspects of school with greater focus, resilience, and motivation. Rather than feeling defined by her struggles, she felt celebrated for her talents. FACE reignited her love of school.

Carissa Springer, FACE parent

The FACE School building

Alumni, Class of 2011

“Being a FACE lifer shaped not only who I am, but how I approach the world.”

After spending 12 years at FACE (Class of 2011), I left with an appreciation for both the arts and the power of creative thinking. FACE taught me that creativity belongs everywhere, not just in a studio or on a stage, but in how we communicate, solve problems and bring people together.

Read Antonia’s full story

Today, my work spans environmental policy and communications, public service, speechwriting, education and women’s leadership. Whether I’m developing learning programs, writing speeches, communicating complex environmental issues or leading community initiatives, I continue to draw on the perspective and curiosity that FACE nurtured in me.

I’m especially grateful that FACE gave me the confidence to combine disciplines and think differently. It showed me that the arts can be a powerful way to understand the world and to help shape it. I will always be proud to be a FACE lifer.

Antonia M., FACE alumni

Come see FACE for yourself

Meet our teachers, visit our classrooms and hear our students perform. We’d love to welcome your family.

Visit our Open House Contact us