An experiential approach is crucial to the success of our learning community. From hands-on lessons in class to activities delivered in situ across the city, YMCA Academy students receive authentic opportunities to broaden and demonstrate their learning.
These in-class activities are supported by a unique suite of engaging experiences, all linked to the school’s course content. These include the school’s popular cooperative education program, health and fitness and outdoor education opportunities through the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and environmental stewardship initiatives that utilize a broad range of community partnerships.
YMCA Academy students are eligible to participate in the school’s Cooperative Education program.
Cooperative Education is a planned learning experience for which credits are earned. It integrates classroom theory and learning experiences in a community placement, enabling students to apply, expand, and refine the knowledge and skills acquired in a related curriculum course.
Courses successfully completed or taken concurrently can be linked to Cooperative Education, whereby the students can earn up to two additional credits in a subject. The knowledge and skills of the in-school course are applied in a practical work environment. These experiences assist students in preparing for future careers and making successful transitions to post-secondary education, apprenticeship programs, or to the workplace.
Cooperative Education experiences include:
- a personalized placement learning plan (PPLP), developed by the Cooperative Education teacher and based on course curriculum expectations
- pre-placement instruction and orientation (including instruction on topics such as interviews, resumes, health and safety, and legal and harassment issues) to prepare students for the new experience
- provision for workplace and liability insurance coverage, through the YMCA of Greater Toronto
- regular monitoring at the co-op placement by the Cooperative Education teacher (two direct visits and one indirect assessment per credit)
- integration of classroom and workplace learning, which provides opportunities for students to connect prior classroom learning to the skills aquired in their co-op placement
| Number of Co-op Credits | Pre-Placement | Integration | Placement | Total Hours |
| 1-credit (related to 1 in-school course | 25-30 hours | 7 hours | 73-78 hours | 110 hours |
| 2-credits (related to 1 in-school course) | 25-30 hours | 14 hours | 176-181 hours | 220 hours |
| 3- credits (related to 2 in-school courses) | 25-30 hours | 21 hours | 279-284 hours | 330 hours |
| 4 credits (related to 2 in-school courses) | 25-30 hours | 28 hours | 382-387 hours | 440 hours |
A YMCA of Greater Toronto membership is included in tuition. The Academy is located within the 
At the start of every school year, Academy students and staff participate in leadership and teambuilding activities at an overnight excursion to a YMCA outdoor education facility (
The entire YMCA Academy learning community is committed to environmental stewardship.
