We meet students where they are and celebrate who they are.
A message from the Principal
Summit Micro School was born from a simple truth: some of the brightest, most creative minds just don’t fit the mold. And they shouldn’t have to.
Too often, neurodivergent students are made to feel like something’s wrong with them—when really, it’s the system that doesn’t see them clearly. I’ve met so many kids over the years who were bored, anxious, or just plain discouraged in traditional classrooms. They weren’t failing—they were waiting for someone to understand them.
That’s what we do at Summit. We listen. We adapt. We meet students where they are and celebrate who they are. Our school is small on purpose—so every student feels seen, safe, and supported. We build trust, and from that trust comes confidence, curiosity, and growth.
I’ve watched students who once dreaded school start walking through our doors with their heads high. I’ve seen kids discover strengths they didn’t know they had. And I’ve seen families exhale in relief, finally feeling like they’ve found the right place.
Summit isn’t just a school—it’s a community. And if you’re reading this wondering whether your child might belong here, I encourage you to reach out. We take the time to get to know each student and family, and we’ll be honest about whether we’re the right fit—because when the match is right, it’s truly transformative.
I hope you’ll come visit. You’ll feel the difference the moment you walk in.
Sincerely,
Amanda Dervaitis
Founder and Principal
Our Story: A History of Innovation
Summit Micro School began in 2011 as High Park Day School with just three students and two passionate educators. From the beginning, it was a place where children felt seen, motivated, and excited to learn.
As we grew, so did our mission. Guided by educational research, we introduced Project-Based Learning and later expanded to include a Reggio Emilia-inspired Kindergarten—nurturing curiosity and independence from the start.
In 2018, we became Summit Micro School. Our new name reflects our belief in helping each student reach new heights—and our commitment to progressive, responsive education that supports neurodiverse learners in meaningful ways.
We've been leading the microschool movement in Canada for over a decade—and we’re just getting started.
What is a micro school?
Small by Design
Low student-to-teacher ratios support deeper relationships, personalization, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Agile & Adaptive
Microschools aren’t bound by outdated systems. They’re built to pivot—responding quickly to student needs, new research, and a changing world.
Learner-Centered
Curriculum is flexible, relevant, and often interdisciplinary—designed around how students learn best, not how systems operate most efficiently.
Future-Ready Foundations
By emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, microschools prepare students not just for tests—but for life.
Small in Size. Big in Impact.
Microschools are intentionally small learning communities—typically with fewer than 150 students—that offer a flexible, student-centered alternative to traditional education. By prioritizing relationships, creativity, and whole-child development, they break away from rigid curriculum models and create space for real engagement and growth.
Though still emerging in Canada, microschools are part of a growing global movement to reimagine education. As families seek options beyond standardized systems, microschools are being recognized by researchers, futurists, and educators as one of the most promising models for the future of learning.
They are agile, adaptable, and built for the kind of world our children are growing into—not the one we were educated in.
Learn More:
Micro schools: the wave of the future in Canada (ourkids.net)
Disrupting the System: Can Microschools Fix American Education? (Thomas Frey, futuristspeaker.com)
Summit started 15 years ago with a bold idea—and became the future of education.
Wondering if it’s the right fit for your family?