Welcome to Summit!
Too often, brilliant and creative neurodiverse minds are misunderstood in traditional classrooms. In a world full of possibility, many students are left feeling bored, frustrated, or unseen.
At Summit, we do things differently. For over a decade, we’ve been a place where neurodivergent students are truly understood—where they can learn in ways that make sense to them, grow in confidence, and discover their unique strengths.
We see the strengths in each of our students and work hard to make sure they see them too. The power of understanding ourselves and recognizing the gifts we have cannot be understated. When students feel valued and supported, they develop the self-awareness, confidence, and resilience to thrive—not just in school, but in life.
We know that every student’s path is different. That’s why we focus on flexibility, self-awareness, and a responsive learning environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth. We respect the way neurodiverse students think, feel, and engage with the world—and we help them build the tools they need to succeed.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Summit Micro School. If you like what you see here, we hope you’ll take some time to visit so you can see it all in action and experience how truly special our little school really is.
Sincerely,
Amanda Dervaitis Founder and Principal
What is a micro school?
Micro schools are small, student-centered learning communities designed to provide a personalized and meaningful education. While they are well-established globally, they are still gaining recognition in Canada as families seek alternatives to the standardized, one-size-fits-all school system.
At Summit Micro School, we have embraced this model for 15 years, making us a pioneer in the GTA. Our approach focuses on individualized learning, flexibility, and real-world skills, ensuring that each student is seen, heard, and supported in a way that traditional classrooms often cannot provide.
With small class sizes, strong communities, and a whole-child approach, micro schools are redefining education. Learn more about this growing movement and its impact:
Micro schools: the wave of the future in Canada (ourkids.net)
Disrupting the System: Can Microschools Fix American Education? (Thomas Frey, futuristspeaker.com)
Our Story: A History of Innovation in Education
Summit Micro School began in 2011 as High Park Day School, founded on a vision of student-centered, personalized learning. With just three students and two passionate, experienced educators, the school quickly became a place where children felt understood, motivated, and excited to learn.
As we grew, so did our mission. Recognizing the evolving needs of today’s students, we embraced evidence-based educational research and introduced Project-Based Learning as the foundation of our curriculum. We later expanded our programs to include a Reggio Emilia-inspired Kindergarten, fostering creativity, independence, and critical thinking from the earliest years.
While micro schools are still gaining recognition in Canada, Summit has been ahead of the curve for over a decade. By doing what few schools in the city have done, we have established ourselves as leaders in progressive, student-driven education.
In August 2018, we rebranded as Summit Micro School—a name that reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of education and creating a responsive, innovative learning environment for neurodiverse students. Today, we remain dedicated to helping each child reach new heights by providing an education that is as unique as they are.
From the archives: Tiny School, Big Ideas (May 2012)