About Us

Lakeview Academy is an independent school located in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. We offer exceptional education from Pre-Primary to Grade 6, providing a nurturing and supportive environment for our students. Beyond academics, we also engage with our community through various after-school programs, sports activities, and volunteer opportunities, fostering a spirit of involvement and service. Our commitment is to be active, positive members of the Yarmouth community.

Mission Statement and Core Values

Lakeview Academy exists to provide a quality, personalized education that nurtures each child's unique potential. We emphasize the importance of character development, critical thinking, and a love for learning, preparing our students to make a positive impact both locally and globally. We exist to provide a Christ-centred, quality academic education to students by integrating Biblical truth and learning into their daily lives, while preparing them to impact others locally and globally.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

Core Values:

Personalized Learning & Development
Partnerships with Families
Safe & Nurturing Environment
Community Engagement & Service
Integrity & Responsibility
Compassion & Respect

At Lakeview Academy, we believe that education should be holistic, integrating academic excellence with character development and community involvement. We recognize that each child is unique, and our approach is to tailor education to meet their individual needs. By fostering a love for learning, encouraging curiosity, and supporting personal growth, we prepare our students not just for academic success but for life.

Our educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning extends beyond the classroom. We encourage students to explore their interests, engage with their community, and develop the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. At Lakeview Academy, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead with integrity and compassion.

Tradition

Founded with a commitment to quality education and community values, Lakeview Academy has a rich tradition of fostering academic excellence and personal growth. Our graduates have gone on to excel in various fields, contributing to their communities and beyond. Rooted in a strong foundation of family and community support, Lakeview Academy continues to serve the Yarmouth area and welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, creating a vibrant, inclusive school community.

Philosophy

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Meet our Principle

Dr. Gaile Smith

Dr. Gaile Smith's passion for education is deeply rooted in her commitment to serving the children, parents, families, and community of Yarmouth and surrounding areas. A few years ago, she felt a divine calling to open a private school that would provide quality education grounded in strong values and character development. With a resounding "yes," she embarked on this journey, dedicating herself to creating a nurturing and academically excellent environment at Lakeview Academy.

Dr. Gaile believes that education is not just about academics; it's about helping children develop their unique gifts, instilling in them a love for learning, and preparing them to face life's challenges with confidence and integrity. Her vision is to create a space where children are encouraged to grow, learn, and become leaders who positively impact their communities.

Dr. Gaile draws inspiration from her favorite Bible verses, Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you plans to prosper you and not harm you plans to give you hope in the future.” These words remind her of God's steadfast love and the assurance that He is always with us, guiding and protecting us in every situation. This belief strengthens her dedication to the school and its mission.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Gaile is an avid quilter and crafter, known for her extensive collection of amazing-smelling hand soaps. She enjoys spending time at her Lakehouse, where she embraces the tranquility of lake life, traveling across the Maritimes during the summer. Dr. Gaile is deeply thankful for the many blessings in her life and is committed to making a positive impact through her work at Lakeview Academy.

Dr. Gaile Smith's Credentials:

BA in Sociology from Acadia University, Wolfville, NS
MA in Christian Education from Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, KY
MA of Divinity from Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, KY
Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, KY
And Professor at Kingswood University Sussex NB

Mr. Taylor

Our 5th and 6th Grade Teacher

Mr. Taylor is our passionate and dedicated Christian School Teacher at Lakeview Academy. He has been serving in children's ministry since 2014, starting as a Sunday School support worker and growing in his expertise through both practical ministry experience and formal education at Kingswood University.

Mr. Taylor felt God's calling to Christian education after participating in local missions trips to children's ministries. Inspired by his spiritual gifts of service and teaching, he transitioned to working with special needs children and running an after-school program before joining Lakeview Academy. Here, he channels his talents to educate and inspire the next generation to be Christ-like children and future followers of Christ.

Born in Crystal, Maine, Mr. Taylor spent most of his life in the Maritimes, moving to Nova Scotia in 2010 and graduating from Barrington Municipal High School in 2016. His love for writing, storytelling, and performing grew during this time, leading him to Kingswood University in 2017. After exploring various programs, he found his true calling in Christian School Education, ultimately graduating in 2022. His time at Kingswood was marked by active involvement in theater productions and serving as a residence chaplain for three consecutive years, where he provided spiritual guidance and counsel to his peers.

Mr. Taylor's interests extend beyond the classroom. He enjoys watching children's movies and television, not only to nurture the child within but also to review and recommend good content for discerning parents. His deep knowledge of the children's ministry program VeggieTales is frequently utilized in his teaching. An avid crafter, he finds relaxation in making pipe cleaner creations, and he also enjoys writing, with one of his favorite works being a novel about a group of teens on their last summer before graduation.

Mr. Taylor is committed to using his diverse skills and experiences to educate and guide his students at Lakeview Academy, helping them become avid Christ followers who never stop learning.

We Really Value Our Parents!

“Lakeview Academy has been a wonderful experience for our Family. While navigating our Daughters neurological and developmental differences, Lakeview has provided our Daughter the environment to thrive! Smaller class sizes provide the Children crucial one-on-one learning opportunities that larger schools unfortunately, just aren’t able to provide. We cannot express our gratitude to the Lakeview Teachers and Staff for their continued dedication to our Children’s Education.”

Lateasha Smith
"We searched extensively for the perfect educational environment for our two school-aged children, considering options across the US, Canada, Costa Rica, and even Europe. To our surprise, we found Lakeview Academy right in our own community, with the ideal teachers and a supportive environment we felt our kids needed. We are incredibly glad we chose this school—it’s been the right fit for our family and has exceeded our expectations."

John Mark and Melissa Earle
"We love the small class sizes, allowing for more one on one learning helping my two wildly different children to learn at the level they're at, not just where their peers are. And the teachers are able to build strong connections with the students helping create a positive school experience"

Grace Cosman-Bullerwell
"We sought a better educational alternative for our youngest son and are thrilled with the teachers, staff, and community that have come together to create Lakeview Academy. We’re incredibly grateful to have access to such a fantastic school!"

Gina Smith
“Lakeview offers customized learning experiences and fewer barriers to learning. With the flexibility from smaller class sizes, children can flourish, learning at their own pace. Our children thoroughly enjoy their time at school.”

Tiffany Dunkley
“We take comfort in knowing that not only is our child getting a top tier education, she is doing so in such a nurturing environment.“

Chris and Caelyne Hurlbert