About Us

Lakeview Academy is an independent school located in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, offering exceptional education from Pre-Primary to Grade 4. We provide a nurturing and supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. While our primary focus is on delivering strong, consistent classroom learning, we value our connection to the wider community and look forward to expanding opportunities for involvement and enrichment in the future.

Mission Statement and Core Values

At Lakeview Academy, we partner with families to deliver a high-quality, Christ-centred education that equips students for success. We are committed to academic excellence, strong instruction, and a structured learning environment where each child is supported to reach their full potential. Rooted in Biblical truth, we also foster character, integrity, and a love of learning, preparing students to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

“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

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.

Philosophy

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Ms. Abby

Our Pre-Primary and Primary Teacher

Our Teachers

My name is Abby Brewer, and I am so excited to be joining the Lakeview community as the Pre-Primary/Primary teacher!

I recently graduated from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) with my Early Childhood Education diploma and hold my Level 2 Early Childhood Educator certification. I believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, valued, and encouraged to explore their interests.

My classroom will focus on creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child feels comfortable being themselves, developing their independence, and learning through play and hands-on experiences. I love building meaningful relationships with children and families and watching each child grow and reach new milestones throughout the year.

A few fun facts about me! I’m originally from New Brunswick, I have three cats who keep me very busy at home, and one of my favourite things to do is exploring the beach and spending quality time with family and friends! let me know if you want me to add or change anything!

My name is Gina Comeau. I was born and raised in Vancouver. I have a son who is 16 years old. I enjoy reading, cooking, collecting mugs from travel destinations, comedy podcasts on Youtube, and I love the NFL- Go Seahawks! We have just moved back to NS , from living overseas, to be closer to family. I have a BA in English from TRU and my B Ed is from UBC. I am certified to teach K-12 in BC and Elementary in NS. While I have a French last name, I cannot speak French, but can speak basic Mandarin.

With my 18 years of teaching history, I have a lengthy experience with the CDN, US, UK, Reggio and IB curriculums. I have taught in the Canadian public school system, along with private International schools in China and Thailand. My greatest love has been using the IB curriculum with young learners. The IB philosophy encourages students to take ownership of their education, be confident in presenting/expressing their ideas, and understanding their role as a world citizen. Having worked in the Private school system, I have been involved with: offering parent seminars, school plays, planning school wide events, supporting Libraries, leading student led conferences, organizing field trips, making relationship with the wider community to help enhance our children’s learning, portfolios and much more. I also co wrote an ESL book in Korea.

At the core of my teaching philosophy are three main “umbrella” concepts I hold dear.

First: The classroom is the third teacher. Malaguzzi, the founder of Reggio, coined this phrase and thought. I firmly believe that the classroom should be: engaging, challenging, purposeful, authentic, and reflective of what is happening. I feel you should walk into a classroom and be able to now what the children are learning about simply by looking around. The classroom should be current, and should display as much as the children’s personal work as possible. The children should have been in intricate part of the planning and creating of the centres and areas.
Second: Student agency. Children should be given every opportunity to be allowed to express their ideas. Children should take pride in their classrooms, as it is not my class, but theirs. To me it is not about neatness or perfect lines, but rather can they articulate what they have learned, what they want to share, and REFLECT on their work. Reflection will be a continuous theme throughout the year.
Thirdly: School community We are stronger together. This applies to teachers, students and families. We are a family at LA and are here to support one another. Let’s learn from each other. I welcome the outside community to add experiences and enhance the learning journey of our students. We are better together

Mrs. B

Our grades three and four Teacher

Ms. Gina

Our grades one and two Teacher

Mrs. Shana Brannen AKA Mrs. B I’m excited to be joining the school community this year! I believe every student learns best in a welcoming, engaging classroom where they feel supported, encouraged, and challenged to do their best.

My Education: B.Sc. in Elementary Education B.A. (English) Interior Decorating Diploma

A Few Fun Facts About Me: I love creativity, designing and hands-on learning. I own a mobile pottery painting business, Pick n Paint Pottery. I enjoy spending time with my family and my doggie, Finnigan. I look forward to getting to know my students and their families and making this a wonderful year of learning together!

Meet the Founder of our school

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

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