Heritage Academy

Cheryl Ward

Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. That belief has guided Cheryl Ward throughout a distinguished career in education and leadership. As Principal of Heritage Academy, she has built a community known for its compassion, innovation and results, where students with learning exceptionalities find both confidence and belonging. Her leadership continues to redefine what meaningful support looks like in modern education.

A Path Shaped by Purpose

My path into education began long before I ever envisioned myself as a school leader. Heritage Academy was founded in 1989 by my mother, Louise Brazeau-Ward, who created the school in response to my younger brother’s struggles within a traditional system that simply could not meet his needs. Watching her advocate so fiercely for him, and for so many other students like him, shaped my belief that every child deserves to be truly seen, understood, and supported in how they learn. Through her example, I learned that education is about restoring confidence and making sure every child is seen and valued.

With a background in education and psychology, I joined Heritage Academy in 1995 to help carry forward its founding vision. I assumed the role of Principal in 2006 and earned my Principal’s Certificate through the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools in 2008. As someone who has dyslexia myself, I understand firsthand what it feels like to struggle in a system that doesn’t always understand how you learn. Those experiences shaped my conviction that no child should ever feel small, discouraged or diminished because they learn differently.

“Our culture is not just about teaching curriculum. It’s about helping each child discover their voice, confidence, and belief, while ensuring they never feel small, discouraged or diminished because they learn differently.”

Today, I have the privilege of leading Heritage Academy from Grade 1 through Grade 12. I know each student personally and have the joy of seeing their growth not only in academics but also in confidence, identity, and self-worth. Witnessing these transformations, seeing the moment a student realizes they can learn, belong, and thrive, is what continues to inspire and guide my purpose every day.

Belonging before Books

Working closely with students, families and educators taught me that meaningful learning requires more than curriculum. It requires belonging, safety, compassion and individualized support. At Heritage Academy, we look at the whole student, their educational profile, emotional landscape, social connections and sense of identity in our community.

Smaller class sizes, individualized education plans and targeted supports give each child the tools and pathways they need to reach expectations with confidence. I aim to lead with authenticity, transparency and collaboration. My role is to support academic achievement and to nurture a culture of acceptance and growth where every student has a voice.

Academic yet Heartfelt

My leadership philosophy begins with the belief that every child is capable, intelligent and deserving of a learning environment where they feel valued. Many students arrive at Heritage Academy carrying self-doubt from previous school experiences.  The first step is helping them feel safe and heard. When students know they belong, learning becomes possible.

We cultivate that sense of belonging through small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and a school culture built on respect, kindness and collaboration. Every teacher, educational assistant and staff member takes the time to truly know each student, their strengths, challenges, and the moments when their confidence needs gentle encouragement. We also model compassion in the way we support one another.

Our students learn that education is not a race, mistakes are part of growth, and every person has something meaningful to contribute. This shared understanding fosters academic courage, resilience, and a genuine joy in learning. In essence, our culture is not just about teaching curriculum, it is about helping each child discover their voice, confidence, and the belief that they can thrive.

Innovation That Meets Students Where They Are

Innovation is essential because many of our students do not learn in traditional ways. We support learners with dyslexia, language based learning difficulties, ADHD and autism. Hands on learning in a multisensory environment is important. We use assistive technology and programs tailored for individual learners. We make space for sensory tools, flexible workspaces and reduced stimuli so students can focus and lower anxiety.

My dedication to these learners extends beyond the school environment, where I serve as the Director of the Heritage Academy Dyslexia Center, known as HADC and previously the Canadian Dyslexia Center. Through HADC we provide specialized tutoring, structured literacy interventions and training opportunities for parents, educators and professionals. Our work is grounded in the Simultaneous Multisensory Teaching (SMT) Method developed at Heritage Academy in the late eighties, an approach recognized internationally for supporting students with language based learning disabilities.

Confidence Is the Turning Point

An ongoing challenge is welcoming students who arrive discouraged, overwhelmed or withdrawn after not feeling understood in previous settings. Many parents come to us feeling defeated after years of seeking support. We respond with compassion and a clear plan. We listen, learn each student’s story and build trust. We design individualized learning plans that allow students to experience early, achievable successes. That’s where the foundation is laid. Confidence grows from those early wins, and confidence transforms the whole learning journey.

As students experience progress, they are more willing to try and learn something new when they feel they have a real chance to succeed. We also support families closely so they feel included, informed and empowered throughout the journey.

A Community That Grows Together

Families are central to who we are. Our school operates as a partnership between educators, parents and students, all working toward the same goal. Families share their insights, hopes and lived experiences of advocating for their children. Those perspectives strengthen our approach and keep us grounded in our mission that every student has the right to succeed.

We are also supported by relationships with local community members, psychologists, therapists, clinicians, tutors and health care workers who work alongside us to support full development. Heritage Academy is not simply a school, it is a community of care where families, educators and professionals grow together.

Embracing a Neurodiverse Future

The greatest opportunity ahead is recognizing and embracing neurodiversity. We understand that students learn differently and schools can no longer rely on a single method of teaching. Classrooms that are flexible, inclusive and student centered help every learner thrive. Systems change slowly, yet the future of education must place individual support, mental wellness and relationships at the heart of learning. Schools that listen, adapt and lead with empathy will shape the next generation in meaningful ways.

Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders

Lead with empathy. Every student brings a story, a history and strengths that may not yet be visible on paper. See them as whole human beings, not as labels or levels or performance outcomes. When you approach students with compassion and curiosity, you create the foundation for trust and it opens the door to real learning.

Surround yourself with educators who share your values and give them the encouragement and space to do meaningful work. Listen deeply to students, families and your team, and remain open to learning alongside them every day. The most impactful leaders do not operate from authority, instead they lead from understanding, advocacy and hope. When you make a child feel seen and valued, you begin a transformation that can shape the course of their life and that is where true, lasting impact takes root.