History & Philosophy
Our History
King’s View Academy was founded in 2000 as Gold Lake’s (www.Goldlake.org) first pilot school. M. Rina Otero, the founder, worked for the US government creating programs for teacher training and drop-out prevention. Her programs became national models. She moved to Nova Scotia in 1990, and founded Gold Lake Consultants and King’s View Academy.
KVA is unique in that it incorporates individualized programs of instruction within the context of a nurturing environment. It is a contemplative approach that stresses experiential learning. Teachers teach as an integrated team acting as coaches and facilitators. There is a strong integration of the arts and academics, but the key to its success is the humane and nurturing environment. Confidence training is a key element. The learning environment is non-traditional in that students learn to assume responsibility for their learning, and Project Management skills are integrated throughout the curriculum at all levels.
Our Philosophy
The GoldlakeSM experiential approach is very immediate and culminates in the ability to apply one’s learning to life. Students are encouraged and supported to go beyond theory and test their knowledge in action. For this reason mentorships and apprenticeships are created based on individual needs, abilities and talents. On entry a profile is created to identify academic strengths and weaknesses, learning styles, confidence levels, interests and abilities as well as social skills.
It is our belief that all beings can take genuine delight in learning, and possess natural intelligence and curiosity. The role of our school and staff is to create a learning environment that draws out these qualities, and allows for the full realization of the students’ intellect, intuition, passion for learning, sense of humor, and self-confidence.
This is accomplished for the students through:
- The attitude that learning is regarded as a life-long process that provides constant demands for further exploration and growth
- Training in genuineness, gentleness and confidence
- The unique integrated thematic curriculum and the methodology of instruction
- Instruction seen as an organic process involving not only student and teacher, but home and community as well. Every situation is utilized for growth.
- The knowledge that an integrated arts curriculum nurtures the aesthetic aspects of the individual and is an important element for creativity
- Use of modern day technology that facilitates the learning process for both teacher and student