Living Water Learning Academy - K-8 Christian School

LWLA opens late 2025/2026—subscribe now to stay in the loop!

About Living Water Learning Academy

Tarryn-Jade Smith founded Living Water Learning Academy out of her frustration with the “factory-model” approach to education, a system originally designed to produce uniform workers rather than creative, independent thinkers. After diving into the history of modern education and recognizing how rote memorization and rigid routines leave children disconnected, Tarryn-Jade knew there had to be a better way. She imagined a school where faith, imagination, and hands-on exploration blend seamlessly, and LWLA is her answer: a place where every child can thrive spiritually, academically, and practically, far beyond the confines of a concrete playground.

At LWLA, we teach the full Ontario curriculum, but that’s just the beginning. A dedicated team of specialists, each bringing expertise in fields like agriculture, environmental science, entrepreneurship, social-emotional learning, and faith formation, works together to craft a curriculum that helps students truly flourish. Children don’t just learn reading, writing, and math; they spend mornings nurturing garden beds, caring for chickens, and turning freshly harvested vegetables into healthy meals. Every movement of a shovel, every collected egg, every shared recipe becomes an opportunity to practice budgeting, teamwork, and stewardship. The produce our students grow doesn’t just feed themselves, it also reaches families in need throughout our community, reinforcing the idea that learning can nourish both mind and heart.

Alongside farm and garden work, LWLA’s Metaphysical & Societal Foundations program introduces children, starting in Kindergarten, to mindset mastery, goal-setting, basic personal finance, civic responsibility, and leadership skills. By weaving these life lessons into each grade level, we help kids build confidence and resilience long before they leave our school. Then, through project-based learning, whether it’s constructing raised beds, planning a farmers’ market booth, or designing a simple business plan, students apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Faith and character formation are woven into every moment, from morning devotionals and service projects to classroom discussions about compassion and integrity.

Tarryn-Jade’s ultimate goal is simple: make school a place children love to be. When classrooms spill out into sunlit fields, bustling kitchens, and buzzing coops, learning feels like an adventure instead of a chore. Parents who visit LWLA see how our living campus inspires curiosity at every turn and watch their children eagerly dive into new experiences. If you want your child to be part of a school that honors Ontario’s rigorous standards while enriching them with real-life, faith-centred learning, where every lesson feels meaningful and every day feels exciting, Living Water Learning Academy is the place to start.

FAQ

Why Choose LWLA?

A Curriculum Designed by Experts:
Our team of specialists tailors every aspect of learning—academic, practical, and spiritual—to help each student thrive.
A Break from the “Factory Model”:
Rather than one-size-fits-all, LWLA personalizes education, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Education Beyond Classroom Walls:
With garden beds, animal coops, and kitchen labs, children learn by doing, deepening their understanding through authentic, meaningful experiences.
A Community-Centred Approach:
As students nourish themselves, they also give back, sharing produce and knowledge with local families and organizations.

If you want your child to experience an education that blends Ontario’s rigorous standards with enriching, real-world learning, where faith, fun, and growth converge, Living Water Learning Academy is for you. Join us in transforming education, one joyful, curious child at a time.

What else do we offer?

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Farm-Fresh Produce & Eggs

Teachers, staff, and students work side by side to plant, tend, and harvest vegetables, herbs, and fruit on our living campus. Farm-fresh eggs are gathered daily. All produce and eggs are available for sale to families and the broader community.

This not only ensures healthy meals at home but also teaches children the value of nutrition, hard work, and community sharing—surpluses often go to local food banks or families in need.

All-Natural Health & Skin Care Products

LWLA staff will produce a range of all-natural health and skincare products, using ingredients like herbal oils, honey, and beeswax etc. Students will learn about the ingredients, production processes, and the importance of sustainable practices. Finished items will be available for sale both to the community and online.

During school breaks, LWLA offers a variety of hands-on, themed programs designed for both students and community. Specific activities and themes will be determined each year to match interests and available resources, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience for all.

Summer Camps , Retreats and Programs

Community Events & Partnerships

Seasonal Farmers’ Markets: LWLA sets up monthly pop-up stands at local markets and sells in stores.
Workshops: Specific activities and themes will be determined each year.
Service Projects & Outreach: We partner with nearby shelters and nonprofits, donating produce and skincare items, helping at community gardens, and practicing stewardship in action.

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Special Events & Celebrations

Each year, our School Council will determine a calendar of special events. We’ll host fun festivals and celebrations that bring together students, families, and community members.

A variety of after-school workshops and clubs will be offered throughout the year, with specific offerings determined by student interests and available resources. These programs provide hands-on, engaging experiences that allow students to explore passions, develop new skills, and connect with peers in a supportive environment.

After-School Workshops & Clubs

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