At Canadian Academy, our Phones Away for the Day policy reflects our belief that technology should serve learning - not distract from it. Introduced in 2024 for our Middle and High School, the policy asks students to keep their smartphones and smartwatches securely locked away during the school day, allowing them to be fully present in their classes and relationships. This proactive decision has led to a visible shift in our community: classrooms are more focused, friendships are deeper, and our campus feels more connected. By creating intentional boundaries around device use, we’re helping students develop mindful habits that support their academic growth and emotional well-being, skills they’ll carry far beyond our walls.

Hear what our students say about this policy:

"I’m happy about the phones away policy because I feel like ever since I got a phone I’ve lost my curiosity and imagination. I’m also glad because my phone is a huge distraction from studying."

"I’m happy about talking to my friends more because it’s distracting when there’s a phone and we can’t focus on the conversation."

"Since no one is glued to their phones you can have more meaningful conversations with your friends. You can make more memories."

At Canadian Academy, while we recognize the powerful potential of Artificial Intelligence, our approach remains firmly rooted in human-centric design. Our teachers and students are encouraged to explore AI as a tool that supports inquiry and expands accessibility - while remaining guided by our Mission, Vision, and Core Values. This ensures that use of AI tools enhances learning without diminishing human connection, critical thinking, and academic integrity.

How might AI be used to engage students? How can we use AI to personalize learning and see ideas from different perspectives? This curiosity mindset is grounded in clear expectations: we use AI responsibly, with transparency. As part of this commitment, we intentionally define and communicate guidelines for AI use and uphold our Academic Integrity Policy to ensure that learning remains authentic and student-driven. Our AI use matrix, which defines the degree to which AI can be implemented for any given class project, can be seen here. By engaging with AI thoughtfully and ethically, our students are learning not only how to use emerging tools, but how to lead with integrity in a world shaped by them.

Technology comes to life in classrooms across CA, where students explore, create, and collaborate in innovative ways. In Elementary School, students enjoy Tech lessons in our dedicated makerspace, equipped with 3D printers, coding software, and more. In Middle and High School, Design classes encompass both product and digital design - where students follow the Design Cycle to solve real-world challenges, be it developing cookbooks tailored to specific clients or crafting personal logos that express identity. But tech is integrated in all subject areas: Music students compose digital pieces that layer sound and emotion, Media Arts students bring their films to life with editing and sound design, PE students use slow-motion video footage to analyze their movements, and more.

Beyond the classroom, club activities like our popular Robotics Club brings together elementary and middle school students to design, build, and problem-solve as one team - a true collaboration across grade levels. No matter the avenue, technology at CA is both a tool and a means for students to think critically, work together, and express their ideas in imaginative and meaningful ways.

At our core, we see technology as a powerful tool that must be wielded with responsibility, respect, and safety, which is why Digital Citizenship is woven into the fabric of how we guide our students everyday.

Our commitment is to develop thoughtful, ethical leaders who understand the impact of their actions, whether they are online or in the room. This includes:

• Prioritizing Presence: We actively teach students to value people over screens. This means encouraging eye contact, engaging fully in face-to-face conversations, and staying focused on the immediate learning task.
• Acting with Care and Empathy: Students learn to approach digital life with integrity. They are taught the importance of respecting privacy, to always ask for permission before sharing photos or recordings, and to communicate with genuine kindness.
• Building Secure Habits: We instill the necessary personal habits for safety, from setting strong passwords and securing devices to being thoughtful about what information our students share and how they use digital content.

Through these daily expectations, we ensure our students develop both digital literacy and the character and awareness required to thrive as positive contributors to every community they belong to.