Gateway & Nick’s Place Academy is announcing plans to open a private school in North Bay, offering a one-of-a-kind educational experience rooted in creativity, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity for students in Grades 4 to 8.
Set to open in September 2025, the school also has a long-term goal of expanding to include high school programming, according to a media release issued by Karrie Emms, the executive director. Emms is also the co-owner of Gateway To the Arts and executive director of Nick's Place For Us.
"The driving force behind this initiative is multifaceted. Many youth struggle to excel in traditional school settings for a variety of reasons. Through our after-school programming, we’ve witnessed significant positive changes in the youth who participate. Many have shown a strong interest in the business side of the centre, with some even learning various aspects of how to run it," Emms tells BayToday.
"Our youth also assist with younger children during day camps and events," Emms continues, "further enhancing their leadership skills and sense of responsibility. We’ve seen remarkable growth in these participants, and the sense of pride and ownership they feel in their contributions is evident.
"Every child is unique, with different learning styles and personalities. For example, some youth learn best through hands-on experiences rather than reading, while others may struggle to internalize a lecture but grasp concepts more effectively when presented through practical applications. Our approach allows students to explore their interests in a smaller, more personalized setting, emphasizing a real-world, experiential learning model. This hands-on method fosters deeper understanding and engagement, positioning us as a meaningful alternative to traditional schooling."
A Transformative Approach to Education
Gateway & Nick’s Place Academy will feature small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention for every student while delivering a curriculum infused with art-based learning, business enterprise development, and experiential education. Students will design, manage, and run their own business enterprises throughout the school year as part of their learning journey. They will also make meaningful decisions about how funds raised are allocated to community stewardship opportunities, fostering leadership, accountability, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Emms says, "Our model has always emphasized youth involvement in the operation and ownership of the center. From helping to plan and execute events to participating in fundraising initiatives, our youth are integral to our success. Some of our older participants are now capable of running the gallery independently. This trust-based approach has proven that using business and art as educational tools can effectively fulfill core competencies.
"For example, we don’t use a computerized cash system for sales. Instead, we employ a manual double-check system where transactions are processed and recorded by hand in a log, with cash kept in a basic cash box. This process requires youth to actively engage in math and language skills. While occasional mistakes are inevitable, the learning experience is invaluable, and the trust we place in them builds confidence and accountability."
Planned Location and Growth
While the school’s exact location is yet to be finalized, several centrally located sites are under consideration. Each option is being carefully evaluated to ensure it meets the vision of providing a space that inspires creativity and collaboration. Further details will be shared as plans are finalized.
Emms adds, "We will submit an 'Intent to Operate' with the Ministry of Education and undergo their inspection process to ensure compliance. To offer recognized Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) courses, we will meet the additional requirements within the first year of operation. This will allow us to expand annually, ensuring that students who enrol with us can complete their secondary school studies without needing to transfer to another institution. We have already initiated inquiries and will file the necessary documentation as soon as the process opens for the upcoming school year."
Competitive wages will be offered for the instructors and support staff, Emms confirms. "As a small school, the number of staff will grow with enrolment and we do plan to utilize placement students from Canadore and Nipissing as we already do."
Affordability and Accessibility
Understanding the financial challenges families face, Gateway & Nick’s Place Academy is committed to keeping tuition costs comparable to monthly daycare expenses. To further support accessibility, the school will offer flexible payment options, opportunities for families to fundraise, and a future goal of providing scholarships, bursaries, and sponsorships to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from accessing this innovative education.
"As we move forward, the total funding required for this initiative is still being finalized, as we are in discussions with stakeholders regarding sponsorships and partnerships," Emms says. "Our goal is to enter this project in a strong financial position, with anything additional enabling us to expand programming further. Every dollar raised will go directly toward reducing costs for families.
"For instance, if a sponsor were to cover some or all of our rental costs for a fixed period, we could pass those savings on to families in the form of lower tuition rates. This would ensure accessibility for a broader range of students while maintaining the quality and impact of our programs."
"Buy a Brick" Campaign: Building Community Together
To support the Academy’s development, organizers are launching the "Buy a Brick" campaign. This initiative invites businesses, families, and community members to purchase custom bricks, which will be painted or engraved by local artists and displayed as part of a feature wall in the school. Supporters will also have the opportunity to choose a theme for their brick or a bank of bricks, creating a truly unique and personalized contribution.
For an additional impact, supporters may opt to add a plaque to their brick(s) with their family or organization’s name, along with a meaningful sentiment. This feature wall will stand as a beautiful testament to the community’s collective support for youth education and creativity.
Ongoing Programs Remain a Priority
The launch of Gateway & Nick’s Place Academy will not affect the current operations of Gateway and Nick’s Place. All existing programs will continue as usual, with the school adding to the scope of opportunities available to local youth.
Join in on Building the Future
Gateway & Nick’s Place Academy is committed to cultivating confident, compassionate, and innovative young leaders. By combining a focus on the arts, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, the school will prepare students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, equipping them to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.
"There are similar educational models in the United States that combine business and art, incorporating methods like the Pomodoro Technique into their curriculum, observes Emms. "These programs demonstrate the effectiveness of hands-on learning in fostering student engagement and achievement."
We invite local businesses, community members, and leaders to join us in bringing this vision to life. Whether through the "Buy a Brick" Campaign, partnerships, or other contributions, your support will help us create a brighter future for North Bay’s youth.
Stay tuned for updates and announcements as Gateway & Nick’s Place Academy prepares to welcome its first students in September 2025.
