The secrets of Astrum Academy’s educational philosophy. Interview published in Toronto Express July 16, 2026 issue.
Against the backdrop of rapid changes in the field of education, where schools increasingly compete for students’ attention through technology and accelerated programs, Astrum Academy in Richmond Hill is building a different vector of development — one that is more fundamental and intellectually grounded. Here, the focus is not only on academic results but also on thinking skills that form the foundation of future success.
One of the key elements of this model is chess — a tool that Astrum Academy views not as an additional activity but as part of a systematic approach to developing strategic and analytical thinking in children. In this context, the words of Soviet educator V. A. Sukhomlinsky sound especially accurate: “Without chess, one cannot imagine the full development of intellectual abilities and memory.”
Ahead of the new school year, the school is preparing to further develop its educational initiatives, and the chess program, it seems, will become one of the important elements of this work. We spoke with one of the founders of the school — its director, Nune Derziyan — about Astrum Academy’s philosophy, its priorities, and its plans for the future. A biophysicist by training, an experienced scientist and educator, she spoke about the principles on which the school’s educational model is built and why the development of thinking is considered no less important here than academic achievement.
What is the atmosphere in the school like? What do you consider most important in working with children?
“Thank you for your question! At Astrum Academy, we carefully maintain an atmosphere of respect for thought and respect for the individual. Parents often note the warm, home-like environment at the school. This is a school where a child feels part of a community of like minded people, not just a participant in the educational process. Aristotle’s words resonate with me: ‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.’
The most important thing for us is to see a unique personality in every child and help it unfold. The school works in constant dialogue with parents, because only in such trusting interaction can we create a comfortable environment where a child truly wants to learn and make their first discoveries.”
How does Astrum Academy differ from other private schools? What makes it special?
“It’s like asking a creative person what makes them special. Everything does! The administrative and teaching staff of Astrum Academy is a cohesive team of creative individuals, professionals, educators with unique life experience and many years of work in the Canadian education system. Education is a very complex, multi level system, and it would be an oversimplification to expect that one ‘feature’ could make a school like ours special.We founded the school not simply as an alternative to others, but as a solution to significant problems in the education system that had accumulated and worsened over years and decades. Our program is built on the use of the most effective approaches — both traditional and innovative.
We fully embrace this approach and structure learning so that a child not only receives knowledge but learns to think, ask questions, look for connections, and broaden their horizons. As an accredited general education school, we use the Ontario curriculum, expand it, and teach it in an enriched format. By combining classical teaching methods with modern practices, we create a strong foundation for the successful growth and self realization of our students. Proof of this is our graduates, who have successfully completed leading universities and already found their place in various fields of industry and science.”
How would you describe Astrum Academy’s educational philosophy today?
“Our philosophy is education as a living process. For a child, school is not merely a rehearsal for the “adult world,” but a full, vibrant, and meaningful part of their life right now. I often repeat my favorite saying by John Dewey: “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” We fully embrace this approach and structure learning so that a child not only acquires knowledge but learns to think, ask questions, look for connections, and broaden their worldview. As an accredited general education school, we use the Ontario curriculum, expand it, and teach it in an enriched format. By combining classical teaching methods with modern practices, we create a strong foundation for the successful growth and self realization of our students. The proof lies in our graduates, who have completed leading universities and already found their place in various fields of industry and science.”
What tasks does the school consider key beyond academic performance?
“We develop children’s ability to think critically, work in a team, make decisions, and maintain resilience in difficult situations. We instill useful habits: being organized, punctual, and genuinely proud of what they do. We help develop leadership qualities and independence so that a child learns consciously and enthusiastically for the sake of their own potential.
Our goal is to raise strong, honest, and responsible people who know how to respect themselves and others. Good grades are great, but they are only a consequence. The foundation of success is a harmoniously developed personality that confidently builds its future in our rapidly changing modern world.”
What role does chess play in the school’s educational model?
“Chess is not a club and not an elective — it is one of the subjects in our curriculum. We teach chess as a tool for comprehensive development; it is an intellectual discipline that simultaneously trains attention, memory, strategy, and analytical thinking.
Chess teaches a child to concentrate, think several steps ahead, and analyze consequences. Make a mistake on the board — lose a piece. A child learns cause and effect relationships in practice and gets used to taking responsibility for their decisions. These skills help in developing critical thinking, solving logical problems, succeeding in STEM subjects, analyzing complex texts, and even in interpersonal communication.
We are very pleased to hear from grateful parents that their children get together for playdates and play chess, staying away from gadgets, computers, and other electronics for long periods. Addressing our dear readers, we would like to note that by instilling a love of chess in children, you also help them cope with one of the global problems of modernity — excessive screen time.”
To what extent, in your opinion, do activities like chess influence students’ academic results?
“We must give credit to the Ontario education system, which allows us to expand the basic curriculum. In addition to chess, we have successfully taught additional subjects for many years: karate, dance, sewing, critical thinking, robotics, and computer programming. We observe a direct connection between these lessons and a significant improvement in performance across all core subjects. We strive to broaden children’s horizons and offer a positive challenge to their intellectual and physical abilities, which in turn positively affects their academic results.”
Which qualities and skills do you consider most important in the long term?
“The ability to find reliable and useful information, analyze it, and not stop if something doesn’t work out the first time. The world around us is changing before our eyes, so the main quality of an adult is the ability to learn throughout life. Our comprehensive learning system strengthens this inner core, trains mental flexibility, and the ability to calmly cope with difficulties.”
How do you see Astrum Academy in a few years?
“I see a school that confidently continues to improve and develop its potential, updates and supplements programs and approaches, and implements modern educational technologies. We will consistently expand academic programs and extracurricular initiatives for our students while preserving our philosophy and high educational standards.”
What would you say to parents choosing a school for their child? Why should they pay attention to Astrum Academy?
“I would suggest that parents view their child’s education as a long term investment in the formation of their personality and thinking. There are many criteria for choosing a school, but one of the most reliable is personal impression. Visit the school, feel the atmosphere, trust your heart. If you see children who radiate confidence and shine with genuine interest, that says more than any online search.
Many years ago, when I was choosing a school for my own child, I considered all the important criteria but also listened to my inner voice — and I wasn’t mistaken. As a mother and educator, I advise choosing a school where a child is surrounded by attention, respect, and sincere care, where they receive quality knowledge and a foundation for future success.
Come visit us! Astrum Academy is a school where kindness and love reign — unconditional love for children — where the friendly environment helps them grow and develop harmoniously. We wish students and their parents a wonderful summer. We look forward to seeing you in September!”
In the new school year, Astrum Academy will continue to develop an educational model in which academic knowledge is combined with the development of thinking, independence, and leadership skills. Here, they are convinced: the main task of a school is not only to give a child strong knowledge but also to help them reveal their potential, learn to think, make decisions, and look confidently into the future.