Michelle Ahrens

Avon Maitland District School Board

The Avon Maitland District School Board is a full service, public, English school district in southwestern Ontario, bordering Lake Huron and covering some of the most productive agricultural land in Canada. The Avon Maitland District covers the counties of Huron and Perth and over 160,000 people call the Avon Maitland District their home. Specialized programs and extracurricular opportunities in technology, music, theatre, trades, sports and culinary enhance the curriculum for students, providing graduates from Huron and Perth with a leading edge. Avon Maitland provides the most widespread on-line distance education program in the country and is setting the standards for special education and student success. The Board's EQAO results continue to be among the best in the province. Avon Maitland Schools are home to a vibrant and diversified international student program which provides a superior Ontario education opportunity and full English as a Second Language (ESL) support to all international students in all 9 of the District's Public High Schools. Over the past three years, we have welcomed over 600 students from 20 countries including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Spain, China, South Korea, Thailand, Germany, Denmark, France, Estonia, Switzerland and many more. Nestled in the heart of Southwest Ontario, Huron and Perth Counties are a study in contrasts. Lush, rural farmland and backcountry roads intersect with historic architecture, arts, culture, and the newest culinary trends. Residents take pride in their schools, first-class recreational facilities and active volunteer and community life. The counties boast many parks and trails and family-oriented events. Across towns and villages, along the country roads and shoreline, you can experience art galleries, music festivals, farmer's markets, brewery tours, parades, rodeos and reunions all in celebration of the incredible heritage, food and creative culture of the region.