The Essential Purpose of Feedback
For the past two years, we have invited parents to share their perspectives through the annual UTS Parent Survey. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working well, where we can improve and how we can best support your children. Last spring, 372 families participated in the survey – thank you for lending your voice and helping us continue to grow stronger as a community.
Strong Results and Steady Progress
The 2025 survey results show strong and steady satisfaction across most areas, with the majority of measures holding firm or improving compared to 2024. Notably, parental satisfaction with school communications rose from 69 percent in 2024 to 81 percent last year – reflecting our ongoing efforts to ensure families feel informed, engaged and valued.
Families continue to identify academic quality as the most important reason for choosing UTS, followed by post-secondary preparation, character development, a safe and welcoming environment, and the school’s reputation for excellence. These consistent themes affirm the values that define UTS and our commitment to academic rigour and holistic student growth.
New families reported a markedly stronger first-year experience than in 2024, describing feeling more welcomed, informed and connected to the school. We’re encouraged that our work to improve communication, outreach and parent partnership is making a meaningful difference.
Parents also expressed strong support for Ontario’s new technology restrictions during the school day. The vast majority endorsed limits on cell phones and online gaming, noting that while the adjustment has been challenging for some students, it has helped strengthen focus, connection and balance in daily life at school.
In academics, results remain exceptionally positive. Ninety-six percent of respondents believe UTS upholds high academic standards; 97 percent are satisfied with class sizes; and 94 percent agree the school provides a safe learning environment. Importantly, 95 percent of parents believe UTS is preparing their child well for post-secondary education.
Understanding Parent Comments
A small percentage of families provided written comments, but these reflections offer valuable depth and context to the quantitative data. Many emphasized the importance of supporting students’ social and emotional wellbeing, with concerns varying by grade. These included:
The impact of peer dynamics and social behaviours – both in-person and online – on student wellbeing.
The pressure of an increased academic load, particularly in the earlier years, and a need for more support for learning skills, time management and organizational skills.
A desire for more school spirit, community connection and leadership opportunities as students prepare for university.
A small number of parents shared feedback related to Anti-racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (AEDI), reflecting a range of perspectives. AEDI work engages deeply held beliefs and values, and we remain committed to fostering a school environment free of discrimination – one where every student feels safe, respected and known. We believe our pursuit of academic excellence and AEDI are mutually reinforcing, not mutually exclusive.
Across all grades, parents expressed a shared wish for UTS to continue nurturing the whole child, balancing challenge with care, while celebrating curiosity and discovery alongside achievement.
Where We Can Do Better
While the majority of measures showed strong levels of satisfaction, the survey identified clear priorities for further growth:
Academic reporting and grading clarity: Parents want a deeper understanding of how achievement is assessed and reported, and assurance that the rigour of the UTS program is reflected in the grades reviewed by universities.
Communication: Families seek more responsive communication about student learning beyond formal reporting periods and value timely dialogue with teachers and counsellors.
University counselling: While satisfaction has improved, parents continue to call for stronger support and guidance in this area – beginning in the early grades – so they can understand the full journey from F1 through to post-secondary studies.
In addition to these priorities, we continue our focus on student wellness, community building, school spirit and leadership development. Each area will be supported by concrete action plans, progress indicators and regular checkpoints throughout the year.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Parent Survey reaffirms the strengths that define UTS – our exceptional academics, our commitment to student growth and our strong partnership with families. It also challenges us to keep striving for improvement, ensuring that every student experiences success within a challenging but supportive, warm and vibrant community.
Thank you for sharing your insights and for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will keep making UTS a place where every student feels challenged, supported and inspired to thrive.
See more Parent/Guardian Survey Results under Information for Families in MyUTS.
