Meet Gillian and Jenna, who co-founded Infinity Academy in Ridgeway, Ontario. Before, Gillian worked in public education and her sister Jenna was a nurse. Together, they set out to build a school where children could learn through hands-on experiences, follow their curiosity and spend time outdoors. Their approach is, in their words, “future-driven, yet grounded in our roots.”
In this Women at Work feature, Gillian and Jenna share why they set out to create a different kind of school and the people who have shaped them along the way.
Creating the School They Wanted to See
Gillian always wanted to be a teacher. What pushed her to build something new with Jenna was “wanting change in education.” The sisters brought their backgrounds in teaching and nursing to a shared vision for Infinity Academy.
“We wanted to expose kids to hands-on experiences,” Gillian says. The thought of children growing up without that chance stays with her. What scares her most? “Kids growing up not knowing what they’re passionate about or what their gifts are.”
They didn’t wait for someone else to create the school they imagined. “We need to go out and create instead of waiting for the system to change.”
Big Dreams, Shared Work
Opening Infinity Academy took more than a vision. “To be able to run this, we did have to invest a lot of time and money to open a school that provides these experiences,” Gillian says.
The sisters have a team helping bring that vision to life. “I have big dreams and vision, and I have my team to help execute all the fine details,” Gillian explains.
That spirit of support now reaches beyond their own school. “We have a community supporting other project-based schools in developing their programs and curriculum. We created a space we wish we had when we got started.”
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Hands-On, Through Every Season
At Infinity Academy, the sisters’ vision takes shape through outdoor projects with their students. A look inside Gillian’s pockets tells part of the story: “Screws, a whiteboard marker, an elastic, rocks from the kids and lip chap.
The work continues through changing weather, and their gear needs to keep up.
“We work hands-on with our students every day, through all four seasons. We need comfortable, high-quality gear and clothing that can keep up with our students, our projects and everything the day throws our way!”
For two sisters who set out to create a different kind of school, Gillian’s advice to her younger self feels fitting: “You’re capable of far more than you realize.”
Follow Gillian on Instagram and check out Infinity Academy.
