Student Success Is Our #1 Priority!

For over 50 years we’ve had the pleasure to lead our industry and help thousands of students start the career of their dreams. We blush a bit, but these are just a handful of real testimonials from past students. Thanks again everyone, truly humbled and it’s always a joy.

We  you! #GoodKarma #LetsDoThis

Caitlin Larson

“Lorie and The Academy of Excellence, I am a now graduated student working in the perfect job! I had applied to Academy of Excellence upon moving to Victoria from Kamloops in April 2016 and had the opportunity to apply for a full tuition scholarship through the school at my application.

After waiting a few months for my enrollment and the news on who was the lucky winner of the scholarship with their submission, I was blown away to find out that I had won! On top of going through my semesters with no debt on my mind I had a lovely experience with the staff and students learning and practicing the different segments of the course. It is easy to say that Lorie herself has a beautiful heart and very positive personality when dealing with her students and I appreciated her upbeat energy she had no matter the circumstances in the day.

She has a beautiful demeanor with a permanent smile and is able to tend to all questions you ask in sessions no matter how many you have or how bizarre they may be. Coming from knowing no one in the city as I had just moved from Kamloops and going to knowing the entire school both hair and esthetics was an amazing beginning to my first year in Victoria. As the classes are joined for some sessions and separated for more focused attention on the two courses it was easy to make friends and feel like a big family throughout the year.

You get to know the teachers on a closer level as you do work in a group but still get individual help if needed so you feel guided throughout your training. I appreciated all the passed down knowledge from Lorie and her lovely teachers Sharon and Sherisse with personal techniques and experiences while in their own growing stages being young estheticians. It made it easier to find my own handle on all of the course practices.

I especially appreciated the end of the course learning how to properly prep our resumes for applications to future employers. We also had a chance to tour local Spas before our graduation in order to get a feel of where we could possibly fit in the future. As I had attended the course full time 5 days a week rather than 3 days, my school semester did pass fairly quick and I was able to join onto a team at a new full-time job before I knew it!”

Shannah Hubbard

I was a student at the Academy and it changed me for the better. I could seriously sit here all day and Express how much Lorie and her school effected me on a positive level.

When I first walked through her front doors, I could tell that this decision was going to be a life-changer. I worked for a company prior that treated me like s***. All I did was deal with angry, hostile customers, so you can imagine I was a little tense, and stern when I first started, however, this career changed me. I felt calm when talking to Lorie about my concerns, and over time, she along with some other teachers helped me gain confidence, love, and positivity within myself. I changed. I walked in angry and walked out with my whole outlook on life changed. I didn’t only gain a wack load of knowledge but I learned how to find my true self. I made friends, not only via the other estheticians but my request clients as well.

The training that I received was VERY thorough and I landed my first job before I even graduated because of her training specifically. She also helped me build a resume!! You’d be surprised at how many spas know of Lorie’s spa specifically. They really do care and Lorie is so passionate about what she does, you can really see it and that made me want to become JUST as passionate. So many good things, however, this Academy does get busy with clients. You have to find your confidence quickly and just know that if you need help, it’s always there. Honestly, I’m glad I had days where I only got 1 break because it prepared me for the real world. Thank you, Lorie, for your amazing work!! I will NEVER forget you!!!!!

Una Rafeiro - Beauty School Victoria BC Student

Una Rafeiro

“I honestly have to recommend talking with Lori…and team if you are seeking a career in Hair or Aesthetics. As a graduate of the Academy, I use the training I received in many aspects of my life. I am proud to say I am now a small business operator /owner and I have taken the skills I learned and applied them in my business today. You may not realize it at the time, but the instruction and support you receive during your course will follow you throughout your life. It is an experience that you won’t forget and one you won’t regret. I am also pleased to say that my husband and myself frequent the Academy as clients today, and we are pleased to find the same standards of excellence some 10 plus years later.”
April Halisheff Nurse

April Halisheff Nurse

“I really enjoyed my time at The Academy of Excellence years ago when I first decided to become an esthetician. Since then my knowledge and skills gained from the incredible leaders has become the building blocks leading to my current career as a medical esthetican. I value the training, the direction and the passion of this school and it’s teachers. One little share…I remember taking my test in Vancouver, which back then you did in order to become Board Certified. After the test was complete, I had a chance to chat with some of the judges as I made my way out. I was very excited to learn there was an automatic expectation of quality of technique and industry knowledge from students of The Academy of Excellence compared to the other schools from westcoast, BC. I knew then that my choice to go to this school was the right one!”
Kirsten Foss

Kirsten Foss

“As an esthetician for 20 years, I have been extremely impressed by the level of education that Academy of Excellence is providing to new students. The course content is very thorough and they teach ‘real world’ salon practices to fully prepare each student for their career in the esthetics industry.”
Sarah Tickner Noga

Sarah Tickner Noga

“I graduated from the Academy of Excellence in June 2001. The quality of training I received from Lorie Chadsey enabled me to get a job at the Kingfisher Resort and Spa as soon as I graduated. After working there for 9 years I decided to open my own business which I have successfully been running for almost 4 years! I would highly recommend the Academy of Excellence to anyone wanting to become an Esthetician or hair stylist.”
Meghan Lee

Meghan Lee

“I have a had a happy, professional career as an esthetician/spa for the past 11 thanks to the AoE. I still love going there for treatments when I’m home visiting!”
Caly Herdman

Caly Herdman

“I was a student at the academy of excellence, then years later became a teacher till I moved to vancouver and have since been back as a guest The best place to go for education or for a treatment”
Tasha Boyle-Pattullo

Tasha Boyle-Pattullo

“I so enjoyed the curriculum that the school has to offer, the teachers are absolutely amazing and I loved all of the life long friends that I made along the way! Of course everything has pro’s and con’s and the Academy defiantly has both but it was over all a good experience.”
Victoria Downe

Victoria Downe

“I attended the Academy for Esthetics and Spa Therapy in 2008. Could not have chosen a better school, they have a great approach to teaching and are very thorough!”
Linda Cooper-Robbins

Linda Cooper-Robbins

“The Academy is a fantastic school with great instructors for both hair and aesthetics! I loved going there. Highly recommend it!”
Ashley Petrucci

Ashley Petrucci

“Graduated in 2012 as a stylist. Loved all the staff so much! Best place to go on the island!”

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