Global Roots, Local Soil: How DEVI School Planted an International Vision in Mill Village
In the quiet rural landscape of Mill Village, Nova Scotia - where winding roads weave past forests and rivers - stands a school with an unusually global footprint. The DEVI School, short for the DEVI International Boarding School, may seem an unlikely institution to find in a community of fewer than 500 residents. Yet since its founding in 2017, this full-boarding school has become a global hub for families practicing Sahaja Yoga meditation, drawing students from over 30 countries.
What makes DEVI School remarkable isn’t just its diversity or spiritual alignment; it’s the story of how a handful of visionaries built a thriving educational institution—almost from scratch—in one of Nova Scotia’s most serene corners.
A Vision Takes Root
The seeds for The DEVI School were planted in 2016 by Marcel, his wife Mary, and a team of like-minded educators and practitioners who believed in a different kind of education—one that integrates academic rigor with daily meditation and a strong sense of global citizenship. “We knew that similar schools existed,” Marcel recalls, “but there was nothing for grade 6 to 12, especially in the West. We wanted to work more with kids who were a little bit older.”
Marcel, who now serves as treasurer of the non-profit society and General Manager of the school, manages the day-to-day operations alongside his wife Mary, the school Director. Together, they lead a team of over 20 staff including teachers, dorm managers, and kitchen staff - all focused on supporting approximately 65 full-time boarding students.
What Sets DEVI Apart
While the school teaches the standard Nova Scotia curriculum (and is one of just seven private institutions in the province that can grant a high school diploma), what sets DEVI School apart is its foundation in Sahaja Yoga meditation. Students begin and end their days with 30 minutes of silent meditation, creating an atmosphere of calm and balance that many visitors notice instantly.
“Our kids are really calm,” Marcel notes. “Even people from the outside can see the difference the meditation makes in our lives. We had a local electrician in recently to do some work, and he was so impressed he inquired about enrolling his own child.”
The appeal is evident: with a Canadian high school diploma widely recognized for its academic rigor, and the added layer of holistic spiritual practice, the DEVI School has become a magnet for families from China, Australia, Turkey, India, and across Europe and the Americas.
From One Dollar to a Schoolyard of Dreams
Getting the school off the ground wasn’t easy. The team acquired their initial building – the school building itself - from the Region of Queens Municipality for just one dollar. This was obviously an encouraging start, but one that came with major logistical hurdles, especially regarding boarding facilities. With an influx of students, they needed housing - and fast.
Although traditional banks were supportive, they were also skeptical. “They were throwing their arms in the air,” Marcel recalls. “Saying, ‘we’d love to help, but you guys are newer. You don’t have any collateral.’”
That’s where South Shore Opportunities (CBDC), stepped in. With support from Krista Harding and Alyssa Ingram, DEVI School secured the additional financing needed to purchase a nearby single-family home for a dormitory.
“Once the CBDC gave us a loan, there was a bit of a domino effect,” says Marcel. “We now own a row of houses beside each other and made a little hamlet for ourselves. That’s very, very convenient.”
Even years later, the school maintains a small loan with CBDC due to favorable interest rates, and Marcel doesn’t rule out future collaboration: “As DEVI School continues to grow and require capital, it is very much possible that I will give Alyssa a call.”
Growing With Purpose
From 24 students in 2017 to 65 today, DEVI School’s growth has been rapid - and deliberate. Physical space remains the main limitation, with academic facilities able to support over 100 students but boarding capacity capped at 70. As a result, the school currently a waiting list.
Yet the school's leadership remains focused on quality, not just scale. “We want to be a good school, not necessarily a big school,” Marcel says. “We really want to maintain the quality.”
Staffing continues to be a challenge, with most of DEVI School’s employees coming from abroad. Despite that, DEVI has built a strong and supportive relationship with the local community. “We’ve built relationships with the local fire department, garage, and handymen. We have great relationships with public schools in our region, too. Even the local general store invites our staff for cake and tea,” Marcel shares with a smile. “It’s really a good thing we have going now.”
Looking Ahead
In the coming years, DEVI School plans to grow modestly, potentially adding another house to its campus. But above all, its leadership remains committed to keeping the school accessible and focused. As a non-profit, DEVI strives to keep tuition low, aware that parents are already shouldering the costs of international travel in addition to schooling.
As DEVI continues to blossom in Mill Village, its founders expect others might be inspired to replicate its success. “We do receive inquiries from others,” Marcel notes. “But it’s challenging to start a school from zero. You need the right people. It’s a team effort.”
From a $1 building to an international community, DEVI School stands as a testament to what’s possible when vision, community, and the right support systems come together.