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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

Grades Nursery/Toddler TO Gr. 12 — Toronto, ON (MAP)

La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

School address

  • 36 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R7 (MAP)

Our Perspective

How we see La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science


Our Kids Feature Review

  • La Citadelle is a bilingual, coed  private day school for pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 students in Toronto.
  • The enriched and accelerated academic environment includes the Middle Years International Baccalaureate Programme and Advanced Placement courses.
  • Character education is integral to every aspect of the student experience at La Citadelle.

The 50-page review of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.

Read our in-depth review

Key insights from our research

See all our top insights

Featured articles

Profile of Alfred Abouchar, Head of School, La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

The school’s open-concept design extends to Abouchar’s open office door. “I don't think it's a good environment when the headmaster is up there on the pedestal and students, or even teachers, are scared to visit them,” he says. “One of my favourite things is talking to students and seeing what they’re working on, whether it’s a class project or something in a club.”

School's Perspective

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How La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science sees itself


The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"La Citadelle is a highly regarded private educational institution rooted in the fundamental concepts of Canadian bilingualism, holistic education, mastery learning, and excellence in both instruction and education. Founded in 2000, La Citadelle offers a highly academic reach-ahead IB and AP curriculum in Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Technology, Humanities, and Fine Arts together with a panoply of co-curricular activities to an exceptional group of students, from PrepK (2 1/2 years old) to Grade 12, who excel academically, share an enthusiasm for knowledge, are outstanding world citizens and value ethics, personal achievement, and responsibility as fundamental traits of character. Inspired to learn and achieve by exceptionally competent and dedicated teachers, they are guided and encouraged to embrace challenges and reach their goals while being provided with extraordinary opportunities to develop individual interests and talents."

  • Advanced University Bound Curriculum
  • Bilingual Education (French & English)
  • Development of Global Citizenship
  • AP Program
  • IB Program (MYP)
  • Francisation (Grades 2 & up)
  • Admission & Academic Scholarships
  • Local & International Field Trips
  • Extensive Fine Arts & Sports
  • Spanish or Mandarin

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"Navigating private school options can be overwhelming today. La Citadelle addresses this complexity with a focus on essential elements like studying, mastery learning, discipline, and genuine child success. Our conversations with parents are refreshingly candid, emphasizing commitment and hard work for the honest pursuit of success. La Citadelle is committed to providing an authentic and objective perspective on the efforts needed from both students and families for success."

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"La Citadelle welcomes diverse families seeking unique educational experiences. Academic-focused families value our commitment to excellence. Families seeking a fresh start appreciate our supportive environment. Those desiring a rigorous setting find familiarity in our structured approach. We tailor our methods to meet individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching academic journey for all students. Our unwavering commitment is to foster success and flourishing in education."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"Our school's smaller size, often overlooked, prioritizes interpersonal connections over opulence. In contrast to larger institutions, our close-knit environment fosters a deep understanding of each student's needs, strengths, and challenges, enabling a personalized educational approach. The essence of our school resides in the quality of instruction, a sense of community, and individualized attention, challenging prospective parents to value substance over size for their child's education."

What might families find surprising about your school?

"La Citadelle transcends academics, fostering a notable shift in student behaviour. Embracing values, discipline, and respect, diverse backgrounds undergo positive transformations, leaving parents astonished at improved conduct. Integrating academic excellence with a robust ethical foundation cultivates responsible, well-rounded individuals. Our unwavering commitment to education and character development redefines the educational experience, shaping promising futures for students and families al"


Summer camps and programs

La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science operates summer camps and programs. Click here to learn about La Citadelle Summer Camp .


School Facilities

Photo-tour of facilities


Athletics facilities


Arts facilities


Campus


Classrooms


Science facilities


Instructional resources


Shared spaces


School Videos

Insider Perspectives

How people from the school’s community see La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science


Video reviews of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

Parent, Janice Ilkay (2023)

Watch our parent interview with Janice Ilkay to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science.

Parent, Mike Drolet (2023)

Watch our parent interview with Mike Drolet to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science.

Roundtable Q&A (2020)

Watch our La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science Q&A discussion with Hannity (Parent), Elisa (Alum), Shafina (Parent), Daniel (Alum), Alison (Alum), Jason (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.

School leadership

Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone


Interview with school leader

Watch our La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science leadership interview with Alfred Abouchar to learn about the academics, culture, and values of the school.
Watch the interview

Message from school leadership

Alfred Abouchar, Headmaster
B. Sc., B. Ed., M. Sc., M. Ed

Alfred Abouchar is the Headmaster and founder of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science. With a rich and diverse educational background spanning 40 years in both Canada and internationally, Mr. Abouchar has created this unique educational institution to instill in children a profound value for education while offering them a curricular program of study that leads students to the highest standard of academic achievement.   For the past 17 years, La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science has been the living testimony of his vision that All children can succeed!

Fluent in both English and French, Mr. Abouchar holds an Honours B.Sc. in Physics and Chemistry from the American University in Cairo, a B.Ed. from Althouse College of Education of the University of Western Ontario, a M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Western Ontario and a M.Ed. from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.

Beginning his extensive career in education by teaching Physics and sciences at the secondary level, Mr. Abouchar was recruited by the Ministry of Education as Education Officer, Provincial Consultant in Mathematics and Sciences and Secretary General of the Council for Franco-Ontarian Education.  He has among his various academic contributions also occupied the positions of Principal Investigator & Coordinator of the Ontario Assessment Instrument Pool in Chemistry and Physics, Professor at the Faculty of Education of the University of Ottawa and Superintendent of Curriculum, Research and Continuing Education with the Ottawa-Carleton French Language School Board. Mr. Abouchar has also lead the Ontario delegation at the joint Canada-France Educational Workforce in Chad, founded the Multicultural Francophone Association of Ontario, and served for 9 years on the Ontario Advisory Council on Multiculturalism and Citizenship.

Mr. Abouchar has furthermore participated in the provincial overhauling of the Ontario Science Curriculum, written Physics and sciences textbooks, developed innovative educational software and related films, and lectured extensively on a variety of topics in Education.

A passionate musician and composer, Mr. Abouchar has successfully merged his musical talent with his expertise in computer technology and pedagogy to create a unique Computer Music Program of study which is offered exclusively to all elementary and secondary school students at La Citadelle.  The annually produced albums of their collective compositions are but tokens of the authentication of the development of their creativity and their power of learning and achieving at La Citadelle.

“Since 'seeing is believing ',  I gracefully extend an invitation to all parents of school children to visit La Citadelle and experience first-hand its harmonious and scholarly perspectives and to join us on our fascinating endeavor of distinctly shaping the lives of our children and leading them to success,” - Mr. Abouchar.


THE OUR KIDS REPORT: La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

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