Academically, Sunnybrook students share a capacity for accelerated learning.
The school has a personal, involved feel.
School leadership has been remarkably consistent since the founding.
The 50-page review of Sunnybrook School 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.
Our classrooms are very lively and active. So when you walk into a classroom, the teacher isn’t just at the front of the classroom, teaching in a ‘textbook’ traditional way. The kids are very involved in their learning.… The IB program is a very rigorous program. It is academic, but at the same time it creates a love for learning. —From Interview with Sunnybrook School Principal: Teralee Brunn.
My kids love the fact that it is a small school, they love that sense of community, and they love that everybody is friendly. There is a fullness and a richness to the programming that goes on at Sunnybrook School, and it’s across the board. The teachers make it so engaging for the children. The school is really full of life. —From 2021 roundtable discussion about Sunnybrook School. (The quote comes specifically from Keiko, a parent).
Teachers always did everything they could to make sure all the kids were feeling included. The atmosphere was very happy, always sunshine and rainbows…. The biggest thing I remember is just how much there was a sense of community. The school makes everyone feel special, which no matter who you are, everyone, I think, needs a little bit of that. —From Interview with Sunnybrook School alum: Kelly Pinch.
As principal, Brunn enjoys being immersed in everything at Sunnybrook. “My favourite part of the day is walking around the school and going into each of the classrooms and visiting them, seeing what the kids are learning, seeing just kind of what’s the pulse of the school.”
School's Perspective
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How Sunnybrook School sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"Sunnybrook is an IB co-ed school for students from JK to Grade 6. Positive, nurturing relationships at school give our students the confidence to challenge themselves; SBS teachers create a welcoming classroom experience in which all students can reach their potential. Academic learning at SBS is balanced, holistic and engaging; the PYP is enhanced with Singapore Math, Phys Ed, Music and Library, as well as French classes daily. Our strong arts program fosters creativity and self expression."
71 years
IB PYP World School
JK to Gr 6, coed
1:1 iPads, JK - Gr 6
Singapore Math
French daily from JK - Gr 6
Applications accepted JK - Gr 6
Before/After-school care
Nutritious, hot lunches included
Athletics/Extracurriculars
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Sunnybrook is a small school with a strong community that provides a challenging, high quality International Baccalaureate PYP curriculum. Sunnybrook was the first PYP accredited school in English Canada, and our IB students have agency, are critical thinkers, and learn to take action in the world. Sunnybrook School is Coed, inclusive, and serves a diverse community. Our small size means we know each student well and can tailor our curriculum and school experience to their individual needs."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"The number one reason parents choose Sunnybrook School is our caring, inclusive community. Our small size and devoted staff mean that students feel a strong sense of belonging. Students love that everyone knows them in the school, and everyone cares about them and their education. Through our IB program, we nurture a love of learning and curiosity about the world. The combination of strong community, high academic and personally differentiated learning makes Sunnybrook a truly special school."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"The heart of Sunnybrook School and its outstanding success is our dedicated staff. Because of our low staff turnover, our teachers are known and loved by our students and parents, and often students look forward to each grade level knowing the teacher they will have in upcoming years. In the words of a parent, “You see the individual child and their unique strengths. You nurture that like a flame. I have seen both boys grow in confidence since being at SBS. It has been truly transformational.”"
What might families find surprising about your school?
"Our approach to learning constantly engages our students. In their own words, “The learning is fun, challenging, you learn so much, not just lectures, there’s varied learning, it’s collaborative, and you learn from other students, not just teachers.” From junior kindergarten to their graduating year when their learning is showcased in the grade six PYP Exhibition, our students have had the advantage of a rich, engaging curriculum delivered by teachers who know and care about their progress."
Gr. 1 to Gr. 3 (current), Gr. 1 (current) — Watch our parent interview with Nina and Mark Angelo to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Sunnybrook School.
Sunnybrook invites you to become a part of a very special school. Flexible, dynamic, lively learning to challenge, provoke and engage young minds. At Sunnybrook School we succeed in channeling the energy, enthusiasm and joy of elementary boys and girls into disciplined, thoughtful learning. The small size of our school enables us to know our students and their families, giving greater meaning to the triangle of child, home and school. Our size also enables us to showcase all our students and their work.
With a long, proud history of innovation. We search the world for excellence in elementary education, bringing world class programs to our school. The IB Primary Years Program (IB PYP) enriches and complements our philosophy, giving us an outstanding framework for assessment and curriculum development. Our qualified teachers have extensive IB training; five members of our staff are on the faculty of IB. The IB Program enables us to give our students the world. In our quest for excellence, we have adopted the Singapore Math Program, an enlightened, engaging and effective approach to mathematics learning.
Sunnybrook has remained small because we believe that small schools are good for both students and teachers. Our graduates benefit from the small school environment by becoming confident, self-assured, inquiring young people, ready for the world of a larger middle school. Our faculty is both the heart and the backbone of our dynamic school. The core of a teacherʼs work is to nurture curiosity and inspire learning. Visit our website to learn more; we encourage you to visit our school to see for yourself what Sunnybrook will offer your child. We forward to meeting you.
