The York School is the definition of an urban school, one that identifies with, reflects, and makes significant instructional use of the urban context.
Character programs and staff development illustrate a commitment to building positive relationships as the foundation for learning.
Innovative programs give life and breadth to a strong core academic program.
The York School was created to appeal to learners who are inclined toward academic achievement.
The 50-page review of The York 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.
The IB programme connects us with the world, but it also brings the world to us. Having graduated with the IB diploma opens up an awful lot of doors for our kids, both to the top schools in Canada, south of the border, and around the world. Our IB scores are well above the world average annually. So our kids get an awful lot of choices. —From Interview with York School Head of School: Struan Robertson.
The culture of The York School exceeded our expectations.… The biggest impact I saw on my son was from their IB Programme. My son applied to a boarding program in the U.S. for high school, and because of his marks coming out of the IB Middle Years Programme, he was guided into the honours program there. —From 2020 roundtable discussion about York School. (The quote comes specifically from Heather Ursu, a parent).
The York School obviously has its own individual elements, and then on top of that it has the IB programme. I’m very grateful for that because that has definitely helped me not only in my academic and school life going into university, but also just in my personal life, as well, and knowing how to balance relationships and such. —From Interview with York School alum: Abigail Nash.
One of the things Robertson says he enjoys most about his career is that it provides the opportunity to “make people feel really good about what they do, and build that culture of feeling appreciated, challenged.” Robertson lives the values of activity, resiliency, diversity, and empathy, and he tries to impart these values to students and staff through his leadership.
School's Perspective
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How The York School sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"A gender inclusive JK - Grade 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) school in midtown Toronto. Our Mission is to nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose. We are renowned for our academic excellence, relationship-based approach and unparalleled preparation for university. Our teachers foster a love of learning and a community-oriented mindset on two urban campuses located on the subway line. Since our founding in 1965, we’ve believed that experience teaches; that’s why we take our students on local, national and international educational trips that challenge them to explore solutions to pressing world problems. As the first one-to-one laptop school in Canada, we embrace cutting edge technology that supports learning and ensures our students are future-ready. Our robust homeroom and advisor program gives students in every grade the opportunity to nurture meaningful relationships with teachers and peers, and engage in explicit social-emotional learning. Our vision is for every student to thrive as their authentic self and reach their fullest potential in a community where relationships are built on empathy, trust and mutual respect.
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International Baccalaureate World School (JK - Grade 12)
100% university placement rate
Gender inclusive learning environment
Focus on social-emotional and experiential learning
Outstanding signature programs spark curiosity and engage students in real world problem solving
A cross-curricular, project-based approach to the IB
Faculty with international experience foster leadership, integrity and global mindedness
Integrated technology at all ages
A safe, supportive community where learners can thrive as their authentic selves
Dedicated to wellbeing and belonging
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"We offer academically exciting programming that sparks student curiosity and engages them in real world problem solving. Our focus is to develop leadership, integrity, global mindedness and future vision. We work to empower every individual to reach their fullest potential and pursue ongoing growth. Renowned for our exceptional International Baccalaureate experience, we also boast unique, signature programs across all grade levels that engage, inspire and challenge students."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"97% of our parents selected The York School to enhance their child's academic abilities.
91% say they enrolled their child at The York School to help them find their passions.
92% selected The York School because of the opportunities that they will have once they graduate from The York School."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"The York School is the first school in Canada accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from Junior Kindergarten to university entrance. We have a strong working relationship with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), allowing us to be on the cutting edge of IB innovation. Our graduates consistently score well above the IB world average. As Canada’s first one-to-one laptop school, we embrace technology that ensures students in every grade will be future-ready."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"Since our founding in 1965, we've offered students an innovative, contemporary education. We’ve evolved to ensure our curriculum is informed by the latest research and gives students opportunities to explore solutions to current world problems. In the early days, our school uniforms were formal and traditional. Today, they’re more casual, practical and comfortable. In another nod to our modern approach to teaching and learning, our school motto Experience Teaches is no longer in Latin."
The York School is an International Baccalaureate, coeducational, non-denominational school located in midtown Toronto. The International Baccalaureate curriculum, in simple terms, helps guide students in the junior grades to ask lots of questions, in the middle grades to question their understanding of the world, and in the senior grades to challenge themselves to be the very best version of themselves as they look towards the opportunities available at The York School and beyond.
We work hard to ensure all of our students embody our mission statement which is to “develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world.”
Please read more about our fantastic programming and opportunities on our website. I encourage you to make an appointment with our Admissions team to come in and experience The York School's inclusive, international and exceptional community.
