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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
WillowWood School

Grades K TO Gr. 12 — Toronto, ON (MAP)
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WillowWood School:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

  • Grades
    K — Gr. 12
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    10 — 16 students
  • Tuition
    $20,600 to 26,350/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    OFIS
  • Enrolment
    250 day students
  • Curriculum
    Liberal Arts
  • EBROCHURE
    View eBrochure

School address

  • 55 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R3 (MAP)
  • Busing not available

Our Perspective

How we see WillowWood School

By any measure, there’s a lot to love about WillowWood. The work of the school is dedicated to supporting learners who, for a range of reasons, need something different, and who, for whatever reason, aren’t adequately supported in other academic environments. Their personal needs are assessed, as are their strengths and interests, and instruction begins from that point, seeking to build on their abilities in order to grow engaged learners equipped with the confidence and the skills to establish a place in the community of the school and beyond.  

School's Perspective

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How WillowWood School sees itself

The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR ALL LEARNERS. WillowWood has a culture that empowers students to thrive in a tech-driven world. Our friendly and supportive teachers create individualized learning plans and deliver them in a safe, respectful, and inclusive community. This individualized approach ensures that students are able to discover and embrace their strengths, address their weaknesses, and maintain their dignity."

  • Targeted, personal education
  • Consideration for each student's needs, inclinations and strengths
  • Low student to teacher ratio
  • Family style with a warm and caring environment
  • Support for diverse learners (including ESL, LD, Gifted LD, ADHD)
  • First Grade through High School Ontario curriculum
  • Robust Athletics program and Arts opportunities
  • Emphasis on mindfulness and opportunities to participate in our meditation club
  • Emphasis on environmental education and incorporation of climate action into curricula
  • Pod systems in grade 1-6 allow students to progress at their own pace.

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"WillowWood staff employ a team-based approach to teaching and conduct regular educational strategy meetings to discuss how best to deliver the curriculum to individual students. These meetings occur bi-weekly and their aim is to discuss teaching methods that worked or did not work with certain students. The meetings are also an opportunity to share insights and information about our various students that will hopefully provide our staff with a better understanding of our learners."

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

"Word of mouth has been our primary source of referrals for as long as WillowWood has been open. Parents often decide to enroll their child with us upon hearing positive anectodes and reviews from neighbours, friends an alumni. The primary reason for choosing us is often because of the warmth, friendliness, and individual care students receive at WillowWood."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"When parents visit WillowWood, they are often shocked by how large the school is and surprised by the range of amenities we offer. Many schools that have small class sizes are not full facilities. WillowWood features a full-sized gymnasium, a fitness room, a media arts room, an art studio, a sound-proofed music room, a fully-equipped science lab, and a film studio. Our playground has giant board games, checkers/chess tables, table tennis tables, and a full-sized basketball court."

What might families find surprising about your school?

"Some parents are surprised by the fact that students address teachers by their first names at WillowWood. We do this to make students feel more comfortable in their classroom engagements with their teachers. We want students to feel less anxious when addressing their instructors or when they ask for help. We want to convey the feeling that teachers and students at WillowWood are on the same team."

Summer camps and programs

WillowWood School operates summer camps and programs. Click here to learn about WillowWood School Camp and Summer School .

No additional photos or videos
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 WillowWood School

Video reviews of WillowWood School

Alum, Yan Fu (2021)

Watch our alum interview with Yan Fu to learn about the unique experience of attending WillowWood School.

Roundtable Q&A (2020)

Watch our WillowWood School Q&A discussion with Adam (Alum), Julia (Parent), Ayeh (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.

Written reviews of WillowWood School

(5)

Parent, Ayeh Hamidian (2022)

My son was in another private school for a few years and also spend some time at a public school bef...

(4.2)

Parent, Mary Yuan (2022)

Our daughter came to WillowWood in Grade 9 after attending Toronto public schools since kindergarten...

(4.8)

Parent, Latha Raman (2022)

My child was not thriving in the public school environment and needed additional help and attention....
See all written reviews (6 total)

School leadership

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

Interview with school leader

Watch our WillowWood School leadership interview with Fred Howe to learn about the academics, culture, and values of the school.
Watch the interview

Message from school leadership

Joy Kurtz, Director

When visitors walk into the building for the first time they often remark on the special feeling the school has.

That feeling (which I call magical) is a combination of the history and philosophy of the school, the energy of the staff, and the spirit of the students.

When I founded this school it was based on the belief that learning can and should be fun and that school should be a positive and rewarding experience.

We know that one size does not fit all and that students flourish when their school embraces their strengths, addresses their needs and respects their dignity. My staff and I have been successfully delivering student-centred, individualized education in a warm and caring environment for over 30 years.

That's the magic we make at WillowWood.
If your family is seeking a new style of school with a strong history of inspiring students, come by for a visit. I'd love to meet you.

- Joy Kurtz, Director

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT: WillowWood School

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