Children’s Garden School has a stellar reputation for providing 25 years of personalized private education for students, ensuring that students reach their full potential and become confident, capable learners throughout their lives. Find out more at their Open House on October 23rd, 2012!
PHOTO CREDITS: Children's Garden School
Children’s Garden School is a traditional/alternative day school in Toronto located in the heart of Leaside where many of the families can walk to the school, a location that gives CGS “a real neighbourhood feel that is not always present in private schools,” says Kelly Scott, Director of Admissions.
Their musical theatre program, Principal’s Club, reading program, monthly assemblies, child led conferences, and roster of successful alumni are just some of the features and benefits that showcase the school’s overall commitment to preparing students for life ahead.
“We believe that children learn best in a secure and nurturing environment and that commitment to small class size ensures the greatest success for young students. Education in the early years is a critical time and children need consistent encouragement and guidance and support to thrive socially and academically,” Kelly adds, “CGS academic programming is personalized and enriched to meet the needs of all learners in our school. We also recognize that students have some of their most meaningful learning experiences outside of the classroom—on the stage, in the art room, or on the field. Students are given the opportunity to try new things and discover their unique talents in all areas of the curriculum.”
Their academic programs designed especially for preschool and JK/SK (the main focus of this particular Open House) are unique in Toronto. There is a maximum class size of eight in a preschool and a maximum of twelve in JK/SK to ensure that children get the most out of the program, which includes phonics, math, French, music and physical education. These ‘Early Starters’ also get the chance to participate in school-wide events, such as the monthly assemblies and The Terry Fox Walk, which current students are preparing for on October 5th. It introduces even the youngest students to their wider school community and allows them the opportunity to become familiar with big school events.
Says Kelly, “Character Education is a very important part of the curriculum and school life at CGS. Children learn to be kind, generous, brave, and dedicated every day. Terry is the best possible example of all of these qualities and all of our students look forward to celebrating him on October 5th.”
In Junior Kindergarten, their students begin a phonics program called Remediation Plus, a highly effective program that gives students the jump on early literacy and has CGS students reading by the first term in SK. The goal is “not so much to create early readers, but to create confident learners. Learning to read is one of the first major academic experiences your child will have at school and if this process is joyful and rewarding, children move into the rest of their curriculum feeling capable and independent.”
This year, CGS has two preschool classes, with the Early Start program continuing to grow—so much so that Kelly notes that there are only a few spaces left (out of 16) for 2013/14 and students are already applying for 2014/15.
So what type of students in particular would benefit from a CGS education? “We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of many different students at CGS. Ours is not a cookie-cutter program. Our program is individualized and structured to help children at all levels, and of all learning styles, to succeed. Students that will benefit from a structured, but flexible program, do very well at CGS,” states Kelly.
Parents can feel confident that their children will get the most out of a CGS education as well because they specialize in the early learning years, which are vital to a child’s growth and development. CGS, Kelly affirms, “is a place where their child will feel challenged and supported in equal measure, in a loving atmosphere.” This is a school that has not, “abandoned ‘the basics.’ We believe in structured academic programming combined with enriched arts and character education to give children a well-rounded education.”
Furthermore, CGS conveys a very family-oriented atmosphere where children feel safe and loved by staff and parents feel welcomed. It’s one of the main reasons Kelly notes why parents choose CGS. Their biggest reward is knowing that their child is receiving an excellent education that will prepare them for an incredible future!
The biggest reward for students is that they become confident and capable learners who are able and ready to take on new challenges in and outside of the classroom. And what happens after CGS? “Students typically move on to the single stream, top private schools. Eg. Crescent, UCC, Havergal, St Clements— to name a few. Our students also enter the public system or choose co-ed private schools like Montcrest.”
School Principal, Marie Bates, also comments on the difference she has seen CGS make in the lives of its students:
“Over the past 26 years I have seen every type of learner flourish at CGS. Our gifted and dedicated staff always go the extra mile to assist each student to meet with success every single day. The warm and supportive atmosphere is something that students always remember, making their introduction to the world of education such a positive one. Even our youngest students are exposed to so many wonderful confidence-building opportunities that they all reach a very high level of comfort in and out of the classroom. With kindness being the rule of every CGS classroom, the school can’t help but benefit all students and make a lasting difference in their lives.”
Kelly agrees: “School for young children should be engaging, challenging and fun. It is a place where they learn to be capable students, good friends and responsible members of their community.” So come out and see what CGS is all about!
Open House Details:
Date: Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: 670 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2K4
RSVP: Kelly Scott, Director of Admissions – kscott@cgsschool.com – 416 423 5017 x 43
Parents will meet our Preschool and JK teachers and see both classrooms in action. Student work will be available to view. The Director of Admissions will be on hand to answer questions as well. Please note if you are unable to attend this event, contact Kelly to schedule an alternate visit.
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About Erin McLaughlin
This is really important to give your child better education.So that that they can get better life standard. Every parent has a dream to give his or her children the best education possible.This is really important to make Good child education planning so that you have adequate money and at the right time.
Hi there, thanks for sharing your thoughts! We agree, finding the right school fit for your child and being able to provide the best education for the rest of their lives is a wonderful feeling
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