19 Woodbine Downs Blvd #209, Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6N5, Canada
50 Poplar Plains Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 2M8, Canada
0
1980
10
150
9 to 12
JK to 6
Coed
Coed
eSchool
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
Varies
20
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
In-class adaptations
$33,592
No
Yes
0%
5%
None
JK to 6
$0
$5,000
3
17
0%
0%
99%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades JK - 6
No
No
information not available
“Mabin offers a safe and nurturing environment for students to learn and grow and is committed to diversity and inclusion.”
“At Mabin, core subjects like literacy and math are taught through a balance of rote learning and experiential education, which involves dynamic, engaging lessons.”
“Over and over again the following words are used when talking about Mabin: innovation and leadership, flexibility and empathy, positive change, community, and liberal thinking.”
Read The Our Kids Review of The Mabin School
Learning Beam Academy is a fully online, private, and ministry-inspected secondary school that complies with all the regulations and guidelines of the Ontario Ministry of Education. This 1 school offers individual credit courses allowing students to upgrade their existing high school marks to fulfill post-secondary requirements on their own time and at their own pace. With a range of courses from Grades 9 to 12, domestic and international students can earn credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), enabling them to apply to globally-recognized colleges and universities.
When Geraldine Mabin founded the Mabin School in 1980 it was considered strikingly experimental. Children were taught in open environments, followed their curiosity, and learned more through guided experience than direct instruction. A teacher at the school once commented that "Our pattern is to have no pattern." Today, despite the changing educational landscape in Canada during the intervening decades, the school remains at the vanguard of alternative education. While Mabin left the school in the 1998, it still reflects the ideals on which it was based, and she remains involved with the school today. "Time in the classroom for actual learning as opposed to teaching is shrinking," Mabin said in 2011. "There's a very high expectation on academics and testing. A lot of time is spent on drumming in lessons and worrying about kids who haven't made it. Children should be given time to learn things, to not be pushed." The instruction is strong, and supported through extensive cross-curricular programming. Parental involvement in the life of the school is encouraged. The ideal student is one who will thrive within a rich, vibrant, and varied learning environment.
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"Learning Beam Academy is the best Online high school in Ontario. Learning Beam Academy provides excellent individualized academic instruction for children in high school. We offer globally recognized Ontario credit courses from grade 9 to grade 12 through our innovative online learning platform. We deliver OSSD courses that not only meet but extend beyond the curriculum requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education to prepare students for post-secondary education."
"The school you’re looking for does exist. An established school where children, teachers and parents work together to create something unique. The Mabin School is a home away from home, where children love to learn because they feel known, respected and capable. Mabin is an educational leader that develops confident and independent learners, who thrive upon graduation, through a rich, hands-on program centred around our belief in Integration, Inquiry & Reflection. Learn about our progressive approach at mabin.com."
"Students can register and begin credit courses at any time of the the year."
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"Courses are easily accessible anywhere at any time. Students are able to meet graduation requirements through the online platform from any part of the world."
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Learning Beam Academy is an online private high school, inspected by Ontario Ministry of Education, Canada (BSID#889197). We offer Ontario high school diploma(OSSD) and credit courses for grades 9-12. Canadian and international students can enroll to obtain high school credits that are globally recognised by colleges and universities. Avail innovative learning through our supportive and professional staff.
I fell in love with Mabin over 20 years ago when I first came to visit as a young teacher; the school’s magic was evident, and the emphasis on student-centred learning along with the strong commitment to integrating the arts immediately appealed to me. The Mabin School seemed like an incubator of creativity, a warm community where the joy of learning and curiosity were actively nurtured. To me, it has always represented an educational oasis where children are permitted, even encouraged, to learn through play and experience the joy of exploring, imagining, and wondering. I have always hoped for an opportunity to join the Mabin community, and can see endless possibilities in terms of its potential as a centre of excellence for inquiry-based learning and holistic education. Mabin has much to contribute in a world that requires schools that teach children “how to think, not what to think.”
I have been a school leader for 18 years, both in the public and independent systems. For the past 10 years, I have been a principal in inner-city schools in the Toronto District School Board, and have just completed a two year secondment to the Ministry of Education where I worked with principals and teachers across the province to improve student achievement.
Previous to that, I spent 12 years in independent schools, first as a teacher at Branksome Hall, then as Academic Coordinator/Junior School Head at Royal St. George’s College, and finally as Assistant Principal (Academics) at Montcrest School. As a school leader, my focus has been on working collaboratively to provide rigorous and responsive programs for students, while at the same time establishing systems within the schools to support high quality learning for students, staff, and community members.
As you can see, I have worked in a variety of settings – public, private, all girls, all boys, co-educational, K-5, K-8, K-12 – with a plethora of excellent educators who have taught me so much. I must admit, though, that coming to The Mabin School feels like coming home. I knew from the beginning of my career that Mabin was a place I wanted to be, and I am glad to have finally arrived.
Progressive
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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The Mabin School is an educational leader that develops confident and independent learners through a rich, hands-on program centred around Inquiry, Integration and Reflection. Mabin is an innovative and established school where children, teachers and parents work together to create something special and different. It is a home away from home, where children love to learn because they feel known, respected and capable. Children's interests and imaginations are at the centre of our academically enriched curriculum, which challenges each student appropriately and cultivates a passion for learning. All of this happens in a structured environment that feels just right- intimate and informal, full of colour and the spark of activity.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Students are challenged to solve problems in innovative ways. Problems are solved using critical thinking and then the proper method is taught after students attempt them. The skills to solve similar problems are developed and students are better able to apply knowledge to real world problems and word problems.
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Students are allowed to use a calculator for certain concepts.
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Balanced Literacy
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Inquiry
Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Equal Balance
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Thematic
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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Communicative
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Creative
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Physical Education is taught to all students JK-Grade 6. Classes focus on skill building and competitive experiences are introduced gradually and deliberately. All students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 are invited to join Mabin School teams throughout the year. Practices occur twice a week during lunch recess . All students can participate and those who choose to join a team must commit to attending all practices. Teams have the opportunity to compete against other schools. Intramural Games, which are organized by a Committee of Grade 5 and 6 students and overseen by our Physical Education teacher, occur two times a week during morning recess for Grades 4, 5, and 6. Grades 1, 2 and 3 are also encouraged to participate in Intramural Games in the final term.
Play-based
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Mabin is an innovative and established school where children, teachers and parents work together every day to create something special and different.It is a home away from home, where children love to learn because they feel known, respected and capable. Children’s interests and imaginations are at the centre of our Kindergarten program, which challenges each student appropriately and cultivates a passion for learning. All of this happens in a structured environment that feels just right – intimate and informal, full of joy and the spark of activity.
Student-paced
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
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Rigorous
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
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FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. |
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
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Ours is a fully integrated program. We provide accommodations and learning supports to any students who may need them.
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Our Learning Strategies Teachers, trained in Special Education, support all of our learners. Ours is a fully integrated model.
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
JK - 6
0%
5%
$0
$5,000
99%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades JK - 6
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
We have a wide range of students at The Mabin School. Connect with our Admissions Team to learn more about us!
We follow PLAR process to allow admission to our school on full time basis.
1. Get to know us! Submit an online inquiry form here or call us at 416-964-9594 x247.
2. Attend an Open House for Prospective Families.
3. Submit an online application form.
4. Interviews begin in December/January for the upcoming school year.
5. When an offer of acceptance is made, the family has 1 week to complete an enrollment form and submit a non-refundable New Student Registration Fee to hold the spot.