469 Merton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1B4, Canada
160 Dundas Street West, Belleville, Ontario, K8P 1A6, Canada
1952
1857
140
300
JK to 6
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Boarding, Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Traditional
16 to 20
15
Learning
Learning
In-class adaptations
$32,700
$21,400 to $40,300
$49,000 to $85,500
No
Yes
0%
15%
None
JK to 12
$0
$7,746
16
19
0%
32%
90%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Dec 15, 2023
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades JK - 6
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
Sunnybrook School (SBS) is a small coed school for students from JK to Grade 6, located on a leafy residential street in midtown Toronto. It was the first primary school in Canada to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and continues to take a global approach to education. Since its founding in 1952 as one of North Toronto’s first preschools, SBS has been an innovator in education for young children. The current curriculum strives to keep pace with the latest advances in pedagogy, such as Singapore math and one-to-one iPads, while still maintaining a focus on the fundamentals, such as cursive writing. There’s a lively arts and music program (including an elaborate, school-wide musical production), traditional and unique offerings in physical education, daily French from JK and extensive community service opportunities. To compensate for its limited size and modest facilities, SBS ensures its students benefit from the many resources the city has to offer, from nearby athletic facilities to downtown galleries and museums. With a family-like atmosphere where everyone knows everyone and parents are always welcome, SBS offers a warm, academically enriched environment focused on preparing young students for success at middle school and beyond.
Read The Our Kids Review of Sunnybrook School
“The focus on learning skills and core values extends beyond the classroom into every aspect of school life.”
“The sentiment that teachers genuinely care about their students’ well-being was echoed throughout many of the interviews we did. And the culture of care extends to the students as well.”
“Students leave Albert as global citizens ready to take on real-world challenges.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Albert College
Sunnybrook School was founded in 1952, becoming one of the very first preschools in Canada. It was exotic for the time, both for being a nursery school, as well as being founded by an Austrian educator, Irmingard Hoff. From opening day the school was at the leading edge of education at the time, and it has worked to remain there ever since. Sunnybrook was the first school in the country to adopt the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. It's since dedicated itself to development of 21st century literacies, an international curriculum, and the adoption of Singapore Math. Which sounds like a lot, and it is. The ideal student is one who is operating at the top of her peer group, and who is able to make the most of the range of programming on offer.
View full reportWhen Albert College was founded, British North America was a group of colonies—confederation was still decades away—and Prince Albert, for who the school is named, was still alive. The college has had, clearly, a very long life, something that grants a unique life to the school and a unique perspective on learning. When students study WWII, for example, they learn about Lloyd George Bishop, an alumni who was killed in action in the first full year of that war. When they gather at the holidays, they sing the “Boar’s Head Carol,” just as their predecessors have done for, literally, more than a century. Yes, those are just details, but what they suggest to students can be quite galvanizing, namely that they are participating in something far larger than themselves. Moreover, the school, throughout its life, has remained at the leading edge of education in the country—when it was founded, it was co-ed, which was unusual for the time—offering a robust liberal arts education, with a focus on citizenship and character, preparing students for post-secondary study. Classes are small, the feel is close knit. More than ever, the school attracts a diverse student population, drawn from across Canada and around the world. The campus is very well appointed, with access to outdoor athletics and recreational spaces, and host to a long list of co-curricular activities. In every way, there's a lot to love.
"Right away we could see our daughter amongst the students of Sunnybrook School"
Reza Asadikia - Parent (Feb 21, 2018)
The size of this school is in a way that is not intimidating for younger students, but at the same t...
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"He is motivated by his peers, and is learning to become more independent with respect to managing his homework, and balancing his schedule."
Olivia Kao - Parent (Nov 19, 2019)
My child recently switched from a Montessori environment to Sunnybrook School this year. Although i...
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"...very impressed by the scaffolding that takes place in the classroom - how lessons are built to work together and previous learning supports"
Laura Waters - Parent (Jun 02, 2020)
Our daughter started at Sunnybrook for SK. She immediately felt welcomed into the entire school comm...
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"The teachers at Albert College are passionate, knowledgeable and flexible."
Helen Walsh - Parent (Oct 17, 2023)
My son was not ecstatic about attending Albert College, or any school for that matter. It was his th...
View full review
"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."
"At Albert College, every student from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 experiences all 5 of the 'A’s that are integral to an AC education. Academics are our primary focus, but all students participate in Arts, Athletics, Active citizenship and Adventure programming. By inspiring excellence in the 5 'A’s, our students develop into well-rounded global citizens within our close family environment. Our students leave as confident and courageous graduates ready for post-secondary education."
"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."
"Albert College provides opportunities for its students, which would be impossible in a larger school. With a focus on the 5 'A's: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and Adventure, our students have a wide array of curricular and co-curricular opportunities in these areas. Our objective is to help students polish talents and discover new ones all within a caring and nurturing environment that values individuality, compassion, integrity, and inclusiveness."
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"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."
"Albert College is a family that supports and encourages one another. Our school is small and everyone knows each other no matter what grade you are in. The faculty and staff are caring and supportive, and encourage students to be the very best they can be. Albert College is more than a school, it truly is a family."
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"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.”"
"The faculty and staff at Albert College truly care about each and every student. The boarding staff treat our boarding students like their very own children. We truly are a family that studies, plays and grows together. The connections that students make at Albert College, with the staff and with their fellow classmates from around the world are truly unique and shapes them into confident global citizens. Albert College students create friendships that lasts a lifetime."
"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."
"Albert College is steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1857, Albert College celebrates its history through traditional events, songs and customs that have been celebrated for decades. From our 100 year old building to the beautiful and historic Memorial Chapel. And our traditional Candlelight Carol Service at Christmas, the Albert College hymn, and orientation camp in the fall where the whole school goes camping together. There are many Albert College traditions that make us who we are."
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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.
Albert College is a wonderful day and international co-educational boarding school, steeped in history and tradition. Not only does it have a stellar reputation for preparing young people for university and for life, but Albert College is also recognized for developing global citizens within a close family environment. The international makeup of Albert College helps foster understanding and tolerance. As technological advances continue to make our world truly a global village, what better environment could there be in which to prepare students for the world that awaits them?
As a small Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, Albert provides opportunities for its students, which would be impossible in a larger school. With a focus on the 5 'A's: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and Adventure, our students have an incredibly wide array of curricular and co-curricular opportunities in these areas. Our objective is to help students polish talents and discover new ones all within a caring and nurturing environment that values individuality, compassion, integrity, and inclusiveness.
You can find our beautiful 25-acre campus in Belleville, Ontario. Belleville is located on Lake Ontario with easy access to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Words and pictures can only begin to tell the story. It is my hope that soon you can visit us in person; you’ll be glad that you did!
Traditional
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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.
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.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
Not applicable
Sunnybrook School is an IB Primary Years Program (IBPYP) school; we offer a global curriculum in a local context. We are committed to offering an engaging learning experience, and we encourage our students to learn with enthusiasm and commitment. French, Music, and Physical Education classes complement the regular classroom. We have a strong literacy focus, including both skills and a love of reading. Our school library is a hub of inquiry, offering various traditional and electronic research opportunities.
Albert College exceeds the standards set by the Ontario curriculum at every grade level. Students study with like-minded individuals who are encouraged to aim higher and succeed. Our graduates are well-prepared for post-secondary studies. Armed with knowledge and confidence, students graduate from Albert College determined and driven to take on the challenges that lie ahead in their post-secondary studies and beyond.
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.
The Singapore Math curriculum approaches numeracy concepts and skills in a balanced way. The emphasis on inquiry and conceptual understanding is complemented with rigour in applying skills and knowledge in mathematics. Singapore Math takes the learners from using hands on manipulatives to solve math problems to a step using pictorial representation of the problem before expecting students to find their answers using mental math. This unique pictorial step provides an additional tool for students who have a developing understanding of concepts, but are not yet ready to solve problems in their heads. Through Singapore Math, our students learn to love working with numbers, solving problems, and seeing the world through the lens of mathematics.
At Albert College, students are provided with the traditional skills through both a procedural approach as well as inquiry-based learning. They expand upon their understandings of concepts through collaborative discussions in 'thinking classrooms.' Teachers are keen on making sure that students have the necessary tools to show their understandings by using appropriate assessment techniques to ensure greater appreciation for metacognitive processes.
Singapore Math books and supporting materials
Elementary school students use Jump Math as well as other online resources. We also use Nelson Mathematics throughout the Middle School. Teachers in the Senior School provide instruction based on a wide variety of resources tailored to the students' needs.
Graphing calculators are required throughout Grades 9 to 12.
Phonics-intensive
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.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Learning to read is the primary task of elementary school. It is important when designing a reading program to remember that young children acquire reading skills at different paces. Therefore we have developed a literacy program that takes this into consideration, while having high expectations of all learners. We begin with reading readiness at the beginning of JK, including teaching concepts of print, exposure to the written word, opportunities to write at their level and a great deal of exposure to literature.
At Albert College, we provide a phonics-intensive program, specifically at the younger ages (JK to Grade 1). We then switch to a balanced literacy approach. We supplement our already rich offerings with carefully selected programs that cater to various age levels in a differentiated manner.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
We use DRA's to ensure accountability in our teaching, and to measure the success of our reading program over time.
Equal balance
The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
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.
Writing and reading are integrated in teaching young learners. Our students are encouraged to write about their learning and their experiences as early as possible. Through the 6 + 1 Writing Traits program our students learn specific skills and develop an understanding of the elements of good written communication. Specific writing, spelling and grammar skills are taught more systematically as students move into the older grades.
Our phonics-intensive program goes hand-in-hand with our writing program. As students learn to read, they also practice writing with a kinaesthetic approach that transfers to pen and paper writing. More formal lessons in printing and cursive writing continue into the elementary grades where students are exposed to writing in various genres. They are also provided with many opportunities to cultivate their creative writing skills through imaginative free-writing.
Equal Balance
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.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science is taught in the IB Units of Inquiry. In these units students are encouraged to experiment, explore, ask questions, and seek answers to scientific questions. The units are carefully planned to include scientific content and ideas, encouraging students to become critical thinkers and inquirers.
Teachers favour an inquiry-based approach for teaching most curricula, including the sciences, as Albert College provides the necessary equipment to perform a deep/hands-on investigation into questions based around scientific concepts.
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
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Our Library program fosters a love of literature of all genres. Literature for the classroom is usually chosen to correspond to the IB Units of Inquiry. These units often have a social justice component, and selections are made to support the learning and allow students to make connections and develop understandings of their world through literature. Selections for younger students are made to maximize their skills acquisition and enjoyment of reading in the early years.
Being a school that emphasizes an academic stream, Albert College makes a concerted effort to ensure that students build the skills necessary to critically think about literature and write well-formulated essays on a variety topics.
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
Expanding Communities
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.
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
The social studies curriculum framework in the IB PYP emphasizes a conceptual approach to content. Units of Inquiry are organized in to explore specific content (i.e. government, transportation, migration) in both broad conceptual and more specific content related ways. Students learn to explore topics through guided inquiry and research.
Our social studies program consistently focusses on the value of understanding various types of communities—from local community organizations to examining Canada's impact in the global community. We use the Ontario curriculum as a guide to direct inquiry-based learning opportunities but we often diverge to explore topics that are related to the students' interests.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
At Albert College our teachers strive to build a passion for Social Studies through telling vivid stories that also build an appreciation for diverse perspectives. One topic will be looked at through a variety of lenses and visible thinking tools are used extensively along the way to help students create a working template to negotiate material.
Equal Balance
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.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Language is the gateway to culture and comfort speaking in another language opens opportunities. In the early years French is taught daily in an engaging interactive way, with an emphasis on oral communication skills. Older students read and write in French as well. We make extensive use of technology and student iPads in our French program. We offer French daily from Jk to GR 6.
In our Junior School students are first introduced to French in our Kindergarten program to foster a curiosity and love for learning another language. Starting from Grade 1, the AIM method is utilized to help students build French mastery through song, drama, and movement. This approach blends nicely into the neurolinguistic approach that is offered our Middle and Senior School. We also have an extensive ESL program for students requiring support in their English Language Development from Grades 7 to 12.
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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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
The arts are integrated in our IB transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. Music is taught by a specialist, with a dance and drama component. In the arts students are given opportunities to express their knowledge and ideas in various ways; they learn Art, learn about Art and learn through Art. We produce a musical that involves every student in the school from grades 1-6. Every child acts, sings and dances in the musical held at the end of each year. Students use many instruments like recorder, boom whackers, Orff instruments, bells, melodicas and learn to read music and prepare for band in the middle years.
THE ARTS PROGRAM ENABLES STUDENTS TO BECOME CREATIVE, CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS. Students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 participate and engage in artistic instruction. All classes are led by faculty, specialized artists and instructors and are tailored to each student’s abilities to ensure a challenging program. Specialized courses are offered at the Senior School for credit. School-wide events and drama productions, musical performance opportunities and art exhibits provide students the opportunity to share their talents and build their confidence in all areas of the arts. Students are exposed to the arts either in class or during Arts Period - a unique program that is offered three times per week, in addition to regular arts classes.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Technology is pervasive in our students' lives. Our goal is to give teachers the tools to guide young people in using it in innovative, constructive and meaningful ways. Sunnybrook School has a 1:1 iPad program for all students from JK to Grade 6. Combined with traditional methods of learning technology is used for communication, connection, creativity and collaboration. Digital literacy and digital citizenship are integrated into our curriculum.
At Albert College, we have online working expectations through which students can seamlessly shift from being in-person to being at a distance as a learner. Digital citizenship concepts and understandings are integrated into our offerings as required for various age groups. The understandings are developed through class-wide and school-wide expectations and discussions.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Regular Physical Education classes combine team and individual sports to teach the skills for a healthy lifestyle. We focus on sportsmanship, teamwork, fitness and health. Classes such as rock climbing, swimming, curling, kung fu, cross country running, field sports and net sports are held. Teams are offered as we are part of the SSAF and compete against other schools.
Our athletes are coached by a dedicated group of staff and faculty members that are highly certified in their respective sports and tireless in their dedication and enthusiasm. Students are given the opportunity to play on a team, refine their skills, try new things and develop a healthy, active lifestyle. Our athletes compete regularly against teams from the Conference of Independent Schools and those in our local associations. Each term there is a wide range of athletic opportunities. Some are competitive, some developmental and some simply recreational. Specialized courses at the Senior School provide the students with an academic credit.
Play-based
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
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.
Sunnybrook School offers a balanced, stimulating and enriched kindergarten curriculum. The core of the JK and SK curriculum is based on the IB PYP, Singapore Math and our own unique literacy program. We enrich this with French, Music, Phys Ed and Library. Play time indoors and on our playground round out the kindergarten experience. The program is designed to stimulate children’s creativity, build early academic skills, and develop communication and social skills. At Sunnybrook School, kindergarten sets the foundation for a love of learning with trusted adults, great friends, a cheerful physical environment and stimulating, engaging learning.
In Pre-Kindergarten children need a warm, inviting, accepting and supervised program that will stimulate their growth and development and maintain their curiosity about learning. Pre-K students experience active, experiential learning through play and a comprehensive, integrated curriculum of carefully-planned and child-centred daily activities. The purpose of the Pre-K program is to focus on the development of the whole child – physical, social, emotional, and intellectual – in preparation for early and ongoing success in our formal Junior and Senior Kindergarten.
Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Albert College uses learning platforms that provide the students with the opportunity to explore the curriculum and monitor their learning progress at their own pace under the guidance and support of their teachers.
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”.
As an elementary school beginning at JK we are more supportive than rigorous. However, as our students approach the higher grades the emphasis on the skills and knowledge shifts with their greater maturity, and in preparation for middle school. Beginning in SK we have benchmarks for reading and math, allowing us to differentiate for different student needs.
Our focus is on an academic curriculum with the ultimate goal that students obtain an acceptance to a post-secondary program of their choice. Students are regularly recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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."
As an IB school, Sunnybrook has a focus on global citizenship. To that end we work with our students develop the skills, dispositions and knowledge to help them understand themselves and others, and the issues they will face in our ever-changing world. Learning in all domains develops a well rounded, balanced individual, ready to contribute to community and society.
Albert College grads are global citizens who are confident, open minded leaders of character and are prepared for post secondary education and life. Albert College grads are creative, inquisitive and innovative thinkers with a love and excitement for learning. Albert College grads are collaborative learners with a strong foundation for their ongoing educational journey. Albert College grads are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, exhibiting empathy and humility in their dealings with one another and with the world around them. Albert College grads are self-motivated problem solvers, aware of issues both locally and globally, who honour others similarities and differences and act with honesty and integrity while striving for a safe and welcoming community for all.
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
Accommodations
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Sunnybrook has an enriched curriculum and students must be able to handle the curriculum. SBS offers accommodations for students with mild learning disabilities. We want each child to be successful.
Information not available
The Sunnybrook curriculum is accelerated and enriched, and some of our students find it challenging. Our teachers differentiate where possible to accommodate different learning levels. These students may receive extra support on a withdrawal basis, however, we do not specialize in teaching students with learning disabilities.
We work with families to assess the needs of our students and we follow up on the recommendations and accommodations to provide the best support possible.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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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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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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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 - 12
0%
15%
$0
$7,746
90%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Dec 15, 2023
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades JK - 6
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
No
No
No
We encourage parents to visit our Open House and meet our senior students; this will give you an idea of the kind of student we are looking for. Children who are curious and knowledgeable for their age and who enjoy learning will thrive at SBS.
Choosing a school is a big decision for families, and our goal is to make this comfortable and transparent. A visit to the school begins the process. For application we require the application form, birth certificate, previous year's school reports (if applicable), any other relevant reports and the application fee. Overseas applications are welcome.
The application procedure includes an assessment of each student (we usually meet our applicants in small groups), and an interview with the parents.
The registration fee for JK students is $3000.
In order to complete the admission process the applicant is required to:
*IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE THESE DOCUMENTS AT THE TIME OF SUBMITTING THE ONLINE APPLICATION, PLEASE EMAIL THE DOCUMENTS IN PDF FORMAT TO [email protected].
If you are not ready to apply, but would like to learn more about Albert College please submit an online inquiry and one of our Enrolment Associates will be in touch with you shortly.