9100 Bathurst Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 8C7, Canada
177 Beverley Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1Y7, Canada
Indirect Support:
9100 Bathurst Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 8C7, Canada
177 Beverley Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1Y7, Canada
1968
1990
360
120
Nursery/Toddler to 12
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English, French, Mandarin
Academic
Academic
Waldorf
Liberal Arts, Montessori
12 to 25
10 to 15
Learning
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
$12,470 to $23,400
$15,800 to $18,960
Yes
No
0%
0%
JK to 12
None
$4,000
$0
21
8
0%
0%
0%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12
Yes
No
No
information not available
information not available
Not all Waldorf programs are created the same, and the Toronto Waldorf School is a great example of that. As every school, it has a character of its own, a product of the community it serves. It offers a full preschool through Grade 12 program, throughout displaying a commitment to active learning, process over product, and cross-curricular, collaborative learning. Families that enroll typically are also attracted by an overt attention to ethics, environmental stewardship, interpersonal values, and the encouragement of individual expression. While the curriculum is strong, it’s often that values piece that tips the balance. The ideal student is one who will thrive in an interactive learning environment that builds from the students' talents, interests, and curiosities.
View full reportThe total student population is perhaps on the larger side for Montessori schools in the area, though residing on two campuses. As such Cornerstone reflects the benefits of size, namely in a broader access to resources, while maintaining a very close-knit feel within the classroom. Families are drawn to the Christian values which provide a foundation for the program, and augment the interpersonal aspects of the Montessori method. The teaching methods and the educational philosophy follow those developed by Maria Montessori, and then grow out from there, giving the school its unique character. The program stretches from preschool through Grade 12, allowing students to learn and grow in a consistent environment. The goal is to graduate students who have a good sense of themselves, their place in the world and what they can bring to it, and prepared to provide empathetic leadership within their community. The school has grown into a reputation for providing exactly that, with consistent, caring faculty in a family-oriented setting. The program is challenging, and includes a rich language program, intended to support students in reach their full academic and social potentials.
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"Toronto Waldorf School is the leader in holistic education. Our focus on child development ("The right thing at the right time") and our arts-infused curriculum distinguish us from traditional schools. Waldorf students are responsible, confident, life-long learners, who can problem-solve, think creatively, and serve their communities. Take a tour, see the school, feel the difference. Experience Toronto Waldorf School."
"A co-educational integrated Montessori school located in downtown Toronto, CMPS inspires students to exceed beyond their capabilities through our accelerated academics. Our foundational life skills approach and advanced curriculum strengthens our values based education that fosters leadership and faith-based character development. The enriched Music, French and Mandarin curriculum inspires critical thinking to unfold in a safe environment and challenges our students to explore unimaginable possibilities."
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Liberal Arts
Montessori
Waldorf schools are available from preschool to Grade 12, though they are most popular at the younger ages. Waldorf schools are unmistakably "progressive". Rudolf Steiner, their intellectual forefather, believed the educator's first task should be to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning. Sometimes incorrectly conflated with Montessori schools, Waldorf schools focus on developing the "whole child" - emphasizing collaborative, hands-on learning, along with the arts and music, which are integrated into other areas of study.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
The Waldorf curriculum revolves around child development and the key concept of "doing the right thing at the right time." An emphasis on a three-fold approach, integrating "head, heart and hands" is a fundamental component in all classes. Cross-curricular connections are made wherever possible, using arts, movement, music and drama in the learning process, bringing greater engagement and emotional connection to the child's experience.
Cornerstone applies an eclectic approach to designing its curriculum in order to develop a blend of the liberal arts, traditional and Montessori principles. As our intent is to provide a holistic approach to nurturing the intellect, social, emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological development of our students, we feel that a combination of select elements from these various philosophies, enables us to maximize the learning experience at Cornerstone.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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See our Teaching Approach in the Lower School: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/lower_school/teaching_methods/index.php#.VtiYJubju4M and in the High School: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/high_school/deeper_perspective_on_HS/index.php#.VtiYm-bju4M
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Calculators are not used until later in middle school - sometimes even as late as Grade 8. The focus is instead on mental math, pen and paper math thus ensuring a concept has been deeply cemented before moving to the tool to aid in calculations.
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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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See this for details on our teaching approach: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/english.php
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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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Details can be found on our website by looking at teaching writing in different grades: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/english.php
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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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Learn more here: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/science.php
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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
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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Refer to this chart for details: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/index.php
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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
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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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Our approach to teaching social studies can be found here: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/social_sciences.php
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Our teaching approach can be found here: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade7/social_sciences.php
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These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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We offer French from Grade 1 to 12. Here's a closer look at each grade: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/languages.php
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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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Not applicable
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Please refer to our curriculum page for details: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/index.php
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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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.
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The Waldorf perspective is that computer exposure should not be based on capability but on developmental appropriateness. Computers and digital technology are not part of the early grades curriculum, although mechanical technology and the practical arts are incorporated at all levels. In our school, Grade 7 and above can access to our computer lab and time in the lab is balanced with Cyber Civics- discussions about the role of technology in our lives, social media and how one can trust information on the web. We strive to give our students to tools to understand the history of computing and how to keep the human being at the centre of our relationship to technology.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Please refer to our curriculum chart for details: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/index.php
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Montessori
Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Toronto Waldorf School's early years programs have a play-based approach and learning through experience, art and movement. Healthy rhythm and routine, ample outdoor time as well as time for rest are built into each day. Participation in crafts, painting and chores are some of the daily activities of the preschool and kindergarten child. A rich oral story telling tradition, including puppet shows, help build the young child's language capacities as well as imaginative thinking.
Our kindergarten programme at Cornerstone is a blend of the traditional and liberal arts approach that integrates aspects of the Montessori philosophy to provide child based inquiry learning, multi aged groupings and a systematic and logical progressive way of learning so that the child is educated holistically by addressing the academic, emotional, physical, spiritual, psychological and social levels of his/her development. it is very much a balanced approach.
Accelerated
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.
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
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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”.
We expect our students to perform to the best of their ability with the hopes of being inspired to go beyond their own expectations as a result of the academic stimulation in the classroom setting.
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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.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Our goals is to develop and nurture students who will develop an attitude for life long learnng while realizing the need to foster a strong faith based foundation upon which to establish positive life skills and the ability to make wise choices throughout life.
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
Information not available
We assess each need individually to see we can do to provide the support they need to be successful students. If we are unable to do so, then we do our best to help them locate the best school for their child.
Information not available
If we discover that a student develops learning difficulties while enrolled at Cornerstone, we will do our best to provide whatever support we can to help that student manage his/her learning challenge. We would also work with the parent so explore possible formal assessments to determine the next step and to also determine if we can continue to support the student in an effective and productive manner.
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%
0%
$4,000
$0
0%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
The following documents are required: application form, detailed questionnaire, copy of birth certificate, and copy of most recent report card.
