275 Duncan Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 3H9, Canada
125 Brentcliffe Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
1962
2020
1124
24
Preschool to 12
JK to 3
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Nature-based
Traditional
Progressive
20 to 22
Varies
Accelerated curriculum
$20,950 to $31,050
$5,575 to $13,750
Yes
No
0%
0%
6 to 12
None
$5,000
$0
70
4
0%
0%
100%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
It's a big world out there, with lots of big ideas in it, and Bayview Glen prides itself on offering students an introduction to all its breadth and complexity. The school is part of the Round Square network of schools, which reflects that ambition; the program includes cross-curricular links to concepts of community, self-reliance, and entrepreneurialism. For some students, it can be a lot, perhaps especially for those within the younger grades—the school admits students from preschool through to grade 12. A broad range of curricular and co-curricular activities back up the school's promise to deliver the world: Mandarin classes, a model United Nations program, as well as a range of arts and athletics. While learner support is provided, the ideal student is one who is able to thrive in an intellectually diverse, academically challenging environment.
View full reportWith its unique forest school approach, Explore Nature stands out as an innovative school that transcends the conventional classroom setting. Immersed in nature, the school enables children to experience enhanced focus, reduced anxiety, and deepened self-awareness. Explore Nature’s commitment to personalized learning is clear with their 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which allows them to cater to the unique learning styles of each child. Beyond the standard Ontario curriculum, the school’s holistic education includes mindfulness sessions, literacy and numeracy growth, and the chance to care for animals in collaboration with Pawsitively Pets. These experiences foster empathy, responsibility, resilience, and a broad range of emotional and social competencies. At the heart of Explore Nature is a commitment to students' overall well-being and a balanced development through creating positive connections with the self, others, and the environment.
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"The teachers are well-equipped to have kids working on skills appropriate to their level in any subject."
Karen Sadler - Parent (May 17, 2023)
My daughter is thriving thanks to the small, collaborative nature of this school. The teachers work ...
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"I can't say enough about the positive benefits of sending your child to a forest school where immersion in nature is part of the everyday experience."
Alicia Shala - Parent (Jun 01, 2023)
This school is all around amazing. My kiddo has a lot of energy and needs space to move around and e...
View full review
"Bayview Glen is an academically invigorating, co-education independent school for students from age 2 to Grade 12. Situated on two closely connected campuses in North York, our vibrantly diverse community is inspired by expert teachers and fuelled by a forward thinking curriculum. Bayview Glen welcomes all students into a nurturing community that allows inquisitive minds to flourish. Our broad offering of curricular and co-curricular activities ranges from Drama to Design Thinking, Robotics to Round Square, Music to Model United Nations, Athletics to Advanced Placement. We value collaboration, problem solving and academic risk-taking to foster the entrepreneurial mindset and respect for diverse viewpoints that are essential for success in the 21st century. Bayview Glen students graduate as compassionate cosmopolitans, fully prepared for top ranked universities at home and abroad. Equally important, they step forth with the skills and attitudes needed to embrace and influence a world of accelerating change."
"Explore Nature is a unique outdoor education school (K-3) nestled in Leaside. Small class sizes (6:1) and serene forest classroom allow for hands-on learning and curiosity-driven exploration. Learning outside improves attention, reduces anxiety and cultivates self-awareness. In addition to the Ontario curriculum, we offer mindfulness sessions, literacy and numeracy development, and the chance to care for animals. Our passionate teachers create an inclusive environment where individual learning styles are embraced."
"Our close-knit and vibrantly diverse community, inspired by expert teachers and fuelled by a forward-looking curriculum, shapes independent thinkers and energetic citizens. We are members of Round Square, an international association for compassionate leaders, Advanced Placement and the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative for empowering social change."
"Explore Nature stands apart from other schools by offering a unique blend of outdoor education and holistic development. Our forest school approach fosters a deep connection with nature and provides students with hands-on experiences that ignite their curiosity and love for the natural world. Our school goes beyond traditional classroom walls, allowing children to learn and explore in a serene and calm outdoor environment."
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"Families choose Bayview Glen for our balanced academic programme, which has a strong music and arts programme, languages, physical education, Outdoor Adventure, Duke of Edinburgh Programme. Our co-curricular activities include an art festival, drama productions, choirs, bands, and extensive team sports. Students can also join clubs and activities including DECA and Robotics."
"Explore Nature goes beyond academic learning, equipping students with essential tools for managing stress, building resilience, and promoting overall well-being. By tailoring the learning experience to individual needs and building upon students' unique starting points, we foster a sense of achievement, boosting their self-esteem and motivation. Students graduate from Explore Nature with the tools to thrive in diverse settings and become compassionate and confident leaders in their communities."
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"We are proud to highlight our educational continuum from Preschool (age 2) through Grade 12 which fosters values, abilities and friendships to last a lifetime. This philosophy embraces the real world beyond our walls in that we are co-educational, multicultural and multi-denominational; and it focusses on the whole child, nurturing each child’s full potential and confidence to succeed. Our families come together to support our school in building a strong and nurturing community for all."
"Our school's partnership with Pawsitively Pets offers students a unique opportunity to interact with and care for rescue animals. This hands-on experience not only teaches children about empathy, responsibility, and animal welfare, but it also instills a sense of pride and confidence in their abilities. By nurturing a caring relationship with animals, students develop a deep appreciation for all living creatures, fostering a compassionate and empathetic mindset."
"Founded in 1962 by Lois Doreen Hopkins, Bayview Glen began originally as a nursery school and day camp. Beginning with the mission of creating “a nurturing environment in which each and every child is precious”, our teachers are accessible and committed to providing excellence in teaching and learning demands of all students and families. Our goal continues to be to nurture relationships, craft the experiences, and provide the supports that empower our students."
"We prioritize building positive connections with self, others, and nature. Through meaningful experiences and relationships, our students develop a strong sense of self-awareness, empathy, and respect for others and the environment. A focus on positive connections enriches well-being and personal growth, promoting a balanced lifestyle. By providing a nurturing and inclusive space to express their emotions and develop self-regulation skills, we empower them to navigate challenges with confidence."
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As a dedicated community of learners and leaders, Bayview Glen is a world class, co-educational institution that provides a wealth of opportunities for aspiring young minds to explore, experience and discover their passions through a rigorous, academic and supportive learning environment guided by our talented faculty and staff. Our mission is Whole Child: Whole Life: Whole World.
As a vibrant school community, it is paramount at its core that each individual feels welcomed, understood and valued. Our teachers place a high priority on engagement, mentorship and character development through our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Integrity, Equity and Balance. The fundamental building block of feeling a sense of belonging allows for greater opportunities and pathways for students to learn, explore, discover and experience the enrichment through our academic and extensive co-curricular programmes.
In today’s world and tomorrow’s pathway for students, one of the important goals of educational institutions is to teach our generation, not only to strive to be the best of who they are and get to a good place, but do it in a good way, with purpose and passion.
I invite you to contact our Admissions Department and visit our campus to experience firsthand our unique place of learning where students are provided a wealth of opportunities to discover their passions and purpose.
As the principal of Explore Nature, I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant learning community. At Explore Nature, we believe in the transformative power of outdoor education and experiential learning. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing your child with an exceptional educational experience that fosters a deep connection with nature, cultivates a love for learning, and nurtures their overall well-being.
We are proud to offer a unique curriculum that combines academic excellence with meaningful outdoor experiences. Our students engage in hands-on activities, explore the wonders of the natural world, and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
At Explore Nature, we celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the value of each student's unique talents and abilities. We provide a safe and supportive environment where students can express themselves, take risks, and grow both academically and personally.
I invite you to explore our website, schedule a visit, and discover firsthand the exceptional educational opportunities that await your child at Explore Nature. Together, let's inspire a lifelong love for learning, foster a deep connection with nature, and empower our students to become compassionate and engaged global citizens.
Progressive
Information not available
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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Educating the whole child requires we provide a wide range of opportunities for students to explore. Developing an entrepreneurial mindset and establishing excellent communication skills are also top priorities.
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Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Math concepts are introduced through implicit teaching, and each strand is structured according to the Ontario Curriculum. Once introduced, concepts can then be explored through experiential based learning in the forest, using nature to explore how each idea presents itself in the real world, as well as cross-curricular connections, such as graphing colours found in nature, or exploring shapes in natural art.
Nelson Math
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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.
Explore Nature uses the dual coding theory to teach literacy, encoding language as sensory information that can be taught through phonics and sight word skills, as well as conceptual imagery that includes whole word concepts and comprehension. A systematic phonics program is used to support and fill learning blocks in readers of all grades, with a whole language reading and writing program used in all subjects to support the reading of age-appropriate literature.
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.
At Explore Nature, we foster a love of writing and equip our students with essential writing skills from a young age. Our approach to teaching writing in the younger grades is designed to engage students, encourage their creativity, and develop effective communication skills. We believe that writing is a powerful tool for self-expression, and we provide numerous opportunities for students to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through written expression. Through structured lessons and creative writing exercises, we nurture their love for writing and motivate them to become proficient writers. We take a systemic approach to teaching foundational writing concepts in the early grades. We guide students in correctly printing their names, emphasizing proper letter formation and alignment. Our teachers provide individualized support to students, recognizing their unique writing abilities and adapting instruction accordingly. They employ various instructional strategies, including modelling, guided practice, and peer collaboration, to writing proficiency.
Inquiry
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.
We aim to instill a love for scientific inquiry, nurture curiosity about the natural world, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, introducing science through hands-on exploration and observation. Students engage in age-appropriate experiments, and sensory activities to develop their scientific skills and understanding. They learn to ask questions, make predictions, and gather evidence, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement about the world around them. We cover a wide range of topics, including life sciences, earth and space sciences, physical sciences, and environmental sustainability. We believe in fostering a strong connection to nature. Our outdoor learning environment provides the perfect setting for scientific exploration, allowing students to observe and interact with ecosystems, plants, animals, and natural phenomena firsthand. Our teachers serve as facilitators and guides, encouraging students to think critically and ask thought-provoking questions. They provide reflection, discussion, and self-assessment opportunities, nurturing a growth mindset and lifelong learning habits.
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
Not applicable
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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
Expanding Communities
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.
Our approach fosters students' understanding of their place in the world, promotes cultural awareness, and embraces the richness of Indigenous history and perspectives. Our social studies curriculum is designed to connect students with their immediate surroundings and expand their understanding to a global scale. We begin by exploring identity, family, and community, encouraging students to reflect on their experiences and how they contribute to the social fabric. Cultural themes are woven throughout our social studies curriculum to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach. We prioritize teaching the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, with a focus on pre-colonial and pioneer-settled Canada. Our teachers create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions, asking questions, and engaging in respectful dialogue. They facilitate discussions on social justice, human rights, and ethical issues, empowering students to become active participants in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.
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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
Not applicable
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light 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.
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A digital Smartboard is used to convey concepts that require extensive visuals, or to show videos of places or practices that can't be found in the classroom. Older students are taught to use digital presentation programs, such as Google Slides, to prepare them for a junior level classroom. Technology is also employed when needed by the curriculum, such as digital media as a part of Media Literacy, or coding as part of Mathematics.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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At Explore Nature, our approach recognizes the vital importance of physical education in a child's overall development. Teaching physical education promotes an active and healthy lifestyle while instilling a love for movement and physical activity. We provide a well-rounded physical education curriculum that combines structured lessons with opportunities for unstructured play and natural exploration. Our teachers integrate physical fitness activities seamlessly into our outdoor learning environment. Our physical education program focuses on developing fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, throwing, and balancing. Students build their coordination, strength, and agility through engaging and age-appropriate activities. We also emphasize the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play, fostering social skills and cooperation. To ensure a comprehensive approach, we cover a range of activities, including games, sports, yoga, nature hikes, and outdoor adventure challenges. Our students can engage in nature-based activities that enhance their understanding of the environment while staying physically active.
Play-based
Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.
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.
Bayview Glen offers a balanced programme starting at age two years.
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Student-paced
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).
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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Supportive
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”.
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.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Ice Hockey |
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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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Track & Field |
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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
6 - 12
0%
0%
$5,000
$0
100%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
Students wishing to study at Bayview Glen are asked to submit a completed application form, along with a copy of their birth certificate, immunization records, a recent school report, a photo and an application fee of $100. Admission to the school is based upon a review of past school reports, an interview or class visit, entrance testing and space availability. The Admissions Office is available to answer your questions, provide you with more information, and arrange for you to visit the school. For more information, please contact Judy Maxwell, Director of Admissions, at 416.443.1030 or [email protected].
At Explore Nature, we welcome students who possess a sense of curiosity, a love for learning, and an appreciation for the natural world. We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students can thrive and develop to their fullest potential. We are looking for students who enjoy outdoor activities and have a natural curiosity about the environment. Our curriculum heavily emphasizes hands-on exploration and outdoor learning, so a willingness to engage with nature and the outdoors is important. While we welcome students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, it is important that students are able to meet the physical demands of our program, such as walking and carrying their own bags comfortably. Ultimately, we are looking for students who will embrace our educational approach, connect with our values of nature exploration, and actively participate in creating a positive and inclusive learning community at Explore Nature.
Our admission process helps applicants and their parents become more familiar with Bayview Glen, its programmes and our educational philosophy. You begin by submitting a detailed application form. Then, students will visit the school to experience life in class, and will complete an entrance assessment. Once the admissions process is complete, students are notified in writing each March regarding their application status. Please visit the Admissions section of the Bayview Glen school website (www.bayviewglen.ca/admissions) for further details.
At Explore Nature, we have a straightforward application process that welcomes all students who meet our basic requirements. We kindly request that students be potty trained to ensure a positive learning environment, as this promotes independence and hygiene.
We prioritize fostering a deep connection with nature, so we recommend that students have an enjoyment of outdoor activities. Our curriculum heavily emphasizes outdoor exploration and hands-on learning, allowing students to fully engage with the natural world around them. Additionally, students should be able to walk and carry their own bags comfortably, as we often move between indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
When applying, parents or guardians can complete our application form, providing the necessary details about the student. We encourage families to book a visit to our school, allowing them to experience our unique environment firsthand and ask any questions they may have.