1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4P3, Canada
80 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R7, Canada
1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4P3, Canada
80 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R7, Canada
1979
1989
1700
98
9 to 12
Preschool to 8
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day
English
English, French, Spanish, Mandarin
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
12 to 22
10 to 16
In-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$21,530 to $26,155
$3,000
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
425
8
100%
0%
86%
100%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
No
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
While some schools pride themselves on being small, Columbia finds its strength in being large—with a student population in excess of 1800, it is easily the largest boarding school in Canada. What Columbia might lack in intimacy it gains in the ability to provide a wealth of supports and programs that smaller schools simply can't. The school maintains extensive liaison offices, a dedicated guidance staff, and even its own medical clinic. The faculty, through size and experience, is remarkably adept at providing a quality, well-rounded education with an eye to success in postsecondary education. The school provides ESL to students who need it, and liaises directly with universities in Canada and beyond in order to facilitate the transition to postsecondary education. In all, the school excels at doing what it was created to do: to support the university-bound international learner who is living away from home within a culture, and at times a language, that is unfamiliar.
Read The Our Kids Review of Columbia International College
information not available
While some schools pride themselves on being small, Columbia finds its strength in being large—with a student population in excess of 1800, it is easily the largest boarding school in Canada. What Columbia might lack in intimacy it gains in the ability to provide a wealth of supports and programs that smaller schools simply can't. The school maintains extensive liaison offices, a dedicated guidance staff, and even its own medical clinic. The faculty, through size and experience, is remarkably adept at providing a quality, well-rounded education with an eye to success in postsecondary education. The school provides ESL to students who need it, and liaises directly with universities in Canada and beyond in order to facilitate the transition to postsecondary education. In all, the school excels at doing what it was created to do: to support the university-bound international learner who is living away from home within a culture, and at times a language, that is unfamiliar.
View full reportThe Giles School provides an enriched language immersion program from preschool through the middle grades. The French program starts in preschool, and a Mandarin program begins in grade 1 with a period a day spent in an immersive Mandarin environment. It's perhaps safe to say, in terms of language learning—both in terms of when immersion is introduced, as well as providing multilingual immersion—the program is the only one of its kind in Canada. Classes are small, and academics are rigorous, covering the entire core curriculum and then some. The ideal student is one who can benefit from enrichment and who will thrive within a play-based, curiosity-driven environment.
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"As the students are encouraged to try new things, they often operate 2 years above their grade level..."
Nadia King - Parent (Sep 12, 2019)
Our children have learned the joys of trying something new without fear of failure. From the time th...
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"...with relatively small class sizes, children have many opportunities to engage with their teachers and receive extra support should they need it."
Lauren Dade - Parent (May 21, 2020)
My two children have attended from Kindergarten through to Grades 6 and Grade 8 (final grade offered...
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"She enjoys going to school, seeing the teachers the best."
A Cheung - Parent (May 21, 2020)
As a new explorer to Canada, our child has gained her first school experience in the Giles School. W...
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"Columbia International College is Canada’s largest private boarding school, offering Grades 9 to 12 programs. Our Total Care Education System® ensures that every student’s academic, social, emotional and physical needs are tended to. We are #1 in offers of admission from the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and McMaster University. We are also #1 in scholarships awarded by universities. We offer the only official University of Toronto partnership program - the Elite Pathway Partnership Program."
"The Giles School is a co-ed, French immersion independent school that also offers a fully-licensed daycare program. Children display superior academic performance across all subjects including English, Mandarin and Spanish. The Giles School is a deliberately small school, and offers an inclusive, innovative and outstanding educational program to prepare Pre-K to Grade 8 students to be “World Ready,” empowering them to be leaders, problem-solvers and innovators."
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"THE GILES SCHOOL
Founded in 1989, the Giles school has been expanding young minds, through a multilingual and comprehensive environment. Our six pillar philosophy, provides an enriched curriculum, with small class sizes, for children Pre Kindergarten through Grade 8 (ages 2-13), with focus on: Language (English, French, Mandarin & Spanish), STEM programs, arts, music, health/fitness, and co-curricular activities; and empowers individuality, internationality, as well as community leadership."
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"The Giles School offers a structured, rigorous curriculum emphasizing languages. While our program is comprehensive and demanding, we are a first come, first served school; therefore, we do not sort or deny candidates based on test results. We work with students in a personalized manner to ensure they have the foundational skills to achieve and then excel in our program. The Giles School offers an inclusive learning environment that meets students where they are to progress in our demanding curriculum."
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"Students who are well-rounded academically, love to learn multiple languages and have a great interest in math and science."
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"Parents who are looking for specific facilities, including a dance studio, pool on site, etc.....might find our school not appealing ."
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"Our commitment and dedication to each and every student, provides a foundation that is unlike most independent schools. We teach with joy, and classes are fun. Our vision is to have well rounded and international ready people of the future."
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"We are known for our small classes, high academics, loving environment and excellent community."
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"The truly unique experience students receive"
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"How much our staff and former Giles School alumni are a part of our ongoing community"
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"We added more interesting extracurricular activities for the students, like Musical theatre, Fashion Design, and Art Clay......"
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"We are planning on having a technology lab on-site and a cafeteria in our basement."
Welcome!
As Principal of Columbia International College, my belief is that in order for your children to be successful as international students, they need to be cared for as if they were at home with you. All my teachers and staff share the same belief.
The need for students to learn in an environment where they are well supported is the chief concern that thousands upon thousands of parents have shared with us over the years. From its beginning in 1979, CIC was built to address this concern. We wanted to make sure that every international student could study in a fully supported environment of caring: academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
We created an approach that would do just that – look after the whole child around the clock. We call it the Total Care Education System®. It’s a study environment where the academic program, the staff and the facilities are fully integrated as one – all geared towards helping students achieve success and give parents peace of mind.
After almost 40 years, we are proud of how well our Total Care approach works. Our students are most successful in getting admitted to some of the world’s best universities and receiving admission scholarships. Our consistent, proven track record has gained the confidence among parents from over 100 countries.
But most important to me, it’s how the students have achieved success: in a supportive environment, one where they can study in health, safety and happiness and where their parents can be fully confident that they are being cared for.
Columbia International College can make the difference in how your child can go higher with their future: positively building their character and helping them to be responsible, global citizens. Through our brochure and website, you can learn more about how Total Care Education System provides peace of mind for parents and fosters success for students.
If you have any questions about our approach, please reach out to me personally at [email protected].
Why did you want to become a teacher?
My love for children draws me to this profession and my passion for making a difference in children's lives.
How long have you been a teacher?
19 years, and I have been working at the Giles School since May 1992.
Where were you teaching before joining the Giles School?
Saint Joseph De L'Apparition in Lebanon
How many Languages do you speak? And what are they?
Arabic, French, English.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I'm afraid of birds and dogs.
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
The potential of transforming lives. There's never a dull moment in my classroom.
Interests/hobbies?
Riding horses, cooking and travelling.
Do you have a pet(s)? How old is he/she? What is his/her name?
I had a pony when I was a child at my grandpa's farm. Her name was Bella.
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Focus on the journey, not the destination.
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.
Not applicable
CIC offers a wide variety of courses to enable students to meet the admission requirements for their desired university programs. https://www.cic-totalcare.com/total-care-education/total-care-learning/courses/ CIC has a Traditional approach to Curriculum. 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.
The Giles School has created a strong program that supports infinite possibilities for growth and development. Founded on the concept of early enriched learning within a bilingual setting, the academics at The Giles School challenges students with enriched standards. Students engage in a fully French immersion setting from PK to Grade 3. One-to-one French lessons for French beginners from Grades 1 to 8 are offered as part of the day tuition. Mandarin programming begins in JK. Baby yoga are integrated in the day schedule for PK to Grade 1. Students experience extensive field trips and benefit from artists in residence. Coupled with intense expectations, the Giles Community is committed to the whole child. Love and individualized attention ensures the well-being and success of each student. We aim to awaken the mind, quicken the spirit and stir the heart. Students in Grade 4 through 8 also take a weekly leadership course focusing on character education, the ideals of the United Nation and service learning.
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.
Information not available
Students engage in hands on learning while using the Singapore Math program as a resource throughout their course work at The Giles School. The Mathematics Program is particularly rigorous as we set expectations typically two grades ahead of the provincial norms. Students apply measurement and data units, in particular within projects. All students present their own Science Fair projects which demonstrate many math applications, as well. Students also participate in Maths competition every year.
At the Giles School, all students work with the Singapore math textbooks and workbooks to support the accelerated curriculum,
Students are used often to check manual calculations.
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.
Information not available
Students in pre-kindergarten focus on letters, sounds and simple words. By JK and SK, students focus on reading and writing sentences, and in Grade 1 students read French paragraphs and short stories. New French learners focus on words and sentences at first - and then move to reading short paragraphs and stories after they have mastered basic vocabulary and French conjugation.
No
We use the Canadian Test of Basic Skills annually.
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Equal Balance
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 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.
Information not available
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Equal Balance
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.
Information not available
Information not available
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.
Information not available
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Information not available
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
Information not available
Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
Information not available
We offer photography, and older grades produce their own podcasts which are broadcasted every month.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Information not available
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
The school focuses on teaching dominant movement patterns that students master so they can apply in competitive and recreational athletics.
Play-based
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
As a French immersion school, The Giles School introduces French as the core language in preschool (age 2). Children learn French through playful interaction involving stories, games, songs and other stimulating activities. A safe, intimate and nurturing classroom environment encourages children to take risks when speaking French and students’ efforts are consistently motivated by patient, positive reinforcement.
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).
Information not available
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.
The Giles School is built on a foundation that supports being international, innovative and inclusive. Students and staff come from many different backgrounds and by working in a small classroom setting, they are able to have a supportive learning experience where the teacher is in regular contact with the students and his or her work. We survey our students, staff and parents each year to be sure we are making a difference in their lives. We believe to be "World Ready", we must provide a wealth of experiences that includes a context for planning and implementing service learning projects. In this way we are both rigorous and supportive.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"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.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
The Giles School offers a special leadership program that focuses on the multiculturalism, character education and service learning. Given our school aims to support a French and English bilingual culture, it is important to pay attention to cultures internationally. Service learning, therefore, is where character is applied at the school, local and global levels. The Giles Leadership course aims to prepare young people for success in high school, college, work and life. Students work with The Leader in Me text book, resources that will serve them throughout their lives.
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
0%
0%
$0
$0
86%
100%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
No
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Students who are pursuing OSSD and post-secondary education.
We offer open admissions because we believe every child can excel in our nurturing educational community.
Students are asked to submit their transcripts from their previous school with their application form.
The Giles School adheres to a first-come, first-served admissions philosophy.
We do not pre-screen children entering our school from the Pre-K level through Grade 1 on the basis of standardized tests or any other form of evaluation. We believe that when children in the early years are placed in a highly stimulating academic environment infused throughout with strong emotional sustenance, they will thrive, regardless of their initial aptitudes. Students who wish to transfer to The Giles School from Grade 2 on, will be assessed on their French proficiency level. One-to-one lessons may be added to support new French learners. Our goal is to ensure that every student who enters The Giles School programme will learn consistently and with confidence, achieving the same level of excellent fluency as his/her peers.
