4600 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9A 1A5, Canada
2330 Cypress Bowl Lane, West Vancouver, British Columbia, V7S 3H9, Canada
1989
1993
480
1030
JK to 12
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
20 to 22
14 to 22
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$30,995 to $34,500
$26,850 to $30,290
No
Yes
0%
5%
None
7 to 12
$0
$15,000
32
64
0%
0%
100%
18%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Preschool, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 11
No
No
“Our school community is open, caring, and kind,” says Director of Advancement Hallie McClelland, who helps with community engagement.
“It’s an academically rigorous school, yet the demands are tempered by a strong
commitment to individualized instruction, academic support, and student well-being.”
“The teachers take the time to understand your child as an individual and translate that into programming, or simply connecting with them in a way that makes them feel so empowered and cared for,” says one parent of a Junior School student.
Read The Our Kids Review of Kingsway College School
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Neil deGrasse Tyson has said, "imagine how different the world would be, if, in fact, that were 'reading, writing, arithmetic, empathy.'" Kingsway College School, offering Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, poses the same question and has worked to augment a strong academic program with cross-curricular attention to values. Derek Logan, the head of school, notes that a goal is to teach students to "lead with vision and humility." The attention to values, and providing opportunities for social development, in addition to a sense of mastery with core skills, is a strength of the school. The ideal student is one who is able to thrive in an active, academically challenging environment.
View full reportMulgrave was founded in 1993 on the grounds of the West Vancouver Montessori School, and has grown exponentially since then due to the strength of the program and the school’s earned reputation. Today Mulgrave is home to just over 900 students from pre-school through grade 12, housed within a 150,000 sq. ft. building that includes substantial upgrades completed with the senior school expansion in 2015. The school operates a centre for educational innovation, a clear expression of the administration’s desire to be a model to others, and to continue to evaluate and grow the programs the school offers. So, there's a lot going on, largely driven, as it was at the start, by the members of the community the school serves. The school rightly prides itself on maintaining a close, community feel throughout, while offering a strong academic foundation through the International Baccalaureate and an overall dedication to delivering the curriculum through a global lens. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a vibrant, challenging yet supportive academic environment.
View full report
"There is a strong emphasis on self-directed learning that extends beyond the core curriculum."
BRAD MCCAMUS - Parent (Feb 28, 2024)
Both of our kids love the culture of KCS and the faculty and staff. Each year has been outstanding ...
View full review
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"At KCS, students develop the Habits that matter most for success in life. Through our distinct Four Doors to Learning Program, our students explore and grow as learners, artists, athletes, and citizens. Every student is challenged to examine all aspects of school life, to take responsible risks and uncover a wealth of talents, interests, and passions throughout their journey. Our goal is to provide environments where a student’s wellness is supported as they become lifelong learners who are good people."
"Mulgrave is a gender-inclusive, non-secular Pre-K to Grade 12 IB World School nestled in the forested slopes of West Vancouver. We inspire students to be self-motivated critical thinkers, young leaders, and active, responsible citizens in a global community. Mulgrave offers a wide range of enrichment activities in athletics, outdoor education, service and leadership, and the arts. Our students, diverse yet united in their values, support and care for one another as they strive to achieve their personal best."
"Kingsway College School differentiates itself through its focus on wellness, enriched curriculum and personalized learning approach, innovative teaching methods including place-based, project based, and experiential, and supportive community. By combining these distinctive features, KCS delivers an unparalleled educational experience that inspires students to reach their ultimate potential."
"Why Mulgrave? can be answered in so many ways - each as unique as our students themselves. A few of the most cited reasons include: outstanding individual care and attention and focus on wellbeing; development of an individual’s character, personal skills, and qualities, and values; balanced programme of the arts, athletics, outdoor education, and service learning alongside academics; world-renowned IB programmes; highly skilled teaching faculty; and our diverse and engaged community."
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"Families choose KCS because of our good reputation in the community and within the independent school system; the people - our amazing teachers, staff, and leadership; our location in west Toronto, the school is co-ed; our innovative, individualized and progressive learning environment (project-based, place-based and experiential sprinkled with traditional learning with tests, exams, homework and our distinctive Four Doors Learning Program and Three School rules: Respect, Manners, Try Your Best"
"Families come to visit our campus and describe the feeling as 'Mulgrave magic'. Our campus is beautiful and our location is spectacular, but it is our warm and inviting community of learners, teachers, and families that contribute to something truly special. Mulgrave students are encouraged to be their personal best, to be allies and advocates, and to follow their passions. While the IB programme offers academic rigour, we hold student wellbeing at the heart of our purpose."
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"Although KCS is well known in the local community, the emphasis on experiential learning and providing learning opportunities outside the classroom may not be so obvious. Hands-on experiences, field trips, place and project-based learning opportunities are integrated throughout the curriculum, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. KCS is committed to providing an engaging and relevant education that goes beyond traditional classroom learning."
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"New families often say their experience exceeded their initial expectations. The level of dedication and care that the teachers show in their interactions with students goes above and beyond . KCS teachers are extremely empathetic and caring people who genuinely care about the success and well-being of every child. Families are also surprised by the variety of the extracurricular activities, scope of the place-based and project-based learning taking place and the enrichment opportunities."
"Families new to Mulgrave come to quickly appreciate the openness and community at Mulgrave. It may be cliche to say we're family, but it's true! We delight in having parents, grandparents, and loved ones volunteer at our school. Teachers and leaders are approachable and happy to engage with families in partnership in their child's education. Parents and caregivers chat in parking lots and enjoy a cup of coffee together at drop-off. Students connect across grade levels in support of one another."
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It is said that learning is an end in itself. That may be. Our belief is that learning is inextricably a part of life. Strangely, this belief makes us different from other schools. Our faith in this idea makes Kingsway College School a place of joy, respect, fulfillment and... superior individual development.
The children who graduate from Kingsway College School leave knowing what matters in life. They know how to lead with vision and humility. Though they may go on to excel in specialized areas, they have the advantage of beginning as generalists. They have avid appetites for life’s experiences. And, they have the surety to dive into their future comfortable in themselves and their abilities. Our children (your children!) are ethical, responsible, concerned. They are exceptionally sound of mind, body and spirit.
One hundred percent of KCS students graduate with more than sufficient academic standing to go on to the schools of their hearts’ desire.
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Progressive
International Baccalaureate
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.
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.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
We know every child is unique. The KCS curriculum is carefully designed by teachers so that it prepares, inspires and challenges each of our students every day. Core skills are taught through direct instruction, often in small groups. Ample time is also dedicated to developing the KCS Habits of Mind, Body and Action through project-based learning, school-wide student leadership, hands-on creation, field trips, student-initiated learning and much more. Our Senior School builds on the foundation of the Junior School with an enriched experiential program that includes regular student engagement with external experts, regular offsite learning, and an introduction to entrepreneurship. The Senior School also offers a unique program called 'Path' every Wednesday afternoon where students are challenged to independently pursue learning in an area of interest. A Faculty Advisor will support students in developing as independent, resourceful learners and an external Mentor with expertise in the student’s chosen area will support them in this pursuit.
At Mulgrave, our vision for learning is informed by our school's aims and values and is encapsulated within our learning model. We truly want students’ learning at Mulgrave to be personalised and very special. We want our students... to enjoy and be passionate about learning throughout their school career and beyond. to understand themselves and how they learn and be genuinely active and reflective in the learning process. to be increasingly independent in their learning whilst being able to collaborate and be genuine co-constructors of knowledge and understanding. to be confident, connected and informed digital citizens and self-directed, enquirers, and risk takers. to be creative and innovative in the way they work and think. to be supported, challenged and cared for by their teachers and each other.
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.
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Balanced Literacy
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
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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DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
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.
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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Not applicable
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.
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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
Not applicable
Equal Balance
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Expanding Communities
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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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.
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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Students at Kingsway College School receive regular physical education instruction. The focus is on learning and practicing the fundamental movement skills necessary to participate in a wide variety of physical activities and sports. We also focus on physical literacy to nurture the motivation, confidence, and physical competence required to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. We help our students along this important journey with our physical and health education program in conjunction with our extensive extracurricular program.
Physical education is combined with health education to provide students with a wealth of opportunities to establish good habits.
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.
The KCS Early Learning Program includes junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten. Much of the program is Reggio-inspired and emergent, and evolves based on the students’ demonstrated interests and areas for growth. Some direct instruction is also introduced as children become ready, including the introduction of printing with the Handwriting Without Tears program, as well as reading with Reading Mastery. Ample time to socialize, create, and play in our award-winning Outdoor Classroom makes for a rich and healthy day of learning.
Our approach to preschool and Kindergarten is in alignment with our approach to learning at all grade levels. Our IB curriculum extends into our PK3 and PK4 programmes and provides students with a strong inquiry-based foundation that sparks their curiosity and kicks off their journeys as life-long learners. While we generally classify our preschool as 'play-based' and Kindergarten as 'academic', in reality, we provide a balance of both, believing in each child's capacity to explore their potential in literacy and numeracy, as well as the importance of learning from the daily interactions they have with their natural and social surroundings.
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).
While the general pace of the program is steady, adjustments are made as needed for individual students. In addition, our Super Skills and Workshop programs, from grades 1-8, offer small-group dedicated instruction in reading and math.
We offer standard- and higher-level IB diploma courses, Mandarin language streams for native and non-native speakers, and online courses. As well, we have well-staffed learning support centres that serve as resources for our teachers as they work to provide differentiated and personalised instruction for all our students.
Rigorous
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 “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 want our students' learning to be experiential, relevant and authentic. All this so that they can achieve their personal best and, more importantly, take with them skills and qualities to live better lives as lifelong learners and stewards of our world. We want our students to have high expectations for themselves, and we provide the support they need to achieve their dreams.
"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.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
We recognise that learning happens through the holistic educational experience of our students through the IB academic programmes of the formal curriculum, through the enormous range of curriculum enrichment that happens through co-curricular and other programmes and through what our students experience at home and outside school. We regard a Mulgrave education as an important part of their total education.
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
7 - 12
0%
5%
$0
$15,000
100%
18%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Preschool, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 11
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 1 - 11
No
Yes: grades 7 - 11
No
No
Mulgrave looks for students who will profit from its enriched programme and who will be able to contribute their own special talents, abilities, imagination, and curiosity to the school community.
If you wish to apply, please navigate to the Admissions portion of our website at https://www.kcs.on.ca/admissions/apply-to-kcs then complete and submit the application form.
To learn more about our application process (which varies by grade), please visit our website here.