361 - 365 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3C2, Canada
1293 Meredith Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, L5E 2E6, Canada
5,776.6 km
5,697.4 km
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1962
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200
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Preschool to 7
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Coed
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Day
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English, French
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Academic
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Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
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12 to 22
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Accelerated curriculum
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$12,130 to $30,180
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Yes
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0%
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None
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$28,000
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18
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0%
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100%
information not available
information not available
information not available
information not available
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Rolling
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Not available
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Yes: grades 6 - 7
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Yes: grades 6 - 7
"TFS - Canada's International School is the only full-continuum International Baccalaureate world school for French and English in Canada. Co-educational, bilingual and internationally minded since 1962, TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework established by the IB programs, leading to the French National Brevet diploma, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the Advanced Bilingual IB Diploma. With campuses in Toronto and Mississauga, TFS is home to more than 1,500 students."
"TFS is celebrated for its academic excellence. Our rigorous curriculum combines the best of France and Ontario’s educational systems, delivered through the esteemed framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. This unparalleled approach ensures that TFS students receive a challenging, diverse and enriching education, empowering them to excel in their chosen areas of study at leading universities worldwide.
- Only bilingual full-continuum International Baccalaureate world school in Canada.
- Families and staff from 40+ countries worldwide.
- Exciting opportunities for trips and exchanges both local and international in scope.
- Opportunity to learn and excel in a third and sometimes even fourth language."
"At TFS, we don't view our offerings as tradeoffs but rather as the necessary architecture to deliver an unparalleled, truly bilingual education. To serve families with the depth and flexibility they deserve, we have built a school that is arguably more complex than others.
This complexity arises from integrating three distinct curricula—French Ministry, Ontario Ministry, and the IB Diploma—across two campuses, beginning with an Early Childhood Education-based Kindergarten. This foundation is designed to maximize student potential, but it creates complexity on our back end.
The result for our families, however, is seamless. Through continuous, transparent communication and a clear focus on the student journey, our community fully understands and navigates our school’s design. We manage the complexity so that their experience is one of clarity, support, and exceptional education, not confusion."
"Established as the Toronto French School in 1962, TFS was the first French immersion school in all of Canada. What began as a small school in the basement of our founders’ home with six students, quickly grew into a flourishing academic institution across numerous branches. After 10 years TFS had 600 students, and today it stands as the largest independent school in the country, educating more than 1,500 students across two campuses.
Founders Anna and Harry Giles were visionaries, recognizing the inherent value of bilingual education. In the 1960s a child could only attend a French school if they came from a French family. The Giles wanted a comprehensive language education for their children and when they couldn’t find what they were looking for, they built it.
In the early 1970s, TFS secured a building of its own and that structure, now home to La p’tite école, was the beginning of our stunning, 34-acre Toronto campus. Our West Campus in Mississauga also took shape in the 1970s."
"While TFS embraces a diversity of learners and, as such, there is no “ideal student," a successful TFS student is someone who thrives in a bilingual and academically rigorous environment, embracing the challenges of mastering multiple languages. They are curious, adaptable and globally minded, valuing cultural diversity and the international ethos of the school.
Demonstrating respect for themselves and others, our students are well-rounded and open to actively participating in curricular and co-curricular activities such as arts, athletics, STEAM, service and leadership. Supported by dedicated staff, TFS students balance rigorous academics with a wide variety of opportunities. Both students and their families should align with and support TFS’s vision, mission and values, which guide all aspects of the school."
"TFS students want to learn French, they’re excited about learning in general, and they are active participants in our community. Families who are looking for a multicultural experience will find it at TFS, and they should expect to see diversity come to life in all TFS classrooms. All students can thrive at TFS if they are willing and eager to engage in the opportunities presented to them."
"Families choose TFS for its unique blend of academic excellence, bilingual education and a strong emphasis on global citizenship. The school’s integration of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a focus on STEAM subjects provide robust academic opportunities, while its commitment to diversity reflects the multicultural fabric of Toronto and the surrounding areas.
Families are also drawn to the close-knit community and experienced faculty who come to TFS from around the Francophone world. TFS graduates are extremely well-prepared for postsecondary studies, attending esteemed universities both across Canada and abroad. Graduates draw upon their language skills in their studies and careers.
Elite athletes choose TFS knowing they’ll be well supported in their studies while balancing rigorous training schedules. The school supports all types of learners providing them with the resources they need to thrive."
"TFS is widely recognized as an independent French immersion school known for academic excellence, bilingual education and a commitment to global citizenship. Many families, however, might not realize that students do not require a background in French to attend TFS. 90 per cent of students come to TFS without any prior exposure to the French language. Students who are immersed in our program absorb everything within the classrooms and on the school yard and find themselves speaking French fluently.
TFS also has many non-French speaking students who join the school each year up to and including Grade 7. These students participate in anIntroductory French program that spans one year before being integrated into regular classes. The program provides students with a solid foundation in French while following the regular curriculum, meaning students are learning all the required subjects while gaining language skills."
"Families are sometimes surprised and delighted by our rich STEAM programming. Design thinking and problem solving are emphasized across all grades and on both campuses, with robotics, math and other STEAM-related projects integrated into class work and offered as co-curricular clubs and events. Educating digital citizens who are equipped to tackle the future of technology and innovation is an important part of the TFS mandate. All students at the Junior School and West Campus are being taught STEAM concepts by a dedicated Technology and Design teacher with a goal of building upon the growing success of our MYP Tech & Design program, mapping digital skills and concepts backwards into the Primary Years Program.
Many TFS graduates enter into postsecondary programs such as engineering, life sciences, health sciences, medicine and always an impressive number of graduates who are accepted into the direct entrance medicine program in Ireland."
"Families are often surprised to find that when they join TFS, they’re joining a close-knit community where lifelong friendships are made. Despite our school being quite large in size, our community is incredibly welcoming. TFS fosters an intimate environment where teachers and administrators know students by name and strong connections are formed within each branch and across campuses.
While many of our teachers come from all over the world and bring with them a wealth of experiences and interests, we also have an equal number of teachers who have made TFS their home for decades, providing continuity between generations.
Joining TFS means joining a supportive, inclusive community where both students and their families feel like they’re at home. Our school provides a sense of belonging that extends far beyond academics. TFS has an active and engaged Parents’ Association and all families are welcome to participate in our vibrant community events and traditions."
"Student mental health and wellness are top of mind at TFS, with a school-wide emphasis on a holistic approach to academic, social, and emotional well-being and success. The school is changing the paradigm around learning support to ensure every student has access to what they need to be successful. We continue to focus on supporting all types of learners and ensuring all students feel safe, successful and at home at TFS. We provide an extensive support system, with guidance counsellors, learning specialists, social workers and a university counselling team. Teachers, students and parents collaborate closely to ensure each student’s success."
"Two new additions at TFS will soon reshape the school’s campuses, transforming students’ learning experiences and benefiting the entire community. A total of 4,658 m2 (50,137 sq. ft.) of space will be added to our campuses, positioning the buildings as drivers of TFS’ unique educational program, developing our students not only as learners, but also as individuals and citizens.
With spaces dedicated to academics and athletics, arts and sciences, new technologies and innovation, L’Atelier at the Toronto Campus and the athletic wing at the West Campus will embrace every aspect of what young learners need to thrive and develop into well-rounded students. Designed to ignite innovative ways of teaching and learning, the buildings will also provide the best learning environments to nurture our students’ well-being — spaces where the joy of learning and being together can shine.
While TFS has evolved over the years and continues to evolve, its core values remain the same."