4099 Garrison Blvd SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2T 6G2, Canada
8569 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3M7, Canada
4099 Garrison Blvd SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2T 6G2, Canada
8569 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3M7, Canada
1966
1961
440
870
Preschool to 12
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Homestay, Day
Day
English, French
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Montessori, International Baccalaureate
Varies
Varies
Accelerated curriculum
$16,150 to $18,310
$19,100 to $32,700
Yes
Yes
5%
0%
1 to 12
Preschool to 12
$7,000
$0
28
54
0%
0%
85%
0%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - K
Yes
No
Yes
information not available
information not available
In Canada, “lycée” most typically references a relationship with the French ministry of education, and that’s true of Lycée international de Calgary. That’s of interest to French nationals, perhaps particularly, or to families expecting to move outside of Canada—say to France, for example—prior to the end of a student’s secondary career. Indeed, when the school was established in 1966, that’s exactly the community it was intending to address, and enrolment was reserved for the children of French nationals. Times have changed, and today most families that enrol at Lycée international de Calgary don’t fall into that narrow category. Rather, they are looking for a strong language program, one that is more robust than those found in public schools. They are also looking for a curriculum that is delivered through a different lens, one that is more cognizant of the diversity of the global community, and more reflective of a student’s place within that wider world. Certainly, Lycée international de Calgary provides all of that. The ideal student is one looking for a challenge and to learn within a diverse community of peers.
View full reportTMS was founded by Helma Trass, who learned the instructional approach from Maria Montessori herself. Trass was at the leading edge of Montessori education in Canada, and the school is, today, home to one of the longest running programs of its kind in the country. The elementary program that she began remains vital today, and it retains her dedication to the core ideals of the Montessori method. With the addition of middle and high-school programs, the school grew to become one of the largest Montessori programs in North America. The rebranding, from the initial Toronto Montessori Schools, to the acronym TMS, was adopted along with the growth of the school into the upper Grades. While the program is continuous, it is divided between two campuses, with preschool through Grade 6 taught at the Bayview campus, and Grades 7 through 12 at the Elgin Mills campus, which was opened in 2009. That campus is also home to the IB program, one that further extends an already impressive breadth of instruction.
View full report
"...our children have so much more confidence in their work. The positive energy and encouragement is so helpful."
Brigitte Smith - Parent (May 14, 2018)
I have to say that the class sizes really are what make our children feel comfortable, less kids mak...
View full review
"...great teachers and remarkable academic program."
Deniz Basibuyuk - Parent (May 23, 2018)
My daughter enjoyed the school environment and the size of the school allowed kids to feel like it�...
View full review
"TMS teachers nurture students’ abilities to be free-thinking, independent, passionate, and intrinsically motivated from such a young age.""
Alexandra Makos - Parent (Jul 11, 2019)
We have one child that recently completed the Toddler program, and who is moving on to Children's Ho...
View full review
"Lycée international de Calgary is a French bilingual school offering full-day programs from 3-years-old to Grade 12. It is Calgary's only school accredited by both the French Ministry of Education & Alberta Education. It provides a challenging education within a multicultural environment. Students are immersed in the French language and develop a global perspective. The French Language Intensive Program (FLIP) welcomes Grade 1-2 students with no prior exposure to French. Spanish instruction begins in Grade 6."
"Founded in 1961, TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a uniquely designed framework combining the Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. TMS operates from two beautiful campuses in Richmond Hill, Ontario with exceptional learning environments for students of all ages and stages. Our Lower School (at Bayview Avenue and Hwy 407) offers a Montessori start for students from 18 months to Grade 6. Our Upper School (at Bayview Avenue and Elgin Mills Road) is the only independent school in York Region that offers the International Baccalaureate Programme for students in Grades 7 to 12. Our co-ed student population of over 850 thrives in academics while developing the life-changing mindsets of entrepreneurial thinking, positivity, and resilience that build a foundation for Significance at university, and in life. The unique design of the TMS student journey provides a framework within which your child can say I Am Known. Get to know us at www.tmsschool.ca."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Lycée international de Calgary is led by the Head of School, Frédéric Canadas.
Mr. Canadas holds a French teaching credential, a Bachelor’s degree in Science of Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Education (teaching French as a Second Language) and a DESS (Diplômes d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées - Post-Graduate Diploma), in creating and using multimedia resources for language learning.
He has over 30 years of experience in international, bilingual and French education, including many years of practice in multicultural and multilingual environments, in 7 countries and 4 different continents. Trilingual in French, English and Spanish, he has been a speaker, trainer and workshop leader in bilingual education best practices for teachers and administrators. Before coming to Lycée international de Calgary, he was the Head of School at Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, United States, for 15 years.
Frédéric Canadas est titulaire d'un diplôme d'enseignement de l’éducation nationale française. Il possède une Licence en Sciences de l'Éducation, une Maîtrise de Français Langue Étrangère et un DESS (Master 2) de Concepteur Formateur Multimédia en Langues.
Il a plus de trente années d'expérience dans l’éducation internationale, bilingue et française, y compris plusieurs années de pratique dans des environnements multiculturels et multilingues, dans sept pays et quatre continents différents. Trilingue en français, anglais et espagnol, il a été conférencier, formateur et animateur d'ateliers sur les meilleures pratiques en matière d'éducation bilingue pour des enseignants ainsi que des Directeurs et Chefs d’établissements. Avant de se joindre à l’équipe du Lycée international de Calgary , il a dirigé l'École Bilingue de Berkeley, aux États-Unis, pendant quinze ans.
Thank you for your interest in TMS!
It is a pleasure to share with you some of the special features that give our school its unique identity and which inspire those of us who work here to give our very best to every child. Our students experience a warm and nurturing environment every single day when they walk through our doors. We are a community of caring and innovative educators and support staff, and students who continually amaze us with their artistic, academic, athletic, and linguistic prowess and their desire to grow and develop as responsible young citizens.
We appreciate that a school is more than a collection of individuals. For us, a school is a place where lasting relationships are formed, where lifelong interests and aptitudes develop, and where character is refined and shaped by exposure to a wide range of beliefs, traditions and views of the world. Finding the right school for your children is one of the most important gifts you can bestow upon them. Our students develop strong attachments to TMS, both during their time with us and after they leave us. When our graduates venture off into the world, they do so equipped with the knowledge, resilience and sound ethical framework that comes from being known and cared for deeply as individuals.
Indeed, the phrase I Am Known sums up in a few words our entire approach to educating children. From the youngest children in our Toddler program to our graduating classes in Grade 12, our students know the feeling of being supported and guided as unique individuals.
We place high value at TMS on academic rigour and our graduates are accepted at outstanding universities in Canada and abroad. Of equal importance to us, however, is that our students leave TMS not only with a broad knowledge base but with an educated heart and an internationally-minded outlook on the world.
As a leading Montessori school in Canada, we believe strongly in the world-class education that TMS teachers provide our 18 month-old to Grade 6 students. Beginning in Grade 7, we offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme which culminates in the IB Diploma Program in Grades 11 and 12. The IB is globally recognized as a rigorous and holistic curriculum which provides an outstanding preparation for university studies. Our skilled and experienced IB teachers help our students to achieve their full potential, and our IB scores are well above the world average.
During these very challenging times for all of us, TMS has continued to offer an outstanding education to our students. As we open our doors for the new school year, we will continue to do everything possible to keep our students and staff safe and well, and to promote the values that have guided our school for the past 60 years.
I invite you to contact our Enrolment Management team for much more information about our programs, people and facilities. Ask questions, explore our website, schedule a virtual visit and let us invite you to learn more about one of the leading independent schools in Ontario.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Cross
Head of School
TMS
Montessori
International Baccalaureate
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.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
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.
Lycée international de Calgary encourages students to develop an appreciation for learning while also nurturing their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical potential. We teach a core set of academic skills and offer an enriched curriculum, including the French curriculum and Spanish instruction from Grade 6 onwards. Student assessment is based primarily on testing, and an emphasis is placed on knowledge acquisition and theoretical and academic learning, with the main focus being on cultivating the intellect of our students.
Lower School - 18 months to Grade 6 Internationally Recognized Flagship Montessori Program Upper School - Grade 7 to 10 International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Grade 11 to 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) TMS students thrive in academics while developing the life-changing mindsets of entrepreneurial thinking, positivity, and resilience that build a foundation for Significance not just at university, but in life.
Not applicable
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
Not applicable
Our mathematics program provides our students with a strong knowledge and mastery of the fundamental basic skills that students are able to draw upon when faced with solving more complex problems.
Information not available
We use a combination of approved resources from France and Alberta.
Information not available
Information not available
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Our early reading program blends phonics instruction in French and English, with guided reading, and leveled literacy focusing on individual abilities and needs.
Information not available
No
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Our students benefit from a blended approach when it comes to our writing program. Students are provided with many opportunities to create authentic pieces which highlight their acquired skills and creativity.
Information not available
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.
Not applicable
Our students benefit from two curricula, the French Ministry of Education and Alberta science curricula. In primary school, the study of science focuses on units of inquiry, for example, robotics and the solar system. Starting in Grade 6, science is taught as a specialized subject, leading to biology, chemistry, and physics study in later years.
Information not available
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
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Not applicable
From Kindergarten to Grade 12, our students receive daily instruction in French and English. Our English program follows the Alberta English Language Arts curriculum which provides students with rich experiences with literacy.
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
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Starting in Grade 2, students receive formal instruction in social studies. Following the Alberta curriculum, Social Studies uses a thematic approach to expose young minds to local, national, and international issues. Our students also benefit from the French Ministry of Education curriculum which starts formal instruction in history and geography in Grade 3.
Information not available
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Not applicable
Our students benefit from studying social studies and history/geography. The combination of these subjects provides students with a strong background to draw upon while contemplating contemporary issues.
Information not available
Not applicable
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Not applicable
Our students start formal instruction in Spanish in Grade 6. This provides our students with the opportunity to develop skills in a third language. Spanish instruction focuses on the interest of teenagers and the contents follow the recommendations set out in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. ESL instruction is also offered.
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
Not applicable
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Not applicable
Our Fine Arts program provides our students with the opportunity to unleash their creativity. Formal instruction in Music and Art starts in Grade 1 and continues until Grade 9.
Information not available
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Not applicable
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Not applicable
Technology plays a role in all our programs. From the early years to high school, we promote good digital citizenship skills and the integration of technology to enhance student learning.
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Our Physical Education program blends the best of France and North America and is an integral part of our program. Students learn traditional North American and European sports. Our students benefit from our state of the art indoor climbing wall.
Information not available
Montessori
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Lycée international de Calgary offers a full-time Preschool and Kindergarten Program for children aged 3 to 5. Our program is more than a daycare: it is a passport to the world. Through games, discovery, artistic activities and a range of diverse exercises, children learn to express themselves, they acquire a broader vocabulary and discover the written word. The main goal of the Preschool/Kindergarten Program is for the child to acquire rich, organized language and to be understood by others and prepares them for the next step in their education.
TMS has garnered a reputation for creating an extraordinary learning environment. Up to Grade 6, the curriculum is based on the core premise of a Montessori education: that students need to drive their own learning. Using materials and processes that make abstract ideas concrete, students initiate their learning and can assess their own progress. This balance between the freedom and responsibility of a child produces highly competent learners who are self-reliant, self-disciplined and self-confident.
Student-paced
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.
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.
Montessori Program - Toddler to Grade 6 IB MYP and DP- Grades 7 to 12 Varies by level
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”.
TMS offers a uniquely designed framework that combines a Montessori start and International Baccalaureate (IB) finish. Our academics are rigorous and each student is "known" and supported. We deliver an accredited educational experience designed to inspire and challenge students to discover the best of who they are and to achieve their full potential.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Information not available
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."
Not applicable
Not applicable
Lycée international de Calgary provides a challenging and stimulating bilingual education within a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment. We allow students to develop the skills necessary to be responsible, dynamic citizens, capable of playing an important role in the future of the world.
At TMS every student is "Known". TMS provides an environment where students are cared for. TMS students are given a foundation to grow, to be ambitious and bold. TMS creates opportunities for children to be inspired by learning through experimentation, exploration, and self-discovery.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Badminton |
||||
Baseball |
||||
Basketball |
||||
Canoeing/Kayaking |
||||
Cricket |
||||
Cross-country skiing |
||||
Cycling |
||||
Downhill skiing |
||||
Equestrian |
||||
Fencing |
||||
Field Hockey |
||||
Figure Skating |
||||
Football |
||||
Golf |
||||
Gymnastics |
||||
Ice Hockey |
||||
Ice Skating |
||||
Lacrosse |
||||
Martial Arts |
||||
Mountain biking |
||||
Racquet Ball |
||||
Rowing |
||||
Rugby |
||||
Running |
||||
Sailing |
||||
Skateboarding |
||||
Snowboarding |
||||
Soccer |
||||
Softball |
||||
Squash |
||||
Swimming |
||||
Tennis |
||||
Track & Field |
||||
Volleyball |
||||
Weightlifting |
||||
Wrestling |
||||
Archery |
||||
Curling |
||||
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
1 - 12
Preschool - 12
5%
0%
$7,000
$0
85%
0%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - K
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes: grades 1 - 12
Yes
No
No
No
No
We conduct an informal assessment with preschool-aged children and formally test for entrance in Grade 1 and above.
All linguistic backgrounds are welcome.
No prior French exposure is needed to enroll in our Preschool and Kindergarten Programs.
Our French Language Intensive Program (FLIP) allows us to welcome new students (Grades 1 and 2) who have little or no prior exposure to the French language.
