3650 Platinum Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 0Y7, Canada
1030 Eighth Line, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 2H1, Canada
5,705.0 km
5,701.9 km
1989
1998
500
4300
JK to 12
Nursery/Toddler to SK
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Traditional
14
Varies
Dedicated gifted school
$12,740 to $15,000
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
33
1,075
0%
0%
100%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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information not available
information not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Sherwood Heights intends to give students a strong foundation for further study, granted through a traditional, content-based academic program. Expectations are clear and explicit, including a demonstrable facility with the core curriculum and the development of watertight study habits. For many families that culture—one in which social currency is gained through academics—is a primary draw. Extra-curricular programs augment the core areas of instruction. The ideal student is one who is academically inclined, operating at the top of their peer group, and looking for an environment that prizes all of that.
View full reportCEFA (Core Education & Fine Arts) is dedicated to giving children the best possible start, both academically and emotionally, through purposeful play and inspired learning. Founded in 1998 by early childhood education expert Natacha Beim, CEFA is a pioneering early learning school for children ages 1–6. With over 50 campuses nationwide, including four in Ontario, CEFA blends academics, fine arts, mindfulness, and play within its award-winning Enriched Curriculum. Their work is grounded in Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles and informed by modern neuroscience. The four learning pillars—Innovators, Masterminds, Creators, and Changemakers—emphasize literacy, numeracy, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Its dual-teacher model ensures individualized attention and responsive learning, while CEFA-certified educators receive ongoing professional training through CEFA Academy. Designed for curious and expressive children, classrooms strike a balance between freedom and structure, nurturing independence, empathy, and a love of discovery. Families choose CEFA for its intentional approach, warm community, and transparent communication.
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"Sherwood Heights School is a leading private school in Mississauga, offering a comprehensive K–12 programme. Motivated students thrive in a structured and supportive environment where small class sizes allow experienced teachers to provide individualized attention that builds strong academic foundations and fosters confidence, knowledge, and excellence. In the elementary years, students develop essential skills in literacy, mathematics, and critical thinking through a rigorous, mastery-based approach that emphasizes problem-solving and clear communication. Learning is supported by both targeted academic support and enrichment, alongside French, science and technology, and integrated computer and business studies. A variety of clubs, events, and competitions further extend learning beyond the classroom. As students progress through middle and high school, they benefit from specialized academic pathways, leadership development, and diverse co-curricular opportunities. With a proven record of admission to competitive university programmes, Sherwood Heights provides a clear pathway to future success."
"Founded in 1998, CEFA (Core Education & Fine Arts) is Canada’s leading private early learning school for children ages 1–6. With 50+ schools nationwide and 25 years of experience, CEFA offers a unique curriculum that blends academics, fine arts, mindfulness, and play to nurture each child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. • Canada’s leading early learning school (ages 1–6) • 25+ years of experience and 50+ schools nationwide • Award-winning curriculum blending academics and arts • Focused on curios"
"At Sherwood Heights, we combine academic rigour with personal attention, balancing traditional instruction with purposeful innovation. We emphasize mastery of core subjects through clear expectations and consistent daily practice, while integrating technology across the curriculum to build confidence and digital fluency. Our Careers-in-Focus and enrichment initiatives connect classroom learning to real-world applications, inspiring students to see purpose in their studies. Families consistently note that our blend of structure, enrichment, and warmth is what truly sets Sherwood Heights apart."
"CEFA’s Enriched Curriculum combines the best of Montessori and Reggio Emilia methodologies, enhanced by modern neuroscience and CEFA’s own proprietary innovations. Our four curriculum pillars—CEFA Innovators, CEFA Masterminds, CEFA Creators, and CEFA Changemakers—integrate literacy, numeracy, STEM, fine arts, and social-emotional learning into one seamless experience.
Our dual-teacher model is one of CEFA’s strongest distinctions: one teacher facilitates guided lessons while the other observes and adapts to each child’s unique interests and developmental stage . This ensures personalized, meaningful learning that builds curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. CEFA-certified educators undergo continuous professional development through CEFA Academy, ensuring consistent excellence across all classrooms."
"At Sherwood Heights, our commitment to a strong academic foundation means we prioritize depth over breadth, focusing on the essentials—language, mathematics, science, and critical thinking—rather than following fleeting educational trends. This deliberate approach ensures that students build lasting knowledge and disciplined study habits. While our structured and rigorous environment may not suit families seeking a fully self-paced or alternative style of learning, our students thrive when they embrace high expectations, consistency, and personal accountability."
"To maintain the highest quality of early learning, our priority is to invest in exceptional educators, small class sizes, and a thoughtfully designed curriculum that blends academics, fine arts, mindfulness, and play. These choices ensure each child receives meaningful, individualized learning experiences every day.
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to invite hands-on exploration and sensory experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Consistent routines and gentle transitions create a sense of safety and belonging, allowing children to feel confident and thrive in their learning environment.
Every decision we make is guided by purpose and care—to uphold the high standards families expect from CEFA and to give every child the very best start in life."
"Founded in 1989, Sherwood Heights began as a small, independent elementary school and has since grown into a thriving institution with two campuses serving students from Preschool to Grade 12. Over more than three decades, we have expanded our facilities, introduced new academic streams, and enriched our extracurricular programmes to support well-rounded student growth. Our high school facility features modern innovation labs, state-of-the-art science and art studios, and collaborative learning spaces that reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a forward-looking, dynamic education for every student."
"CEFA was founded by Natacha Veronika Beim, an authority in Early Childhood Education. After beginning her career as an elementary school teacher specializing in European junior kindergarten, she recognized the lifelong benefits of early stimulation and holistic learning. She returned to Canada with the vision of creating a program that unites academics, creativity, and empathy—a curriculum that would be recognized worldwide for its innovation.
CEFA’s expansion into Ontario marked a defining milestone, aligning its enriched, research-based program with the province’s “How Does Learning Happen?” framework while preserving its child-centered philosophy. Over time, CEFA has continued to evolve—introducing programs such as early coding, yoga, and mindfulness, ensuring our approach remains modern, research-based, and relevant to today’s learners."
"Students who thrive at Sherwood Heights are motivated learners who embrace challenge and structure. They approach their studies with curiosity, responsibility, and a genuine desire to achieve their personal best. Within our supportive and disciplined environment, they learn that effort, respect, and achievement go hand in hand. At Sherwood Heights, students value a culture where academic excellence is celebrated alongside creativity, leadership, and good citizenship—preparing them to succeed with confidence both in school and beyond."
"CEFA is perfect for children aged 1- 6 and who are curious, expressive, and eager to explore. Our students thrive in environments that balance freedom and structure, where play is purposeful and every activity nurtures creativity and confidence.
Families who value open communication, predictable routines, and holistic education—those who see early learning as a foundation for lifelong growth—are a wonderful fit for our community."
"Sherwood Heights offers a structured and academically focused environment that may not align with families seeking a highly flexible or alternative approach to education. Our programme is designed for students who respond well to clear expectations and steady academic challenge. While we provide individual attention and support, the pace may feel demanding for those who require extensive accommodations. Our priority is always each child’s success and well-being, and we work closely with families to ensure that Sherwood Heights is the right environment for their child to truly flourish."
"CEFA may not suit families seeking daycare or highly flexible timings. Our structured daily schedule ensure children benefit from the full rhythm of our program. Likewise, families looking solely for care, rather than an educational experience, may find CEFA’s enriched, academically aligned model more comprehensive than they need."
"Families choose Sherwood Heights for its rigorous academics, individualized attention, and welcoming school environment that fosters meaningful connections among students and teachers. They value our proven results—graduates who consistently earn admission to competitive university programmes—and the personal care that defines everyday life at our school. With a strong reputation for academic excellence, dedicated teaching, and small class sizes, Sherwood Heights continues to attract families who seek a nurturing and achievement-oriented education for their children."
"Families choose CEFA because they value an early learning experience that is both enriching and intentional. Our proprietary curriculum integrates academics, fine arts, mindfulness, and play—creating a balanced foundation for each child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
Parents appreciate our CEFA-Certified Teachers, whose training and dedication ensure that every moment in the classroom is purposeful and nurturing. They also value the close partnership we maintain with families through daily communication, Kindertales updates, and progress portfolios that celebrate each child’s growth and milestones.
At CEFA, families see the difference in how their children learn, connect, and thrive—gaining the skills and confidence that inspire a lifelong love of learning."
"Sherwood Heights is widely recognized within the community as one of Mississauga’s leading private schools, known for combining high academic standards with a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Our reputation is built on exceptional student achievement, the professionalism and dedication of our staff, and the strong character of our students, who embody the school’s core values of integrity, effort, and kindness in all that they do."
"CEFA has built a strong reputation within each community we serve through consistency, quality, and genuine care for families. Parents often describe our schools as warm, professional, and thoughtfully structured—places where children feel supported and inspired to learn.
Our commitment to exceptional educators, an enriched curriculum, and open communication has earned the trust of families and partners alike. We’re proud that most new families come to CEFA through word of mouth, a reflection of the confidence and satisfaction our communities share."
"Families are often pleasantly surprised by the warmth and personal connection that define life at Sherwood Heights. Behind every academic success is a dedicated teacher who notices the small details, offering encouragement, guidance, and mentorship along the way. This genuine focus on relationships—built on care, respect, and support—is one of the school’s greatest strengths, shaping an environment where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to do their best."
"One of CEFA’s most underrecognized strengths is the intentionality behind play. Every moment of fun—whether a game, art project, or song—is carefully designed to support developmental milestones like literacy, reasoning, and emotional intelligence .
Our dual-teacher system and continuous professional training ensure that play always has purpose. Exploration becomes learning; curiosity becomes confidence."
"Many new families are pleasantly surprised by the advanced level of study at Sherwood Heights, even in the early grades, and by how quickly students rise to meet those challenges with confidence. They also appreciate the wide range of opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, including clubs, robotics, music, athletics, and leadership activities, all of which help students develop a balanced set of skills and discover their individual strengths and interests."
"Many families are amazed by how much their children learn through play. CEFA students begin reading, reasoning, and problem-solving through storytelling, art, and project-based exploration.
Parents are often surprised by their child’s independence and emotional maturity. CEFA students set goals, express themselves thoughtfully, and develop leadership and empathy even before kindergarten."
"In recent years, Sherwood Heights has enhanced every aspect of the student experience. Our high school facilities now feature modern innovation and science labs, dedicated art and music studios, and a bright, open atrium that inspires collaboration and creativity. We have modernized our technology infrastructure to ensure students learn in a secure and connected environment, while expanding our curriculum to include leadership development, French at all levels, and integrated computer and business studies. In addition, we continue to grow our extracurricular offerings, helping students discover their passions, build teamwork skills, and develop strong character."
"At CEFA, we continue to enhance the experience for both families and children. Our Kindertales platform now supports a more seamless and connected journey for new parents, offering clear communication and meaningful daily updates that strengthen the home–school connection.
We are continuously refining our curriculum to reflect the latest research in early learning, ensuring that every element—from academics to fine arts, mindfulness, and play—remains purposeful and enriching. Our teachers receive ongoing professional development through the newly launched CEFA Academy and are certified in the CEFA Methodology, ensuring consistent excellence across all classrooms. Regular workshops and collaborative training sessions further support educators in providing the very best learning environment for every child."
"Looking ahead, Sherwood Heights will continue to expand its facilities and programmes to meet the evolving needs of students. We plan to introduce advanced academic pathways, strengthen partnerships with universities and community organizations, and integrate new technologies that promote creative, critical, and collaborative learning. As we grow, our mission remains the same—to prepare students for success in university and beyond, guided by the enduring values of confidence, knowledge, and excellence that define the Sherwood Heights experience."
"In the coming years, CEFA will continue to grow thoughtfully across Ontario, bringing our enriched early learning experience to more families and communities. Every new school will uphold CEFA’s commitment to quality, care, and excellence in early education.
We are also exploring new ways to enhance learning through interactive experiences, language enrichment, and the purposeful use of technology—all designed to complement our curriculum and deepen children’s engagement. Each initiative is guided by CEFA’s philosophy of learning through curiosity, creativity, and connection.
At the same time, we’re expanding professional development through CEFA Academy to ensure our educators remain leaders in early learning practice. As CEFA evolves, our purpose remains unchanged: to nurture confident, compassionate learners and to provide families with an exceptional foundation for their child’s lifelong love of learning."
I am forever bursting with gratification over what our students and faculty are able to achieve. The multitude of accomplishments are varied and far-reaching, and make our school environment exciting, rewarding, engaging, and satisfying. We are relentlessly working towards one theme, and that is ‘Making It Happen’. Students ‘make it happen’ as they are fully engaged in a wonderful array of exhilarating events, clubs, competitions, tournaments, festivals, and fairs. Guided by their teachers, students are fully immersed in their pursuit to do their best and learn from their experiences. The children participate in a wide array of stimulating activities which include the Science Fairs, Math Competitions, Public Speaking Competitions, Music Festivals, Spelling Bees, Shows, Sports Tournaments, and much more. Also, the clubs are a big hit with the students and serve to broaden their horizons. From the Leadership Club to the Chess Champions Club, students stir in the hallways with anticipation and excitement. The activities are many and students from every section of the school participate in large numbers and with tremendous success. It is truly amazing. Thank you to our faculty who are an essential element in the ‘making it happen’ theme. Our teachers provide wise guidance as they nurture, support, and motivate our students. They have made a name for themselves as very special committed individuals with great qualities and stamina! As time races ahead, year after year, “Together, We Make It Happen!”
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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.
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Sherwood Heights follows an enriched and well-rounded curriculum for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the basic subjects of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, French, and computers; and addresses the importance of music, the arts, and physical fitness.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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A traditional, comprehensive, challenging and modernized math programme.
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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.
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The kindergarten programme is academic based, well balanced, comprehensive and instills a love of learning.
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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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Phonics, handwriting, spelling, grammar concepts, reading and reading comprehension are important components of our writing programme.
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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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Rigorous science programme.
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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
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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.
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Reading and reading comprehension, novel studies and various literature programmes are all offered.
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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
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Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
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Teaching history and geography from the beginning with an international approach from a Canadian perspective.
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Rigorous history and geography programme based on the Ministry of Education guidelines.
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These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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An academic balanced approach.
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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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These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Fine arts is an important part of our curriculum.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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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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A constructivist, collaborative approach to teaching and integrating technology.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Learning the rules of the game and good sportsmanship are important. House league teams, sports teams, intramural sports.
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Academic
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.
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.
The kindergarten programme is academic based, well balanced, comprehensive and instills a love of learning. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of reading, writing, mathematics, social science and French. Students will also expand their language skills through conversation, word activities, stories, audio and visual material, and computer software. Gross and fine motor skills and co-ordination are developed through physical and educational activities and the use of paints, crayons, clay, sand and water. Creative expression is encouraged through arts & crafts, music, and drama.
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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).
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Enriched as well as extra-help material is available to all students to meet their individual needs.
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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”.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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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
100%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
A student with a love for learning.
School Tour, Application Form, Admission Agreement, and Assessment of Student.