3400 Richmond Road, Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 4P5, Canada
451 Ellesmere Road, Scarborough - Toronto, Ontario, M1R 4E5, Canada
3400 Richmond Road, Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 4P5, Canada
451 Ellesmere Road, Scarborough - Toronto, Ontario, M1R 4E5, Canada
1906
2000
1003
240
JK to 12
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Traditional
Varies
16 to 24
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$21,095 to $43,995
$9,050
$57,595 to $75,360
Yes
No
20%
0%
K to 12
None
$11,685
$0
67
22
26%
0%
0%
0%
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Mar 30, 2023
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades K - 12
Yes: grades JK - 2
No
No
information not available
information not available
The academic atmosphere at St. Michaels is supportive and progressive, beginning with a Reggio Emilia program that sets a tone of curiosity and collaboration that is carried through the upper grades. The boarding program sets the foundation for the school, establishing a community of service, involvement, and excellence not only in students’ academic life, but in their social lives and physical health as well. The program of pastoral care is broad and robust, something that derives in part from the context that the boarding program provides. The motto of one of the two founding schools is retained today: “nothing is great unless it is good.” That’s telling. Care and support are considered to be as important as challenge and excellence, and students are encouraged to engage with the entire spectrum of curricular and extra-curricular programs. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a rich, challenging, diverse academic and social atmosphere.
View full reportCharacter development and academic excellence go hand in hand at Sathya Sai School. The Ontario curriculum is integrated with the values of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and non-violence. Holistic development is a major focus: yoga, prayer, and activities that teach calmness and concentration are regularly provided. Kids thrive in an environment of ample support and compassion delivered by school staff and volunteers in partnership with a parental commitment to those same values. Sathya Sai School offers a huge range of extracurriculars and clubs, as well as service projects which help build key traits and skills such as leadership and responsibility. Kids graduate with a sensitivity to the needs of others and a strong ethical framework as well as impressive academic credentials.
View full report
"School leadership is exemplary"
Bronwyn Tulloch - Parent (Apr 06, 2018)
Our daughter started at SMUS as a boarder in Grade 11. She moved from a very large public day school...
View full review
"Our son loves SMUS. There is no single thing that makes him love it, but rather the combination of..."
Jonathan Barry - Parent (May 14, 2018)
Our son likes the quality of the students, the teachers and the professionalism of the school best. ...
View full review
"...they aim to have each student actualize their inner potential".
Enoch Wuraola - Parent (Jul 10, 2018)
Both of my children have attended St. Michaels University School as boarders: my daughter from gr. 1...
View full review
information not available
"Located in the city of Victoria, St. Michaels University School is a boarding and day school with a global reputation for academic excellence. Students from around the world are challenged by an extensive curriculum, including Canada’s most established Advanced Placement program with 25 courses and the AP Capstone Diploma. Intellectual stimulation combined with exceptional values-based athletics, arts and leadership programs make SMUS a school that inspires excellence in all students while preparing them for life."
"The Sathya Sai School is training future leaders in our community. We offer the Ministry of Ontario Curriculum integrated with a Human Values-based character education program for students from JK to Grade 8. We are a non-profit, independent school of 240 students. The school's curriculum is structured around the five universal Human Values of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-violence. This focus on Human Values has led us to be ranked a #1 elementary school in Ontario by the Fraser Institute since 2006."
Information not available
"The Sathya Sai School is founded on the universal ideals of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-violence. These values are inherent in each child. Our goal is to nurture these values to achieve excellence. The Sathya Sai Education in Human Values program awakens intuition and consciousness. This brings about transformation of one’s character. We provide students with an environment that helps them gain confidence to become good, intelligent and socially responsible citizens."
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
"Families choose the Sathya Sai School because of its highly rated academic programs and integration of character education. Families regularly comment on their child's awareness of social issues and social responsibilities. Many parents have noted that their child's behaviour at home and in the community have been recognized as exemplary. While reaching toward their highest potential, they have also changed the lives of people around them with their compassion, self-discipline and wisdom."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Meditation/Silent Sitting. Parents report that their children continued to engage in silent sitting/meditation at home, even after graduating from the school. There were observable improvements in their children's behaviour - they were calmer and able to handle stress better. Meditation and silent sitting have had a long-term impact on their performance in higher grades."
Information not available
"Sathya Sai School students love coming to school. When they are ill and cannot attend, they feel sad to have to miss even one day of school. A student who joined in grade 7 had been bullied at his previous school and did not want to attend school. After joining the Sathya Sai School, he was jumping out bed early in the morning and could not wait to come to school to learn and share with his friends. Many families appreciate the fact that their child has introduced meditation to them."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
From all my enquiries, anecdotal, empirical, and statistical, SMUS is a world-class school built on the solid foundations of its extended community. At the heart of that community are the students, some drawn into boarding from a diverse range of cultures and others who are deeply rooted in Victoria and its environs. The students are inspired by a large, dedicated and highly qualified faculty who over the years have established a reputation for going beyond the call of duty to nurture individual interests and enthusiasm.
The school mission is to aim for the “excellence in all of us.” As anyone who aspires for the highest standards will know, this is no easy task. A starting point is that “you have to be good to be great” but an outstanding education requires a holistic view that provides opportunities for the development of the mind, body, and the soul to enable young people to ask the big questions and really find out who they are.
We believe in both passion – come with a spark of enthusiasm and it will be fanned into a blaze – and compassion – education is a shared experience and we all journey together. Indeed, the school’s commitment to service and leadership has a reach far beyond BC; it is truly international.
Learning should be fun, but it should also be appropriately challenging. Rigor instills resilience, which we are told will be increasingly important as the world becomes more competitive. This should also be the time for reflection; the chance to pause and think and dream.
SMUS students have achieved remarkable success in a broad range of professions. Many report that this is down to quiet inner confidence, the ability to think independently, and a commitment to civilized values.
By providing a vast range of competitive sports, clubs, and activities, we hope to provide something for everyone to find their niche.
We invite you to come and meet us at our beautiful sites on Richmond Road and Victoria Avenue, and to find out first-hand the blend of people, place, tradition and innovation that makes St. Michaels University School such a special place.
Welcome to Sathya Sai School, a non-denominational, unique elementary school (JK-Gr.8) that integrates character development with academic excellence. The result has been the blossoming of human excellence through self-transformation in hundreds of students.
The universal human values, namely Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Nonviolence and the five teaching techniques – Universal Prayers, Silent Sitting, Story Telling, Group Singing and Group Activities - help develop a child holistically. Our faculty members strive to be exemplars of human values.
At Sathya Sai School of Toronto-Canada, the advanced academic programme is balanced with Daily Prayers, Meditation, Yoga, Music, Choir and Band, Physical Education, team sports, leadership and extracurricular activities. Service activities (local, national and international) are integral to the school culture.
The harmonious trilateral partnership between parents, teachers and volunteers ensures a child’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being. The parents must attend "Dynamic Parenting" classes to understand human values and inculcate the same in their children.
The universal human values, which underlie all the learning at our school, have resulted in a high level of academic achievement in our students, together with a sensitive awareness of the needs of others. This has made them welcome additions to the high schools, universities, and workplaces of their choice, where they shine as examples to others through their diligence, ethical conduct and sense of community service.
Please visit our website to learn more about our school programs.
Sincerely,
Revathi Chennabathni
Traditional
Information not available
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.
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.
Not applicable
SMUS's curricular approach is a blend of traditional, which ensures success in provincial and AP exams, and progressive enhancements that allow students to dive deeper into topics and find their passions. This is achieved through inquiry-based learning, which speaks to learners' natural curiosity, and project-based learning that gives opportunities for them to express creativity across subject areas. Additionally SMUS is an innovator in experiential programs - ensuring students of all grades gain hands-on experiences outside the traditional curriculum, including outdoor education, leadership and service. SMUS is also a committed champion of personalized learning, shaping education around the needs and interests of each student.
The essence of the Sathya Sai School lives in our five universal human values of Peace, Love, Non-Violence, Right Conduct, and Truth. It permeates all that we do by balancing character with academic excellence. Student voice and choice are embedded in the school environment so that students become active partners in the learning process. We encourage students to engage with the materials, promote collaboration, and encourage self-reflection to evaluate their learning. Learning is implemented through science fair projects, role plays, public speaking events, and service-learning assignments that run through all grades. Through hands-on methods, students inquire and draw meaningful conclusions. We are also committed to building a 21st-century skill-set critical to student success. Digital literacy begins early in primary grades, and students learn digital ethics. French also starts early in the primary grades. Teachers gather evidence of learning from various sources (triangulation of data) that accurately reflect how students work towards expectations. Assessment as of and for learning also plays a critical role in improving student achievement.
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.
At all levels, SMUS follows the provincial curriculum but adds enrichment using real world examples, problem solving and project work. Where possible, SMUS connects mathematics to other subject areas. At the Junior School, there is a strong focus on building foundation skills and math fluency through the exploration of number concepts, patterns and relations, spatial sense, and statistics and probability. By Middle School, students are continuing to develop concepts and skills, while emphasizing real world applications of mathematical ideas. At the Senior School, skills and concepts are developed in several different ways - numerically, graphically, algebraically, and written. After the Grade 10 level, students can choose which stream of mathematics best suits their post-secondary needs. As well, we have three levels of Calculus available to students. This includes two levels of AP Calculus to again offer the best possible preparation for university.
Since each student in a mathematics classroom has a unique identity and readiness to learn new concepts and skills, learning begins with a focus on fundamental concepts and foundational skills, delivered through carefully planned direct instruction using a variety of platforms. Our resources include textbooks/workbooks, Jump Math, Mathletics, and websites such as IXL, Prodigy, SplashLearn, and manipulatives. Following that, problem-solving tasks are assigned to introduce, clarify, or apply the concept and skills learned using strategies which are then enhanced further by contests such as Gauss and Spirit of Math. This balanced pedagogy engages students and allows them to demonstrate their learning by representing, connecting, and justifying their thoughts as they find relevance in what they learn. Teachers also raise awareness of math-related careers by exploring real-world applications and providing opportunities for career-related project work, such as a business fair, where students can learn financial literacy and become budding entrepreneurs.
There are no set texts but teachers make use of Maths Makes Sense, Quest 2000, McGraw-Hill and calculus texts from Stewart and Prentice-Hall. This is supplemented by iPads, laptops and other technological resources. Students can also enter mathematics competitions.
At the Junior School, there are no calculators except where they are part of a personalized learning program. In the Middle School, calculators are introduced as a tool. By Senior School, authorized graphic calculators are a part of the curriculum but there are several chapters without calculators.
Balanced Literacy
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Information not available
At Sathya Sai School, we aim to ensure that our students become proficient, thoughtful readers and writers, who can think critically and communicate confidently and purposefully. To achieve these goals, we follow the balanced literacy approach to teaching language. Teachers engage students through read-aloud, modeling reading, thinking, and comprehension strategies. This enables students to see what good reading looks like and it initiates many habits of the mind necessary for proficient readers. Our classroom libraries provide students with leveled books that cater to the different interests of our young readers. Book talks, guided reading, reading buddies, book clubs, and annual book fairs are some of our successful reading programs and events that get our children excited about reading. Upper grades move to analyses of writing structures and archetypes connections.
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.
Information not available
Writing is not just a matter of convenience but also a form of art to explore and express. The approach to teaching writing is also similar to reading. The teacher prepares, facilitates, guides, and models students--leading them to independence through a gradual release of responsibility. Most grades use the 6+ One Traits of Writing Model. Reflections and journal writing are aids to inculcate introspective skills. Vocabulary enrichment and phonic instructions are used to enhance reading and writing competencies as part of our balanced literacy program. Writing activities that students see as meaningful and that challenge them to think creatively about topics and concerns. Students explore various forms and styles of writing in different genres and engage in the creative process as they plan, draft, revise, and publish their work.
Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
At the primary level, integrated learning - connecting science with language and mathematics - strengthens understanding of different concepts. By Grades 3-5, students learn lab procedures and the scientific process through an inquiry-based approach. In Middle School, many of the concepts and skills students learn are gained through "hands-on and minds-on" experiments and inquiries. Accordingly, Middle School Science classes take a variety of forms including: experiments, guided inquiries, student-designed investigations, mystery guests, field trips and field work. At the Senior School, the required science courses are more expository. Students interested in marine science can take an elective course. At the Grade 11 and 12 levels, students choose from several options and motivated students are offered the opportunity to enroll in advanced courses which prepare them for the Grade 12 Advanced Placement program.
Students are provided hands-on opportunities in school or through science field trips in order to develop and refine their inquiry skills, problem-solving skills, and critical and creative thinking skills while discovering fundamental concepts through direct instruction. The activities offered enable students to Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate, promoting collaborative, active learning in which students work together to solve problems and investigate new concepts by asking questions, observing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions. Science fairs are held at the school with little guidance, allowing students to become freethinkers while they analyze how the science behind everything works. Opportunities to relate knowledge and skills to wider contexts by integrating science with other subjects motivates students to learn in a meaningful way and become lifelong learners.
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
Physics
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
The English department offers a variety of courses that address the interests and needs of the students. For capable students, we offer the chance to look at the traditional canon, where they study works ranging from the Anglo-Saxon Period to the 20th Century, which can lead to AP English Literature and Composition and AP English Language and Composition. These courses, particularly AP English Literature and Composition, are usually theme-based and seek to address a common question or subject, for example: literature of the road, literature of the absurd, indigenous literature and black humour. We also offer a course in creative writing, in which aspiring authors can receive guidance in writing their own poetry, short fiction and dramatic monologues, and meet visiting authors. In the years that this course has been running, SMUS students have won many provincial and national awards for their writing.
The study of Language and Literature in Sathya Sai School is focused on developing language skills essential to students for understanding themselves and others so that they find fulfilling careers and become responsible citizens. Students are encouraged to exercise their higher-order thinking skills to voice their perspectives as they read various forms of literature. The school uses strategies and resources that recognize and reflect diversity in the classroom and cater to the individual strengths and needs of students. Students are encouraged to connect with their own experiences as well as with the world through different lenses. Students read and analyse works of recognised, diverse writers from their own time as well as earlier eras. Thus by reading from a wide spectrum of materials they are challenged to become receptive to varying ideas and perspectives as they grow in their ability to think independently and critically.
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Expanding Communities
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
Information not available
Social Science at the Sathya Sai School, especially for the early grades, is highly linked with the backgrounds and experiences of the local community. More traditional geography and history lessons are used at the lower grades. However, the emphasis overall is on projects about family and community histories. Social justice also plays a central role. Children learn quite a lot about the historical experiences of minority communities in Canada and are encouraged to think critically about their own communities and the roles they played.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Humanities and social sciences in the Sathya Sai School provide a vehicle for our moral philosophy of universal human values. History and geography are used to examine past and current social and moral issues in the world which are then linked back to our understanding of universal human values. More traditional geography and history lessons are used at the Junior and Intermediate levels, focusing on the development of Confederation, settlers, and their impact on Indigenous communities. In geography at the higher levels, the focus is on World Human Patterns and Economic Systems and Immigration with an emphasis on Canada. However, the emphasis overall is on projects about family and community histories. Social justice also plays a central role. Children learn quite a lot about the historical experiences of minority communities in Canada and are encouraged to think critically about their own communities and the roles they play.
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.
SMUS offers a comprehensive language program. Beginning in Kindergarten, students learn French through story, theatre and music to put the language into context. In Middle School, students take French and Mandarin. In Senior School, students can continue their learning in French, Spanish and Mandarin. Languages help develop confidence, and students are often asked to put their skills into practice through public speaking.
At Sathya Sai School, the teaching of Core French begins from Junior Kindergarten (JK). Our students are introduced to the fundamentals of the French language through recitations, poems, songs, dialogues, and other modes of communication. French is taught once a week from JK to Grade 3. However, it is taught everyday from Grade 4 to Grade 8, in line with the Provincial Ontario Curriculum. The students go through the four strands of learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students learn a lot through various audio visual means, as well as group and individual project work. This boosts their confidence in writing, speaking or expressing themselves in the French language.
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
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Starting in Kindergarten, SMUS students are introduced to a variety of fine arts, including music, choir, strings, drama and visual art. In Middle School, students delve deeper into pursuits in visual art, choir and either band or strings. In Senior School, students have addition opportunities to broaden their skills with courses in subjects such as creative writing, drama and Advanced Placement Studio Art. Beyond the classroom, students hone skills through performances at professional theatre venues. In Junior School, the Grade 5 classes have an annual large performance - either an opera or a musical. In Middle School, students participate in a biennial musical production. In Senior School, students can participate in the annual musical program. There are opportunities for strings, band and choral performances throughout the year. Students also have access to a range of extracurricular art opportunities, such as jazz band, choral ensembles and student Art Councils.
The Sathya Sai School offers an enriched arts education for students in music, drama, yoga, dance, digital arts and visual arts. Visual Art is taught independently as a subject and is integrated into other subjects. The school's philosophy of universal human values is embedded into Performing Arts curricula. The goals of the school are to enrich and accelerate aesthetic development; to stimulate creativity and original thinking; and to create an enduring respect and passion for learning within a climate of artistic and academic excellence.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Information not available
Computers and technology play a fairly central role at the Sathya Sai School despite not being an explicitly "technology-focused" school. Nonetheless, coding is a central part of every grade's curriculum. Technology should be implemented into education as quickly as possible, but only when it is relevant. When nothing else works, technology can often achieve educational goals, but only when it is employed as a tool to boost learning. Students at this age require more scaffolding, but technology can help them develop higher-order thinking skills if used responsibly.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
It is clear from the most cutting-edge brain research, that exercise during the school day is critically important to support optimum brain function in our students. At SMUS, our physical education program is focused on using exercise to help students learn. Our philosophy articulates it best: SMUS Physical Education Program aims to maximize students’ physical, emotional and academic well-being through exercise, while developing the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to support a healthy, active life. Our PE classes are high-energy, supportive environments inspired by a team approach and engaging modern workouts. Students learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, while cultivating character through a variety of team and individual experiences, as well as different skill acquisition activities.
The Sathya Sai School's Physical Education curriculum endeavours to create a healthy mind in a healthy body alongside a good sense of fair play. Good morals and manners come first and so sportsmanship is the first priority. Students are to be strong competitors while still being fair competitors. Basketball, badminton and cricket are some of our top sports and teams either exist for them or are in the works. There is also an all-grades sports day that runs every year.
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 SMUS Kindergarten program is an inquiry and play-based progam inspired by the Reggio-Emilia philosophy. At SMUS, the child is a collaborator at the centre of their learning with teachers and parents acting as partners and guides. SMUS cultivates a joyful learning experience, fostering curiousity and a love of exploration, which includes the use of nature and the environment as a third teacher. Children benefit from small class sizes, two teachers to every classroom, and additional, specialist teachers in music, PE, library, French and art.
We focused on teaching and learning within the four frameworks namely: Belonging and Contributing, Self-Regulation and Well Being, Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematics Behaviour, Problem Solving and Innovation. This school creates a heart culture that enables everyone to feel welcomed and belonged. Our twice-a-day Meditation and bi-weekly Yoga practices play an integral part in the student’s self-regulation and well-being. This balances their overall mental and emotional health. The children gain Mathematics and Literacy concepts through various learning experiences in a play-based inquiry method. The kindergarten teachers create opportunities for students to render service which ultimately leads to individual transformation because the school believes that a student’s holistic growth is an inspiration and contribution to society.
Standard-enriched
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.
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.
We have a student-centred approach based on their learning abilities. We encourage students to think out-of-the-box, with curiosity and creativity.
Supportive
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
SMUS's academic culture is more supportive until grade 10. After which, students prepare for exams and university entrance, and the culture naturally becomes more rigorous.
Our foundational philosophy at the Sathya Sai School is to leave no student behind. Towards this end, our teachers ensure that all students’ academic styles and learning approaches are understood and that teaching material is delivered in a student-centred manner. We know that each student is unique, and our program is designed to help students reach their highest potential. Our teachers inspire students to be confident lifelong learners, responsible global citizens and champions of excellence.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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."
SMUS provides opportunities and feedback that supports students in becoming self-aware, both in terms of what they value and the role they can play in the world. Equally, the program positions students to be curious about those different from themselves, so that they learn to openly listen in a way that builds understanding of other perspectives. Finally, SMUS offers the reflective and technical tools to help students navigate those differences in a way that enhances the lives of all involved.
We inspire human excellence through our approach that balances the child's emotional, physical and intellectual needs. This holistic style uses the five Universal Human Values of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-Violence. We realize that every child is innately divine. Our teaching method employs direct instruction through songs, storytelling, meditation and group activities. We integrate these five human values into the more comprehensive curriculum and enrichment activities.
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
K - 12
20%
0%
$11,685
$0
0%
0%
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Mar 30, 2023
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades K - 12
Yes: grades JK - 2
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 1 - 12
Yes: grades 3 - 8
Yes: grades 1 - 12
No
Yes
No
The profile of a SMUS student is that they are curious, passionate and ambitious. This means more than just academic success - it means challenging yourself in all areas. As a student here, you will be expected to engage in arts, athletics, leadership and volunteering. You will need to be open to new experiences, to meeting people from different walks of life, and to taking on leadership responsibilities. Admissions staff are looking for students that fit this profile and who will bring their passion and energy to the benefit of all in the school community.
Students of the Sathya Sai School are expected to strive to: - Achieve academic excellence; - Apply the five Human Values in daily life; - Develop good study and work habits such as concentration, time management and commitment; - Display friendliness and cooperation by forming positive relationships with peers and adults; - Show respect for other people’s feelings, values and beliefs; - Show initiative and willingness to accept responsibility; and - Render selfless service to the community.
Please visit the Admissions pages on the SMUS website for more information.
The application must be made using the online Application for Admission.
All applicants and parents for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2 will receive an in-person interview to determine whether our school and your family are a good fit. Applicants will then be placed in a pool and students will be selected by lottery.
All applicants for Grades 3 to 8 will write a Placement Test, based on the curriculum of the student’s current year. Applications are open to siblings of students already enrolled, subject to the same criteria as other applicants.
The decision of the Admissions Committee will be final.
Applicant must be either a Canadian Citizen, a Permanent Resident, or on a Student Visa.
