469 Merton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1B4, Canada
21 Ascot Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6E 1E6, Canada
Indirect Support:
469 Merton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1B4, Canada
21 Ascot Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6E 1E6, Canada
1952
2003
140
448
JK to 6
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Traditional, Reggio Emilia
16 to 20
15 to 20
Learning
In-class adaptations
$32,700
$19,000 to $21,500
No
Yes
0%
8%
None
7 to 12
$0
$5,600
16
30
0%
0%
90%
48%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Dec 15, 2023
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 6
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
Sunnybrook School (SBS) is a small coed school for students from JK to Grade 6, located on a leafy residential street in midtown Toronto. It was the first primary school in Canada to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and continues to take a global approach to education. Since its founding in 1952 as one of North Toronto’s first preschools, SBS has been an innovator in education for young children. The current curriculum strives to keep pace with the latest advances in pedagogy, such as Singapore math and one-to-one iPads, while still maintaining a focus on the fundamentals, such as cursive writing. There’s a lively arts and music program (including an elaborate, school-wide musical production), traditional and unique offerings in physical education, daily French from JK and extensive community service opportunities. To compensate for its limited size and modest facilities, SBS ensures its students benefit from the many resources the city has to offer, from nearby athletic facilities to downtown galleries and museums. With a family-like atmosphere where everyone knows everyone and parents are always welcome, SBS offers a warm, academically enriched environment focused on preparing young students for success at middle school and beyond.
Read The Our Kids Review of Sunnybrook School
“[Students who enroll] don’t have to be great in all things—and certainly no student is—but … they should be open to trying new things and discovering new things about themselves.”
“Hudson’s reputation is one for supporting learners who are capable, academically, but who have yet to find an environment that allows them to express their personalities and their interests.”
“Where larger schools institute advisory programs, in a smaller school, and with the right approach, individual attention is more consistent, and comes with less effort. Hudson provides a good example. The environment is intimate, with a rich interface between students and instructors.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Hudson College
Sunnybrook School was founded in 1952, becoming one of the very first preschools in Canada. It was exotic for the time, both for being a nursery school, as well as being founded by an Austrian educator, Irmingard Hoff. From opening day the school was at the leading edge of education at the time, and it has worked to remain there ever since. Sunnybrook was the first school in the country to adopt the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. It's since dedicated itself to development of 21st century literacies, an international curriculum, and the adoption of Singapore Math. Which sounds like a lot, and it is. The ideal student is one who is operating at the top of her peer group, and who is able to make the most of the range of programming on offer.
View full reportThere are many reasons parents choose to enroll their children at a private school, from family tradition to elite sports. Parents who choose Hudson College, however, are less interested in the extremes at the edges of the private education market, and more interested in the foundational elements of a strong academic program and a positive learning experience: consistent social support, a sense of community, the agility to address student interests, and a consistent approach to curricular development. Jeff Bavington founded the school "to be a place where students with all different interests can come and feel part of a larger community, feel at home, and where students themselves can help create" the school environment. And it is.
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"Right away we could see our daughter amongst the students of Sunnybrook School"
Reza Asadikia - Parent (Feb 21, 2018)
The size of this school is in a way that is not intimidating for younger students, but at the same t...
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"He is motivated by his peers, and is learning to become more independent with respect to managing his homework, and balancing his schedule."
Olivia Kao - Parent (Nov 19, 2019)
My child recently switched from a Montessori environment to Sunnybrook School this year. Although i...
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"...very impressed by the scaffolding that takes place in the classroom - how lessons are built to work together and previous learning supports"
Laura Waters - Parent (Jun 02, 2020)
Our daughter started at Sunnybrook for SK. She immediately felt welcomed into the entire school comm...
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Mastering the basics
Nicolette Linton - Parent (Jan 23, 2018)
My daughter is in her fifth year at Hudson College (she joined in Grade One from a French Immersion ...
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"They both love going to school."
James Hyslop - Parent (Jan 23, 2018)
It starts every morning when I drop my children (grades 7 &2) off at school in the morning. They ru...
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"I had an ideal admissions process"
Eva Greyeyes - Student (Mar 12, 2018)
It took some time to settle into Hudson, but it was the best feeling when I realized I was talking w...
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"Sunnybrook is an IB co-ed school for students from JK to Grade 6. Positive, nurturing relationships at school give our students the confidence to challenge themselves; SBS teachers create a welcoming classroom experience in which all students can reach their potential. Academic learning at SBS is balanced, holistic and engaging; the PYP is enhanced with Singapore Math, Phys Ed, Music and Library, as well as French classes daily. Our strong arts program fosters creativity, confidence and self expression. SBS prides itself with promoting our students to be social responsible and critical thinkers. Through personal and group action, our students give back to the local and global community. SBS is a certified Ecoschool and is a carbon free school as we offset our carbon footprint and donate seedlings to a Smart Forest in New Brunswick."
"Hudson is a place where you can be yourself. For over 20 years, we have served a diverse community of families from across Toronto. Our Lower School offers an experiential, collaborative learning environment, starting with a Reggio Emilia-inspired program to nurture children’s innate curiosity. We promote strong foundational skills in math, language and science, complemented by a curricular approach that interweaves critical thinking, fine arts, health and fitness, character education, and service. Our Upper School’s three-semester system carries on this tradition of balance, with students focusing on fewer subjects at a time for deeper learning. Guided study periods over two semesters allow students to seek support during school hours while participating actively in sports, clubs, and activities. We introduce age-appropriate technology and platforms at every level, with robotics and coding from Grade 2 and a 1:1 laptop program from Grade 9. Extracurricular activities include SSAF competitive sports, wide-ranging clubs from chess to creative writing, camp weeks, and field trips. With smaller class sizes, our dedicated teachers can help students to build academic confidence, take on new challenges, and explore personal strengths and interests. Every student’s journey is important as we prepare graduates to define their own path and success."
"Sunnybrook is a small school with a strong community that provides a challenging, high quality International Baccalaureate PYP curriculum. Sunnybrook was the first PYP accredited school in English Canada, and our IB students have agency, are critical thinkers, and learn to take action in the world. Sunnybrook School is Coed, inclusive, and serves a diverse community. Our small size means we know each student well and can tailor our curriculum and school experience to their individual needs."
"Our academic program is enriched and challenging – Hudson students are accepted to selective postsecondary programs and score exceptionally well on tests like the CTBS and UWaterloo contests each year – but we achieve this through careful scaffolding, attentive feedback, consistent pedagogy, and personal growth through extracurriculars, rather than a heavy homework load or overemphasis on competition. The result? Happy, well-adjusted students who are excited to learn every day."
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"The number one reason parents choose Sunnybrook School is our caring, inclusive community. Our small size and devoted staff mean that students feel a strong sense of belonging. Students love that everyone knows them in the school, and everyone cares about them and their education. Through our IB program, we nurture a love of learning and curiosity about the world. The combination of strong community, high academic and personally differentiated learning makes Sunnybrook a truly special school."
"We're often told that the diversity of our students, down-to-earth environment, affordable tuition, and welcoming admission process set Hudson apart. As one parent noted, 'After my children attended for the visit day, they asked if they could start right away! That was a big factor in knowing that Hudson was the right decision.' Another explained, 'The interview felt connected, organic and natural; the questions were a true indication of a school that wanted to get to know who my daughter is.'"
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"The heart of Sunnybrook School and its outstanding success is our dedicated staff. Because of our low staff turnover, our teachers are known and loved by our students and parents, and often students look forward to each grade level knowing the teacher they will have in upcoming years. In the words of a parent, “You see the individual child and their unique strengths. You nurture that like a flame. I have seen both boys grow in confidence since being at SBS. It has been truly transformational.”"
"Our team puts a huge amount of effort into understanding what our students need – individually and collectively – by forming positive relationships, using data well, and communicating closely across the community. This knowledge is carried and applied year-over-year in all kinds of ways, from learner profiles to co-curricular programming, and generates the kind of consistency and structure that is really special to a JK–12 school."
"Our approach to learning constantly engages our students. In their own words, “The learning is fun, challenging, you learn so much, not just lectures, there’s varied learning, it’s collaborative, and you learn from other students, not just teachers.” From junior kindergarten to their graduating year when their learning is showcased in the grade six PYP Exhibition, our students have had the advantage of a rich, engaging curriculum delivered by teachers who know and care about their progress."
"New families are often pleasantly surprised by the choice in our club offerings and strength of our drama, music and visual art programs, especially for a school of our size. After several years, they tend to appreciate our proactive focus on expanding and adapting our curriculum: every year we add something different (recent additions include a full-time coding and robotics teacher, flag football for Grades 3–5, and a dedicated high school leadership course)."
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Sunnybrook invites you to become a part of a very special school. Flexible, dynamic, lively learning to challenge, provoke and engage young minds. At Sunnybrook School we succeed in channeling the energy, enthusiasm and joy of elementary boys and girls into disciplined, thoughtful learning. The small size of our school enables us to know our students and their families, giving greater meaning to the triangle of child, home and school. Our size also enables us to showcase all our students and their work.
With a long, proud history of innovation. We search the world for excellence in elementary education, bringing world class programs to our school. The IB Primary Years Program (IB PYP) enriches and complements our philosophy, giving us an outstanding framework for assessment and curriculum development. Our qualified teachers have extensive IB training; five members of our staff are on the faculty of IB. The IB Program enables us to give our students the world. In our quest for excellence, we have adopted the Singapore Math Program, an enlightened, engaging and effective approach to mathematics learning.
Sunnybrook has remained small because we believe that small schools are good for both students and teachers. Our graduates benefit from the small school environment by becoming confident, self-assured, inquiring young people, ready for the world of a larger middle school. Our faculty is both the heart and the backbone of our dynamic school. The core of a teacherʼs work is to nurture curiosity and inspire learning. Visit our website to learn more; we encourage you to visit our school to see for yourself what Sunnybrook will offer your child. We forward to meeting you.
With more than 35 years’ experience as an educator, I understand the importance of personalizing student programming to meet each learner’s individual needs. Hudson College provides academic and co-curricular programs designed to develop every student’s abilities and successfully transition to the next stage of education and life.
Hudson is a place where dedicated, highly qualified teachers and staff work to see that students at every level are provided with a nurturing, challenging and engaging experience every day. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, we offer enriching programs that encourage students to strive for the betterment of themselves and the wider community.
Some say it’s all about what you learn, I believe it’s first about how you're treated and nurtured in that learning environment. Only then will successful learning follow.
Traditional
Reggio Emilia
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.
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.
Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims 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. They 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. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
Sunnybrook School is an IB Primary Years Program (IBPYP) school; we offer a global curriculum in a local context. We are committed to offering an engaging learning experience, and we encourage our students to learn with enthusiasm and commitment. French, Music, and Physical Education classes complement the regular classroom. We have a strong literacy focus, including both skills and a love of reading. Our school library is a hub of inquiry, offering various traditional and electronic research opportunities.
Our Reggio Emilia approach in the early years focuses on developing the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially. We provide an enriched, balanced curriculum with a focus on core academics, as well as music, art, and drama. Our teachers are facilitators and mentors, encouraging critical thought and self-reflection, while also promoting cooperative and independent learning. Our Preparatory Program in Grades 6–8 gives special attention to soft skills needed for success in Upper School as well as university—students learn organization, self-advocacy, note-taking, study skills, collaboration, and communication. Our Grade 9 and 10 students benefit from a supervised study period every day during the first two semesters, as well as tailored workshops to further support effective work habits.
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.
The Singapore Math curriculum approaches numeracy concepts and skills in a balanced way. The emphasis on inquiry and conceptual understanding is complemented with rigour in applying skills and knowledge in mathematics. Singapore Math takes the learners from using hands on manipulatives to solve math problems to a step using pictorial representation of the problem before expecting students to find their answers using mental math. This unique pictorial step provides an additional tool for students who have a developing understanding of concepts, but are not yet ready to solve problems in their heads. Through Singapore Math, our students learn to love working with numbers, solving problems, and seeing the world through the lens of mathematics.
Based on the results of an extensive review of different mathematics programs, Hudson College uses Saxon Math for its elementary division. Saxon Math ensures foundational mastery in underlying mathematical procedures and promotes the accurate use of mathematical language. As well, Saxon Math uses "Investigations" to engage students in thinking critically about mathematical problems and concepts. The Upper School mathematics program delivers the Ontario Mathematics curriculum. The program emphasizes mastery of a wide range of mathematical skills and logic-based thinking with regular opportunities for discovery through proofs, manipulatives and technology. Hudson College uses a balanced approach between exploratory methods and formal methods, where the latest technologies are utilized for exploring the wide range of mathematical applications while providing foundational mastery for the development of mathematical fluency.
Singapore Math books and supporting materials
Saxon Math from Kindergarten through Grade 8
Information not available
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.
Learning to read is the primary task of elementary school. It is important when designing a reading program to remember that young children acquire reading skills at different paces. Therefore we have developed a literacy program that takes this into consideration, while having high expectations of all learners. We begin with reading readiness at the beginning of JK, including teaching concepts of print, exposure to the written word, opportunities to write at their level and a great deal of exposure to literature.
At Hudson College, reading and writing is introduced in Kindergarten. We use a balanced approach to teaching language that continues throughout the elementary grades. Critical thinking is fostered through novel studies and the reading of various genres. Writing for different purposes is a focus of our elementary language program.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
We use DRA's to ensure accountability in our teaching, and to measure the success of our reading program over time.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Hudson uses the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to test reading fluency and reading comprehension of students, Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Equal balance
The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
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.
Writing and reading are integrated in teaching young learners. Our students are encouraged to write about their learning and their experiences as early as possible. Through the 6 + 1 Writing Traits program our students learn specific skills and develop an understanding of the elements of good written communication. Specific writing, spelling and grammar skills are taught more systematically as students move into the older grades.
Hudson College has a very strong writing program. Direct instruction is used to explicitly teach structure (sentence, paragraph, essay), planning, grammar and editing skills. Writing is closely correlated to the study of a variety of texts that deal with issues associated with social justice, historical eras and scientific knowledge. Students receive ongoing feedback on their written work during student-teacher conferences. Teachers prioritize the teaching of writing as a curriculum priority.
Equal Balance
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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 is taught in the IB Units of Inquiry. In these units students are encouraged to experiment, explore, ask questions, and seek answers to scientific questions. The units are carefully planned to include scientific content and ideas, encouraging students to become critical thinkers and inquirers.
In our Primary grades, Science is inquiry-based. Most lessons focus on acquiring skills and knowledge through hands-on experiences. In our Elementary grades (5 - 8) Hudson utilizes Equal Balance teaching practices, hands-on experimentation and supports direct-instruction of scientific theory. Formal lab report writing is utilized in preparation for high school science. The Upper School Science program at Hudson follows an equal balance approach, with equal emphasis placed on inquiry-based learning and on knowledge acquisition through a variety of instructional methods. The Ontario Curriculum is covered thoroughly; areas of general interest to the students are explored in greater detail. Experiments are thoughtfully designed to enrich the students’ learning and give experience with instrumentation, procedures and lab reporting skills that will be utilized in their futures beyond Hudson. Students will leave Hudson with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Not applicable
Equal Balance
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.
Our Library program fosters a love of literature of all genres. Literature for the classroom is usually chosen to correspond to the IB Units of Inquiry. These units often have a social justice component, and selections are made to support the learning and allow students to make connections and develop understandings of their world through literature. Selections for younger students are made to maximize their skills acquisition and enjoyment of reading in the early years.
At Hudson College, reading and writing are introduced in Kindergarten. We use a balanced approach to teaching language that continues throughout the elementary grades. Critical thinking is fostered through novel studies and the reading of various genres. Writing for different purposes is the focus of our elementary language program. Hudson uses the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to test reading fluency and reading comprehension of students, Kindergarten through Grade 8. Hudson College has a very strong writing program. Direct instruction is used to explicitly teach structure (sentence, paragraph, essay), planning, grammar and editing skills. Writing is closely correlated to the study of a variety of texts that deal with issues associated with social justice, historical eras and scientific knowledge. Students receive ongoing feedback on their written work during student-teacher conferences. Teachers prioritize the teaching of writing as a curriculum priority.
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
Core Knowledge
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.
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).
The social studies curriculum framework in the IB PYP emphasizes a conceptual approach to content. Units of Inquiry are organized in to explore specific content (i.e. government, transportation, migration) in both broad conceptual and more specific content related ways. Students learn to explore topics through guided inquiry and research.
In our primary grades social studies is a thematic approach with a focus on expanding communities. As students move through the elementary social studies curriculum, the focus is core knowledge. Art and drama enhances the social studies program in all elementary grades.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
In Grade 7 and 8, History and Geography take on both a perennialist and pragmatic approach depending on the specific topic of study in relation to the Ontario curriculum. Hudson College’s Upper School Social Sciences and Humanities Department employs equal balance overall. Where strong foundations and core knowledge (“cultural literacy”) are concerned vis-à-vis theory and pioneers, perennialism is emphasized. Similarly, when making these theories and innovators relevant to real-life and progressive in nature, a more pragmatic approach is emphasized as necessary.
Equal Balance
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.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Language is the gateway to culture and comfort speaking in another language opens opportunities. In the early years French is taught daily in an engaging interactive way, with an emphasis on oral communication skills. Older students read and write in French as well. We make extensive use of technology and student iPads in our French program. We offer French daily from Jk to GR 6.
In the Primary and Junior grades, students develop their French communication skills in part with the AIM program: proficiency with speaking, listening, reading, and writing is fostered through scaffolded techniques based on story-telling that features high-frequency vocabulary. In the intermediate years, students follow the Trillium-listed Odyssée series, wherein learning situations are presented with engaging themes and a wide variety of text forms designed to promote authentic communication in French. In our Upper School, students are taught the foundation of the French language using the rules of grammar and are then encouraged to use what they have learned based on structure and rules to express themselves in the most natural way in both spoken and written form. The goal is for the learner to show that s/he comprehends the language by means of natural use.
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
Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
The arts are integrated in our IB transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. Music is taught by a specialist, with a dance and drama component. In the arts students are given opportunities to express their knowledge and ideas in various ways; they learn Art, learn about Art and learn through Art. We produce a musical that involves every student in the school from grades 1-6. Every child acts, sings and dances in the musical held at the end of each year. Students use many instruments like recorder, boom whackers, Orff instruments, bells, melodicas and learn to read music and prepare for band in the middle years.
In middle school, the art program focuses on creating a sense of curiosity, creativity and confidence in students. This involves exposing students to art through trips to galleries, inviting in guest artists from the community and being challenged to think about the importance of art in the world. The creative process and experience not only develops critical thinking skills, but is also an outlet for students to express themselves in different ways, while building confidence in themselves. The Upper School Visual Art program at Hudson College takes a balanced approach to developing observational, technical and critical thinking skills. The creative process not only fosters imagination and innovation, but further develops the ability to solve complex problems. Working in a broad range of media helps to build students confidence and creates an environment where they are encouraged to grow and take risks.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
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.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Technology is pervasive in our students' lives. Our goal is to give teachers the tools to guide young people in using it in innovative, constructive and meaningful ways. Sunnybrook School has a 1:1 iPad program for all students from JK to Grade 6. Combined with traditional methods of learning technology is used for communication, connection, creativity and collaboration. Digital literacy and digital citizenship are integrated into our curriculum.
Our i-Hub is an intimate, interactive workspace, where we use 3D printers, Virtual Reality, robotics, electronics, and multimedia equipment to support learning across many subject areas. Our students demonstrate a remarkable aptitude for using technology to let their imagination and creativity shine. Some of the software used within the curriculum include Tinkercad, Sculptris, Calcflow, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Regular Physical Education classes combine team and individual sports to teach the skills for a healthy lifestyle. We focus on sportsmanship, teamwork, fitness and health. Classes such as rock climbing, swimming, curling, kung fu, cross country running, field sports and net sports are held. Teams are offered as we are part of the SSAF and compete against other schools.
Our athletic program provides students with important life skills whether they play on competitive or intramural / house-league teams. Team and individual sports play a vital role in developing one’s physical, intellectual, social and emotional well-being. In addition to these benefits, athletic participation helps students develop self-confidence, sportsmanship, co-operation, discipline, commitment, pride and resiliency. At Hudson, we offer a wide variety of competitive and recreational sporting experiences for our students. Our students are encouraged to find their passion through physical activity and athletic involvements which will in turn compliment their academic endeavours as our students learn the value of hard work, commitment and discipline.
Reggio Emilia
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.
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.
Sunnybrook School offers a balanced, stimulating and enriched kindergarten curriculum. The core of the JK and SK curriculum is based on the IB PYP, Singapore Math and our own unique literacy program. We enrich this with French, Music, Phys Ed and Library. Play time indoors and on our playground round out the kindergarten experience. The program is designed to stimulate children’s creativity, build early academic skills, and develop communication and social skills. At Sunnybrook School, kindergarten sets the foundation for a love of learning with trusted adults, great friends, a cheerful physical environment and stimulating, engaging learning.
Our teaching pedagogy encourages children to explore, investigate and grow. With the belief that children’s curiosity and innate sense of creativity should guide their learning, teachers engaging a Reggio approach observe children, support their interests and document learning to reflect on developmentally appropriate ways of expanding students’ knowledge. Long-term collaborative projects connect core academic areas of Language, Mathematics, Science and the Arts.
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.
Learner Profiles are developed and used by Hudson teachers to determine where students are in their learning, what interests their students and how do their students best demonstrate new skills and knowledge. Because of our commitment to the individual student, Learner Profiles inform our teaching practices across the curriculum.
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.
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”.
As an elementary school beginning at JK we are more supportive than rigorous. However, as our students approach the higher grades the emphasis on the skills and knowledge shifts with their greater maturity, and in preparation for middle school. Beginning in SK we have benchmarks for reading and math, allowing us to differentiate for different student needs.
We promote a strong academic culture, by providing ongoing assessment of our students to ensure that we exceed provincial standards in math, reading, and writing skills. Both Developmental Reading Assessments (DRAs)—administered twice yearly—and the Canadian Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) continuously confirm our academic achievements in relation to provincial or national standards. Hudson College students understand that high academic performance is necessary to gain entrance into competitive university programs. To-date, Hudson graduates have experienced a 100% percent acceptance rate into the post-secondary programs of their choosing.
"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.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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.
As an IB school, Sunnybrook has a focus on global citizenship. To that end we work with our students develop the skills, dispositions and knowledge to help them understand themselves and others, and the issues they will face in our ever-changing world. Learning in all domains develops a well rounded, balanced individual, ready to contribute to community and society.
We are proud to help our students develop into independent, self-advocating, intelligent, global-minded individuals. While we promote independence in thought and action, our students also develop a strong sense of responsibility to their community. This strong sense of responsibility towards others is developed through the inclusion of topics that promote social awareness. Through a number of experiences, we equip our students with a strong sense of character, dedication to the community, and leadership skills, preparing them to take on leadership roles in a variety of future life and career opportunities.
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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| Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
| Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
| Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
| Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
| Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. | ||||
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Accommodations
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Sunnybrook has an enriched curriculum and students must be able to handle the curriculum. SBS offers accommodations for students with mild learning disabilities. We want each child to be successful.
Information not available
The Sunnybrook curriculum is accelerated and enriched, and some of our students find it challenging. Our teachers differentiate where possible to accommodate different learning levels. These students may receive extra support on a withdrawal basis, however, we do not specialize in teaching students with learning disabilities.
Information not available
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
7 - 12
0%
8%
$0
$5,600
90%
48%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Dec 15, 2023
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 6
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 9
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
We encourage parents to visit our Open House and meet our senior students; this will give you an idea of the kind of student we are looking for. Children who are curious and knowledgeable for their age and who enjoy learning will thrive at SBS.
We’re always excited to meet kind, well-rounded and motivated students! Applicants should demonstrate overall academic readiness with at or above grade-level skills in math and language, as well as the ability to be consistently collaborative, respectful and engaged in the classroom. We particularly appreciate students with balanced personal interests, a self-aware approach to learning, and an interest in growing positive relationships with teachers and peers.
Choosing a school is a big decision for families, and our goal is to make this comfortable and transparent. A visit to the school begins the process. For application we require the application form, birth certificate, previous year's school reports (if applicable), any other relevant reports and the application fee. Overseas applications are welcome.
The application procedure includes an assessment of each student (we usually meet our applicants in small groups), and an interview with the parents.
The registration fee for JK students is $3000.
