1293 Meredith Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, L5E 2E6, Canada
1000 Brookfield East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 6J1, Canada
1962
1993
200
160
Preschool to 7
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English, French
English, French
Academic
Academic
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Traditional
12 to 22
14 to 18
Accelerated curriculum
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
$12,130 to $30,180
$17,500
Yes
No
0%
0%
None
None
$28,000
$0
18
15
0%
0%
100%
90%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 6 - 12
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
information not available
“The parents that turn to Westboro are looking to grant their children something more than merely a passing acquaintance with French. Rather, they want their children to be functionally bilingual in the fullest sense of that term. … the academic and social environment at the school is purposefully crafted to be bilingual in the truest sense.”
“The academic program is challenging yet supportive, demanding without being onerous. The faculty are keen to innovate and adopt new best practices, though this isn’t a school that is quick to deny the value of the tried and true.”
“ … the location, the green space to the south grant a character to the property that is a welcome contrast to the denser, more bustling areas of the city to the north.”
“Head of School, Elyane Ruel, is forward looking, easy to talk to, and, in a world of lots of big, expansive ideas of what education can be, she’s also refreshingly level headed.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Académie Westboro Academy
The school celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, marking the end of an astonishing period of growth and development. The school really did start in a basement, moving from there into a range of branches throughout the GTA, in time consolidating onto the two campuses that the school occupies today. Schools don't grow that much, or that quickly, if they aren't servicing a specific need, and certainly that's true of TFS. The acronym stands for Toronto French School, which is the name that the school was founded with, though in time it was offering a lot more than the name suggested. Language remains an important part of the curriculum, though the culture of the school reaches beyond language. The environment is rich, varied, and supportive. The student body is culturally and academically diverse, all of which is encouraged through a robust bursary program.
View full reportWestboro was established in 1993 by a group of parents who wanted a quality bilingual elementary education for their children. It began with a single Grade 1 class comprised of just 7 students. Needless to say, the school has grown, though—as at the beginning—growth has been an expression of need within the community. Further, the sense of community within the school is rightly encouraged and prized. The focus remains centred on providing an authentic, effective bilingual program within a setting that addresses academic and social development. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging, active educational environment. As such, at Westboro those who enroll will join a student body of true peers, one in which social currency is gained through achievement in all levels of student life. For many, that experience alone can be transformational.
View full reportinformation not available
"The compassionate, respectful, and inspiring atmosphere at AWA encourages children to push their boundaries while simultaneously respecting their needs."
Julia Albert - Parent (May 03, 2021)
We have nothing but incredible things to say about Westboro Academy. The richness of the curriculum,...
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"...the teachers do an excellent job of creating systems and structures that allow every learner to contribute in meaningful ways, and to demonstrate their unique strengths."
Michelle Schira Hagerman - Parent (May 27, 2021)
This has been our daughter's first year at Académie Westboro Academy, which means that her experien...
View full review
"The school leadership and administration has been outstanding."
Danika G - Parent (May 27, 2021)
My child has attended Westboro Academy since junior kindergarten. He has developed close friendship...
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"TFS' West Campus in Mississauga offers a rigorous bilingual education with an international perspective. Our students learn the curricula of France and Ontario, through the framework of the IB, as inquirers and citizens who act. Our close-knit community welcomes children from PK to Grade 7. No prior knowledge of French is required. We offer a wide array of sports and co-curriculars. After Grade 7, students continue at the Toronto campus, using a complimentary TFS shuttle bus. (See TFS Toronto listing.)"
"Start your child(ren) on the path to bilingualism from the start. Our kindergarten program immerses students in French, with our all day French program, designed to help them learn and become confident in their French speaking abilities. As they advance, our Grade 1 to 8 program has an equal split between French and English language instruction. Our intentionally small class sizes foster a tight-knit community and a personalized learning approach, ensuring every student feels seen and supported."
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After working as a Principal with Le Conseil Scolaire Viamonde here in Toronto, and in Georgia before that, as well as a Director of Curriculum in Nigeria and an Athletic Director in Yemen, M. Gaudet arrived at TFS as Principal of the Senior School in 2015, bringing with him an invaluable international perspective. In August 2020, M. Gaudet stepped into his new role of Executive Director of the Learning Forum at TFS. M. Gaudet is a bilingual educator with a master’s degree in educational administration. He has more than 20 years of experience working with high school students. His passion for academic ambition is felt school-wide through his innovative and infomed ideas and programs.
Our mission at Westboro Academy is to provide a truly bilingual and exceptional education, in a community-focused and nurturing environment. What makes us special is our approach to educating and developing the whole child in a true partnership with their parents and guardians. At Westboro Academy, every teacher and staff member knows every student and every parent. When people enter our building, they instantly notice the warm and familial feel of our school. Everything we do is geared towards promoting and maintaining our founding core values of Excellence, Integrity and Respect. Our students love to come to school every day and it is evident in their smiling faces. What makes us unique is our focus on the purest form of bilingualism. Bilingualism is a skill that children in the National Capital Region should be allowed. Our approach towards this is to provide quality instruction half of every day in each of Canada’s official languages. Therefore, when students leave Westboro Academy, they are fully confident in both English and French. Our students have a reputation for having the highest level of bilingualism of any students in Ottawa when they graduate from our program.
In addition to these, we have small classes, with only one class per grade. With an average of 16 students per class, our students have more opportunities and are given more attention than students receive in a regular classroom. Our students love learning and are challenged academically. At Westboro Academy, it is “cool” to be smart.
Our teachers are incredibly dedicated and passionate and our positive school climate makes them want to stay. I am happy to say that our teaching staff has an average tenure of eleven years. This speaks volumes about the stability of our school program.
We simply have so much to show you. Therefore, I would like to encourage Ottawa families and families from the Outaouais region to come to see the school for yourselves and meet our staff and students. I am confident that you will instantly recognize the benefits of a Westboro Academy education for your children.
Traditional
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Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
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.
Not applicable
Academic ambition is our bedrock. TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework of the International Baccalaureate programs from PK to Grade 12 - providing our students with an education that is rich in challenge, diversity and opportunity.
Westboro Academy offers a rigorous academic program built on a truly bilingual model for learning. Achieving personal excellence with a strong work ethic, and reaching your best in a supportive environment are keys to success. Students are expected to be critical thinkers and problem solvers who can collaborate with others and work towards a common goal. We build a strong community that fosters a culture of learning and celebrates differences. By using the Ontario English curriculum, and the French first language curriculum from Québec, we ensure a truly bilingual learning environment. Junior and Senior Kindergarten are full-day programs taught in French only. The program from grades 1-8 places equal emphasis on French and English. Our students are privileged to learn from dedicated and trained specialist teachers in Music, Art, Science, and Health and Physical Education. Our class sizes are small, and there is only one class per grade. With an average of 15 students per class, our students have more opportunities and are given more attention. Our students love learning and are challenged academically.
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 Mathematics program develops students’ ability to work independently and their aptitude to seek, communicate, and justify mathematical statements. Problem solving and creativity will be integrated in all areas of mathematics.
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Phonics-intensive
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.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
The early reading program focuses on phonics instruction in French and English, with guided reading and levelled literacy that suits individual needs and abilities.
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DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Regular running records and miscue analysis, CTBS testing
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.
Cursive writing instruction begins in SK, and students have access to a handwriting app developed by a TFS teacher for the iPad. The writing process is taught thoughout the grades, including writing reflections and reading for authentic purposes, as part of the IB programs.
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Inquiry
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.
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.
The study of science is integrated into units of inquiry in the primary grades, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, digital tools and robotics. In Grade 6, science is taught as a specialized subject, leading to biology, chemistry and physics study in later years.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
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.
Grades 2-5: Students receive daily instruction in English and French. Language experiences support the Program of Inquiry and fulfil the Ontario curriculum’s Language expectations. The language curriculum is organized into four strands: Reading, Writing, Media Literacy and Oral Communication. In later grades, through our literature program, students will expand their knowledge of literary genres. Reading various kinds of texts will help students to discover what interests them most and to pursue and develop their interests and abilities.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Expanding Communities
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.
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.
Students explore social studies through the PYP's program of inquiry, with central ideas and key concepts relating to the themes of who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves and sharing the planet.
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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.
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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.
TFS is a bilingual French-English school. In addition to becoming fluent in both languages, students also learn a third language.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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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.
TFS has made the integration of information technology into the curriculum a priority. Students have access to a wide array of technology, including Apple laptops and desktops, iPads, digital cameras, production equipment, robotics, interactive whiteboards and projectors in every classroom, and much more.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Health and Physical Education courses are part of the regular curriculum. TFS appreciates the benefits of physical activity to academic performance. Students with higher levels of fitness have a more developed brain structure, perform better on cognitive tests, and have heightened levels of focus and retention. Skating and swimming programs are scheduled throughout the year as part of the curriculum in different grades.
Through the Physical Education program, Westboro Academy aims to foster and develop a life-long love of sport and healthy and active living. We have a strong inclusionary approach to athletics where all students participate equally, regardless of skill or experience. We do not have try-outs for teams. Students are encouraged to participate to their full capacity and to develop skills. Westboro Academy experiences great success in inter-school althletics and remains highly competitive within the league, within the context of a non-competitively focussed approach.
Academic
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 1, TFS teaches the curricula of Ontario and France through the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization. From the moment children join TFS, through Grade 1 (CP), they are instructed only in French. Children quickly embrace the language and are gently encouraged to increase their use of French during classroom activities.
Our students are exposed to French, right from the beginning. We offer a full day Junior and Senior Kindergarten program although no prior experience with French is necessary. Children develop the base they need for a strong foundation in the bilingual program that starts in grade 1. At Westboro Academy, we encourage the intellectual, emotional and creative capacities of the children while instilling strong values, social skills and a sense of self. We make it a priority to provide an environment for our youngest students that is warm and nurturing, stimulating and engaging, and one where they can grow to meet their full potential.
Standard-enriched
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
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.
Flexible and self-paced programs include Math XL and Mathletics, coding, digital citizenship programs.
Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
The rigorous academic program is built on a truly bilingual model for learning. Achieving personal excellence with a strong work ethic, and reaching your best in a supportive environment are keys to success. Indeed, we believe that it is within a supportive environment that academic rigour can thrive and grow. Academic growth and achievement are key priorities for our school, and our reputation for academic excellence is strongly embedded.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"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."
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.
Each student deserves to achieve their very best. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong study skills in preparation for high school and life-long learning.
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RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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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
0%
0%
$28,000
$0
100%
90%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 6 - 12
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Please view the website at www.tfs.ca.
Westboro Academy seeks to admit students who are eager to learn and who can handle a challenging bilingual academic environment. Students who embody the school pillars of excellence, integrity and respect are a strong fit for the school.
Please see our website: https://www.tfs.ca/admissions/application-process
Apply to Westboro Academy online.
Application Checklist:
We do not have entrance exams/tests, but assessment visits.
1293 Meredith Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, L5E 2E6, Canada
1000 Brookfield East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 6J1, Canada
