AN OUR KIDS REPORT:TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) vs. Christ Church Cathedral School

one-to-one comparison:

View TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus)'s full report
VS.
View Christ Church Cathedral School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    1293 Meredith Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, L5E 2E6, Canada

    912 Vancouver Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3V7, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1962

    1989

    Enrolment

    200

    270

    Grades

    Preschool to 7

    JK to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English, French

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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.
    Social
    The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate

    Progressive

    Curriculum pace

    Accelerated
    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).
    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.

    Academic culture

    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”.
    Supportive
    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.

    Avg. Class Size

    12 to 22

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Accelerated curriculum

    Preschool/K curriculum

    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.
    Play-based
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $12,130 to $30,180

    $8,196 to $16,950

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    6%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    K to 8

    Median FA package size

    $28,000

    $3,925

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    18

    25

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (WEST CAMPUS)

    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 report

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Located in the heart of Victoria, B.C., Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) provides a first-rate education for boys and girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. While it’s an Anglican school that promotes Christian values, it welcomes kids from all religious backgrounds. Many families choose CCCS for its tight-knit community and its supportive and welcoming environment. But it’s also known for having exceptional teachers, small class sizes, and a broad scope of curricular and extracurricular programs. A distinguishing feature of CCCS is that its students learn to make a difference in the world through various activities such as preparing food for the hungry, singing and reading to seniors, and organizing fundraising events for charities.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    "The school is very blessed to have experienced, passionate teachers and educational assistants."
    Lindsay Loomer - Parent   (Apr 13, 2023)
    We had a wonderful experience at Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS). Despite starting in the midd... View full review

    "There isn’t enough space here for me to sing the praises of the teachers both my children have encountered."
    Philippa Carrie - Parent   (Apr 13, 2023)
    My children and I love the sense of community - the students in other grades and the teachers know t... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (WEST CAMPUS)

    "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.)"

    • Ontario, France and IB programs
    • Exceptional bilingual experience
    • Student life program including mentorship, assemblies and societies
    • Coed from PK to Grade 7

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    "Founded in 1989, Christ Church Cathedral School provides an outstanding and inspiring education to children JK-8. Ranking among the very top performing schools in our city and rooted in the Anglican ethos, we provide a well-rounded curriculum accessible to students of all beliefs, nurturing the spiritual, social, physical and intellectual growth of every child. We aspire to be the school of choice for families who seek an excellent education for their children in a vibrant, caring and inclusive community."

    • Faith: All children participate in daily grace at lunch time. We attend chapel once a week.
    • Emergent curriculum: Whenever possible we facilitate small group learning.
    • We offer Art Class and Music Class, (Kindergym, Yoga and Movement with the JKs) and more!
    • We offer French from Kindergarten through to Grade 8
    • We provide choristers with a world-class musical education in partnership with the Cathedral.
    • We create a supportive and challenging atmosphere conducive to hard work, focus, fun, and reward.
    • We foster mentorship between older and younger students, and support relationships between peers.
    • We deliver excellent music within the school and in cathedral services.
    • STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programming where the ‘A’ matters.
    • Our location offers exceptional options in after-school care for parents working downtown.

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    "Our low student-to-teacher/educational assistant ratio allows us to “know your child.” All our teachers support and challenge our students to effectively draw out their best efforts. The result is students who are ready to take on challenges and step into leadership roles. If you are not yet part of our school community, please get in touch with us to arrange your personal tour."

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    "Our downtown Victoria location provides three unique campuses for JK-8 and after-school care for parents working downtown. Our small class sizes, low teacher-to-student ratio and access to nearby community facilities and outdoor spaces provide diverse opportunities for our programs and curriculum within and beyond the school."

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    "One consistently praised aspect of CCCS is the strong sense of community fostered among students, parents, and staff. Families joining our school are warmly welcomed into a close-knit community characterized by a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Our inviting environment makes it easy for families to acclimate to the unique culture of our school quickly, and we take great pride in creating a welcoming and engaging space for all who are a part of our community."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    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.

    Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral School. When I ask parents why they chose to send their children to our School, their answers are unique, of course, but there are common threads in their responses. Most choose Christ Church Cathedral School for its strong sense of community, an appreciation for the Christian values of the school, our outstanding teachers that always go that extra mile, small classes, and the variety of extra- and co-curricular programming one would expect only at a much larger school.

    When I ask the teachers and support staff what it is about our school that they are most proud of, they too speak of a supportive and connected community, the values we live by, and the wonderful programming we offer.  But they are most proud of our students.

    With one class at each grade level, every student becomes part of a close-knit cohort that feels like family—a family that offers support and encouragement and celebrates the success of each individual.  This is summed up by our school motto, “Let your light shine!”

    Upon graduating from CCCS in grade 8, our students stand out in Victoria’s high schools as mature and confident learners, ready to get involved in the positive opportunities available to them.  They are ready to make a real difference in their high school and in the community beyond. I would be pleased to show you around so you can learn how we can help your child shine.

    I look forward to meeting you,

    Stuart Hall
    Head of School

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    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


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (WEST CAMPUS)

    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

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    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

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    K - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    6%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $28,000

    $3,925

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (WEST CAMPUS)

    Please view the website at www.tfs.ca.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (WEST CAMPUS)

    Please see our website: https://www.tfs.ca/admissions/application-process

    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

    We are thrilled you are considering our school for your child’s education and childcare needs!

    Step 1

    Come to the school or our JK for a personal tour and a consultation regarding your child’s education. Contact the school office at 250-383-5125 or email [email protected] to set up a time.​

    Contact our JK Director, Caitlin Wynne [email protected] for Junior Kindergarten.

    Step 2

    The next step is to submit an application. After we receive your application and all required documents, your child will be considered for placement. If we determine your child is well-suited for a Cathedral School education and we have a spot for your child, we will then invite your child into the school for a visit as part of a group (Kindergarten entrance) or individually. 

    Step 3

    Our admissions team will contact you with our decision and guide you through the rest of the registration process.  

    ​If you have any questions about enrolling your child at any time, please reach out to speak with us.  We accept children throughout the year if space is available and give priority to siblings so they can attend together. Other, consideration for admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Martha Baillie (1977)
    Bestselling author and Giller Prize nominee (2009), University of Edinburgh, l’Université Paris-Sorbonne and University of Toronto.
    Molly Shoichet (1983)
    Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, Ph.D., Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Recipient of the Order of Ontario (2011).
    Samantha Nutt (1987)
    Founder & Executive Director of War Child Canada and bestselling author. Recipient of the Order of Ontario (2010) and Order of Canada (2011). M.D., McMaster University.
    Alastair Rucklidge (1982)
    Professor of Applied Mathematics, University of Leeds (UK), Ph.D., University of Cambridge.
    Karandeep Sonu Gaind (1986)
    Psychiatrist and Psycho-Oncology Consultant, Princess Margaret Hospital. Associate Professor, University of Toronto. M.D., University of Toronto.
    Justin Poy (1987)
    Creative Director, The Justin Poy Agency. B.A. (Radio and Television), Ryerson University.
    Carole Piovasan (1995)
    Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP. M.Sc., Social Policy and Planning in Developing Countries, London School of Economics and Political Science. J.D., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.
    Ruth Milkereit (2004)
    Ph.D. Candidate, Biochemistry, University of Toronto. Direct entry from B.Sc., Immunology, McGill University.
    Daniel Posen (2005)
    Ph.D. Candidate, Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University (US), Master of Research in Green Chemistry, Imperial College, London, Master of Science in Economics, London School of Economics/Political Science.
    information not available

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