9100 Bathurst Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 8C7, Canada
920 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3C7, Canada
Indirect Support:
9100 Bathurst Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 8C7, Canada
920 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3C7, Canada
1968
1994
360
230
Nursery/Toddler to 12
9 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day, Boarding
English
English
Academic
Academic
Waldorf
Traditional
12 to 25
10 to 20
Learning
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Accelerated curriculum
$12,470 to $23,400
$17,600 to $24,000
$26,600 to $33,000
Yes
No
0%
0%
JK to 12
None
$4,000
$0
21
58
0%
13%
0%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Not all Waldorf programs are created the same, and the Toronto Waldorf School is a great example of that. As every school, it has a character of its own, a product of the community it serves. It offers a full preschool through Grade 12 program, throughout displaying a commitment to active learning, process over product, and cross-curricular, collaborative learning. Families that enroll typically are also attracted by an overt attention to ethics, environmental stewardship, interpersonal values, and the encouragement of individual expression. While the curriculum is strong, it’s often that values piece that tips the balance. The ideal student is one who will thrive in an interactive learning environment that builds from the students' talents, interests, and curiosities.
View full reportMcDonald was founded in 1994 to deliver a quality university preparation for students in Canada as well as those arriving from around the world. Ever since, it’s been doing exactly that. The school maintains a small, almost exclusive feel, especially when compared with some of the larger international schools found in Ontario and beyond. The two campuses augment that feel, and students enter a close-knit academic and social community. All of the important supports are in place to appeal to the international learner, from language support, to assistance with daily life, to university counselling. The downtown campus, perhaps especially, is proximate to a rich range of resources, including the nearby University of Toronto campus. The school prides itself on offering a strong academic basis for university entry, as well as a rich and rewarding social experience. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a very vibrant, diverse, challenging and urban academic context.
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"Toronto Waldorf School is the leader in holistic education. Our focus on child development ("The right thing at the right time") and our arts-infused curriculum distinguish us from traditional schools. Waldorf students are responsible, confident, life-long learners, who can problem-solve, think creatively, and serve their communities. Take a tour, see the school, feel the difference. Experience Toronto Waldorf School."
"Est. in 1994, McDonald International Academy (MIA) is a fully accredited secondary school located in Downtown Toronto. The school prides itself for being a vibrant academic and social community through a collaborative effort from teachers, staff and students. Since our inception, over 20,000 students from over 50 countries have graduated from MIA and successfully continued their post-secondary education in Canada and the USA. Over 20% of our graduates are offered university scholarships each year."
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Welcome to McDonald International Academy, your home away from home. Our school offers a wide variety of programs and subjects: each with a stimulating curriculum taught by highly qualified, experienced, professional educators who help our students succeed - not only in our school, but also in the future studies and career paths they choose after completing their studies at MIA.
Our school promotes more than academic excellence. We know that students' moral is important too, so we provide a pleasant atmosphere where students can thrive socially in a secure environment. Students tell me how much they like McDonald international Academy and how rewarding this time in their lives has been. I trust that you, too, will greatly enjoy and benefit from your time here.
Your principal and friend,
Mr. Fraser Rose
Traditional
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Waldorf schools are available from preschool to Grade 12, though they are most popular at the younger ages. Waldorf schools are unmistakably "progressive". Rudolf Steiner, their intellectual forefather, believed the educator's first task should be to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning. Sometimes incorrectly conflated with Montessori schools, Waldorf schools focus on developing the "whole child" - emphasizing collaborative, hands-on learning, along with the arts and music, which are integrated into other areas of study.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
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The Waldorf curriculum revolves around child development and the key concept of "doing the right thing at the right time." An emphasis on a three-fold approach, integrating "head, heart and hands" is a fundamental component in all classes. Cross-curricular connections are made wherever possible, using arts, movement, music and drama in the learning process, bringing greater engagement and emotional connection to the child's experience.
MIA implements guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Education and works with various education consultants that help guide our teachers and staff. MIA also believes learning extends beyond the classroom and incorporates many field trips throughout the year to facilitate real world learning. A variety of courses are offered at MIA, enabling students to take the specific subjects required to prepare them for their post-secondary education.
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.
See our Teaching Approach in the Lower School: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/lower_school/teaching_methods/index.php#.VtiYJubju4M and in the High School: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/high_school/deeper_perspective_on_HS/index.php#.VtiYm-bju4M
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Calculators are not used until later in middle school - sometimes even as late as Grade 8. The focus is instead on mental math, pen and paper math thus ensuring a concept has been deeply cemented before moving to the tool to aid in calculations.
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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.
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See this for details on our teaching approach: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/english.php
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Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Details can be found on our website by looking at teaching writing in different grades: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/english.php
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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.
Learn more here: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/science.php
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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
Physics
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Refer to this chart for details: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/index.php
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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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.
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Our approach to teaching social studies can be found here: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/social_sciences.php
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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.
Our teaching approach can be found here: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade7/social_sciences.php
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
We offer French from Grade 1 to 12. Here's a closer look at each grade: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/grade1/languages.php
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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.
Please refer to our curriculum page for details: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/index.php
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
The Waldorf perspective is that computer exposure should not be based on capability but on developmental appropriateness. Computers and digital technology are not part of the early grades curriculum, although mechanical technology and the practical arts are incorporated at all levels. In our school, Grade 7 and above can access to our computer lab and time in the lab is balanced with Cyber Civics- discussions about the role of technology in our lives, social media and how one can trust information on the web. We strive to give our students to tools to understand the history of computing and how to keep the human being at the centre of our relationship to technology.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Please refer to our curriculum chart for details: http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/why_waldorf/curriculum_chart/index.php
The instruction emphasizes constructive teaching and experimental learning. All activities are designed to ensure students' physical and emotional safety, engaging and encouraging learning experiences to meet diverse individual needs and abilities.
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Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.
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Toronto Waldorf School's early years programs have a play-based approach and learning through experience, art and movement. Healthy rhythm and routine, ample outdoor time as well as time for rest are built into each day. Participation in crafts, painting and chores are some of the daily activities of the preschool and kindergarten child. A rich oral story telling tradition, including puppet shows, help build the young child's language capacities as well as imaginative thinking.
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Accelerated
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.
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
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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.
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.
MIA is a student's home away from home where the students, teachers and staff make up one big family. We believe strongly in helping students beyond the classroom by providing constant emotional support and individualized care.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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."
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
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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
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Information not available
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Information not available
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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
JK - 12
0%
0%
$4,000
$0
0%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No: grades 9 - 12
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
Yes
We are looking for inquisitive and socially active students from a diverse cultural background.
The following documents are required: application form, detailed questionnaire, copy of birth certificate, and copy of most recent report card.
Students need to complete the application form and submit copies of their most up to date transcripts, identification documents (such as passport), and study permit if applicable. Students from overseas must allow for enough time for visa application as times can vary per country. Our school can help process visa applications upon request.
Students will need an English Assessment Test once registered. Math Assessment Tests may also be required.
For further assistance, please contact us at 1-416-322-1502.
