2379 Trafalgar Road, Unit 6, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 6K7, Canada
25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M9A 1G9, Canada
2379 Trafalgar Road, Unit 6, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 6K7, Canada
25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M9A 1G9, Canada
1997
2000
84
100
Preschool to 3
Preschool to 11
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English, German
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
8 to 18
11 to 16
$13,195 to $14,195
$12,300 to $22,300
No
Yes
0%
8%
None
Preschool to 9
$0
$5,000
12
7
0%
0%
95%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School is an established, proven, Montessori program that reflects the core of the method—respect, community, purposeful engagement, motivated learning—within a setting crafted to deliver it. The staff see themselves as a natural support of the families that turn to them, not merely teachers of students, adding further strength to the program. The extended hours and summer camp programs take the offering beyond the hours of the school day and through the holiday months, something that parents rightly appreciate—it adds a consistency, and a sense of the familiar, throughout the calendar year. The school has parent association, which says a lot, actually. It’s unique to schools of this size and focus, though signals a dedication to communication and transparency. The program and the school culture no doubt benefit from that level of parental involvement.
View full reportGIST bases instruction on the curriculum developed in Thüringen, a state at the geographic and cultural heart of Germany. It’s also inspected regularly by officials from that region who come in order to ensure that the school meets the standards set out within the curriculum, something it does for all of the 140 German schools around the globe. They were formed to offer education to German expats, though their popularity grew in response to local demand. The schools offered a quality, a unique pedagogical approach, and a sense of globalism that was hard to find in other institutions. The school provides dual-immersion, admitting students for whom either of the instructional languages are mother tongues. The ideal student is one who is intellectually curious, keen to learn languages, and who is excited by the prospect of learning and living within a rich, diverse, and uniquely authentic cultural environment.
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"My children have had some caring but firm teachers."
Rani Beharry - Parent (Jun 09, 2022)
I have 2 children at the GIST currently in grades 2 and 4. They have been enrolled since 2018, havi...
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"GIST has truly provided a holistic and enriching experience for our children."
Michael Schwanzer - Parent (Jul 26, 2023)
Our children's experience at the German International School Toronto (GIST) has been nothing short o...
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"Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School has provided "Quality Education in a Nurturing Environment" since 1997. The fundamental principle governing our approach to learning is that the "whole child" (emotional, intellectual, social & physical) must be the focal point of the activities so each student can develop at their own pace. We embrace multiculturalism and the uniqueness of each member of our school community and offer Montessori programs from Preschool to Grade 3."
"The German International School Toronto, an IB world school, provides a unique environment for learning in German, English and French. The combination of the German curriculum, known for its excellence, and the Ontario curriculum ensures a well-rounded education in subjects like math, science, languages, and the arts (STEAM). The school promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills and, through its Charakter program, encourages students to become independent and lifelong learners."
"Our forte is personalized care and early learning for each of our unique students. We treat children as an extension of our family and support the parents in helping them raise amazing and happy citizens of the world. Another measure of success is the overwhelming positive feedback we receive from our Alumni. Our goal is to prepare students for continued positive growth on their educational journey once they move on to different schools."
"Modern, state-of-the-art education must go beyond academic excellence. We believe that a balanced and challenging program of character education sets the stage for children’s educational success. Our character framework inspires every child to be their best self. To achieve this, we rely on an individualized approach to learning and an excellent student-teacher ratio, along with the development of monthly character themes."
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"Affordable true Montessori quality education. One to eight Teacher to Student ratios for Preschool but also for Junior and Senior Kindergarten. Structured learning program and daily French instruction. Music and dance are integral parts of the curriculum. Off & on- site physical education program. Information technology and coding for Elementary students."
"As a German School Abroad that is part of a network of over 140 schools worldwide, we follow both the German and Ontario curricula. Our students receive a high-quality education and obtain German as well as local qualifications. The emphasis on individual development, multilingualism and intercultural exchange form the cornerstones of the German International School Toronto. It opens a world of opportunities for its students to communicate and interact with people from all over the world."
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"The exterior frontage of the school perceives it to be quite small but in reality we have spacious classroom and a bright interior environment. Our playground is nature based and spacious."
"Our highly qualified and internationally experienced faculty and staff are the foundation of our German School Abroad, providing a wealth of international knowledge and experience that ultimately has a positive impact on students' academic and learning experiences."
"The owner has been actively involved at TRMS since the school was established in 1997. First as a parent, volunteer and teacher and later as administrator and for the past 21 years as owner and Director. She has a reputation for her commitment to each student and their family. "There is no greater privilege or responsibility than educating young minds. Each child in our care must be treated with the upmost integrity and in a loving and nurturing manner at all times." S. Lescure"
"At GIST we know every student and we care for every student! The small class sizes enable our teachers to respond individually to the students and not only support them in their learning process, but also challenge them to develop into intelligent, independent, and self-confident young people. In addition, small learning groups allow for more intensive support and encouragement of the students: we see the children with their individual needs, talents, and characters."
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Choosing a school, that is most appropriate to the individual needs of your child, is a major decision for parents. Many questions arise but the most important is whether the school’s educational and social philosophy meets the parent’s own expectations and standards.
Trafalgar Ridge’s philosophy is based on the principle that each child will achieve their personal best in all areas of their development! Education involves the progress of self-motivated, responsible and self-disciplined children. From a very young age we bring children, through purposeful activities, to independent learning and self-initiative, enabling them to achieve their highest potential. Self-esteem is achieved and skills vital to a fully functioning member of society are developed.
Our students work independently as well as cooperatively, learning to respect the needs of others as well as their own. A love of nature and a deep sense of responsibility for others and their environment are fostered. Also, the child should have fun and develop new friendships. Most importantly self esteem is nurtured so that each child is proud of their ability and is confident in what they can achieve.
A child’s school should be an extension of their family, providing a safe environment in which they can explore ideas and feelings. Parents who enrol their children at Trafalgar Ridge are required to attend and participate in all information meetings arranged by the school to foster open communication channels for the benefit of the children.
All this in an multicultural environment that embraces diversity and teaches children to celebrate their cultural heritage and that of others!
It is our aim to direct each child to achieve their personal best by allowing them to develop at their own pace.
Please contact us to arrange a tour of our school and to meet our passionate and dedicated teaching team.
We hope to see you soon!
The German International School Toronto is a private, co-educational, German immersion school which provides students with a unique international perspective by combining the best of both the Canadian and German curricula.
Non-denominational and co-educational, the German International School Toronto teaches German and English-speaking students side by side and offers its students a seamless transition into both the Canadian and the European school systems. With classes from Kindergarten through Grade 11, the school creates a unique, multicultural experience within a warm and nurturing environment.
By combining a strong curriculum with small class sizes, a wide array of cultural events and extracurricular programs, including Drama, Art and Music, the school allows students to excel academically and develop individually. As Ontario’s only German full-time day school and one of 140 recognized German Schools worldwide, we offer a very attractive alternative to other Canadian independent schools.
The German International School Toronto is part of a network of 140 German Schools Abroad which are sponsored by the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA) on behalf of the Federal Foreign Office. From Kuala Lumpur to Kiev and Toronto to Tokyo German Schools Abroad place particular emphasis on individual development, multilingualism and intercultural exchange. With the support of the Federal Republic of Germany and excellent teachers, students of German Schools Abroad receive a first-class education and obtain German as well as local qualifications. It is the German language and culture, education, as well as encounters and exchanges that form the cornerstones of German Schools Abroad.
Progressive
International Baccalaureate
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
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.
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.
TRMS offers the full Montessori curriculum from Preschool to Grade 3 focusing on developing the whole child by introducing them to all areas of learning including language, STEM, social studies, art, music and physical education. French enrichment is included at all grade levels. We also focus on character education and social emotional wellness. We strive for happy students who love life and learning!
Our curriculum is a synthesis of content and competency based pedagogy. It is enriched with subject matter from the Ontario curriculum, but its content, processes, methods, and assessments primarily focus on the German curriculum, as defined by the federal state of Thuringia. Academic proficiencies are coupled with competencies directed at developing students’ skills (studying, motivating, partnering, and participating) and their personal attributes (relating, cooperating, and communicating).
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.
We offer a two fold Math curriculum that encompasses Montessori and traditional Math. We offer coding for grades 1 to 3.
We follow the curriculum of math as defined by the German curriculum of the state of Thuringia.
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Phonics-intensive
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.
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 Montessori curriculum is mostly focused on phonics however whole language concepts are also introduced during early reading and onwards. Reading comprehension and deciphering information occurs once the child starts to read beginning phonics readers. A comprehensive reading program is introduced during the Casa years.
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Equal balance
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
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.
Learning to write works in conjunction with early reading literacy. From Preschool onwards children learn to formulate letters, words and sentences. A strong focus on grammar and creative writing skills occurs in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3.
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Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
STEM is introduced from Preschool through exploration and inquiry. Elementary grade 1,2,3 students participate in a mandatory annual STEM FAIR.
STEAM_MINT @ GIST follows the teaching principle of research-based learning and offers the opportunity to go deeper into inquiry based learning, ask questions, collect ideas and hypotheses, try things out and carry out experiments, observe and describe, record and discuss results. The students receive a comprehensive education in a learning environment that combines scientific work with scientific and humanistic knowledge.
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
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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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
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 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.
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Equal Balance
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Communicative
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.
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.
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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
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.
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.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physical development is essential for the growing child. We offer movement breaks both structured and free style (recess) throughout the day. In addition an off site structures physical education program is offer for JK to Grade 3 which can include multi-sports, Zumba and skating, swimming depending on the grade level.
In line with their age, students should engage in physical activity. Our goal is for students to realize that exercise is fun, brings a sense of achievement, and increases personal well-being to the point where they are intrinsically motivated to participate in sports. In addition, our sports activities lead to a strengthening of the sense of belonging within the group, which has a positive effect on the students' social behavior.
Play-based
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
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.
We offer a lower Casa (preschool) and Upper Casa (JK SK) well-rounded Montessori program taught by Accredited and experienced Montessori teachers.
Our Kindergarten program is based on a traditional German model of discovery, examination, and the development of personal skills as they relate to oneself and others. The program is delivered in an atmosphere of caring, understanding, and compassion. Subjects that will become traditional tenets of elementary school are carefully and slowly introduced. The Kindergarten program is also enriched with aspects of Ontario’s Inquiry Based Learning Model. Its emphasis on the joy of new experiences and early learning strategies like conversation, sharing, and imagining play a significant role in our students’ growth as inquisitive and inspired learners.
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.
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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.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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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
Preschool - 9
0%
8%
$0
$5,000
95%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Families who are seeking a nurturing environment for their child to develop in all areas of learning at their pace. Students who complete the full Montessori program at both the Casa and Lower Elementary level achieve the best foundation in their early education.
Contact the school for program information, then to schedule a tour.
To apply for admission at our school, we ask interested families to fill out an Application for Admissions Form and return it to us along with all documents indicated on the form and to pay a non-refundable registration fee.
As a next step, we offer Zoom and in-person meetings to address any questions families may have. We are also happy to invite families to our scheduled Virtual Open Houses (more information at http://www.gistonline.ca/virtual-open-house/)
Following this, families will receive additional information and documents necessary for enrolment. Upon receipt of the signed enrolment agreement, we will collect the admission and tuition fees, which will secure the spots.
For detailed information about the admissions process please visit https://www.gistonline.ca/application-process/
