REVIEW OF German International School Toronto BY parent, Grace Giese

(5) Student Experience

My children have truly enjoyed their time at school, and I believe what they appreciate the most is the strong sense of community. They feel seen and supported by their teachers, who are engaged and genuinely care about each student’s growth. The school’s culture encourages kindness and collaboration, which has helped my kids build meaningful friendships and feel safe expressing themselves. One of the things they love best is that the school is a close-knit community—everyone knows each other, and there’s a spirit of helping one another. This makes every day enjoyable and creates an environment where they feel valued and included. Overall, I’m grateful that my children can learn and grow in a place where they feel happy, supported, and connected.

Why German International School Toronto?

We ultimately chose this school because it offered the unique opportunity to continue our children’s education in both German and English. After moving from Germany to Canada, it was important to us that our kids—who were born in Germany and are half German—could maintain their connection to the language and culture. The German school not only supports their ability to read and write in German, but also satisfies both the German and Ontario school curricula. While we considered other schools, this one stood out for several reasons. It allows us to keep our options open for the future, so if we decide to return to Germany, our children will be well prepared academically and culturally. In addition, the cost for this private school was about half of what we found at other private schools in the area, making it a more accessible and sustainable choice for our family. This balance of academic rigour, cultural continuity, and affordability was what tipped the scales in this school's favour.

Expectations vs. Reality

The school has truly met—and even exceeded—our expectations, especially because of the dedication and care shown by the staff and teachers. Our children started kindergarten during the challenging COVID period, and the teachers went above and beyond to make the transition as smooth as possible for both our kids and our family. Their support and understanding made a real difference. We were also particularly happy with how both our boys moved from kindergarten to first grade. Since the school is small, our children already knew who their new teacher would be, which helped them feel comfortable and confident about the change. Another aspect we really appreciate is the continuity provided by the grade school teachers, who stay with the same class for two years, moving from first to second grade, and again from third to fourth grade. This consistency means our kids have the chance to build a strong relationship with their teachers, which has been incredibly positive for their learning and emotional well-being. Overall, the supportive environment and close-knit community have exceeded our expectations, and we’re grateful that our children are part of this school.

Your Advice

One important piece of advice I would share with parents considering this school is to be aware of the German approach to early education, especially in kindergarten. Unlike the Canadian system, the kindergarten here doesn’t focus on teaching children to read and write at an early age. Instead, formal learning begins in first grade. The German philosophy places a strong emphasis on allowing young children more time to simply be kids—encouraging play, exploration, and social development before diving into academics. We’ve found this approach helps children build a solid foundation for learning while enjoying their childhood. It might be different from what you’re used to, but we’ve seen the benefits firsthand and truly appreciate the balanced start it provides.

(5) School Leadership

What really stands out about the school leadership and administration is their genuine dedication to making the school the best it can be. They work hard to support students, families, and staff, even when facing challenges or differing expectations from parents. In my experience, the administration communicates openly and as frequently as possible, sharing important updates and addressing concerns in a timely manner. When any issues do arise—whether it’s a problem or a disciplinary matter—they respond quickly and fairly, always striving to find the best solution for everyone involved. I appreciate that they are willing to meet with parents to discuss matters openly and honestly when needed. Overall, the leadership fosters a positive, supportive environment where students and families feel heard and respected.

(5) Teaching

We are very happy with the teaching at the German International School Toronto. The teachers are dedicated and use effective methodologies that keep our children engaged and eager to learn. Our kids are motivated to do their homework and study independently, which speaks volumes about the teachers’ ability to inspire and support their students. Communication from the school is consistent and helpful. We always receive notice when tests are coming up, and the scheduled parent-teacher meetings provide regular, constructive feedback about our children’s progress. Although our kids are strong learners and haven’t faced any major challenges, we’ve heard from other parents that students who need extra support receive specific attention tailored to their needs. We also appreciate the use of the Webuntis and Remind apps, which keep us updated on activities and class schedules. These tools make it easy to stay connected with what’s happening at school. Overall, we feel that our children receive both the challenges and support they need to thrive, and we’re very pleased with the quality of instruction and the care the teachers provide.

(5) Academics

The academic program at the German International School Toronto is truly unique and well-rounded. The school satisfies both the German and Ontario curriculums, and also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which provides a global perspective and encourages critical thinking. One of the school’s major strengths is its trilingual education—students learn in English and German and also have the opportunity to study French. As a result, my children are now fluent in both English and German, and are making great progress in French. This language-rich environment opens doors and prepares them for a wide range of future opportunities, whether in Canada, Germany, or beyond. The school’s small, close-knit community is another key strength. Because everyone knows each other, any issues are addressed quickly and directly, creating a positive, supportive atmosphere. Students receive dedicated attention from teachers, which helps them stay engaged and thrive academically. Overall, I feel confident that the academic program at German International School Toronto will prepare my children well for the next steps in life, both academically and personally. The combination of rigorous academics, a caring community, and trilingual education makes this school a fantastic choice.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

We are satisfied with the current extracurricular opportunities offered at the German International School Toronto. Both of our boys especially enjoy the soccer club, and our older child has really benefited from participating in the game strategy club. These activities have been a great way for them to build friendships and explore their interests outside the classroom. While there are some good options available, we do feel there is room for even more variety. For example, it would be wonderful to see clubs like game strategy offered to younger students as well. Currently, some of the other activities—such as dance, cooking, chorus, and arts and crafts—seem to appeal more to girls, according to our boys’ experience. We would love to see additional clubs focused on science, technology, or a wider range of sports, to ensure there’s something for every child’s interests. Overall, we believe the school is committed to creating a well-rounded environment, and with a broader selection of extracurriculars, it could offer even more opportunities for students to discover new passions and develop important life skills.

(5) Students

The student body at the German International School Toronto is small and close-knit, with only about 100 children in the entire school. Class sizes are very manageable—our kids are in classes of 8 and 12 students—which means they receive dedicated attention from their teachers and have the opportunity to build strong connections with their classmates. One thing that stands out is the supportive and friendly atmosphere among the students. Because the school is so small, everyone knows each other, including parents, which creates a true sense of community. Our children have had the same teacher for two years in a row, and that continuity has helped them feel comfortable and secure in their learning environment. We really appreciate that there are no worries about bullying; any issues that do arise are handled quickly and directly. Overall, the kids get along very well and support one another, making the school a welcoming and positive place to learn and grow.

(5) School Life

Our boys truly love attending the German International School Toronto—they often say they never want to go to another school. The nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and close-knit community make every day enjoyable for them. One aspect that has been challenging is the presence of many expat families who come from abroad for a few years and then move on. It can be tough for our kids when close friends have to leave, but we’ve found that this experience also helps them develop resilience and adaptability. The school can sometimes feel like a bubble, but the international mix of students offers valuable opportunities to learn about different cultures and make connections from around the world. Overall, the quality of student life is excellent. Our children feel safe, supported, and engaged, and they are excited to go to school each day. If there’s one area for improvement, it would be finding ways to help students navigate the transitions when friends leave, perhaps through additional support or activities that foster lasting connections. For prospective families, I’d say the school offers a caring and vibrant atmosphere, where children can thrive academically, socially, and personally. It’s a wonderful place for students to grow and build lifelong memories.

(5) Community

One of the things that truly stands out about the broader community at the German International School Toronto is the strong sense of parent involvement. Parents are regularly encouraged to take part in school life, and this is a valued part of the school’s culture. We really appreciate these opportunities, as they allow us to contribute to the school’s success and to connect with other families. Parent volunteering is not only welcomed, but it also helps keep school costs down, which benefits everyone. Throughout the year, there are plenty of fun events—like the Easter celebration, lantern parade, and Christmas bazaar—where parents can get involved and help create lasting memories for the children. There are also opportunities to join the parent council as a class representative or to volunteer as part of the school board, giving parents a voice in the direction of the school. Overall, we feel that the school provides ample opportunities for involvement, and it has helped us feel like a real part of the school community.

(4.5) School Location

The German International School Toronto is located within a section of a church, and while it does have a small outdoor area, the space is somewhat limited. We appreciate that the school organizes field trips to nearby parks, which the students can walk to—these outings are always a highlight and offer a welcome change of scenery. Ideally, it would be wonderful to have access to more outdoor space and additional places nearby for students to explore. However, we understand the challenges of finding larger facilities in a city like Toronto. Overall, while the school feels a bit like its own island due to the setting, the staff make an effort to connect students with the surrounding community whenever possible.

(5) Admissions

My advice for anyone planning to apply for admission to the German International School Toronto is to reach out to the office staff early in the process. They are incredibly helpful, answering any questions you may have and even connecting you with current families who are happy to share their experiences and insights. When we applied, we were still in Germany and unable to visit the school in person due to COVID restrictions. Despite these challenges, the admissions team arranged a virtual call and did everything they could to help us feel confident and comfortable with our decision. Their support made the process much less stressful, and we appreciated their willingness to ensure the school was the right fit for our family. These days, the school regularly offers in-person tours, which I highly recommend attending. It’s a great way to get a feel for the environment and meet staff and other families. If possible, I encourage prospective families to reach out and visit the school in person at a time that works for them. One thing I would suggest for the admissions process is to emphasize even more the differences between the German and Canadian teaching styles. Greater transparency here would help parents know what to expect and make sure the school is the right fit for their child’s learning style and needs. Overall, our experience was very positive thanks to the responsive and caring admissions team, and I’m happy to recommend the school to other families considering it.