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in-depth report
OUR KIDS Report:
Report on Greenwood College School
TOPICS
Grades 7 — 12 — Toronto, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Greenwood College School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

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Greenwood College School ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Curriculum Progressive

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at Greenwood: Progressive

Greenwood has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Progressive?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Greenwood's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Progressive - 34%
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 12%
  Montessori - 12%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 2%

International curriculum & programs at Greenwood: Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What Greenwood says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Greenwood’s high-challenge, high-support model encourages academic engagement and growth for every student. We have high expectations for each student, and our personalized support helps students to meet those high expectations. Our teachers take time to understand every student’s unique personality, strengths and learning style, using that knowledge to develop a fully personalized learning experience that sets up each student for engagement and success.


Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at Greenwood: Equal Balance

    Greenwood has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Compare Greenwood's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 67%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Discovery math - 6%

    What Greenwood says:

    Greenwood offers specialized math programs.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    Students are taught to use calculators in math and business classes.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at Greenwood: Equal Balance

    Greenwood has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Greenwood's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 7%
      Inquiry - 25%

    Teaching approach:

    Science instruction includes a mix of knowledge acquisition and inquiry-based learning at all grades and course levels.


    Treatment of evolution:

    SubjectOffered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Traditional

    Literature approach at Greenwood: Traditional

    Greenwood has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    Our Kids definition: In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

    Compare Greenwood's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Traditional - 25%
      Social justice - 2%
      Equal balance - 73%

    What Greenwood says:

    Students analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Greenwood: Equal Balance

    Greenwood has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Compare Greenwood's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 79%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 13%

    What Greenwood says:

    Humanities and social sciences courses at Greenwood include Food & Culture (Grade 11), Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology (Grade 11), World Religions and Belief Traditions: Perspectives, Issues, and Challenges (Grade 11), Challenge and Change in Society (Grade 12) and Philosophy: Questions and Theories (Grade 12).

  • Foreign Languages

    Communicative

    Foreign Languages approach at Greenwood: Communicative

    Greenwood has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Greenwood's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Communicative - 32%
      Audio-lingual - 4%
      Equal balance - 64%

    What Greenwood says:

    French classes are required for students in Grades 7, 8 and 9, and are offered as electives in Grades 10, 11 and 12.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts

    Creative

    Fine Arts approach at Greenwood: Creative

    Greenwood has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Greenwood's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Creative - 36%
      Receptive - 1%
      Equal balance - 63%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Greenwood says:

    Students apply the elements and principles of design when exploring the creative process through drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media. Students use the critical analysis process to reflect on and interpret art within a personal, contemporary and historical context.

  • Computers and Technology

    Heavy integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Greenwood: Heavy integration

    Greenwood has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Heavy integration?]

    Our Kids definition: A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

    Compare Greenwood's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Heavy integration - 26%
      Light integration - 22%
      Medium integration - 52%

    What Greenwood says:

    Greenwood is designed for the digital native, with technology and collaboration tools fully integrated into our program. Students work on laptops throughout the day; students can purchase a laptop through the school or select their own learning device through the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Greenwood says:

    Exercise Science is offered as an optional course at Greenwood, while regular physical education classes are paired with Outdoor Education experiences throughout the year.

  • Advanced Placement courses

    7 courses
    • AP Statistics
    • AP Calculus AB
    • AP English Language and Composition
    • AP English Literature and Composition
    • AP Environmental Science
    • AP French Language
    • AP Microeconomics

  • Sex and health education

    Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Greenwood: Ontario curriculum

    Greenwood has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Compare Greenwood's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 57%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 43%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    Greenwood has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What Greenwood says:

    This information is not currently available.

Language English

Learn about Greenwood College School's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Greenwood offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at Greenwood: Standard-enriched

Greenwood has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Standard-enriched?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Greenwood's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Standard-enriched - 54%
  Accelerated - 18%
  Student-paced - 28%

What Greenwood says about their curriculum pace:

We help students to develop deeper learning using the “three Cs”: customization and technology, choice and challenge, and community. This approach ensures that every student is challenged at exactly the right level -- and in exactly the right way -- to encourage continued academic growth.


Flexible pacing style

Type Offered
Subject-streaming (tracking)
Multi-age classrooms as standard
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
Regular guided independent study opportunities
Differentiated assessment

What Greenwood says about their flexible pacing:

Differentiated instruction allows students to learn in a variety of different ways based on their challenge and support needs (e.g. teacher-directed, self-paced, small-group discussion, collaborative).

Academic Culture Rigorous

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at Greenwood: Rigorous

Greenwood has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: 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”.

Compare Greenwood's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 51%
  Supportive - 49%

What Greenwood says about their academic culture:

Greenwood’s high-challenge, high-support model encourages academic engagement and growth for every student. We have high expectations for each student, and we offer personalized support to help them meet those expectations.

Developmental priorities Balanced

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

What Greenwood says about their developmental priorities:

Greenwood aims to help students develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to lead a fulfilling life and reach their full potential. We believe that character is composed of four elements – intellectual, moral, civic and performance character. By instilling these elements of character in our students, we know they will graduate ready to be confident, competent, ethical, and engaged members of society.

Special needs support Withdrawal Assistance

[Show definition of Special needs support]

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

Greenwood offers Withdrawal Assistance

Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.

What Greenwood says about their special need support:

Support is dependent upon students’ individual needs. For example, if a student is finding a particular class especially challenging, support would be given by the classroom teacher. If there is a pattern amongst many classes, the student's Adviser would facilitate a more fulsome intervention. This intervention will involve strategies such as enlisting parent/guardian support, supporting the growth of academic and executive functioning skills, and organizing an extra help schedule. Student supports and intervention progressively involve more people as needed.

A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Indirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:

Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
  • 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.
    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.

Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


Academic support

TypeOffered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

What Greenwood says:

Access to Greenwood's Student Success Centre (SSC) is included in each student's tuition fees. After reviewing a psychoeducational report and seeking parent/guardian and teacher input, we may recommend that a student with a learning difference carry a reduced course load so they can access SSC support. Students who do so receive a timetabled period in the SSC where they earn a Learning Strategies credit. Grade 12 students in need of SSC support can enrol in the Transition Skills Program, a non-credit course.


Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support In-class adaptations

[Show definition of Gifted learner support]

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment

There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.

Class structure

Program Offered
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

In-class adaptations

Program Offered
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

What Greenwood says about their gifted learner support:

Students needing more challenge can access extension opportunities on a class-by-class basis; students may also have the option to work ahead in a particular unit or course and to deepen their learning with additional content when the course or unit is complete.

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

Nightly homework

In grade Gr. 12, Greenwood students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.

789101112
Greenwood60 mins60 mins60 mins90 mins90 mins120 mins
Site Average56 mins60 mins75 mins84 mins100 mins107 mins

This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).

What Greenwood says about their flipped classroom policy:

Homework time is set on an individual basis by students' Advisers.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Academic achievement reportingGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Habits and behaviour reportingGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsGr. 7 to Gr. 12
 

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.


There is a strong emphasis on personalized and supportive education.

Feedback from students, parents, and alumni highlights Greenwood's dedication to personalizing education, with faculty providing tailored support that adapts to students' interests and learning styles, thereby enhancing engagement and success.

Greenwood College School’s flexible learning system was one of the most important aspects of my experience. I was able to take Grade 7 and 8 math in one year and pursue advanced math through high school. The school allowed me to tailor my learning to my interests, while also providing strong support when I faced challenges. I always felt encouraged to take risks, try something new, and explore different opportunities. 
—Cameron Khalili, alum (see full interview)
The academic flexibility was matched by robust support. In the areas where I excelled, like math and science, I could push further, asking extra questions in physics or diving deep into economics. In areas where I struggled, like art, I received genuine encouragement from both teachers and classmates. Greenwood’s commitment to supporting students wherever they were made a big difference, and it was made even more effective through cutting-edge learning techniques and passionate teachers who embraced new approaches.
—Cameron Khalili, alum (see full interview)
At the end of Grade 10, my guidance counsellor at Greenwood encouraged me to apply for the Shad Valley program—it’s a month-long STEM enrichment program at different universities. I went to UBC in July 2015 and learned a lot—not just about engineering but also business, working in labs, and being around students who were like-minded. That was the first time I really heard about engineering as a university program. My parents are both lawyers, so science wasn’t really something I heard about from them. After that, I took mostly math and science electives in Grades 11 and 12. My guidance counsellor in Grade 12 really pushed me to consider engineering. I was deciding between U of T and Western, and between my parents and my teachers, I was encouraged to think about the challenge of engineering science at U of T. I ended up switching to civil engineering later, but Greenwood—especially the teachers—played a huge role in getting me there.
—Robin Ahmed, alum (see full interview)

The school emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education.

Feedback from students and alumni illustrates how Greenwood encourages well-rounded growth, offering diverse opportunities in academics, leadership, arts, and sports, thereby cultivating versatile skills and interests.

Greenwood, in my experience, really encourages students to be as well-rounded as they can be. There are a lot of opportunities for leadership, community service, outdoor ed, arts, sports, and academics—all the usual high school things, and more. I was on the swim team, and I ran the Host and Ambassador teams, doing lots of tours and such. I was really into math and science—I took chemistry, biology, physics, the three maths, and Grade 12 English. I didn’t do a lot of humanities extracurriculars, although they were definitely there. That sense of well-roundedness has stuck with me in post-secondary. The leadership experience I gained—both formal roles and through peer tutoring and volunteering—has been really valuable.
—Robin Ahmed, alum (see full interview)
Looking back, Greenwood gave me a base set of skills, especially soft skills, that are surprisingly rare. As someone pursuing a technical and engineering-focused path, I’m grateful that I learned how to present myself, engage in small talk, and collaborate across gender lines. Greenwood’s focus on developing well-rounded individuals has become more valuable to me over time.
—Cameron Khalili, alum (see full interview)
I think the school has done a great job balancing academic challenge with flexible, student-centered learning. When I started, Greenwood was very new, and not necessarily known for being highly competitive. But I’ve seen how it’s grown in academics and athletics without losing what made it special. I made it to OFSAA with the volleyball team in Grade 12, and now I hear stories about Greenwood sports on CBC. 
—Daniel Martin, alum (see full interview)

There is a collaborative and community-focused environment.

Testimonies from the Greenwood community depict a close-knit, collaborative atmosphere fostered by the school's co-ed setup and interactive learning spaces, developing students' social and communication skills.

The collaborative nature of the school was another defining feature. We did many group projects and presentations, and there was constant interaction among students. This emphasis on teamwork helped me develop communication and collaboration skills that stood out when I transitioned to university. Greenwood’s environment prepared me well to present myself, meet new people, and work effectively in groups—skills that many peers from other schools seemed to lack.
—Cameron Khalili, alum (see full interview)
Personally, I really liked that it was co-ed—I didn’t want to go to an all-girls school and then switch to co-ed again for university without having done group work in high school. I also loved how small it felt. The student-to-teacher ratio was around 7:1 when I joined. You walk in, and it feels like a little community. 
—Robin Ahmed, alum (see full interview)
When I’ve toured Greenwood since graduating, I’ve seen how much it’s expanded. The facilities are incredible now—a blackbox theatre, for example, would have been amazing when I was there. Back then, we put on plays by the climbing wall in the cafeteria. The gym wasn’t finished when I started, so we had phys-ed across the street in the park. It’s great to see how far the school has come. Looking back, I also wish I had branched out a bit more academically. I focused on science and math because I knew I’d get good grades, but I think I could have explored the arts more, even if it meant lower marks.
—Daniel Martin, alum (see full interview)

Diverse course offerings prepare students for future challenges.

Insights from alumni and parents emphasize Greenwood's diverse course offerings, including unique subjects and Advanced Placement options, which prepare students for various future academic paths and real-world situations.

For me and my friends as well, the work at Greenwood is just right. It is a good mix of important work, fun work, but as well challenging work. We are given many assignments that seem challenging at first, but when we start working on them we learn a lot and they become easier. The work at Greenwood is challenging enough to teach us a lot and help us learn, but also not too difficult for most students. Another thing I love about Greenwood is that the work we do in many classes helps us prepare for later in our lives (university, adulthood, etc.). For example, in math class in grade 9, we learned how to do taxes, how to buy properties and how to buy cars. For me, this is very important as it helps me best prepare for my future.
—Alexander Viola, student (beginning 2019) (see full review)
 

OUR KIDS REPORT: Greenwood College School

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