Interview with Kingsway College School PARENT, John McGraw

When we attended the open house, the first thing we noticed was the politeness of the Junior School students. They were opening doors, being thoughtful, and showing respect for adults. The school atmosphere was calm and orderly, in stark contrast to our previous experience in public school, which had been noisy and disorganized. That initial sense of care, respect, and calmness made a lasting impression.

Our daughter entered KCS halfway through the year and was welcomed right away. Everyone made sure she fit in, and she thrived there. Her biggest disappointment was that the high school wasn’t ready for her yet, but my son became part of the first graduating class. The decision to send him there was a leap of faith, but it turned out to be one of the best choices we made.

Every staff member at KCS has mental health training, not just first aid. When I asked how often they use first aid, they said maybe once a week, but they use mental health training every day. That makes a huge difference. Teachers understand issues early, respond collaboratively, and create a supportive environment. This approach helped both of my children, especially my daughter, who faced mental health challenges during puberty.

My son, who struggled with the transition back to in-person learning after COVID, has flourished at KCS. He’s become more independent, confident, and entrepreneurial. The school focuses on getting kids ready to learn, not just on learning itself. They help students find interests and build lessons around them, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and grow through curiosity and responsibility.

My son has been given meaningful opportunities to lead and create. For example, when he wanted to improve how the student café operated, the school encouraged him to build his own point-of-sale system. When his first attempt didn’t work, teachers guided him through new versions until it did. The experience taught him problem-solving, leadership, and perseverance. Teachers actively support these projects and celebrate students’ differences, interests, and creativity.

The school’s three rules—respect, manners, and try your best—are simple but deeply ingrained. They are evident in the behaviour of students, staff, and even parents. From the design of the buildings to day-to-day interactions, those values are visible everywhere. The atmosphere is compassionate and calm, and children are encouraged to make mistakes, learn, and grow without fear of judgment.

The teachers are exceptional. They care deeply about the children and are incredibly responsive. When my daughter had a problem, teachers and learning staff developed a plan within hours. They stay connected with students even after they’ve moved on. The administration is approachable and grounded, leading with the same respect and compassion they expect from others. The Head of the Junior School greets every child by name each morning, setting the tone for the day.

The school prepares children for a rapidly changing world, not just for exams. They’re teaching kids how to think, adapt, and make good choices. KCS focuses on motivation, mental health, and engagement—skills essential for future success. They play the long game, emphasizing personal growth over immediate grades, and create an environment where students learn how to take responsible risks and recover from setbacks.

In the Junior School, the goal is to build habits and a love of learning. In the Senior School, it’s about exploring interests and gaining independence in a safe environment. Families should lean into their child’s passions, support them, and trust the process. From the moment we walked into KCS, through every experience since, the school’s core values have remained unchanged: respect, kindness, curiosity, and genuine care.