REVIEW OF Sunnybrook School BY parent, Reza Asadikia
- Date of Review
February 21, 2018 - Grades
Gr. JK - SK
(5) Student Experience
The size of this school is in a way that is not intimidating for younger students, but at the same time encourages interaction with older student to help them grow. With one JK and one SK classroom close to one another, younger students know each other and start developing friendships. The setup of each classroom is very inviting and equipped with interactive technology an the necessary tools for learning. Our daughter enjoys the time she spend with her learning buddy from Grade 5. It is all like a big happy family.
(5) School Leadership
These days, independent schools thrive for excellence. All have fantastic websites, glossy brochures, and staff willingly give you a tour showing how great things are. What differentiated Sunnybrook school from the rest for my wife and me was the happiness we felt in the hallways of school and the students running around, every time we visited the school. Right away, we could see our daughter amongst the students in Sunnybrook school. Our journey started with a typical open house, followed by a school tour. The process was fairly similar to those of the other independent schools we visited. And we visited many. Staff are very professional and friendly. You get a warm feeling that are prepared to hear your unique needs and worries. You don’t get a sense that they are reading from a marketing script with predefined “Q and A”s. When we shortlisted a few independent schools, we went back and had a one on one with the Principal. Meeting with Dr.Davy. was the ultimate tipping point for us to go with Sunnybrook School. She has a vision for the school that is easily understandable. She listened to our particular needs and worries. She responded to all our questions, openly and honestly.
(5) Teaching
The IB curriculum was a decision making factor for us. The way it is administered at Sunnybrook is very structured. You see how students learn to think and to inquire. These are the foundational tools they need to possess as they grow and move to higher grades.
(5) Academics
The IB curriculum was a decision making factor for us. The way it is administered at Sunnybrook is very structured. You see how students learn to think and to inquire. These are the foundational tools they need to possess as they grow and move to higher grades. The progress our daugther has made in Singapore math method is very noticeable. Same with his literacy skills.
(4.5) Extracurriculars
Students enjoy regular French lessons. The French teacher is amazing. She has great skills in engaging students in learning activities. There is a music class for some introductory to music, instruments and dance. The music teacher is very knowledgeable and helps parents support learning skills. PE is also part of the program in a small gym facility in school. Despite the small size of classrooms, the PE teacher does a fantastic job in keeping students active.
(5) Students
The size of the school and each grade make the environment like a family. Student know each other and interact with various teachers and even the principal at a personal level.
(5) School Life
She loves going to school. We were positively surprised when she started asking when school resumes after Christmas holidays! We have tried summer camps at other prominent independent schools and she was always look8ng forward to going back to Sunnybrook.
(5) Community
The student parent association is very active and parents participation is very good. They try hard to keep parents engaged.
(4.5) School Location
The school is located in a nice residential neighbourhood. Similar to other similar neighborhoods in Toronto, traffic at peak times can be heavy.