REVIEW OF Sunnybrook School BY parent, Jennifer Upitis

(4.5) Student Experience

Our daughters have had a wonderful experience at Sunnybrook School from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 4. What they appreciate most is the strong sense of community. They enjoy the close relationships they have built with their teachers and classmates, and they look forward to coming to school each day. The small class sizes and individualized attention have allowed them to develop confidence in their abilities while also feeling comfortable asking questions and taking on new challenges. They have also particularly enjoyed the variety of enrichment opportunities, special events, and extracurricular activities that make learning engaging and fun. If there is one thing they occasionally find disappointing, it is that some school years seem to pass too quickly, and they wish they had even more opportunities to spend time with friends and participate in certain activities.

Why Sunnybrook School?

When we were exploring school options for our daughters, we considered several independent schools. What tipped the scales in Sunnybrook's favour was the sense of community we felt from our very first visit. The teachers and staff were genuinely engaged with the students, and it was evident that each child was known and valued as an individual. We were also drawn to the school's small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and meaningful relationships between students and educators.

Expectations vs. Reality

One area where the school exceeded our expectations was the level of individual attention and care shown to each student. Our daughters have been encouraged to develop confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning. The teachers have taken the time to understand their strengths, challenges, and interests, creating an environment where they feel supported and motivated to do their best. If there was any divergence from our expectations, it was in a positive sense. While we anticipated a strong academic experience, we did not fully appreciate how significant the school's impact would be on our daughters' personal growth. The development of their confidence, leadership skills, friendships, and sense of responsibility has been just as valuable as their academic progress.

Your Advice

If I could share one piece of advice with a parent considering Sunnybrook School, it would be to look beyond the academics and pay attention to the community and culture of the school. While the academic program is excellent, what truly sets Sunnybrook apart is the way it nurtures each child as an individual. The teachers genuinely know and care about their students, and the relationships formed within the school create an environment where children feel safe to learn, take risks, and be themselves. I would encourage prospective parents to visit the school, speak with current families, and observe how students interact with one another and with their teachers.

(5) School Leadership

When issues or concerns arise, the leadership team responds promptly and professionally. We have appreciated their willingness to listen, gather information, and work collaboratively with families to find appropriate solutions. Decisions are made with the best interests of the students in mind, and communication is transparent and respectful. Communication with parents is another area where the school excels. We have consistently been kept informed through regular updates, teacher communications, parent meetings, and school events. The administration and faculty are accessible and responsive, making it easy to ask questions or discuss concerns when needed. As parents, we have always felt like valued partners in our children's education.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at Sunnybrook School has been exceptional, and we have been very pleased with the quality of instruction our daughters have received throughout their time there. The teachers are knowledgeable, dedicated, and genuinely passionate about education. They create engaging learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning while maintaining high academic standards. We have felt that our daughters received an excellent balance of challenge and support. They have been encouraged to develop independence, confidence, and resilience while knowing that their teachers are always available to guide and support them. The small class sizes contribute significantly to this personalized approach, ensuring that no student is overlooked and that individual needs are recognized and addressed. Communication between teachers and parents has consistently been strong. Teachers are approachable, responsive, and proactive in sharing both successes and areas where additional support may be beneficial. The feedback they provide is thoughtful, constructive, and focused on helping students continue to grow academically and personally.

(4.5) Academics

Sunnybrook School's academic program is one of its greatest strengths. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, it offers a well-rounded, inquiry-based approach to learning that encourages students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and make connections across subjects. Rather than focusing solely on memorization, the program emphasizes problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and independent thinking—skills that are increasingly important for success in higher education and beyond. One of the school's key academic strengths is its ability to balance rigour with individualized support. The small class sizes allow teachers to understand each student's strengths and areas for growth, providing both enrichment and assistance as needed. The IB framework also promotes global awareness, research skills, and a broader understanding of the world, helping students become thoughtful and engaged learners. Another strength is the integration of character development and social-emotional learning alongside academics. Students are encouraged to be reflective, compassionate, and responsible members of their communities, which complements their academic development and prepares them for future leadership opportunities.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

We have been very pleased with the extracurricular opportunities available at Sunnybrook School. While it is a smaller school, it does an excellent job of providing a variety of activities that allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build confidence outside the classroom. While larger schools may offer a greater number of teams, clubs, or specialized programs simply because of their size, we have found that Sunnybrook provides a strong range of meaningful opportunities and encourages broad participation. Students are often able to take part in multiple activities rather than having to compete for limited spots, which helps foster inclusion and engagement. One aspect of Sunnybrook's extracurricular program that deserves special mention is the annual school play. Unlike many schools where participation is limited to students who audition for lead roles or have a strong interest in performing arts, Sunnybrook encourages—or requires, depending on the grade level—all students to participate. This creates a truly inclusive experience where every child has an opportunity to contribute and be part of a shared accomplishment.

(4.5) Students

One of the defining characteristics of Sunnybrook School is its small, close-knit student body. With classes from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 6 and typically fewer than 20 students per class, the school fosters an environment where every child is known, valued, and included. The relatively small size creates a strong sense of community and belonging that can be difficult to find in larger schools. The overall atmosphere among students is warm, welcoming, and supportive. Because the children spend many years growing up together, they develop meaningful friendships across grade levels and learn to treat one another with kindness and respect. Older students often serve as role models for younger students, and there is a genuine sense that everyone is part of one community rather than being divided by age groups or social circles. The school's House system is another important contributor to student life and school spirit. With five school Houses that include students from different grades, children have opportunities to build connections beyond their own classrooms. House activities, competitions, and special events foster teamwork, leadership, and camaraderie while creating a healthy sense of pride and friendly competition. It is wonderful to see students of different ages working together, supporting one another, and celebrating shared achievements.

(4.5) School Life

Our daughters absolutely love going to school at Sunnybrook. From their very first years in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 4, they have looked forward to going to school each day. That enthusiasm speaks volumes about the quality of student life and the positive environment the school has created. One of Sunnybrook's greatest strengths is its ability to make students feel known, valued, and connected. The small class sizes and close-knit community allow every child to develop strong relationships with their teachers and peers. The atmosphere is warm, supportive, and inclusive, helping students feel confident, safe, and excited to learn. For prospective families, one important insight is that Sunnybrook's greatest strength is not any single program or activity—it is the culture of the school. The combination of strong academics, caring teachers, engaged leadership, meaningful student participation, and a genuine sense of community creates an environment where children thrive. Our daughters have not only received an excellent education, but they have also developed confidence, independence, strong friendships, and a love of learning. As parents, there is nothing more reassuring than seeing your children genuinely happy to go to school each morning.

(4.5) Community

We have found the parent community to be welcoming, supportive, and highly engaged. Whether through school events, performances, House activities, volunteer opportunities, fundraising initiatives, or informal interactions at drop-off and pick-up, there are many opportunities for families to connect and build meaningful relationships. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, making it easy for new families to feel part of the community. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to be involved in the life of the school. Throughout our daughters' years at Sunnybrook, we have appreciated the open communication from teachers and administration, as well as the opportunities to participate in school events and celebrations. The school recognizes that a strong partnership between home and school contributes significantly to a child's success. The relationships we have built with other families, teachers, and staff have enriched our daughters' educational journey and contributed greatly to our sense of connection to the school.

(4.5) School Location

Sunnybrook School is located in a well-established residential area that provides a welcoming and community-oriented setting for students. While the school is situated on a busy street, student safety is clearly a priority, and the school has established procedures to ensure safe arrival and dismissal. One of the school's greatest location advantages is its proximity to both the nearby Sunnybrook Cemetery walking trails and the Beltline Trail. These beautiful green spaces offer students opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor experiences that complement classroom learning. The trails contribute to a peaceful environment and provide a unique natural setting that is not commonly available to many urban schools.

(4.5) Admissions

My advice to families considering Sunnybrook School would be to take the time to visit the school, meet the teachers and administration, and get a feel for the community and culture. The school's strengths become most apparent when you see students interacting with one another and with their teachers. It quickly becomes clear that relationships, community, and individualized attention are at the heart of the Sunnybrook experience. We found the admissions process to be welcoming, transparent, and supportive. Rather than feeling like a high-pressure evaluation, the process felt like a genuine effort to determine whether the school would be a good fit for both our children and our family. The admissions team was approachable, responsive, and willing to answer questions throughout the process, which helped make the experience much less stressful than we had anticipated.