Roundtable Q&A Discussion About Sunnybrook School (2024)
Sunnybrook School alumni, current students, and parents shared their insights on the school’s culture, values, strengths, and weaknesses. Hear what Andrew Chien, Shipra Vyas, Chris Teshima, Saba Hameed had to say about the school.
Highlights from the Q&A discussion
Andrew Chien — current parent
Andrew, a parent at Sunnybrook School, shared his perspective on the school’s strong community, small class sizes, cultural fit, IB curriculum, supportive teachers, engaged parents, and thoughtful programs that help his son thrive academically and socially.
- I don’t think it can be stated enough how strong the sense of community is at Sunnybrook… It’s really clear how much the community cares about the success of all students… It’s a great community feeling, and that has made me feel like I’ve set my son up for success at Sunnybrook.I don’t think it can be stated enough how strong the sense of community is at Sunnybrook… It’s really clear how much the community cares about the success of all students… It’s a great community feeling, and that has made me feel like I’ve set my son up for success at Sunnybrook.
Sunnybrook is a small school, and one of the most important factors for my partner and me was the teacher-to-student ratio. It was important that someone would take the time to engage with him and draw him out.
Sunnybrook just felt right when we visited. You could see it in the way students interacted with teachers and each other.
As a new parent (in the school), the weekly emails have been incredibly helpful.
The parent community at Sunnybrook has also stood out. It’s only been a few weeks, but events like the Fun Fair highlighted how welcoming and supportive the parents are. They share experiences, offer guidance, and help new families connect.
Observing how my son talks about his day also reflects the school’s impact. When we ask him what he did or who he played with, he says “everyone,” meaning all the kids in his grade and class. It shows how engaged he is with the school and what he’s learning.
Shipra Vyas — current parent
Shipra, a parent at Sunnybrook School, shared her perspective on the school’s small, co-ed environment, highlighting its rigorous IB academics, close-knit community, diverse extracurriculars, strong parent engagement, and her daughter’s sustained enthusiasm.
- I always say that Sunnybrook School is a small co-ed school that strikes the perfect balance between rigorous academics and a fun, vibrant environment for young kids. It’s an IB school focused on elementary education, which I absolutely love. The school challenges young minds but does so in an intimate and supportive environment.I always say that Sunnybrook School is a small co-ed school that strikes the perfect balance between rigorous academics and a fun, vibrant environment for young kids. It’s an IB school focused on elementary education, which I absolutely love. The school challenges young minds but does so in an intimate and supportive environment.
This is our third year at Sunnybrook, and every year, I continue to be impressed by how much our daughter is exposed to beyond schoolwork. Whether it’s sports like cross country and track, choir, various clubs, the music program, guest speakers, or author visits, each week brings something exciting.
Parents have easy access to teachers, administration, and staff, which is extremely reassuring when challenges or questions arise. Weekly emails from teachers provide updates on class activities and prepare parents for the upcoming week, while the principal’s weekly and monthly updates give a broader context and photos.
We were particularly curious about how the IB program would work at the elementary level… The program fosters curiosity, turning children into thinkers and active learners, and the units of inquiry integrate geography, science, language, and arts, reflecting real-life connections.
The parent community at Sunnybrook is also incredibly strong. The small class sizes mean parents know each other well, and the intimate nature of the school helps us build relationships across grades.
After three years, what stands out most is that our daughter has never wanted to stay home from school… That says a lot about how engaged and happy she is at Sunnybrook.
Chris Teshima — current parent
Chris, a parent at Sunnybrook School, shared that the leadership is professional and responsive, creating a close-knit environment. Both his children feel proud, happy, and fully engaged, making Sunnybrook an important part of their lives.
- The leadership at Sunnybrook, including Ms. Brenn and the teachers, is incredibly professional and responsive. I’m always impressed by the personal connection you have with the kids and the way you address concerns promptly. You are consistently accessible, which speaks to the school’s close-knit, small nature.The leadership at Sunnybrook, including Ms. Brenn and the teachers, is incredibly professional and responsive. I’m always impressed by the personal connection you have with the kids and the way you address concerns promptly. You are consistently accessible, which speaks to the school’s close-knit, small nature.
The school is extremely efficient and well-run, and I have nothing but praise for the leadership team. Their professionalism ensures that the school operates smoothly, and parents feel confident in the care and guidance provided to every child.
Unlike many children who look forward to summer holidays, my son most appreciates the time spent at school, which provides him with a sense of identity and space to explore himself as an individual.
My little one in junior kindergarten also shows immense pride in being part of Sunnybrook. I see it in his excitement each morning, and as the weekend ends, he looks forward to Monday, putting on his uniform, and returning to his friends. Both of my children truly feel that Sunnybrook is one of the best parts of their lives.
Saba Hameed — current parent
Saba, a parent at Sunnybrook School, shared that the school’s exceptional faculty, small size, and strong sense of community create a nurturing environment. The IB program, thoughtful technology use, and leadership opportunities help children thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Sunnybrook School stands out for its wonderful community and exceptional faculty. From junior kindergarten through grade six, every year has been a consistently pleasant experience, with amazing teachers and strong relationships that set the school apart.
The school’s smaller size allows for individualized attention, both emotionally and academically, which isn’t feasible in larger environments. This attention helps children build confidence, especially more reserved students, who thrive with familiar teachers, friends, and supportive parents around them.
The IB program at Sunnybrook integrates fun, creativity, research, and project-based learning in enjoyable ways.
Sunnybrook’s leadership team is experienced, tenured, and highly responsive. They listen to feedback, collaborate effectively, and maintain open communication with parents. The faculty and administration work seamlessly together, reinforcing a strong sense of community throughout the school.
Technology is used thoughtfully as a learning tool to promote independence and responsibility. Students from junior kindergarten onward engage with educational apps and online platforms under guidance, learning to care for devices and use them responsibly.
When asked, the children themselves describe Sunnybrook as “where all my friends are” and praise “the best teachers.”
