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Trusted by families since 1998.
The Mabin School logo
OUR KIDS REPORT:

The Mabin School

Grades JK — 6 — Toronto, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
The Mabin School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

School overview

  • Grades
    JK — 6
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    20 students
  • Tuition
    $37,400/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    CIS Ontario, NAIS
  • Enrolment
    150 day students
  • Curriculum
    Progressive
  • EBROCHURE
    N/A
  • LOCATION
    Toronto, ON (View address)

The big picture on The Mabin School

We wrote a book reviewing the school

The Mabin School, Toronto, ON  - The OUR KIDS Feature Review

The 50-page review of The Mabin School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.

Read our in-depth review

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"The school you’re looking for does exist. An established school where children, teachers and parents work together to create something unique. The Mabin School is a home away from home, where children love to learn because they feel known, respected and capable. Mabin is an educational leader that develops confident and independent learners, who thrive upon graduation, through a rich, hands-on program centred around Integration, Inquiry & Reflection. Learn about our progressive approach at mabin.com."

  • 40+ years of progressive education
  • Co-Curriculars, Leadership Opportunities, Outreach Initiatives
  • French, Music, Art, Science, Technology and Physical Education
  • Small class sizes
  • After-school care and Co-Curricular activities offered
  • Non-denominational

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

At The Mabin School, we uniquely excel in co-creating a dynamic, inquiry-based curriculum that stems from our students’ interests and questions, fostering engaged learning. Our focus on the 4Rs, particularly RELATIONSHIP, ensures that social-emotional learning is seamlessly integrated into academic rigour, nurturing compassionate citizens ready to navigate and thrive in an evolving world.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

To maintain our commitment to small class sizes and a familial atmosphere, we've prioritized depth over breadth in our offerings. This means focusing on core competencies and social-emotional learning rather than an exhaustive list of extracurriculars. By focusing on inquiry-based learning, we may forgo a rigid, more traditional curriculum approach, allowing for flexibility and adaptability but requiring more resources and creative planning. Additionally, our emphasis on relationship-building and inclusivity allows for more collaborative learning experiences that foster empathy and teamwork.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

Our journey began in 1980, marking the inception of our commitment to progressive education. Becoming the first independent Ashoka Changemaker School in Canada was another pivotal moment, reinforcing our mission to nurture compassionate citizens and adaptive leaders. The evolution of our focus on the 4Rs, particularly RELATIONSHIP, has been instrumental in shaping our curriculum to interweave social-emotional learning with academic rigour for over 45 years. Our recent capital campaign raised $4 million dollars for a transformative build and renovation which allows us more space for creativity and collaboration. Our strategic plan has also been crucial in maintaining our adaptability and commitment to educational innovation, ensuring our students are well-prepared for future challenges. These key moments have cemented our identity as a nurturing, inclusive community committed to educational excellence.

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Students who thrive at The Mabin School are naturally curious, eager to explore, and open to collaborative learning experiences. Our environment is ideal for children who show an interest in questioning the world around them and are enthusiastic about co-creating their educational journey. Students who value relationships and social connections will flourish in our community, where empathy, teamwork, and leadership are core tenets. Our approach is particularly beneficial for children who might feel stifled by rigid, traditional educational structures and are seeking a nurturing and creative environment where they can express themselves freely. We welcome families and students who appreciate diversity and inclusivity, as our school is dedicated to creating a space where differences are celebrated. Ultimately, students who are excited about growing into original thinkers and compassionate citizens will find a natural home at The Mabin School.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

We might advise a family against choosing The Mabin School if they are seeking a more traditional, test-focused educational environment with a fixed curriculum. Families looking for highly competitive extracurricular programs or those prioritizing a large school setting with extensive facilities might not find our intimate, relationship-driven community suitable. If a family prefers less emphasis on social-emotional learning and more on rigid, traditional academics, our approach may not align with their expectations.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

Families choose The Mabin School for its progressive, innovative, inquiry-based approach that prioritizes personal growth alongside academic achievement. Our emphasis on small class sizes fosters a tight-knit, familial atmosphere where students feel valued and heard. Parents appreciate our commitment to social-emotional learning, recognizing its vital role in preparing children for the complexities of modern life. Our reputation as an Ashoka Changemaker School assures families of our dedication to nurturing compassionate citizens and adaptive leaders. Additionally, our focus on inclusivity and celebrating diversity resonates with those seeking a supportive community where every child can thrive. The positive feedback from current parents, who witness their children's transformation and newfound confidence, further reinforces our standing as a school that genuinely cares about each student's well-being and academic development.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

The Mabin School is recognized as a leader in progressive education, known for its innovative approach and commitment to nurturing the whole child. Our reputation as the first independent Ashoka Changemaker School in Canada underscores our dedication to fostering original thinkers and compassionate citizens. The public perceives us as a welcoming, inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and every student’s voice matters. We're seen as a nurturing environment that prioritizes relationship-building and social-emotional learning, offering a unique blend of academic rigour and personal growth. Parents and educators alike appreciate our focus on collaboration, adaptability, and preparing students for the challenges of modern life. Overall, we are viewed as a forward-thinking institution that values creativity, empathy, and lifelong learning.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

One underappreciated aspect of The Mabin School is the depth of our commitment to co-creating the curriculum with our students. While our personalized approach is well-known, the intricacies of how we integrate students' emerging interests into their learning journeys can go unnoticed. This process requires a high level of dedication and expertise from our educators, who skillfully weave student input into meaningful and engaging educational experiences. Additionally, our emphasis on social-emotional learning goes beyond surface-level inclusion; it permeates every interaction and lesson, fostering an environment where students genuinely learn to value and understand each other. This deep-seated commitment to relationship-building not only enhances academic learning but also profoundly impacts our students' personal growth. The transformative nature of this approach is often only fully appreciated by those who experience it firsthand.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

Families might be surprised by the extent to which student voices shape our approach. At The Mabin School, students are active participants in their learning journey, co-creating the curriculum based on their interests and questions. This level of involvement fosters a sense of ownership and curiosity that is unique to our school. Additionally, while we emphasize social-emotional learning and relationship-building, we also maintain a strong academic foundation, demonstrating that these elements are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. Our vibrant and inclusive community supports children in exploring their creativity and developing leadership skills, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Recently, we've focused on enhancing our strategic plan to ensure that we remain at the forefront of educational innovation. Through our Equity Plan for Continuous Improvement, we've strengthened our commitment to inclusivity, equity, and diversity, integrating these principles more deeply into our curriculum and community practices. Our dedication to co-creating a dynamic curriculum with students has been further refined, ensuring relevance and engagement in learning.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, The Mabin School will continue to evolve by embracing new educational technologies and methodologies that enhance our progressive approach. We aim to expand our inclusivity initiatives, ensuring that our community reflects a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Our strategic plan will guide us in adapting to the changing educational landscape, preparing students for future challenges. We also anticipate strengthening partnerships with educational leaders and organizations, which will provide our students with unique opportunities to continue to engage with the broader community, enriching their learning experiences and developing their skills as compassionate, adaptive leaders.


We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

The Mabin School: Parent Review from Jody Berkes

Watch our parent interview with Jody Berkes to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend The Mabin School.
The Mabin School, Parent Video Review from Jody Berkes

 

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