Indirect Support:
At RDS you will find an educational community where each child has a voice, feels valued and supported. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, RDS enriches each student’s learning thanks to programming integration with use of UofT, AGO and the ROM. Our supportive and nurturing environment is designed to foster confidence, passion and curiosity. Our dedicated faculty draws on best practices to inspire learners and ensure students are prepared to adapt confidently and engage responsibly in our changing world.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Rosedale is proximate to a wealth of physical resources that wouldn't be available to schools of a similar size located elsewhere. The student body is small, with just 120 students, though the school partners with the University of Toronto, the AGO, and the ROM, all of which are located within a short distance of the school. The school very happily makes use of all of those resources, including the athletic facilities at U of T. The school adopts a range of progressive practices, including a promotion of cross-curricular instruction and cooperative learning. In all, it's a very nice mix, combining the intimacy of a small student body with a lot of resources and facilities close to hand. While perhaps not a gifted school, per se, the ideal learner is one who can benefit from an enriched curriculum.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of The Rosedale Day School.
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| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| Flexible pacing style | offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Ice Skating | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Running | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Squash | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball | ||
| Badminton | ||
| Gymnastics |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Math Club |
| Musical theatre/Opera |
| Outdoor Club |
| Outdoor Education |
| Photography |
| Poetry/Literature club |
| Robotics club |
| School newspaper |
| Science Club |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Art Club |
| Band |
| Chess Club |
| Choir |
| Community Service |
| Computer Club |
| Debate Club |
| Drama Club |
| Environmental Club |
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| Day | $21,925 | |||||||||
Discounts
| Discount Type | Enrollment Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd child (sibling) | Day | $3,810 |
| Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | JK to 8 |
| Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 10% |
| Average aid package size | $0 |
| Percentage of total enrollment on financial aid | 10% |
| Total aid available | $100,000 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
See Apple Financial website
This information is not currently available.
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | JK to Gr. 8 | Coed | Day | 160 |
| Total enrollment | 160 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 16 |
| Average class size | 16 to 20 |
| Gender (grades) | JK to Gr. 8 (Coed) |
| Boarding offered | No |
| Percentage of students are international students | 10% |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | 7 |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Enrollment | 10 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 12 |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | JK - 8 | |
| SSAT | ||
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | ||
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: Rolling
The application requirements for RDS are straight forward and streamlined for today's families. The process begins when initial contact with the school is made. From this point, we will quickly reply to your inquiry in order to set a time and date for an individualized tour. The tour will provide you with all the information you are looking for about the school and will answer all of your questions (perhaps even ones you did not know you had).
From there, potential students are invited to come and visit the school. Students entering Kindergarten will spend half a day with their future classmates, while students in Grade 1 and above generally spend a full day. The purpose of the visit is to allow RDS to fully assess the current academic skills and levels of potential students. It also allows the school to observe the social dynamics/interactions while getting to know the children on an individual and more personal level.
The school does not have a formal entrance test, but a comprehensive assessment is completed informally during the potential student's visit to the school. No student will be granted admission without visiting the school.
After the visit, the school will then contact the parents to inform them of the outcome and if an offer will be made or not. If admissions is granted, then a formal Letter of Acceptance and other materials will be mailed.
Student Entry Points
| Student Type | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 10 - 14 (75%) | 2 - 4 (50%) | 2 - 4 (50%) | 0 - 2 (25%) | 0 - 2 (25%) | 0 - 2 (25%) | 0 - 2 (25%) | 0 - 2 (25%) | 2 - 4 (25%) | 0 - 2 (25%) |
Below, find stories and testimonials about The Rosedale Day School.
“I enjoy learning at RDS because the work is very diverse and not monotonous. In math, we learn something new every day, and in Language Arts we do fun journals and interesting projects such as collages on diversity. I also enjoy learning at RDS because every time I don’t know something, the teachers explain it very well so I understand it. The teachers make the concepts really easy to understand every time we learn something new.” – Matthew C (Grade 6 – 2014)
...A priority for us choosing RDS was that our son Vincent would be academically challenged. The teachers truly considered each individual child’s needs and brought our son to his full potential. He absolutely thrived, gained an enormous amount of confidence and fit right in immediately. After visiting many private schools that accepted our son’s applications I was drawn to RDS by a comment made during our orientation. “I am aware how important SK is in the overall development of a child’s successful academic future. I ensure their foundation is solid before leaving my class”. Wow, what an impression! Every child is special at RDS and so are the teachers! Ms. Lindy’s passion to teach is evident each and every day. There is something to be said about small schools. It is quite the community and positive learning environment. We are grateful and thankful!
...When we were looking for a school for our son P.J., we’d never heard of RDS, and to be honest, we were a bit reluctant to check it out when it was recommended to us at the end of our search. We’d already found another school that seemed like a good fit for P.J. for grade two, and we weren’t sure how many visits and buddy days one seven-year-old could take. Fortunately, we decided to give RDS a try just so we’d know we’d covered all the bases. As soon as P.J. came back from his visit with Mr. Badali’s grade one class, we could see how happy and comfortable he felt. After months of looking for the right place, we made the decision to enroll P.J. at RDS within a week. I can’t tell you what a wonderful year P.J. ended up having, trying out all kinds of new sports and activities and finding the perfect mix of support, encouragement and challenge from his grade two teacher, Ms. Shier. We feel like we’ve stumbled on a hidden gem with RDS! The kids are happy and kind to each other, and the teachers are thoughtful and responsive. It’s a warm and cozy environment that also broadens the kids’ horizons with outside arts, science and camp experiences. We’ve been so pleased with RDS that we decided to send P.J.’s twin sisters there for junior kindergarten too. It feels good knowing all our kids will be together in such a special spot. We’re so glad we went for that one last school visit!
...I cannot believe that [my daughter] is nearing the end of her time at RDS. We have just got through a fairly exhausting process of applying to six schools (three public schools with special programs, and three private schools). I am sure you will be pleased to know that [my daughter] has decided to accept a place and scholarship at [ xx ], the school you always thought she should attend! Thanks for preparing her so well for this stage. ...
At the time that we were looking at a school, our daughter was in need of a change and a challenge. My wife and I were searching for both a great school and a community. With the larger schools we were concerned about her not getting the attention she deserved and frankly, getting lost. In RDS we found a unique community that immediately captured her interest and engaged her in the love of learning. The resources that they have access to, including the UofT, AGO, ROM and numerous other facilities provide an incredible range of experience for RDS students. My daughter loves school so much that when our son was born, it was a foregone conclusion where he would go to school. Our children mingle with kids of all ages, and they know everyone's name in the school. They are engaged in learning and when I see how quickly they are progressing, I know that choosing RDS was the right decision for them. I would be happy to share my RDS experiences with others.
...I cannot tell you how grateful and appreciate we are for the many years we have been able to enjoy at RDS. I still have my notes from my first phone call with you so many years ago. You have built a wonderful place that nurtured and cared in a very special way for our three boys and I will be endlessly grateful for such a gift. Thank you! We will miss the community at RDS. ...
Our son attended RDS from Grades 6 to 8. During that time we were very pleased with the school and what it offered to him. His tenure at the school was an integral part of building his self-esteem and confidence. The small classes, dedicated teachers and integrated aspect of the whole school meant that students at all levels developed respect and empathy for each other. Initially skeptical of the school's ability to offer a reasonable sports programme, we were amazed with the diversity and facilities that were offered. RDS's association with the UofT facilities meant that they have better sports facilities than most schools. If we had to do it all over again, would we pick RDS? You bet we would. ...
My debt to your school is greater than I can ever repay. ...you have given my son the security and assurance that he so badly needed. As a result he is a very fine young man with a good heart and quite a surprising ambition. Thank you for all you have done to see him on his way to adulthood. ...
The Rosedale Day School is a co-educational, non-denominational school located in Toronto's Yorkville district. Our school's motto is quisque infans singularis est-meaning that every child is special. We strive to embrace all that makes our students special and tailor our programming to fit their needs.
Our programs concentrate on creating a balance in the educational needs of our students. The activities that our students participate in are designed to provide a balance between academic subjects, school and the community around us. Students participate in Physical Education classes at the University of Toronto Physical Education center, take ceramics at the Gardiner Museum, perform their musical and theatrical productions at Victoria Chapel, tour the Royal Ontario Museum and regularly use the Yorkville Library. Community is also fostered at RDS through our "buddies" program where older and younger students are matched up during charity and other events throughout the year. We work hard to maintain balance between all aspects of education in our programming. A typical day at RDS includes the study of the academic basics in addition to a foreign language, Physical Education and one Arts class.
Recent changes to our programming include a "roll-out" of a Mandarin language program, an enhanced Physical Education program and an assessment program designed to help further tailor programming and actively track students' progress. Upcoming events at RDS include the Annual Art Show and Sale at the Gardiner Museum on May 8th.
...
I would like to welcome you to The Rosedale Day School (RDS) community.
Choosing the right educational environment can be a challenging decision based on the needs of your child. There is no doubt that the right school and right fit will provide ample opportunities for your child to develop academically within a safe, value based educational environment.
At The Rosedale Day School, we believe that EVERY CHILD IS UNIQUE. We are a small educational institution and our environment provides the opportunity for our teachers to effectively educate your child, pay attention to important details that are vital towards their academic and social development, while maintaining a positive rapport and mentorship that inspires and sustains a passion for learning.
We are located in the heart of downtown Toronto and adjacent to the University of Toronto campus where we utilize world class athletic facilities to complement our athletics program. We have a wonderful outdoor education program that focuses on character development and provides the opportunity for our students to become value based empathic individuals and socially responsible citizens by the time they graduate from RDS.
I invite you to go through our website and contact our Admissions Department for a tour of the school. You and your child will experience our school culture and clearly see how happily our community operates within an optimal learning environment.
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