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in-depth report
OUR KIDS Report:
Report on The York School
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Grades JK — 12 — Toronto, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
The York School
REPORT CONTENTS
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Analysis

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The York School ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Insider community voices

Hear directly from The York School community as they share insights into the Academics.

Mitch Green, Parent, The York School - text snippet underneath video thumbnail - academics
Parent

Mitch Green

Shares something their child is particularly proud of at the school.

Curriculum Progressive, International Baccalaureate

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at The York School: Progressive, International Baccalaureate

The York School has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]

Our Kids definition: Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

Compare The York School's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Progressive - 34%
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 12%
  Montessori - 12%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 2%

The York School has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.

Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.

What The York School says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Our curriculum meets both the Ontario Ministry of Education and International Baccalaureate Programme requirements. Our IB approach is cross-curricular and project-based, which means that from English, to Arts, to Science and Technology, our students are studying similar themes and concepts that equip them with future-ready skills. We’ve also developed signature programs across all grade levels that engage, inspire and challenge students.


International Baccalaureate program(s) offered

ProgramOffered
Primary Years
Middle Years
Diploma program
Career-related program

Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Discovery Math

    Mathematics approach at The York School: Discovery Math

    The York School has a Discovery Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Discovery Math?]

    Our Kids definition: Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.

    Compare The York School's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Discovery math - 6%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Equal balance - 67%

    What The York School says:

    The power of mathematics for describing and analysing the world around us is such that it has become a highly effective tool for solving problems. Students intrinsically appreciate the fascination of mathematics and explore the world through its unique lense. Students often describe themselves as “authors” or “artists”; a school’s programme should also provide students with the opportunity to see themselves as “mathematicians.” In the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), mathematics is viewed as a vehicle to support inquiry, providing a global language through which we make sense of the world around us. It is intended that students become competent users of the language of mathematics, and can begin to use it as a way of thinking, as opposed to seeing it as a series of facts and equations to memorize.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Early Reading

    Balanced Literacy

    Early Reading approach at The York School: Balanced Literacy

    The York School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    Our Kids definition: Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

    Compare The York School's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Balanced literacy - 50%
      Phonics-intensive - 48%
      Whole language - 2%

    What The York School says:

    The development of language is not only fundamental to communication but also supports and enhances our thinking and understanding. Language permeates the world in which we live. The language learning process in the Junior School involves learning language, learning about language and learning through language. Students are provided authentic learning experiences to support their growth in oral communication, reading, writing and media literacy.

    DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What The York School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Process approach

    Writing approach at The York School: Process approach

    The York School has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).

    [Show: About Process approach?]

    Our Kids definition: The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.

    Compare The York School's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Process approach - 11%
      Systematic approach - 11%
      Equal balance - 78%

    What The York School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at The York School: Equal Balance

    The York School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Compare The York School's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 7%
      Inquiry - 25%

    Teaching approach:

    This information is not currently available.


    Treatment of evolution:

    SubjectOffered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at The York School: Equal Balance

    The York School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare The York School's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 25%
      Social justice - 2%

    What The York School says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies

    Expanding Communities

    Social Studies approach at The York School: Expanding Communities

    The York School has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

    Our Kids definition: The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

    Compare The York School's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Expanding communities - 28%
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Thematic - 33%

    What The York School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Pragmatism

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at The York School: Pragmatism

    The York School has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Pragmatism?]

    Our Kids definition: Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.

    Compare The York School's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Pragmatism - 13%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Equal balance - 79%

    What The York School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Communicative

    Foreign Languages approach at The York School: Communicative

    The York School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    Our Kids definition: The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

    Compare The York School's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Communicative - 32%
      Audio-lingual - 4%
      Equal balance - 64%

    What The York School says:

    At The York School, there is an emphasis on authentic contexts and fluency.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts

    Equal Balance

    Fine Arts approach at The York School: Equal Balance

    The York School has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Compare The York School's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 63%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 36%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What The York School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Heavy integration

    Computers and Technology approach at The York School: Heavy integration

    The York School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Heavy integration?]

    Our Kids definition: A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

    Compare The York School's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Heavy integration - 26%
      Light integration - 22%
      Medium integration - 52%

    What The York School says:

    At The York School, our approach to technology is not about gadgets and gizmos – it is about a progressive approach to education and a school-wide commitment to innovation. We offer a culture of creativity that inspires teachers and students to think differently, explore confidently and adapt skillfully. This approach means that we are constantly searching for technological opportunities that will enhance learning. When exploring options and making choices about technology in the classroom, we focus on ways to enrich the IB inquiry method and to empower students and teachers to access the full potential of their imaginations. Led by our Learning, Technology & Innovation department, the school constantly adapts to technological opportunities that arise and responds with new initiatives and programmes. We regularly assess the needs of our community and participate in a rigorous process of goal setting and reflection each year.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What The York School says:

    Physical education is more than just students participation in sports and games. The focus is on developing transferrable skills that promote physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. One of the main goals of the physical education programme is develop an appreciation and understanding of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

  • IB Diploma courses

    32 courses

    Group 1 (Language A)

    • English Literature SL
    • English Literature HL

    Group 2 (Language B)

    • French SL
    • French HL
    • Spanish ab initio SL
    • Mandarin ab initio SL

    Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

    • Business and Management SL
    • Business and Management HL
    • Economics SL
    • Economics HL
    • Geography SL
    • Geography HL
    • History SL
    • History HL

    Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

    • Chemistry SL
    • Chemistry HL
    • Biology SL
    • Biology HL
    • Physics SL
    • Physics HL
    • Environmental Systems SL
    • Sports, Exercise and Health Science SL

    Group 5 (Mathematics)

    • Mathematics SL
    • Mathematics HL

    Group 6 (The Arts)

    • Music SL
    • Music HL
    • Theatre SL
    • Theatre HL
    • Visual Arts SL
    • Visual Arts HL
    • Film SL
    • Film HL

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.

  • Sex and health education

    Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at The York School: Ontario curriculum

    The York School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Compare The York School's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 57%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 43%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    The York School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What The York School says:

    This information is not currently available.

Preschool/K Curriculum Academic

[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

Preschool/K Curriculum approach at The York School: Academic

The York School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).

[Show: About Academic?]

Our Kids definition: Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

Compare The York School's Preschool/K Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Academic - 42%
  Play-based - 20%
  Montessori - 29%
  Waldorf - 2%
  Reggio emilia - 7%

What The York School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

Our play-based, inquiry-driven, full-day, all-inclusive Kindergarten program empowers young children to become agents of their own learning. Inquiry-driven learning guides students to ask questions, research, experiment, think critically and draw conclusions. This approach promotes independent thinking, problem-solving and lifelong learning.

Language English

Learn about The York School's languages of instruction and enrolment.

The York School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at The York School: Standard-enriched

The York School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Standard-enriched?]

Our Kids definition: Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

Compare The York School's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Standard-enriched - 54%
  Accelerated - 18%
  Student-paced - 28%

What The York School says about their curriculum pace:

This information is not currently available.


Flexible pacing style

Type 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

What The York School says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

Academic Culture Rigorous

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at The York School: Rigorous

The York School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

Compare The York School's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 51%
  Supportive - 49%

What The York School says about their academic culture:

This information is not currently available.

Developmental priorities Balanced

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

What The York School says about their developmental priorities:

This information is not currently available.

Special needs support

[Show definition of Special needs support]

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Indirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:

Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.
    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
    Dyscalculia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.
    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism
    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).
    Asperger's Syndrome
    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.
    Down syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).
    Williams syndrome
    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
    Clinical Depression
    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.
    Clinical anxiety
    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.
    Suicidal thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
    Cerebral palsy
    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
    Muscular dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
    Blindness
    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."
    Deafness
    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


Academic support

TypeOffered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support No Support

[Show definition of Gifted learner support]

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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.

Class structure

Program Offered
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

In-class adaptations

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)

What The York School says about their gifted learner support:

This information is not currently available.

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

Nightly homework

In grade Gr. 12, The York School students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.

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What The York School says about their flipped classroom policy:

This information is not currently available.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackJK to Gr. 12
Academic achievement reportingJK to Gr. 12
Habits and behaviour reportingJK to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsJK to Gr. 12
 

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.


Students acquire a global perspective through the IB Programme.

Observations from students, parents, and alumni illustrate how the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at The York School provides a distinctive global perspective and opens numerous opportunities for students around the world.

Having graduated with the IB diploma opens up an awful lot of doors for our kids, both to the top schools in Canada, south of the border, and around the world. Our IB scores are well above the world average annually. So our kids get an awful lot of choices and we’re very proud of where they go—some of the top schools around the world. When you’ve achieved the IB diploma, it is really an incredible achievement that opens doors.
—Struan Robertson, Head of School (see full interview)
I think our most important criterion was we wanted the kids to be challenged academically. And an IB school, we thought, would prepare them for post-secondary education. This is now their third year, and they are really enjoying their time there. They are definitely being challenged at school, which was great. They've responded well to that.
—Sonia Thomas, parent (see full interview)
When I think of what drew me to The York School, there’s the IB program. It’s also a co-ed school—that was also a deciding factor for my family. They wanted me to go to a co-ed school and I think that was a big reason for choosing the school. There’s not really too many co-ed IB programs, so that definitely played a big role.
—Leila Keshavjee, alum (see full interview)

Students benefit from a balanced learning environment.

Insights from families and students highlight the significance of The York School's co-educational setting in fostering a balanced and inclusive academic experience.

Each year has brought something new, in terms of their achievements and progress, and that's been great to see. Our children have been at the York School for almost five years. One year, they might be working on large projects that pushed them to achieve something that they'd never done before, like an in-depth analysis or a lengthy paper. Other years, the achievement was in the sports arena. They both participate in the basketball team and have had success there. Other times it was things like student council. They have had opportunities to use the tools they've learned inside the school to really become better citizens.
—Mitch Green, parent (see full interview)
What I appreciate most about the York School is their objective to ensure that the parents are involved in the holistic approach to educating the child. Academic excellence is a huge part of it, but they're also constantly encouraging parents to ensure that their child is engaged, reporting back on a semester basis with each teacher, truly understanding your child,what gets them motivated. When there's challenges, we aren’t just looking at the symptom but trying to get to the deeper issue that needs to be resolved. They want that child to be as holistic as possible in their educational experience.
—Mitch Green, parent (see full interview)
Looking back, The York School definitely was great in terms of giving me a really well-rounded education, and teaching me just how to work really hard. I think especially now as a business owner—where you’re thrown into the deep end and you’re just trying to do a whole bunch of things—I think having that kind of education and knowing how to really work hard and stay motivated and be super driven … I definitely am really thankful that I had that experience to go to The York School.
—Leila Keshavjee, alum (see full interview)

Students benefit from the rigorous programming.

Observations from parents, students, and alumni highlight The York School's strong commitment to rigorous academics, notably its comprehensive IB Programme, which equips students with essential skills and prepares them well for future educational pursuits.

There really weren’t many schools that were comparable to The York School in terms of the quality of education, and a real reputation in the city and around the globe. So, for us, it was The York School or bust. It is really where we wanted to be.
—Sasikan, parent (see full discussion)
I also really did appreciate, obviously, the academic focus of the school because I do think that it prepared me well for university. Coming into university, I had a good understanding of what a really heavy workload looked like and felt like. And so I knew how to adapt to what might have been a bigger change for some other newer students who might not have experienced that in high school.
—Abigail Nash, alum (see full interview)
I think just being able to adapt to the difficulty of work was very interesting for me and something that obviously you learn as you get older. You see older kids doing the hard stuff that you're about to do and you're like, ‘Oh my gosh, that's so scary.’ But then, something that I found interesting, was obviously as you get older, you start to realise your own potential. That's not necessarily the school. I guess that's more me.
—Abigail Nash, alum (see full interview)
 

OUR KIDS REPORT: The York School

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