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in-depth report
OUR KIDS Report:
Report on Toronto Prep School
TOPICS
Grades 7 — 12 — Toronto, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Toronto Prep School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

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Toronto (Oct 24)

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Toronto Prep School ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Curriculum Traditional

[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 Toronto Prep School: Traditional

Toronto Prep School has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Traditional?]

Our Kids definition: Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

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

International curriculum & programs at Toronto Prep School: Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What Toronto Prep School says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Our curriculum places a premium on students taking an active role in their own education. Learning by doing promotes a spirit of inquisitiveness and a deeper understanding of ideas. Talented and committed faculty members put students in the forefront and challenge them to pursue their dreams.Teachers who genuinely enjoy working with and connecting with young people engage our students to take constructive risks as they develop academic and personal attributes we value. Our goal is to inspire all our students to develop both creative and analytical skills, which are essential to successful learning, while supporting them as they accept responsibility for who they are and what kind of people they want to become.


Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at Toronto Prep School: Equal Balance

    Toronto Prep School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

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

    What Toronto Prep School says:

    This information is not currently available.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at Toronto Prep School: Equal Balance

    Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep School: Equal Balance

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

    What Toronto Prep 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

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Toronto Prep School: Equal Balance

    Toronto Prep School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

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

    What Toronto Prep School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Equal Balance

    Foreign Languages approach at Toronto Prep School: Equal Balance

    Toronto Prep School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

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

    What Toronto Prep School says:

    We offer French starting in grade 7 through to grade 12. Our classes are teacher directed with lectures, notes and examples. Language skills such spelling, grammar, and comprehension are developed through reading, writing and videos. Interactive group work, games, and conversational exercises contribute to the student's confidence. Quizzes, written tests, and projects are used for assessment purposes.


    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 Toronto Prep School: Equal Balance

    Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep School says:

    We offer classes in Fashion Design, Art, Drama, Communication Technology, Media Arts and Computer Science in addition to all the core courses. Every student is gifted either a MacBook Pro as a tool to help facilitate learning. Our teachers encourage our students to be creative with their work. Our students are given the tools and taught the skills so that they can use their imaginations to create. Many of our students have gone off to post secondary institutions such as Parsons: The New School of Design and OCAD to study their craft. More importantly, our faculty is experienced with Portfolio Management so our students are able to put their best effort and work forward.

  • Computers and Technology

    Heavy integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Toronto Prep School: Heavy integration

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

    What Toronto Prep School says:

    All our new students are gifted a MacBook Pro 13\" to use while at TPS. This laptop is used as a tool for better learning. Students use it to complete homework, write essays and create PowerPoint presentations. Through teacher direction, they are able to use the Internet for research, and resource. Furthermore, the laptop is used for graphic design and communication technologies. It is important to note that the laptop is used as a tool to develop skills such as note taking, essay writing and organization.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Toronto Prep School says:

    Leadership and sportsmanship are encouraged through a range of athletic activities and teams. Students who actively participate in these types of extra-curricular activities find that they are capable of working well in all team settings. In addition, it also helps to emphasize the importance of finding a balance between work and leisure activities, a skill that is useful throughout one's life.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.

  • Sex and health education

    Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Toronto Prep School: Ontario curriculum

    Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep 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

    Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep School says:

    This information is not currently available.

Language English

Learn about Toronto Prep School's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep School: Standard-enriched

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

What Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep School: Rigorous

Toronto Prep 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 Toronto Prep School's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 51%
  Supportive - 49%

What Toronto Prep School says about their academic culture:

With smaller class sizes, our teachers develop a working relationship with their students and are better able to identify their strengths and weaknesses, helping them overcome challenges through encouragement and greater attention in specific areas of need. Each child and young adult has the ability to overcome his or her individual obstacles through a more focused setting and trusting two-way communication with the teacher. Read for meaning and write for purpose;  Locate and evaluate information;  Manipulate numbers and interpret data. 

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 Toronto Prep School says about their developmental priorities:

The Toronto Prep School is completely dedicated to providing a superior academic program for the children of parents who value the importance of knowledge, technology, individuality, responsibility, and integrity in a safe, nurturing, and highly motivated environment. Our mission is to prepare our students by equipping them with the academic tools and life skills needed to enter and succeed not only at the post-secondary school level, but ultimately, in their chosen career path.

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 In-class adaptations

[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 Toronto Prep 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, Toronto Prep School students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.

789101112
Toronto Prep School45 mins45 mins60 mins60 mins60 mins90 mins
Site Average56 mins60 mins75 mins84 mins100 mins107 mins

What Toronto Prep 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
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsGr. 7 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.


Individualized support for diverse learners is provided.

Insights from parents, students, and teachers highlight TPS's commitment to providing personalized education that caters to each student's unique needs and strengths, fostering an inclusive environment for both high achievers and those needing extra support.

We have such a diverse student population, because of our approach to admissions. We have our straight-A students that come to us from the public system because there are 30 kids in their class. They want to get into competitive university programs. They need very high grades, and they need to know their stuff, and they need access to the teacher to get extra help. We have that group of kids, and we have a group of kids that come in who have no self confidence or self-esteem, because if they struggle with something, instead of a teacher sitting down and showing them how it works, they would get categorized as being in a different class of learner. They get sent to remedial, and that plays havoc with your personality. So we help both of these kinds of students.
—Fouli Tsimikalis, Director (see full interview)
Our philosophy is you keep the kids in one class. You don’t mess with the integrity of that class. But the teacher gets to help the child who is struggling and gets to help the child who is brilliant and wants to move ahead. Of course, this can only happen if you have small classes and engaged teachers. I know it sounds like a simple idea, but that’s when it happens. And we’ve had some tremendous results because of it.
—Fouli Tsimikalis, Director (see full interview)
My husband and I were working at another private school, and we built up years of experience: we were teachers in the classroom and we did administrative duties, and we had a big connection with the parents of the students we taught. And we raised two children of our own, who went through the education system as well. And there seemed to be this repeated need to have a school that personalized and catered a program to the kids. For us, that was easy, because that’s how we taught our classes. If you sat in my classroom, I knew you as my student, I knew your name, I knew your parents, I knew your interests, I knew your strengths, I knew your weaknesses. And, as a teacher, I could help with them. So we decided to open a school that did just that — end-to-end — because there was a need for it.
—Fouli Tsimikalis, Director (see full interview)

Teachers are dedicated and motivated teachers.

According to feedback from administrators and parents, TPS's commitment to hiring passionate and engaged educators ensures that students receive both academic assistance and personal encouragement, creating a nurturing and motivating classroom atmosphere.

Our teachers, my teachers — oh my goodness, my teachers I just feel are the best. I’ve got to rave about my teachers. And I’m old enough to be their mom, so I look at them almost like they’re my students. They are great because they are people who I don’t have to motivate to teach. For them, it’s a vocation. They’ll naturally put an arm around a child who’s doing well and give them a high five, or they’ll naturally tell a child who is struggling ‘Come here, I want to help you’, even if that child doesn’t ask for extra help. These teachers will just know.
—Fouli Tsimikalis, Director (see full interview)
I really believe, if you have the right teacher, they could teach out of the back of a van, and they would do a good job. Then when you give them only a certain amount of kids to teach, that can be handled and the teacher can get their hands on them, every one of those kids will get a good education.
—Fouli Tsimikalis, Director (see full interview)
At TPS, they work with you and they try things out with you, and the feedback they base it on is you and your performance. It’s never like ‘You didn’t do well on a test’. Instead it’s ‘Why didn’t you do well on a test? Let’s figure that out. Let’s look into how you studied and then make some changes and see how you do next time’. There’s an emphasis on working with you rather than ‘Here’s the information, now go study’. There is no single way to study. They taught me how I needed to study.
—Shai Mandel, alum (see full interview)

There are strong teacher-student relationships.

Insights from various community members highlight the importance of close teacher-student relationships at Toronto Prep School, which contribute significantly to students' motivation and academic improvement.

So why do we have the small classes? Each teacher gets to know each and every one of their students. We want to know our students. We'll remember the families and what they do and we want to know where they go on vacation.
—Pete Tsimikalis (Principal), parent (see full discussion)
When students know we’re genuine and we actually care, they'll accept what we say. When I'm telling you to do your homework, it's not because I'm being a jerk and I want to ruin your weekend. It's because this will help you and I care about you and you can do it. Stop saying that you're not a math person or a language person. You can do this. They'll accept a little tough love.
—Pete Tsimikalis (Principal), parent (see full discussion)
I asked my daughter, ‘What is it about the school that you love?’ She said she loved her teachers. She said they really care. And it makes a huge difference. I think when someone cares about you, you want to work hard for them, you want to please them. She’s been very inspired by her teachers. We’ve been very blessed.
—Astrid Fischer, parent (beginning in Gr. 7) (see full discussion)

There's a focus on academic rigour and independent learning.

Reports from parents and students highlight that TPS encourages independent learning and academic rigor through clear expectations, dedicated teacher support, and innovative programs like weekend homework clubs, which help students excel even if they struggled in other schools.

What I found at TPS was, you’re not just going to ‘get the grades’ — you have to go and work for them.
—Shai Mandel, alum (see full interview)
TPS had an impact on our daughter from Day One. She came home at the end of her first day and she just went and did her homework. I thought I was going to have to ask her if she had done it, or tell her to go do it. So to see that she was already doing it, that was a bit shocking to me in a very positive way.
—Astrid Fischer, parent (beginning in Gr. 7) (see full discussion)

The facilities are unique and convenient.

Feedback from students and parents reveals that TPS's unique and convenient facilities, such as closely located classrooms and small class sizes, help reduce distractions and create a conducive learning environment where students can remain focused on their studies.

The class sizes are small — maybe on par with other private schools or a little bit smaller. The facilities themselves are unique, because their space is part of a larger building. So the classes are quite close together. It’s not like other high schools where you’re running around, getting lost in the hallways, trying to find your next class, or getting distracted by friends in the hallway. People are kind of like, head down, ‘Let’s go, let’s learn when it’s time to learn.'
—Shai Mandel, alum (see full interview)
The class sizes, the number of students, the teachers, more attention paid to students, the actual facilities — these are all things that set TPS apart.
—Shai Mandel, alum (see full interview)
They have a homework club on the weekends. It’s great for the students who want to spend their time after school doing extracurriculars, or for the students who have not thrived in typical education systems. To go home and do homework at the end of the day is a lot to ask after eight hours of sitting in school, trying their best. The homework club is a great resource for them. It offers alternative times to access support, even on the weekends. What school is open on the weekends?!
—Shai Mandel, alum (see full interview)

Empowerment is cultivated through a creative and individualistic approach.

Insights from students emphasize that TPS empowers learners through creative freedom in programs like the art curriculum and a strong emphasis on individualized study methods, ensuring students thrive in a supportive and flexible environment.

When I went to TPS, it was a given that I would be believed in, and supported from an emotional standpoint and an intellectual standpoint. And that’s what TPS does. They’re not just here to teach you. They’re here to inspire you. They’re here to give you the confidence that you need to grow as a learner. They make you feel like your education is in your hands. They take who you are, and they say, ‘What do you want to accomplish? What are your goals?’ And they figure out how they’re going to help you get there. So what they bring to the table is the individualistic approach and the heart, the support and the academics.
—Shai Mandel, alum (see full interview)
The art program at TPS is phenomenal. Like, incredible. I love the way the school allows for creative freedom in a school. There’s a lot of amazing political art pieces. It’s not like ‘You must be this way, you must conform’. It’s very much encouraging to flourish as an individual, and celebrating that.
—Shai Mandel, alum (see full interview)
I do attribute where I am now very much to the fact that I was with TPS for that Grade 12 year, because TPS gave me something I didn’t have before, which was this intrinsic motivation. I was used to doing schoolwork because I was told to do it, not because I wanted to.
—Astrid Fischer, parent (beginning in Gr. 7) (see full discussion)

Effective university preparation is offered.

Comments from alumni and parents indicate that TPS's rigorous academic focus and practical skill-building ensure students are well-prepared for university and beyond.

[When it’s time to apply to university,] we want the Grade 12s focusing on their academic work. We're going to hold their hand through the process, but we need to make sure that we do everything perfectly just so to make sure it gets uploaded properly. everything's online now, right? You click one wrong button and you don't apply properly.
—Pete Tsimikalis (Principal), parent (see full discussion)
After leaving Toronto Prep School, your child knows how to attack [university-level] problems. It doesn't matter if there's a 1,000 in the class or 2 in the class. The skills were learned in a small class to make sure that they were embedded in your child and that they learned them so that they could use them in the real world out there. These are skills that are transferable and that could be used not only at university, but hopefully in a job.
—Pete Tsimikalis (Principal), parent (see full discussion)
When people come to me and say, ‘Well, do the kids get into university?’ I say, I'll give you one better. Our kids graduate university and do very well. Because to us, that's the key. That's the success. People are like, ‘Oh, I didn't realize your graduation rate is 99% first selection university.’ Getting into school, yes, it's hard. I understand it's hard, but one in three kids will drop out the first year and be asked to leave. That's not the case for the TPS graduates. Not at all. They go in full gangbusters ahead and they rock. And so I tell them, if you're going to any school, please ask them what the success rate is of their kids at university, not just who gets in. And that's really important to us.
—Pete Tsimikalis (Principal), parent (see full discussion)

Leadership is supportive.

Insights from teachers and alumni underscore that TPS's strong and supportive leadership creates an atmosphere conducive to academic risk-taking and personal growth.

Then you have a great leader, you thrive. When I first met Steve and Fouli [Tsimikalis, TPS’ co-founders], I found that they were really good leaders. They support their staff, so that nothing is done in fear. You can take risks. Because I think the school environment should be about taking academic risks and feeling comfortable enough to kind of explore different ideas. A place where teachers and staff are supported to do the best possible job. And Steve and Fouli are those leaders. They are truly such outstanding individuals. I have so much respect for them.
—Astrid Fischer, parent (beginning in Gr. 7) (see full discussion)
We want kids to like coming here and enjoy coming here and feel comfortable. If they don't, this is all for naught. We can push them a bit. Academically, we know what we're doing. We're rigorous. We can do that. We want the kids to enjoy coming here, feel comfortable and want to hang out.
—Pete Tsimikalis (Principal), parent (see full discussion)

There's a college-like academic environment.

Students appreciate the structured yet collegiate feel of TPS classrooms, which feature customized desks and mandatory MacBook Pros, offering a seamless transition to higher education as described by students and teachers.

Our classrooms and our desks, the kids call it very ‘college-like’. For example, we had special desks made up where two kids can sit with their books. There’s only 16 in the class, so there’s only eight desks in the class. Everybody who registers gets a MacBook Pro. There’s lockers. A lot of students tell me they feel like they’re already in college, which makes a really nice smooth transition to university.
—Fouli Tsimikalis, Director (see full interview)

There are global opportunities and recognition.

Parents and administrators share that joining Globe Educate has expanded TPS's global connections, providing both students and teachers with access to international resources and collaborations that enhance the learning experience.

We’ve joined a group called Globe Educate. They are a global educational group. They have 52 schools in the whole world, in England, France, Spain, in Italy, Switzerland, and all over the world. We just became part of their family. And we’re very excited because I think it now puts TPS on a global level. What that allows us to do is coordinate and meet with educators all over the world, to do symposiums for our teachers in Math, Science, English. We are global citizens now at TPS, and the kids are going to have the world in their hands.
—Fouli Tsimikalis, Director (see full interview)
 

OUR KIDS REPORT: Toronto Prep School

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