371 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2R7(MAP)
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Our Perspective
How we see University of Toronto Schools
UTS began its life in 1910 as a laboratory school within the University of Toronto department of education. Then, as now, it shared a building with that faculty. When it was founded the intention was that there would ultimately be more than one school, including a girls' school, as the initial enrollment was just boys. Hence the plural "schools" in the name, though there has only ever been one. UTS is remarkable for all kinds of reasons, including an alumni that includes 2 Nobel Laureates, twenty Rhodes Scholars, eleven Olympians, and three ambassadors. In the century since it was founded, UTS weathered some interesting times, including student protests in the 1960s. At one point a student presented the headmaster with a blank sheet of paper saying "this is a list of our demands." It might sound a bit silly now, but the school was at the centre of the debates that would, in time, bring some important advances to public schooling in Canada, including the abolition of matriculation exams and a 4-year secondary school program (rather than 5). Those changes, and many others, are symbolic of the school's excellence, and it remains one of the foremost schools in the country. While not a gifted school, at least in name, the ideal student is one who thrives within a challenging, brisk academic environment.
School's Perspective
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How University of Toronto Schools sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"UTS is an independent school for grade 7 to 12 students, proudly affiliated with the University of Toronto in an iconic new home on the University campus. Students arrive as engaged young people with big ideas. They graduate from UTS as empowered leaders and champions of change with the drive to have an impact on our world. The UTS admissions process is based on academic merit and potential, with a sharp lens on greater diversity and inclusion."
UTS is the only independent school located downtown and affiliated with a university (U of T)
Rigorous and enriched curriculum which provides additional depth and breadth of learning
Needs-based financial assistance of $1.4 M (5%-100% of tuition) provided to 20% of students
Three arts starting in Grade 7, Latin starting in Grade 8; Physical Education from Grades 7 to 11
Interdisciplinary Themes in Grade 7 and 8, which address significant global challenges
Access to University of Toronto libraries, athletic facilities, and learning partnerships
Guidance courses in Grade 11 & 12 to support students for university admissions and life beyond UTS
The option to complete an AP Capstone Diploma in addition to the UTS Diploma and OSSD
Extensive co-curricular activities, athletic programs, and experiential education program
Opportunities for students to audit and take courses, as well as conduct research at the U of T
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Message from school leadership
Leanne Foster, Principal B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., Ph.D.
Dr. Leanne Foster earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto where she pursued her love of English Literature and History. She completed her Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE/UT). Dr. Foster earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Toronto in 2009. Her doctoral work and research focused on school improvement and educational change management.
A dedicated and experienced educator, Dr. Foster’s career in teaching has taken her from kindergarten classrooms to university lecture halls. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to education and academic excellence.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: University of Toronto Schools
