What is The York School’s philosophy and vision? Our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world. Does the school have a code of conduct? The school requires families to read and sign a code of conduct governing academic, personal, athletic, interpersonal, and general safety responsibilities and expectations. What kind of leadership and governance does The York School have? Is it non-profit or for-profit? The York School is an independent, not-for-profit organization which is led by the Head of School, Conor Jones. Parents are members of this organization which is governed by a Board of Directors, made up of mostly current parents and a limited number of outside directors who volunteer their time and expertise. Each member has distinct and complementary responsibilities that promote the school's mission and strategic plan. The York School is a registered charity and can issue tax receipts. What does tuition include? Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs involved with attendance at The York School including teacher’s salaries, professional development, and operational costs. Fees for uniforms, textbooks, laptops, lunches and activities/trips are extra and vary by grade and degree of involvement. Please refer to the Tuition page on our website for a more detailed breakdown of fees. What curriculum does The York School use? Does it follow, meet or exceed the provincial education guidelines? We are proud to be the first school in Canada to be accredited to offer the full continuum of the International Baccalaureate (IB) from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12. Our Senior School (Grades 9- 12) is regularly inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education to ensure that we are meeting provincial requirements. To maintain our accreditation status, the IB World Organization evaluates The York School to ensure we are meeting IB requirements at all levels. The York School offers an education marked by individual attention, small class sizes, and a climate of collaboration and excellence. Our teachers guide students in their discovery of the self and their exploration of the world around them by encouraging them to ask questions and to engage with their community. Our graduates are extremely well-prepared for any postsecondary institution they choose to attend anywhere in the world. What is the student-to-teacher ratio? Maximum class size? Class sizes vary from 16 to 18 (in JK and SK) to 18 to 22 (in Grade 4 and above). The average class size is 18 students and gender ratios are considered. Individualized classroom learning environments are enabled by Core Teachers, Specialty Teachers, Learning Resource Teachers, and Associate Teachers. What are the teachers’ qualifications? What kind of professional development are they offered? Our teachers have their Ontario Teaching Certification (or equivalent) as a baseline. Many have taught in other IB schools around the world. Our teachers are not only well-trained in IB and subject-related material, they are often the ones leading sessions at professional development conferences. Our commitment to being a leading IB World School ensures that teachers experience continual professional development with regards to pedagogical and technological best practices. For example, our teachers are in technology sessions run by our Google Certified Teachers once every week or so. Where do the school’s graduates go? What percentage of students go on to university? The IB Diploma prepares our students to be successful anywhere! Our graduates have been accepted to more than 145 national and international post-secondary institutions. Included are top Canadian universities like Queen’s, McGill, U of T, Western, and UBC. In the US, some of the schools our graduates have attended include: Cornell, Swarthmore, USC, University of Pennsylvania, NYU, Yale, Berklee College of Music, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, and Vanderbilt University. International destinations include: University of St. Andrew’s, London School of Economics, The University of Hong Kong, University of Westminster, and University of Sydney. How are applicants assessed? Is there an entrance test? We gain a clear picture of each applicant through interviews, a day visit, an internal assessment in the areas of reading, writing, and math, and previous school reports. The most common standardized test used for independent schools is the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). While The York School does not require all candidates to write the SSAT, candidates who take the SSAT are asked to submit their results to The York School as well. How does technology fit into the curriculum? The York School is a global leader among schools in innovative technology integration. Two of Ontario’s six Google Certified Teachers are at The York School! We believe technology is an essential tool, whether in a work or a learning environment. Our technology is therefore totally integrated into the curriculum, with full-time, on-site support from Technology and Learning Specialists. To facilitate seamless integration of technology, Middle and Senior School students purchase laptops that are used across the curriculum on a daily basis. The laptop becomes the student’s notebook, textbook, and communications tool. The Junior School has class sets of laptops that are introduced in Grade 2. Every classroom has a Smartboard. Grade 4 and 5 students are provided with 1:1 Google Chrome Book access. The school has several sets of iPads. The Middle and Senior School campus has a Mac-based MIDI recording studio, Mac Media Lab, and IB Film Studio.
How would you describe your pedagogical approach? Students experience the future of education at The York School. We do not anchor ourselves to one pedagogical approach, but draw on a range of them as students take their educational journey; everything from group work and project-based learning to a case-based approach can be seen in our classrooms. Our unique Grade 9 ICE Programme is a testament to experiential learning. Overall, we emphasize inquirybased learning across all disciplines and divisions. We believe there is more to be learned than can be taught in a classroom. York students are understood and embraced as individuals. They have time and space to explore their interests and experience the world around them. They learn who they are, what they care about, and what they are capable of. From the earliest grades, York students are encouraged to be curious, compassionate, courageous, and confident. They are ready to take on (and contribute to) the world. What is the school’s approach to discipline? The York School is committed to helping every student live up to the expectations set out in our Code of Conduct. When it comes to discipline, we emphasize education. If students fail to meet expectations, staff will take appropriate action to help them understand their own behaviour and the consequences of that behaviour and prepare them to meet these expectations in the future. Consequences for minor infractions include retracting privileges and issuing detentions, while more serious instances may result in suspension or expulsion. Does the school provide daycare or have extended hours? We offer before and after school care to students from JK to Grade 5. Before care starts at 7:30 AM and aftercare starts after classes end and continues until 6:00 PM. We also have a Co-Curricular Programme which allows students to sign up for age-appropriate activities of interest related to art, music, drama, sports, leadership, science, etc. What sort of financial aid is available? To what extent does the school support families in need? Although The York School does not have an endowment fund, there is a process to apply for financial aid which starts with the submission an application to Apple Financial Services (https://www.applefinancialservices.ca/home/index.php), a third party organization that provides an unbiased evaluation of an applicant’s financial resources and ability to fund their private education. In honour of our 50th Anniversary, for the 2015-16 admission cycle, The York School will be offering Entrance Scholarships of up to $20,000 for Middle and Senior School. A separate application is required. Please visit the Admission pages on our website for more details. How willing is the school to involve parents? Is there a parent council? How much parental involvement is expected? Our parents are very involved in our community whether it’s volunteering for the York Parent Association (YPA), York International Parents (YIP), the Board of Directors, or assisting the admission department as Parent Ambassadors. The York School depends on its enthusiastic and effective volunteer parent community to enhance day-to-day activities at the school. The York School enjoys a high rate of volunteerism and offers many ways for parents to participate and be involved. What type of student is The York School looking for? We are looking for students who have demonstrated an ability to thrive in an academically rich and challenging environment and who want to be a part of and contribute to our dynamic community. York students are concerned about wider society and are willing to share their talents, work collaboratively and improve their skills. We are committed to the International Baccalaureate and to giving our students every opportunity to achieve their goals. How does the school measure individual achievement and progress? Students’ progress is measured through a variety of formative and summative assessments reported regularly to parents. In addition to internally assessed oral, musical, visual, and written assignments, the IB Diploma Programme culminates with exams marked by outside examiners, providing accountability. How does the school respond to a child who is not meeting academic expectations or who has gaps in knowledge? A student who is not meeting academic expectations will be given assistance and guidance by their teacher and counsellor. Learning Resource Teachers in the Junior School, Middle School, and Senior School support student learning. Students are encouraged and expected to take an active role in their learning and develop a plan for success with their Counsellor. We assess new students to find any gaps in the consolidation of their skills and work with students on an individual basis. The concept of accountability is central to the IB and York philosophy, extending to both students and teachers. What is the school’s homework policy? Is there homework help? At The York School, homework meaningfully extends and enriches classroom learning. In the Junior School, homework is introduced as students move through the Primary Years Programme to develop their time management and organizational skills. Homework averages 5 to 8 hours weekly in Grades 6 through 8, and then 8 to 15 hours weekly in Grades 9 through 12. Our teachers are available for help during lunches, after school, or early mornings.
Are any applicants given special consideration? The York School gives preference to sibling applications to help foster a strong sense of community within the school and allow for all children to attend the same school.
What kinds of events does the Admission Department offer to prospective families throughout the admission process? Open Houses Small Group School Visits Day Visits Activity Mornings Inside York Revisit Prospective Parent Dinners Welcome Evenings What is the composition and diversity of The York School community? The York School community reflects a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. About 30% of our community school-wide are internationally mobile families from all corners of the globe. As a non-denominational school, we embrace and celebrate our diversity - both inside and outside our classrooms. When is French introduced? What other languages are offered at The York School? In JK and SK, students receive 20 minutes of French language instruction each day. Starting in Grade 1, students receive 40 minutes of French language instruction each day. We use the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM) up to Grade 5 which incorporates gestures, music, dance, and theater to help students learn. While French is required through Grade 9, students have the option of taking Mandarin as an elective starting in Grade 6 and Spanish starting in Grade 7. IB Diploma Language B options include French, Mandarin, and Spanish. What sorts of co-curriculars are offered at The York School? Participation in Athletics and Co-curricular activities at The York School is integral to school life. Leadership opportunities abound from the youngest grades to the graduating year. Our athletics programme provides exposure to a wide variety of sports at all levels. Competitive sports (playing against other schools) are available starting in Grade 3. A wide range of co-curriculars are available beyond the classroom to help student grow their skills and help create balance in their lives. Please visit the Athletics and Student Life sections on our website for more details. What facilities does The York School have - or have access to? As an urban school situated in the heart of midtown Toronto and steps from the subway, The York School is in a unique position to take advantage of the many facilities all around us - like the Rosedale Reservoir playing fields, the Beltline running path, the Brickworks, and even Camp Oochigeas north of the city. Our campus facilities include: Junior School: gymnasium, music rooms, art room, library, playground, cafeteria, and open concept gathering places Middle/Senior School: double gymnasium, running track, outdoor turf, outdoor patio, rooftop garden, theatre, film studio, recording studio, art rooms, music rooms, MAC lab, library, cafeteria, and fitness centre What is the admission process for international students? Please refer to the International Students and Families section in the division you are inquiring about (Junior, Middle, Senior) for a detailed admission process overview for international applicants. Does The York School require Letters of Recommendation as part of the application process? No, but we will accept them as part of the application. Does The York School accept applications for Grade 12? We do not typically accept applications for Grade 12 because the IB Diploma is a two year programme that starts in Grade 11. We consider Grade 12 applications on a case-by-case basis. What is The York School’s policy on English language proficiency? Is there any ESL support? At The York School, the language of instruction is English and we do not offer an ESL programme. We will accept applications to JK, SK, and Grade 1 from ELL students. Applicants to Grades 2 through 5 who have strong academic records and foundational skills in English will be considered. English language skills (reading and writing) will be assessed during the admission process.
Do you offer sibling discounts? At this time, we do not offer sibling discounts. Do students wear uniforms? The Junior School and the Middle/Senior School have different uniforms. There is a separate summer and winter uniform for each, as well as athletic wear. Do you provide lunch? Yes. Lunch and snacks can be purchased from the school cafeteria on each campus. At the Junior School, families sign-up in advance for a full (includes a morning and afternoon snack and lunch) or flexible (lunch on an as-needed basis) meal plan. At the Middle/Senior School, students use their student number or a biometric fingerprint reader to purchase items a la carte from the cafeteria. Items are simply charged back to the family account each month. What are your school hours? The Junior School building is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For students in JK and SK, the school day starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 3:20 PM. For students in Grades 1 through 5, the school day starts at 8:30 AM and finishes at 3:35 PM. The Middle/Senior School building is open from 7:30 AM through 7:00 PM. The school day starts at 8:30 AM and finishes at 3:40 PM. Do you have a boarding programme? The York School is a day school. We do not have any boarding facilities and can only consider applications from students moving to Toronto with their families/legal guardians. Do you provide a school bus or transportation service? The school does not provide transportation services. Some families use private school transportation services. The York School is conveniently situated right on the Yonge subway line and many students take the TTC. Moreover, both campuses have drop-off and pick-up facilities for parents/guardians who are driving their children to school. How do I figure out which grade my child should be applying for? We determine grade placement based on calendar year (from January 1st through December 31st). For September 2015 start: Born in 2011 - JK Born in 2010 - SK Born in 2009 - Grade 1 Born in 2008 - Grade 2 Born in 2007 - Grade 3 Born in 2006 - Grade 4 Born in 2005 - Grade 5 Born in 2004 - Grade 6 Born in 2003 - Grade 7 Born in 2002 - Grade 8 Born in 2001 - Grade 9 Born in 2000 - Grade 10 Born in 1999 - Grade 11 Do you accept new students part way through the school year? Providing that there is space in the grade, we accept mid-year transfers of students who have gone through the process and meet all our admission requirements.
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