Curiosity Challenge Community
Welcome to
Message from Struan Robertson, Head of School
The York School’s two urban campuses in midtown Toronto are buzzing with the enthusiasm and creativity of curious learners who are discovering new ways to challenge themselves. In our classrooms and throughout our school, students are being inspired to reach their fullest potential by educators who embrace a relationship-based approach and research-informed teaching strategies.
And those are just the learning experiences that are taking place within our walls. We believe the best way to nurture curious learners to become globally-minded leaders is to take them out into the world to explore innovative solutions to pressing problems. On any given day, the Senior Kindergarten students may be at a conservation area learning how to share our planet with trees and animals, the Grade 6s could be in a ravine launching water bottle rockets they’ve designed for peak performance, and the Senior School Music students might be in Havana learning about Cuban culture from local musicians.
We’re proud of our exceptional programming and we believe our students’ wellbeing is just as important as their academic success. Our faculty and staff are committed to creating a supportive, diverse and inclusive community where young people can thrive as their authentic selves. Small class sizes, a dedicated wellbeing and learning strategies team, supportive homeroom and advisor programs, and engaged parents and alumni make it possible for us to celebrate the unique strengths of every student. At The York School, the curious go beyond. Are you ready for the challenge?
Our Mission
To nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose.
Our Vision
To be a premier destination for top learners in the Greater Toronto Area.
Our Values
Embrace curiosity. Challenge yourself. Contribute to an inclusive community.
Curiosity Challenge Community
Have we sparked your
curiosity?
Read more about York’s exceptional learning experiences ...
The Benefits of a Co-Educational School
Thereisamountainofresearch showingthatsegregationbyraceorgenderfeedsstereotypes Theadultworldisanintegratedworld Thebestthingwecandoisprovidethatenvironmentforchildreninschoolaswepreparethemforadulthood
-ProfessorJanetHyde,PhD
At The York School, we believe that a strong sense of belonging is essential to both learning and personal growth As a co-ed school since our founding in 1965, we’ve seen firsthand how an environment that embraces all students fosters deeper connections, greater empathy, and a stronger community. Our stance is that coeducational schooling not only supports academic success, but also promotes essential social skills and attitudes that students carry with them throughout their lives.
Goingtoagender-inclusiveschoolisimportantbecauseitfeelslikethe realworld.Ibelievethesocial-emotionaleducationwegetisequally importantasouracademics,andbeinginaschoolthatreadiesusfor therelationshipswe’llmakeintheworldisahugepartofthat
Studies show that students in co-educational environments, like ours, develop a broader range of skills, including emotional intelligence and adaptability At The York School, we take pride in our inclusive approach, which allows students to grow into well-rounded individuals, prepared for both academic success and the challenges of an ever-evolving world
Every day in our corridors and classrooms, across all grades and divisions, we see the proof of these studies playing out in real time before our eyes
We see groups of friends - boys and girls together - laughing over shared jokes, climbing, jumping and playing at recess, working on projects and studying together We see cafeteria tables where everybody is welcome We see science partners and project groups that are varied and mixed We see friendship circles that are large, overlapping, flexible, and open
By learning and working together in supervised, purposeful environments, our students develop the tools and mindset required for successful relationship-building at university and in the workplace 1
Ilikegoingtoagender-inclusiveschoolbecauseitmoresimplyreflects theworldaroundme.Thisschoolfostersanenvironmentwhere everyonecancreatetheirownfriendgroupswithpeopletheyfeel comfortablewith You’reexposedtodifferentopinionsand personalities,aswellasbeingencouragedtodevelopyourown -MaxB‘26 -SurayaS‘27
The Benefits of a Co-Educational School
Idon’thaveonlygirlfriends. Aboutathirdofmyfriendsare actuallyboys Ifyouonlymeet girls,youwon’tmeetawidearray ofpeople Withboysandgirls,it’s amoreinclusiveenvironment. “
-BridgetS‘32
They report nearly the same level of academic confidence regardless of whether their school is gender-inclusive or single-sex
84% of students attending independent, gender-inclusive schools feel confident expressing their views in the presence of students of another gender – that percentage drops significantly for students in single-sex schools.
Students at gender-inclusive schools report making friends easily with students of any gender
There is no difference between gender-inclusive schools and single-sex schools when it comes to students feeling confide to participate in class discussions and engage deeply in learn and even in how they perceive their own and others’ math an science abilities
88% of students at independent, co-ed schools feel that thei school provides a safe environment for all students
Joining The York School means becoming part of a community where your child’s wellbeing is nurtured every day Here, students aren’t just learning subjects they’re learning how to care for themselves and others, how to collaborate, and how to lead with confidence and compassion We invite you to be part of this vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community that truly values the success and happiness of every student
Learninginaco-edschoolcreatesasenseofinclusionandpreparesyouforuniversity,asocialsettingthathasalltypesofpeople. -RenR‘29
Pahlke E ShibleyHyde J Allison CarlieM ‘TheEffectsofSingle-SexComparedwithco-educationalSchoolingonStudents’PerformanceandAttitudes:AMeta-Analysis’ PsychologicalBulletin(2014),Vol 140,No 4,1042-1072;Halpern,D F ,Eliot,L ,Bigler,R S ,Fabes,R A ,Hanish,L D ,Hyde,J ,Liben,L S ,Martin,C L ,‘ThePseudoscienceof Single-SexSchooling’,Science(2011),Vol 333(6050),1706-1707
PerceptionsandAttitudesofStudentsTowardtheirAcademicandSocialExperiencesinCanadianHighSchools(2006) Asurveyof17,798studentsandrecentgraduatesfromall typesofCanadianhighschools(independent,public,gender-inclusive,andsinglesex) ConductedbyTheStrategicCounsel,2006 1
Canadian students have spoken and this is what they say:
Early Learners at
Our play-based, inquiry-driven, full-day, all-inclusive Kindergarten program empowers young children to become agents of their own learning.
Igniting Lifelong Learning
Our Play-Based and Inquiry-Driven Approaches to Learning:
Promote cognitive, social, emotional and physical development
Emphasize learning through exploration, investigation and questioning
Foster independent thinking, problem-solving and lifelong learning skills
Guide learners to ask questions, research, experiment, think critically and draw conclusions
Help learners develop essential skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours that are the foundation of learning
York’s IB Primary Years Program Learning and Teaching Framework
We are proud to be Canada’s first school to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program from Junior Kindergarten (JK) to Grade 12. Our JK and SK classes integrate Ontario's Kindergarten curriculum into the IB framework, emphasizing:
Curiosity: We’ve designed an environment that encourages young learners to become natural and self-directed inquirers by empowering them to explore, wonder and create.
Community: We believe relationships are at the heart of everything we do at The York School. In our warm, welcoming, inclusive community, the strong relationships students build with peers and teachers foster a sense of belonging and support the learning process.
Challenge: We create safe learning spaces that empower children to step outside their comfort zones to gain knowledge and build relationships.
This approach nurtures a love of learning and encourages students to engage deeply with their education and community.
“The focus is on student-centred learning. York’s IB Primary Years Program emphasizes planning around the students, not for them, ensuring that education is tailored to their talents, ideas, voices and interests. This approach fosters student agency, helping them develop self-awareness and self-control while engaging with core academics like literacy, numeracy and the humanities. The goal is for students to find learning both fun and exciting, guiding their own discovery process.
Sara Sankari, Junior School Principal
Gaining New Knowledge and Skills
Curriculum
The International Baccalaureate (IB) framework encourages students to connect knowledge across different subjects and apply it in real-world contexts, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
Four units of inquiry are used to guide the learning of our JK and SK students: demonstrating literacy and mathematics behaviour; belonging and contributing; problem solving and innovation; and self-regulation and wellbeing. Through these themes, students start inquiring into their identity and how they express themselves, and learning about the world around them.
Experiential Learning
At York, experiential learning is an essential component. At the Kindergarten level, this happens through:
Play: Daily playtime promotes physical activity, social interaction, curiosity and exploration.
Inquiry: Teachers create curriculum-linked centres and experiences that enable students to inquire, make connections and gain hands-on, real-world learning experiences.
Flexible Learning Blocks: Students learn at their own pace and diverse learning styles and needs are accommodated.
Learning and Wellbeing Support
Learning support for all students begins in our inclusive classrooms where teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of a variety of learning styles.
Junior School Learning Strategists, along with homeroom teachers, support and challenge all students to help them access the curriculum, and implement appropriate accommodations.
The multidisciplinary Student Support Team helps students develop the skills and confidence they need to nurture and maintain their wellbeing.
Highlights
Full-Day Kindergarten Program offering the IB Primary Years Program.
Co-educational; play-based; inquiry-driven; experiential and outdoor education.
Teachers are members of the Ontario College of Teachers and receive IB training.
A unique model of homeroom teachers and associate teachers that work in collaboration to support student learning.
Tuition includes a hot lunch and snacks every day.
A comfortable and easy to wash gym uniform every day.
Full gymnasium, music room, art room, full-service cafeteria, library, playground with mini soccer pitch, basketball court, outdoor classroom and climbing and play structure.
Dedicated Kindergarten space with its own washroom area designed for little bodies.
Classes run from 8:25am to 3:20pm. Children participating in before school care can be dropped off as early as 7:45am. Select co-curricular activities are offered from 3:45pm to 4:45pm. Before and after school care is included in tuition (for JK/SK) and is available until 5:30pm.
For more information or to schedule a tour for your family, please reach out to us at admission@yorkschool.com
TheYorkSchool opens doors forstudents to go beyond. Discovera world-class, co-ed Middle School that can take you anywhere.
AtYork, everyone comes from a different place, whetherit’s genderordifferent cultures oreven different places in the world You get to learn from those differences, and when you’re in an environment likeYorkthat is inclusive, you feel accepted
-AliceP ‘29
Internationally Recognized
Academics
TheMiddleSchoolatYorkisaninnovativeandinvitingplacewherestudentsinGrades7and8embarkonadynamicstageofpersonalandacademicgrowth GuidedbytheInternationalBaccalaureateMiddleYearsProgram(MYP),ourcurriculumisdesignedaroundthreepillars:HolisticLearning,GlobalCitizenship, andInterculturalUnderstanding Studentsengagewithmeaningfulconceptsandreal-worldchallenges,developingtheirvoiceandsenseofagencythrough inquiry,collaboration,andreflection Acoreteamofexperiencededucators,includingteachers,socialworkers,learningstrategists,andadministrators, workinclosepartnershiptosupporteachstudent’swell-beingandachievement
TheMiddleSchoolexperienceincludesarichacademicprogramacrossninesubjects:English,Humanities,Mathematics,Science,French, PhysicalEducation,InstrumentalMusic,VisualArtsandTechnology StudentscanalsoexplorepassionsthroughelectiveslikeMandarin,CodingandDrama Ourrobustexperientiallearningopportunities,fromoutdooreducationtocurriculum-linkedfieldexcursions,bringlearningtolifebeyondtheclassroom Beyondacademics,avibrantstudentlifeincludesarts,athletics,clubs,andleadershipexperiencesthatcultivateasenseofbelongingandresponsibility
Unparalleled
Benefits of University Counselling Co-Education
Choosingauniversityisapivotaldecision,andTheYorkSchoolhasa dedicatedUniversityCounsellingteamthatoffersexpertguidance
Asaco-edschoolsinceourfoundingin1965,we’veseenfirsthandhowan environmentthatembracesallstudents,regardlessofgender,fosters deeperconnections,greaterempathy,andastrongercommunity By learningandworkingtogether,ourstudentsdevelopthetoolsandmindset requiredforsuccessfulrelationship-buildingatuniversityandbeyond
EverySeniorSchoolstudentismatchedwithanin-housecounsellor whobuildsarelationshipthroughouthighschool,understandingeach student'sacademicgoals,careeraspirationsandinterests of parents say they choseYorkto enhance their child’s academic abilities of graduates receive offers from their first choice university
of alumni sayYork effectively prepares students for postsecondary education
Developing Competitive Athletes
Our full-sized gym and outstanding external coaches support athletes as they compete in the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Athletic Association (CISAA) and the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA), fostering a strong sense of community and a healthy school-life balance.
Some sports include: Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Flag Football, Badminton, Trackand Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Softball
Upcoming Events
Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:59pm
Virtual Info Session
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 10:00am
Midtown location - steps away from two TTC subway stations
Emphasis on experiential learning
Focus on wellbeing & belonging
Make a data-driven choice for your child.
Scan
25:1
20+
Relationship-based approach to teaching and learning Bring us your curious.
16-22 graduatingstudentstoguidancecounsellor ratio,anindustryleader countriesrepresented inourschoolcommunity
typicalclasssize
755 totalstudentenrolment
Codes
TheYorkSchool's IB program prepares students for university, not just through academics, but by cultivating lifelong learning skills curiosity, critical thinking, and a global mindset all essential for navigating the demands of university life
-KathrynBarnes,Middle&SeniorSchoolPrincipal
Scan the QR code to learn more.
TheYorkSchool opens doors forstudents to go beyond. Discovera world-class, co-ed high school education that can take you anywhere.
The hands-on experiences we had during ICE were transformative
for me. -AlumJuliaBandOrange‘22,MarineBiology,BostonUniversity
Internationally Recognized
Academics
Grades 9 & 10
Our Senior School challenges students to thinkcritically, act ethically and pursue excellence with curiosity and purpose Grade 9 students participate in the Integrated Canadian Experience (ICE) program, a year-long, interdisciplinary course that brings together Civics, History, Geography and Literature In Grade 10, students complete an IB culminating assignment called the Personal Project, an independent inquiry that showcases their ability to research, synthesize information and apply new knowledge across disciplines
Grades 11 & 12: A choice of two learning pathways
The majority of our Grade 11 and 12 students are enrolled in the internationally recognized, academically challenging IB Diploma Program (DP) We also offer a Personalized Pathway Program for Grade 11 and 12 students who want greater flexibility, but still wish to have an exceptional IB experience and learn in the same classes with their peers in the DP The Personalized Pathway is ideal for students who are pursuing high-performance athletics, deep specialization or alternate timelines
Benefits of University Counselling Co-Education
Choosing a university is a pivotal decision, and TheYork School has a dedicated University Counselling team that offers expert guidance Every Senior School student is matched with an in-house counsellor who builds a relationship throughout high school, understanding their academic goals, career aspirations and interests
Unparalleled 94% 97% 98%
of alumni sayYork effectively prepares students for postsecondary education
As a co-ed school since our founding in 1965, we’ve seen firsthand how an environment that embraces all students, regardless of gender, fosters deeper connections, greater empathy, and a stronger community. By learning and working together, our students develop the tools and mindset required for successful relationship-building at university and beyond
of parents say they choseYorkto enhance their child’s academic abilities
of graduates receive offers from their first choice university
Badminton, Trackand Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Golf
Midtown location - steps away from two TTC subway stations
Emphasis on experiential learning Focus on wellbeing & belonging
Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 1:00pm
Relationship-based approach to teaching and learning Apply by December 1st
25:1
graduating students to guidance counsellor ratio, an industry leader
20+
countries represented in our school community
16-22
typical class size
755
total student enrolment
TheYorkSchool's IB program prepares students for university, not just through academics, but by cultivating lifelong learning skills curiosity, critical thinking, and a global mindset all essential for navigating the demands of university life
-KathrynBarnes,Middle&SeniorSchoolPrincipal
Class of 2025 IB Diploma Final Examination Results
• The class achieved an average score of 34.2 out of a total of 45 points, which is nearly 4 points higher than the IB global average of 30.5.
• 11.7 % of our students achieved a score of 40 or greater, placing them in the top echelon of scholars worldwide.
• One member of the Class of 2025 achieved a perfect score of 45 points.
• The diploma pass rate was 98.7%, which dramatically exceeds the global pass rate of 81.3%.
• 48.4 % of all student course grades were 6 or higher on a 7-point scale.
• 83.9 % of all student course grades were 5 or higher on a 7-point scale.
Class of 2025 Program Destinations
CLASS OF 2025 DATA
COUNTRIES OF STUDY
Canada
Acadia University
Bishop’s University
Brock University
Capilano University
Carleton University
Concordia University
Dalhousie University
Huron University College
McGill University
McMaster University
United States
American University
Babson College
Barnard College
Berklee School of Music
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Claremont McKenna College
Colby College
Colgate University
Colorado College
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
DePaul University
Duke University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Gonzaga University
Harvard University
Illinois Institute of Technology
UK
Cardiff University
City, University of London
Durham University
King’s College London
Lancaster University
London Metropolitan University
London School of Econ and Political Science
Loughborough University
University of Manchester
Graduate Offers (Past 5 Years)
Class of 2025 Placements in BOLD
OCAD
Queen’s University
Sheridan College
Toronto Metropolitan University
University of Alberta
University of British Columbia
University of Calgary
University of Guelph
University of King’s College Halifax
University of New Brunswick
Ithaca College
Kenyon College
Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University New Orleans
Michigan State University
New York University
Northeastern University
Pratt Institute
Princeton University
Purdue University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Southern Methodist University
Stanford University
Syracuse University
Tufts University
Tulane University
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
Newcastle University
Queen Mary University London
Royal Holloway University of London
University College London
University of Aberdeen
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
University of Leeds
University of Toronto
University of Toronto - Mississauga
University of Toronto - Scarborough
University of Waterloo
Western University
Wilfrid Laurier University
York University
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Colorado - Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
University of Miami
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
University of Notre Dame
University of Pittsburgh
University of Southern California
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vassar College
Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
Whitman College
Williams College
Yale University
University of Liverpool
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University of St Andrews
University of the Arts - London
University of Warwick
University of York
Europe
European University Cyprus
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Ramon Llul University - La Salle
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Sciences PO - France
Stockholm School of Economics
Universita Cattolica - Italy
University College Dublin - Ireland
University of Amsterdam - Netherlands
University of Groningen - Netherlands
University of Nicosia