Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
760 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
Close to 30 |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
Local 70% : international 30% |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
No. The York School does not offer an ESL program. The school will accept applications from ESL students who have strong academic records and foundational skills in English. English language skills will be assessed during the admission process. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Mandarin, Spanish |
| Max. number of students per class |
Class sizes vary from 16 to 18 (in JK and SK) to 18 to 22 (in Grade 1 and above). |
| Average number of students per class |
The average class size is 18 students. |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
We employ Associate Teachers. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
The York School has always embraced leading edge technology that supports exceptional learning experiences and equips students with future ready skills. Technology is therefore totally integrated into the curriculum, with full-time, on-site support from Technology and Learning Specialists. Students from JK to Grade 2 are provided with a class set of iPads. Each student in Grades 3 to 5 receives a Chromebook and has a Google account. Access to Google Applications like Chrome, Drive, and Gmail are introduced at age and grade appropriate times. All Middle School students are loaned a school-owned Chromebook as an important part of their learning toolkit. For students new to Middle School, the MYP Design and homeroom classes are used for technology skill development and give students time to familiarize themselves with our various teaching and learning platforms. Senior School students bring their own York School approved laptop to class. In the Middle and Senior Schools, the laptop becomes the student’s notebook, textbook, and communications tool. Our Middle and Senior School campus has a Mac-based MIDI recording studio, Mac Media Lab, and IB Film Studio. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Our school has virtual classroom technologies and we conducted classes online during COVID-19 quarantines. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No, The York School is non-denominational. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma exams |
| Results in these examinations |
Our students consistently score above the IB world average. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
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 Program 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. Time is given in class to get started on homework. Teachers are available for extra help during lunch, after school, or before school begins each day. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% of our graduates attend a higher educational institution after graduating. The IB Diploma prepares students to be successful anywhere! York School graduates have been accepted to more than 145 national and international post-secondary institutions. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
We have dedicated Learning Strategists in each division to provide support to a limited number of students with special learning needs |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The IB curriculum we offer is academically rigorous and challenges and engages students who are gifted, able and talented. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes. York develops a profile for each applicant through interviews, a day visit, an academic assessment and previous school reports. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
York develops a profile for each applicant through interviews, a day visit, an internal assessment in the areas of reading, writing, and math, and previous school reports. |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
The deadline varies each year, but is typically at the end of November or the beginning of December of the year prior. For example, the deadline to apply for September 2024 was December 1, 2023. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Very rarely. |
| School start time |
JK and SK: 9:00 am
|
| School finish time |
JK and SK: 3:20 pm
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
The school offers before and after school care to students from JK to Grade 5. Before school care starts at 7:30 a.m. and aftercare starts when classes end and continues until 5:30 pm. |
| School bus service available |
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 public transportation to school. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities which vary by grade and change each term. Students can choose from more than 100 co-curricular clubs and committees. |
| Sports activities included |
The Junior School curriculum includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, cross-country running, flag football, and track and field. The Middle School curriculum includes volleyball, basketball, soccer, yoga, handball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, flag football, lacrosse and dance. The Senior School curriculum includes soccer, ultimate frisbee, dance, badminton, volleyball, basketball, yoga, lacrosse and floor hockey. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. The York School is an active participant in The Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), a broad and extensive sports program for students in grades 3 to 12. We have competitive teams for the following sports: basketball, soccer, cross country running, volleyball, track & field, badminton, ultimate frisbee, softball, curling, alpine skiing and swimming. |
| Facilities at the school |
We have music studios, libraries, a drama room and art studios. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Gymnasium, playground, running track, outdoor turf, fitness centre |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The York School is a gender-inclusive Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 independent school located in the heart of Toronto. It was founded in 1965 and is the first English speaking school in Canada accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from Junior Kindergarten to university entrance. Our mission is to nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose. We are on the cutting edge of IB innovation, offering signature programs across all grade levels that engage, inspire and challenge students. Our innovative, project-based, hands-on learning environment empowers students to explore solutions to real-world problems. At our local school for a global world, learners explore Toronto’s cultural diversity and also participate in service learning trips around the world. Our engaged community of parents, faculty and alumni helps us create the ideal conditions for exceptional learning. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
With more than 45 years of experience, The York School has developed an innovative teaching culture that prepares its students to succeed at university and beyond. Our IB program is cross-curricular and project-based, which means from English to Arts, to Science and Technology, our students are studying similar themes and concepts that equip them with future ready skills. Our outstanding signature programs and experiential learning experiences spark curiosity and engage our students in real world problem solving. The York School offers an education marked by individual attention, small class sizes and a climate of collaboration and excellence. The teachers encourage students to ask questions and get involved in their community, promoting greater self-discovery along with an awareness of the world around them. By taking a whole person, relationship based approach to learning, we aim to empower all individuals to thrive as their authentic selves and reach their fullest potential. We are dedicated to wellbeing and embrace initiatives that foster a strong sense of belonging for all students, staff and families. |