CGS was founded in 1986 by Marie Bates, who remains as the principal at the school today. As that suggests, the school has remained very true to the founders’ initial intentions, namely to create a place that provides a strong academic foundation in a caring, open, and supportive environment. While reading, writing, and numeracy are key—just as they should be—so is the development of creativity and social engagement. Bates believes that children learn as much in music class as they do in math class, and she’s right of course. As such, the program promotes links across the curriculum, allowing children to see those connections while also broadening their horizons of interest. The strength of the program is reflected by the reputation that CGS has earned over the thirty-plus years of its life.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Since 1986, a balanced education has been the foundation of our program. CGS is Toronto's prestigious junior preparatory school of choice for Preschool through Gr 4. We emphasize a strong academic foundation with a thoughtful focus on social-emotional skills. Our early phonics and pre-reading programs lead to high levels of literacy. Highlights: French, Music, Art, Drama, Public Speaking, Diversity Education, Mindfulness, and Physical Fitness, with optional Mandarin. CGS keeps the heart in education."
Specializing in the critical early years of education (Preschool - Grade 4) since 1986.
Co-ed, non-denominational nurturing environment; a 'home away from home' for your child.
Respected within the Independent School community.
Public Speaking, Student Leadership and exceptional performance arts and visual arts opportunities.
Gymnastics, Skating and Swimming Fitness Curriculum for Grades 1-4.
Exceptionally active, welcoming and positive Parent Association and community.
"Real Food For Real Kids" hot lunch available.
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"The trademark of a CGS student is their strong academic foundation, balanced by their joyful discovery and curious exploration of a love for learning through specialty classes...(more)
"The trademark of a CGS student is their strong academic foundation, balanced by their joyful discovery and curious exploration of a love for learning through specialty classes like language, visual art, music/drama, mindfulness, and physical education. Our highly acclaimed Language Arts Program, (reading and phonics) and Touch Math begin with our Preschool students, and uniquely ensures each child is ready for a smooth and successful transition into our, or any, competitive school-age curriculum."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"The type of student to thrive at CGS is the child of a family who wants to be partners with our school, our educators and our administrative team. Our young students are just...(more)
"The type of student to thrive at CGS is the child of a family who wants to be partners with our school, our educators and our administrative team. Our young students are just starting out on their educational journey, so our expectation at this age is reflective of the family, and how their values and expectations align with our own."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Our Early Start/Preschool, (2.5-4 yrs of age), builds the foundation for success by preparing our youngest student for their educational journey. This high-quality and balanced...(more)
"Our Early Start/Preschool, (2.5-4 yrs of age), builds the foundation for success by preparing our youngest student for their educational journey. This high-quality and balanced introduction to academics yields sustained benefits for our youngest learners as we focus on supporting the development of the whole child; addressing cognitive, social, emotional and physical learning. CGS creates a love for learning while fostering the necessary skills of a 21st century learner."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Our small school advantage, and the welcoming sense of community each time you enter our building. At CGS, we are known for our academic focus, yet the balance of arts, character...(more)
"Our small school advantage, and the welcoming sense of community each time you enter our building. At CGS, we are known for our academic focus, yet the balance of arts, character building, extracurriculars, and physical education are something that families find astounding about our curriculum. Our days are carefully balanced with a thoughtful focus on reading, math, and language plus mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and a collaborative environment to develop positive relationships."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Our educators are committed to our school; some with 15+ years at CGS! We know the value in a consistent and experienced team of familiar-faced educators/support staff who deliver...(more)
"Our educators are committed to our school; some with 15+ years at CGS! We know the value in a consistent and experienced team of familiar-faced educators/support staff who deliver current and contemporary educational approaches in their classrooms. Our seasoned team of classroom educators also offer after-school tutoring, and exposure to a variety of after-school clubs to support students' special interests, such as robotics, dance, games, language and leadership opportunity."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Preschool (current),Preschool to Gr. 2 — CGS is a wonderful school, with caring teachers, a very warm school community, and high standards. Our kids have loved the school. They love the close relationship they have with not only their classroom teachers, but also the extracurricular teachers and school support staff. They enjoy the variety of programming available - in terms of sports, special events and the specialty subjects, in particular art, music and drama. The school offers so much, with swimming lessons, cross country running, gymnastics and skating offered from grade 1 and up. The small class sizes are also amazing. The school is also extremely flexible and personalizes every child's learning, which is so important in the early years. A great deal of outdoor time ensures small kids get the unstructured time they need, as well.
JK (current),SK to Gr. 2 — My kids love CGS. They would say they like the teachers, learning, and friends. To elaborate, the teachers do an amazing job balancing learning with fun, hands-on activities, and keeping it interesting. One of my sons has fond memories of kitchen chemistry from SK. They learned how to cook as part of a unit on chemistry, which included measurements, chemical reactions, and teamwork work of course! The school promotes DEAR time, and my kids loved this time to pick up a new or favourite book to read. They have both developed a love for reading for fun, and I attribute this to CGS helping to promote reading and their strong literacy program. CGS finds an opportunity to incorporate learning, growth, and character development in all that they do. My kids loved monthly house games, which were always filled with new and friendly games. My kids have many fond memories - too many to name - but they loved the talent shows, the assemblies, and on-stage performances, which have helped develop their confidence for public speaking. I don’t think there’s anything they would change about the school. They love it like their second home.
My husband and I couldn't be happier about our decision to send our 3 year old son to CGS. He has had such a positive experience in their Early Start program due to many factors, including the warm and caring teachers, broad spectrum of classes/learning opportunities provided and overall family atmosphere of the school. There are not many preschool programs in the city that offer such a diverse curriculum including Music, French, Gym, Technology and Mindfulness. My son is quite sporty so he particularly enjoys CGS's excellent Physical Education program which also includes Yoga. He came home one day and showed us how to "stick handle" which he learned in gym class during their hockey unit. Needless to say we were very impressed! He looks forward to going to school everyday and even asks to go on the weekends which I still can't get over!
My kids enjoy the nurturing and encouraging school atmosphere created by the teachers and staffs at CGS. My daughter feels safe and comfortable to express her thoughts and ideas. The school is also a fun place to be, as the learning is integrated with exciting school activities and various projects.
We had 3 children go through CGS and each loved being able to do things that young children aren't normally able to do at a bigger school with older children. Big things such as starring in the school play in grade 1 or being on student council, and little things like reading the announcements on the PA and performing in monthly assemblies. The small size was fantastic as they received indivudualized attention and really were made to feel like stars.
My kids love CGS. They appreciate the family like feel of the school and how nurtured they are. Every teacher genuinely loves children and as a result the kids feel supported, happy and special.
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