Meet Keystone School's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW
The big picture on Keystone School
We summarized the school ourselves
One of the resources of Keystone International Schools is the city itself, something that administration has very consciously built into the programs. Toronto has a wealth of resources, of course and Keystone strives, rightly, to make the most of them. While not a preparatory school in name, the program nevertheless addresses itself to a student population preparing for success at university. Supports are in place for international students, and the school adopts an international gaze, looking well beyond the school walls, educating students to be adept at international communication and engagement. The ideal student is one able to thrive within a diverse, collaborative academic environment.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Keystone School is a private, co-educational school in Toronto’s vibrant Annex neighbourhood, just steps from the University of Toronto. Welcoming students from Grades 7 to 12, we offer a nurturing, family-like environment with small class sizes and a dynamic, project-based approach to learning. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school, Keystone fosters global perspectives, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning."
"Our small classes, with an average size of 10 students per class, provide an individualized academic program which ensures that each student is seen, valued, and...(more)
"Our small classes, with an average size of 10 students per class, provide an individualized academic program which ensures that each student is seen, valued, and challenged.
Our project-based learning programs cater to the varied interests and skills of our students, where they discover new capacities for critical thinking and forming independent judgements."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Keeping classes small means our community as a school is smaller as well; we find the benefits of individualized education far outweigh any downsides of a smaller community, as...(more)
"Keeping classes small means our community as a school is smaller as well; we find the benefits of individualized education far outweigh any downsides of a smaller community, as our student body is so diverse that it allows for a lot of complexity within our smaller population."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"In 2024, we welcomed grade 7 and 8 students by introducing our middle school program. This marked a significant step toward creating a comprehensive educational experience, and...(more)
"In 2024, we welcomed grade 7 and 8 students by introducing our middle school program. This marked a significant step toward creating a comprehensive educational experience, and the added middle school curriculum allows students to seamlessly transition into high school.
We recently achieved candidacy status for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The IB Programme aligns with our commitment to encourage all students to become well-rounded global citizens. Our goal is to become a fully authorized IB World School by 2026-2027, positioning us as a leader in preparing students for success in higher education and in the real-world.
In summer 2024, we moved to a new, purpose-designed campus in the Annex neighbourhood, near the University of Toronto. This relocation symbolizes a new chapter of innovation and community building for us, with state-of-the-art facilities designed to benefit our growing student body and program offerings."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Here are the key traits of students who succeed at Keystone:
- Curious and Inquisitive Learners: Eager to explore new ideas and ask questions. These students will thrive in our...(more)
"Here are the key traits of students who succeed at Keystone:
- Curious and Inquisitive Learners: Eager to explore new ideas and ask questions. These students will thrive in our project-based learning environment, centred on critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Collaborative and Community-Oriented: We value teamwork and a strong sense of community, and our teachers work diligently to encourage students to develop relationships with their peers through engaging in collaborative projects and activities.
- Globally Minded: Interested in diverse cultures and global issues; students who appreciate a multicultural environment and are excited by the opportunity to learn about other cultures from those who have experienced them firsthand.
Ultimately, Keystone is designed for students who are not only looking for academic excellence but also for a nurturing environment where they can grow as individuals and global citizens."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Keystone School might not be the best fit for families looking for the following:
- A Large-Scale School Environment: We pride ourselves on being a smaller, close-knit...(more)
"Keystone School might not be the best fit for families looking for the following:
- A Large-Scale School Environment: We pride ourselves on being a smaller, close-knit community where personalized attention and collaboration are emphasized. Families looking for a larger school population and large-scale facilities may find Keystone’s intimate setting less aligned with their preferences.
- Preference for Traditional Methods of Learning and Teaching: Our educational approach is innovative and project-based. Our teachers emphasize critical thinking skills, creativity, and interdisciplinary connections. Families who prioritize a more traditional educational model (rote memorization, standardized testing, and lecture-style teaching) might not find our methods as suitable.
- Seeking a Denominational or Faith-Based School: We are a non-denominational school that values diversity and inclusivity. Our school population comprises students of all cultural and religious backgrounds."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Keystone offers students a home-like environment where each student can express their feelings and ideas freely. A balanced distribution of domestic and international students...(more)
"Keystone offers students a home-like environment where each student can express their feelings and ideas freely. A balanced distribution of domestic and international students ensures that students become open-minded, respectful and authentic adults."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"We are proud to be recognized as a leader in fostering global citizenship, with a diverse student body and a curriculum that emphasizes collaboration and cultural understanding....(more)
"We are proud to be recognized as a leader in fostering global citizenship, with a diverse student body and a curriculum that emphasizes collaboration and cultural understanding. As an IB candidate school, we are dedicated to promoting international-mindedness among our students.
We are also recognized for our project-based approach to learning, which encourages creativity and innovative problem-solving. We are a forward-thinking institution that prioritizes critical thinking over traditional teaching methods.
We have a reputation of upholding a nurturing environment focused on holistic development (academic, social and emotional growth).
Situated in the Annex, near the University of Toronto, we are an urban institution, and will appeal to families seeking high-quality education within the heart of a city full of abundant educational resources."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"We have worked to establish a very close network of communication at Keystone that we feel is unique to our school. From our founder, to our principal, to our administrator, to...(more)
"We have worked to establish a very close network of communication at Keystone that we feel is unique to our school. From our founder, to our principal, to our administrator, to our teachers, everyone is present at the school each day to build and strengthen bonds and connections with the students. If a student is ever in need of guidance from any member of our academic team, we are always there to provide hands-on, individualized support."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"We are a family-oriented school that fosters interaction between students and teachers. We encourage students to feel that we are all a family, and that they are not simply at...(more)
"We are a family-oriented school that fosters interaction between students and teachers. We encourage students to feel that we are all a family, and that they are not simply at Keystone to get their education and go home again. Once a part of the Keystone family, you are part of it for life."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"We recently moved to a new location. We now operate out of the historic James O. Buchanan House in the Annex, a vibrant and intellectually stimulating neighbourhood, and we’re...(more)
"We recently moved to a new location. We now operate out of the historic James O. Buchanan House in the Annex, a vibrant and intellectually stimulating neighbourhood, and we’re situated only 20 metres from the St. George subway station. Proximity to the University of Toronto provides our students with an invaluable opportunity to experience the vibrancy of a university campus and an environment that inspires academic excellence and offers a glimpse into future possibilities for higher education. We’ve also introduced Homeroom: a weekly advisory, guidance and assembly program that allows our students to connect with their peers across grades for community building activities and discussions."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"We will become a fully accredited IB World School. The transition to becoming an IB World School will bring numerous exciting opportunities and benefits for our students at...(more)
"We will become a fully accredited IB World School. The transition to becoming an IB World School will bring numerous exciting opportunities and benefits for our students at Keystone School.
Here’s what this means for their academic and personal growth:
- Enhanced Learning Experiences
- Development of Global Competence
- Personal Growth and Self-Management
- Broader Range of Subjects and Learning Opportunities
- Emphasis on Ethical and Principled Action
- Community and Collaboration
- Continuous Assessment and Personalized Feedback
Overall, becoming an IB World School means that our students at Keystone School will benefit from a challenging, enriching, and globally-focused education. We are committed to supporting our students throughout this transition and ensuring they thrive in the IB programme, preparing them for success in an ever-evolving world."
I have been a student at Keystone International Schools for the past four years. Being at an international school is truly a remarkable experience, where I got to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. I have come to form familial bonds with peers who come from all over the world, regardless of our differences. The experiences I’ve had at Keystone have all shaped who I am today, and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. I am really grateful for all of my experiences at Keystone, as well as the life-long friends that I made. Being a senior, I have bittersweet feelings about leaving this community behind, yet, I know that the ideals and values of Keystone will stay with me wherever I go.
My daughter completed Grades 10, 11 and 12 at Keystone School. What she needed was a happy school environment and Keystone provided just that. She loved going to school every day, and that's exactly what's most important to us. Everyone in the school knows each other and teachers can spend one-on-one time with students. My daughter improved her academic skills very much and also enjoyed many extracurricular activities during her time at Keystone. The class size was very small (nine students in her class) and that helped my daughter to get help from her teachers whenever she needs to. They also offered school clubs that students can join according to their interests. Overall, we knew we made the right decision with Keystone since day one and my daughter had an amazing time there.
I've been a student at Keystone International Schools for the past two years. I adore the school and the people who work here. I found it so easy to make new friends when I first came to Keystone International Schools, students and teachers both made me feel so welcome. I am really happy here and enjoy coming to school every day. My teachers are fantastic motivators, and the academic program is excellent. Our time at Keystone International Schools is extraordinary. Students have gained confidence in their academic capacities as a result of small class sizes and tiered instruction. Because it is a small school, there is a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, which gives them more confidence in asking questions, participating in group activities, and having one-on-one time with the teachers.
I really enjoyed being a student at Keystone. Overall I made lifelong memories and really good friends. I am happy that George Brown is a five minute walk, I would like to sometimes come by for a visit. I enjoyed being downtown, all the access to everything but also enjoyed staying in the school during the winter months, because there are so many things to do in the student lounge area. Classes are small and intimate. Teachers are easy to approach and are always looking to help. Even now I am not there, they are always wanting to keep in touch and also offer to help. I am glad I graduated from Keystone International School in Toronto and happy that Mr. D helped me in choosing my pathway.
In Keystone International Schools, we have lovely teachers and interesting classmates. Everyone studies here, meets new friends here and has a lot of fun here. I absolutely fall in love with this school. It's hard to find something that I feel unsatisfied here. Before I arrived here, Mrs. Ivana introduced a lot of about the school in fully details and patient. The learning environment, teachers, students and my education plan are the things I worried about before I came here. The facility is high-quility and everything is new. I'm sure here is enough studying space for all the students, although there are only 10 students here for now. However, there is nothing for me to worry about, I believe my school will have a great amount of students in a short time!
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998
