La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science Student Makeup: Enrolment and Class Size

Grade	Enrollment
La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science	Median of all other schools
Preschool	4	20
JK	5	16
SK	8	17
Gr. 1	8	18
Gr. 2	8	18
Gr. 3	12	18
Gr. 4	13	18
Gr. 5	8	20
Gr. 6	10	20
Gr. 7	16	24
Gr. 8	16	25
Gr. 9	10	40
Gr. 10	10	40
Gr. 11	12	43
Gr. 12	10	43

Grade	Percentage of students on financial aid
Preschool	N/A
JK	N/A
SK	N/A
Gr. 1	N/A
Gr. 2	N/A
Gr. 3	N/A
Gr. 4	N/A
Gr. 5	N/A
Gr. 6	N/A
Gr. 7	N/A
Gr. 8	N/A
Gr. 9	N/A
Gr. 10	N/A
Gr. 11	N/A
Gr. 12	N/A

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.

Students develop through personalized attention.

Observations from students and parents highlight how the small class sizes and close relationships with teachers at La Citadelle create an environment where individual growth and personal attention are prioritized.

What my daughter appreciates most about the school is the close relationship with her teachers. The classes are small, in contrast to the public system, where the classes might have 30 or 35 students. This setting facilitates more one-on-one interactions with the teachers. Whenever she encounters a problem, they work closely with her to resolve it. She cherishes her time at the school, enjoying the company of her teachers and friends, which shows that everything has been progressing well.

—Mike Drolet, parent (see full interview)

Both my kids loved the school, they thrived from the small classes, and the school environment was what they needed. There are a few times where we talked about switching to maybe a public school. Neither of them wanted to leave. They really enjoyed the school. So we stayed until the end.

—Janice Ilkay, parent (see full interview)

The biggest impact La Citadelle had on my child definitely is confidence, respect, and academics. Coming up to Grade 1, my daughter is very confident. Confidence is a big thing that they try to instil in these children and teach them because they make them accountable for their own actions, even from a very young age.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

A testament to the quality of education at La Citadelle was my daughter’s ability to compose and deliver a heartfelt eulogy at her grandmother's funeral at merely six years old. This poignant moment showed the confidence and capability she has garnered through her time at the school. It was clear to everyone present that her educational journey had prepared her with the maturity and eloquence to fulfill that task, which is very rare for that age group.

—Mike Drolet, parent (see full interview)

As far as school values go, I think there's a notion of resiliency that's really focused on how a child is really adapting and building those healthy relationships. Whether it's with other students or with their teachers or just even among their own little classroom, they really do teach them that. And it's not just about academics either, it's about discipline and respect and how we treat others.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

This is our eighth year and as I see the growth in my kids, it's certainly a pleasure to see them progress both academically and then blossom socially and creatively. I'm glad that the school does foster that environment where they can grow and develop in those three important areas.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

The academics at the school are truly, really good and well-rounded. I spent my entire school life there, so the person I am was very much shaped by my peers, my teachers, even parents at the school. I think that the school community is very engaging and it's worth it to go to the school, even just for the community. I think the school has been integral in shaping me into the person I am today.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

A lot of schools, especially private schools, are very competitive and even though the academics are very rigorous at the school, you don't really get that same level of competitiveness just because everyone is so supportive of each other. You can let them know that you're struggling.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

I feel you can be friends with the teachers as well as the students, so I feel like that’s what really differentiates La Citadelle from others.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

They participate in a safe and supportive community.

Parents and administrators emphasize the sense of safety and community at La Citadelle, where efforts to prevent bullying and foster harmonious relationships among students contribute to a nurturing environment.

The families at La Citadelle, similar to us, value education and having a nurturing community environment. We are firm believers in establishing a solid foundation for education, a principle strongly emphasized at La Citadelle.

—Mike Drolet, parent (see full interview)

La Citadelle is a very harmonious and peaceful environment, where we can really focus on the education of children, and make sure that we bring them all to success. Over the years, I have been surrounded by wonderful people, wonderful teachers, very nice parents, and I like the environment in which we are all working. What I find most rewarding is being with the wonderful students at La Citadelle.

—Alfred Abouchar, Headmaster (see full interview)

My wife and I came for a tour during a school day, and were welcomed by the headmaster, Alfred. We were amazed to see the kids being so calm and respectful. They greeted us as they walked by. It was a noticeable difference from what we were used to in the public system, and it was hard to ignore. We decided to enrol our child here in Pre-K and haven't looked back since. I initially learned about La Citadelle from one of my colleagues. His daughter had gone to the school and it had done wonders for her.

—Mike Drolet, parent (see full interview)

As a parent, what I appreciate most is the peace of mind regarding my daughter's well-being. At La Citadelle, she is safe from bullying, which the school strictly discourages. The older and the younger kids interact and they know each other by name. This environment is highly reassuring for us as parents.

—Mike Drolet, parent (see full interview)

Exam season turned out to be my favourite time of year sometimes because after you did your exams, it was such a relief and you were just there around your friends. During my first exam season, I was so nervous. But then I realized that it's such a supportive environment that I didn't need to panic that much because everybody was there to support me.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

If you're looking for a strong academic program that’s disciplined, teaches respect but is also fun and makes your children enjoy learning, I think La Citadelle is a fantastic choice. It's a good, safe environment, as well.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

You can really rely on the teachers for support, something that I felt throughout my entire time. There was just a continuous feeling of support, whether it was from the teachers or from other parents. At La Citadelle, you can ask your fellow students for help. They can help you. Maybe they're struggling, too, and you can both ask the teacher, and very, very much rely on the support system that the school offers, because it will come in handy.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

Core values also extend out to the families who come to the school. I have no problem having my child hang out with some of the families, because I know that we're going to learn something from them, and maybe they will learn a little bit from us as well. We're cut from the same cloth. So it's a good thing. It's a really good thing.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

They grow to embody bilingual communication and multiculturalism.

Comments from administrators and families illustrate how La Citadelle emphasizes multiculturalism and social responsibility, teaching students to engage with and give back to their community.

I have been, over the years, promoting multiculturalism and equal access to education. What I wanted to do, at La Citadelle, is to create such an environment where students from all backgrounds and cultures can feel at home, can thrive and succeed in such an environment.

—Alfred Abouchar, Headmaster (see full interview)

At La Citadelle, we teach our children to share, to give, to be part of the community. We raise funds, we support a variety of city activities. We do a variety of things during the year, such as feeding the homeless, contributing to charitable organisations, engaging with our senior homes, with SickKids Hospital, with North York General Hospital, and with our local businesses. All in all, we teach the children to give and to be proud of giving to the community.

—Alfred Abouchar, Headmaster (see full interview)

It’s really bilingual, the fact that I could speak in French or in English with almost all the teachers, or if I was just having a French day and couldn't think of a word in English, I could just spill it out in French and everybody would understand. Some of the conversations were really bilingual.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

Students build cross-grade relationships that nurture inclusivity.

Feedback from students and parents indicates that the cross-grade interactions at La Citadelle help integrate new students and form enduring bonds, making every student feel welcomed and supported.

The interactions between the grades allows for everybody to know each other. I could spend my recess as a Grade 11 student just playing tag with third graders without it being weird. My friend group in high school, we would sit, and it would be students from Grade 9 to 12. It was really fun doing activities. All the parents here, I knew their kids. I tutored some of their kids for French and helped them read. And it was really cool because I still feel part of the community now.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

Everybody knows the kids from years before, and the years after. When there is a new student coming into the class, other students help them integrate better. When my son had just started, there were some Grade 4 students who came up to me and asked, ‘Does he like the school?’ I replied, ‘No, he's not too used to it. He's still new.’ The Grade 4 students spent about a month's worth of recesses with my youngest son, who was in JK, to make sure that he was feeling welcome. And this is something I don't think you see in any other school.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

What families would find most surprising is that everyone knows everyone, whether you're in Grade 12, whether you're a student or a teacher, or whether you're down in elementary. And you can see that even with the parents who come in and volunteer, no matter which grade we're in, we know the kids, we know the parents. It really is a family community. It really is.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

The collective environment and community that La Citadelle provides is unique. What families would find most surprising about La Citadelle: I can't think of kids from other grades interacting with each other in any other school. I think that is unusual. I think it's rare.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

Students strengthen parent-child connections through shared experiences.

Insider testimonials reveal that La Citadelle emphasizes strong bonds between parents and children, creating a supportive and interconnected community that extends beyond academics.

What differentiates La Citadelle is that family touch. We're friends with the other parents. It's a big, happy family. We were at the school doing activities and we know that the kids are well looked after. We share anything. We've become friends that way. The parents have coffee on Friday mornings. We just go up to the Longo's and whoever joins, joins.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

If any of the parents of new or old students need something, they have a question, we've set up WhatsApp chats for within the grade. The parents would get support as well as the students. So somebody forgot their homework, somebody forgot their books, we have that support, we have that unofficial process in place. My oldest son got a summer job through one of the parents at La Citadelle because of connections. It's a community as well as a school.

—Jason, parent (see full discussion)

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