REVIEW OF Lycée Français de Toronto BY student, Lena Palacio

(5) Student Experience

The Lycée Français of Toronto offers a great bilingual experience and motivates all its students. When I attended, I was thrilled by the involvement of the teachers. They were always present and supportive. I had difficulty choosing my spés, but the guiding counselors were always there and helped me every step of the way. I have always loved the MUN club, where I could travel and debate. When I first arrived, I was very anxious that it would be a bad experience. However, the teachers and staff were supportive and caring. I have made lifelong friendships here. The memories of the lycée will never leave me. I wish there were more clubs to expand my knowledge, but the Lycée Français is a great experience.

(5) School Leadership

I was very confused about my career path, and under the pressure of my parents, it was hard for me to express what I wanted to pursue. Thankfully, with the help of school counsellors and my teachers, I made a decision based on my results and passion. Today, I am studying to become what I have always wanted, and I am thankful to the Lycée Français de Toronto for helping me through these difficult steps.

(5) Teaching

I feel like the teachers asked a lot of me. However, all the other students do not think so, and the reason for that is that they are used to the teachers and their teachings. When I realized I had a poor level, I started studying more, and after a while, it became easier. The teachers would always respond to my emails in no time and were always available for questions. The teachers would often talk about good career paths and success, which made me feel like that was the only option, but when I joined the Lycée Français de Toronto, they made me feel accepted. Because there aren't many students, the teachers are always there and help a lot. This is one reason I'd recommend this school.

(5) Academics

I believe my schoolwork is mostly appropriate—not too easy, but not so hard that it feels impossible. Some subjects challenge me more than others, but overall, I feel that I’m learning at a good pace. Regarding whether it will be useful later in life, I would say yes, but in different ways. Some things, like math and writing, are skills I’ll likely use no matter what I pursue. Other subjects may not seem as important right now, but they still teach me how to think critically, solve problems, and understand the world better. Even if I don’t use every single fact I learn, the way school teaches me to learn and adapt will certainly help in the future. I highly recommend attending.

(5) Extracurriculars

Yes, I participate in extracurricular activities, and I truly enjoy them. They are a fantastic way to meet new people, learn new skills, and take a break from regular schoolwork. There are definitely some activities I wish the school would offer. It would be wonderful to have more options based on different interests so that everyone could find something they are passionate about.

(5) Students

The students at my school are quite diverse—there’s a blend of different personalities, interests, and backgrounds. Some individuals are really dedicated to academics, while others focus more on sports, arts, or extracurricular activities. Overall, most students are friendly, but like any school, there are various social groups. Students who are organized and self-motivated tend to excel because they can manage their workload and extracurricular activities effectively. Conversely, students who struggle with time management or who don’t seek help when needed might find things more challenging. I had a PAP for dyscalculia, and it was very helpful. For the most part, I believe the school strives to make everyone feel included, but, like anywhere, some individuals might feel left out. It often depends on whether they find the right friends or activities that make them feel as though they belong.

(5) School Life

The first place I would take them is definitely the second floor, where the kids are. It feels like a breath of fresh air as you walk through the hallways, hearing giggles and music. I’d also point out places where students hang out between classes, like the cafeteria or common areas, so visitors can truly appreciate the school’s atmosphere. Ending the tour at a favorite spot, such as the sports fields or a cool club space, would leave a lasting impression. The library is a great place to relax after a long day; it offers a soothing atmosphere and a wide variety of books to explore, which is wonderful for promoting a reading culture.

(5) Community

The school feels like home in some ways. I’ve made good friends, and there are teachers and staff who genuinely care about students, making it a comfortable place to be. Certain spots—like the cafeteria, hallways, or a favorite classroom—feel familiar and welcoming. I often enjoy going out into the garden in front of the school to eat lunch with my friends. The sun shines in summer, and in winter, we eat in the cafeteria. Each Wednesday, we have pizza day, which has become a little tradition. However, I know that not everyone feels the same way. While the school tries to include everyone, some students might always feel left out, whether because of social groups, interests, or other reasons.

(5) School Location

As I mentioned earlier, the garden space is really nice for either working, chatting, or eating. In the higher grades, we are allowed to go out to eat, and with my friends, we often eat at Tim’s or Popeyes. There is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Very close to the LFT, there is a mall called Yorkdale that I go to after school on some days.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process was both exciting and stressful. There were forms to complete, deadlines to meet, and sometimes even interviews or entrance exams, depending on the school’s requirements. It felt overwhelming at the time, but looking back, it was all manageable with good preparation. For anyone planning to apply, my advice is to stay organized and start early. Ensure you understand all the requirements and give yourself enough time to assemble a strong application. If there are essays or interviews, be yourself and highlight what makes you unique.