REVIEW OF Sunnybrook School BY parent, Jennifer Wong

(5) Student Experience

After touring more than 30 schools in the area, I found that SBS was the perfect fit for my son. He has a deep passion for the arts and singing, along with a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. SBS specializes in the IB primary years (PYP) and excels at bringing out the best in each student. From day one, they made his transition into school life seamless, and now he eagerly heads to school each day with confidence and excitement. SBS encourages all kids to learn at their own pace, with a focus on making learning enjoyable and fun. Every child is supported to thrive academically and personally in a nurturing, well-rounded environment. I recommend SBS to any parent considering an IB primary school. It truly stands out as the best in town.

(4.5) School Leadership

The leadership and administration at SBS are exceptional, with strong organization and thoughtful planning that ensures a positive school environment. They handle problems appropriately and are quick to respond to any concerns, fostering a supportive atmosphere for both students and parents. The school’s approach to discipline is fair, prioritizing the well-being and growth of the students. Communication is a key strength, with regular updates from both the principal and homeroom teachers, keeping parents well-informed. Overall, the administration creates a well-balanced environment that supports both academic and personal development.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at SBS is excellent, and I’m very happy with the quality of instruction. The teachers are not only passionate about their subjects but also deeply knowledgeable, creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment. One of the things I truly appreciate is the clear communication with parents. Each week, we receive emails from both our son’s homeroom teacher and the principal, which helps keep us informed about upcoming lessons and activities. We recently had our first parent-teacher meeting, and we were impressed by how well the teachers understood my son as an individual. They provided personalized insights into his strengths and areas for improvement, along with tailored recommendations to support his continued growth. Overall, the teachers provide both the challenges and support my son needs to thrive.

(4) Academics

The academic program at SBS is strong, with a focus on the IB Primary Years (PYP). The school is likely a year ahead of the Ontario public curriculum, which provides a solid academic foundation. Teachers stay connected with the global IB community through regular conferences, ensuring the program remains up-to-date. Math is taught using the Singapore Math method, known for its emphasis on problem-solving. There is assigned reading and homework every night, which my son and I enjoy doing together as a family. The academic atmosphere is focused on critical thinking, curiosity, and developing independent learners, which I believe will adequately prepare my child for future academic challenges. The combination of the IB curriculum, Singapore Math, and a supportive, inquiry-based approach creates a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth.

(3) Extracurriculars

SBS offers a strong variety of extracurricular opportunities, with a good selection available for students. My son participates in one club per day, and he thoroughly enjoys this aspect of his school experience. The clubs cater to a wide range of interests, from arts and crafts to sports, music, and Lego, providing students with the chance to explore and develop their diverse passions and talents.

(4) Students

The student body at SBS is relatively small, with one class per grade (JK-G6). In kindergarten, there are around 16 students per class, and from Grade 1 onward, class sizes grow slightly to about 20 students. This smaller student body creates a close-knit and supportive atmosphere where students of all ages interact with one another. It’s not uncommon for kids to know students in other grades, which fosters a strong sense of community across the school. There’s a strong focus on community values and house rules, and students are respectful, friendly, and considerate of each other. The smaller size means that children are encouraged to engage with their peers, build relationships, and work together across age groups. Older students naturally take on leadership roles, helping guide and mentor the younger ones. This dynamic promotes a healthy school culture where everyone feels connected, and students support one another. The general student body is very academic-minded, with many families choosing SBS because of its strong academic reputation and the recognition of the IB program. This creates an environment where learning is highly valued, and students are encouraged to do their best. I’ve observed that the children are not only eager to learn but also respectful of their peers’ learning journeys.

(4) School Life

My son absolutely loves going to school every day, and it’s clear that the school’s structure and activities contribute greatly to his enthusiasm. Since Grade 1, the schedule has been very busy and full of engaging activities, which helps keep him excited and motivated. Each day begins with house games, and he takes great pride in being a part of his house. These morning activities foster a sense of teamwork and school spirit that extends throughout the day. What stands out to me is how well-rounded the daily schedule is, blending academics with physical activities, arts, and team-building events. The school offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage with their peers, and my son looks forward to everything from class activities to extracurriculars. If I could suggest an improvement, it would be for the school to expand, perhaps with 2-3 classes per grade (vs 1 class per grade now). This could provide even more opportunities for student involvement, such as a broader range of clubs and activities.

(4) Community

SBS has a welcoming community. The Parent Association is very approachable, and their monthly meetings are held in a hybrid format, making it easy for both in-person and online participation. This flexibility ensures that all parents have the opportunity to stay engaged, regardless of their schedules. The class parents at Sunnybrook are highly responsible and serve as great coordinators for various activities, helping to keep everyone informed and involved. Many classes also have WhatsApp groups where parents can stay up to date with what’s happening at the school, from upcoming events to day-to-day updates. These groups foster a strong sense of connection among parents, making it easy to collaborate and support one another. Overall, it’s a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment, where parents are not only welcomed but actively encouraged to participate in school life.

(4) School Location

SBS is located in midtown, an area that is both vibrant and convenient. While the school building itself is around 30 years old—so it may not have the newest facilities—it is well-maintained and functional. The classrooms are bright and inviting, providing a positive learning environment for the students. What stands out about the surrounding community is how the school takes full advantage of its location. For physical education, students venture beyond the school grounds to the nearby cemetery for cross-country training, making good use of the green space in the area. The school also uses gym facilities in the Leaside area for PE classes/skating exercises, which adds variety to the students' physical activities. In addition to these off-site spaces, the school has its own backyard with a playground and grassy area where the children play soccer and enjoy outdoor activities. There is also a small gym in the basement of the building, which is used for indoor physical activities. Overall, while the infrastructure isn’t the most modern, it’s adequate for young children. The school’s thoughtful use of its surrounding community, including local parks and sports facilities, ensures that students get plenty of opportunities for physical activity and exploration beyond the school grounds.

(5) Admissions

The admission process at Sunnybrook was seamless, well-organized, and thoughtfully planned from start to finish. We began with individual discussions with both the principal and the admission team, where we gained a clear understanding of the school’s approach and philosophy. My son then participated in an assessment day, which gave the team a chance to evaluate his fit for the school. He was also introduced to the classroom environment to help assess whether it was the right place for him. About one week after the assessment day, we had a follow-up meeting with the admission team, where they shared their insights and impressions of my son. The formal admission offer was made on "Common Day" for all grades, except for JK. Having interviewed with several of the top private schools in the city, I can confidently say that Sunnybrook stands out for its exceptional level of organization and thoughtfulness, especially for younger students.