REVIEW OF Sunnybrook School BY parent, Terrence Zheng

(5) Student Experience

Our children have had a wonderful experience at the school. What truly stands out to us is the exceptional quality and dedication of the teachers. They are not only skilled educators but also incredibly caring individuals who take the time to understand each child’s unique needs. Our kids consistently say that their favorite part of school is the teachers, which speaks volumes. The individual attention they receive has made a big difference, and the patience the teachers show, even in challenging moments, is remarkable. We’re especially grateful for how observant they are—they often notice things about our children’s behavior or learning that we, as parents, may have missed. This level of attentiveness shows a genuine commitment to each child’s development. The teachers also create a warm, inclusive, and stimulating environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. It’s clear that our children feel safe, supported, and inspired every day.

(5) School Leadership

The school leadership has been outstanding—caring, proactive, and deeply committed to student and parent well-being. From the very beginning, they made us feel welcome, arranging meetings and taking the time to ensure a smooth transition, especially when our older child joined after Grade 1. The vice principal personally reached out to check on his integration and kept us informed, which gave us great peace of mind. It’s clear that the leadership team plays a vital role in creating a supportive, well-organized environment. The school runs smoothly, and we truly appreciate the thoughtfulness and dedication of the entire leadership team.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at the Sunnybrook School has been outstanding. From Junior Kindergarten, the school follows the IB curriculum, which is implemented in a way that is both engaging and developmentally appropriate. The Unit of Inquiry is especially well done—it’s full of fun, practical, and hands-on learning opportunities that make complex ideas accessible and enjoyable for young learners. In addition, the school uses the Singapore Math approach, which we find to be a highly effective way of teaching math. It builds a strong foundation in problem-solving and critical thinking, and our children have developed genuine confidence in their math skills. The teachers are deeply passionate about the subjects they teach, and that enthusiasm really comes through. They also keep us well informed about our children’s progress and give helpful, thoughtful advice on how we can support their growth and help them reach the next level. We are truly grateful for their dedication and professionalism.

(5) Academics

The academic program at the Sunnybrook School is truly impressive and one of its greatest strengths. The IB curriculum, implemented from a young age, fosters critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and a global perspective. It encourages students to ask questions, explore concepts in depth, and make meaningful connections across subjects. This approach builds a strong foundation not just in academics but in lifelong learning. The school also cultivates a strong learning culture where curiosity is encouraged and nurtured. Our children are constantly challenged in a supportive way and are excited to share what they’ve learned. The focus on developing curious, independent thinkers is something we deeply value. I truly believe that the academic environment at the school is setting our children up for long-term success by helping them become confident, well-rounded learners who are well prepared for the future.

(5) Extracurriculars

The Sunnybrook School offers an impressive and diverse range of extracurricular activities that truly enrich the student experience. From track and field to baking and even magic, there’s something for every interest and personality. Choosing which club to join each term is always an exciting highlight for our children—they genuinely look forward to exploring new activities and learning new skills. One of the standout experiences is the annual school play. It’s a school-wide event that involves auditions for the main cast, but every student is given the opportunity to participate in some way. Students are involved in costume design, stage setup, props, music, and more. The level of creativity and collaboration is outstanding, and the final production is truly amazing, on par with professional performances. It’s clear that these experiences help build confidence, teamwork, and a strong sense of community among the students.

(5) Students

One of the things we truly appreciate about the Sunnybrook School is the close-knit student community. As a relatively small school with one class per grade, it has a warm, family-like atmosphere where students across different ages know each other by name. This fosters a strong sense of belonging and inclusion. A standout feature is the “Learning Buddy” program, where older students are paired with younger ones—Grade 6 with JK, Grade 5 with SK, and so on. This program helps older students build leadership, patience, and empathy, while giving younger students a positive role model to look up to. Our younger child absolutely loves his learning buddy. We also see this culture of kindness and collaboration during aftercare, where older students are always willing to play with younger ones, teaching them games like basketball and soccer, and including them naturally in group play. It’s a truly supportive environment for all ages.

(5) School Life

The overall quality of student life at the school is exceptional, and it’s reflected in how much our kids truly love going to school every day. They look forward to it, not just for the learning, but because the school environment is so positive, engaging, and supportive. The combination of a strong academic program, passionate teachers, and a nurturing atmosphere makes every day meaningful. The school’s small size helps foster a strong sense of community; it truly feels like one big family. Our children know students in other grades and enjoy genuine connections with their peers and older students. Programs like “Learning Buddies” create mentorship opportunities and meaningful relationships across age groups. They also love the wide variety of extracurriculars—from baking to sports to the amazing school play, where every child gets to participate and shine. It’s a joyful place where students are encouraged to grow, explore, and feel valued.

(5) Community

The school has a very strong and supportive parent community, which is one of its standout features. There are many committed parents who are deeply involved in the day-to-day life of the school, contributing their time and energy to help make it a better place for everyone. As busy professionals, we may not always have the time to volunteer as much as we would like, but we feel fully supported by the other parents. They keep us well informed about all the events and activities happening at the school, ensuring that we are always in the loop. This sense of camaraderie and mutual support makes us feel connected to the school community and reassures us that we’re all working together in the best interests of the children.

(5) School Location

The location of the school is perfect for us—it’s only a 15-minute walk away, making it incredibly convenient. The school is well connected to the surrounding community, which is evident in how they utilize nearby facilities, like the skating rinks at the local community centre. This connection to the community enhances the overall student experience and provides great opportunities for extracurricular activities.

(5) Admissions

Our experience with the admission process at Sunnybrook School was very smooth and stress-free. The admissions office kept us well-informed at every step, making sure we knew exactly what to expect. The assessment process was straightforward, and my younger child had a great time during it, which made the whole experience feel positive and welcoming. We were impressed with how organized and efficient everything was. Overall, it was a very good experience, and we felt supported and well-guided throughout the entire process.