Meet Toronto Prep School's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW
The big picture on Toronto Prep School
We wrote a book reviewing the school
The 50-page review of Toronto Prep School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"The Toronto Prep School is completely dedicated to providing a superior academic program for the children of parents who value the importance of knowledge, technology, individuality, responsibility, and integrity in a safe, nurturing, and highly motivated environment. Our mission is to prepare our students by equipping them with the academic tools and life skills needed to enter and succeed not only at the post-secondary school level, but ultimately, in their chosen career path. Given the pace of technological change and the growth of information technologies in all aspects of our lives, it is crucial that students gain mastery over these tools. We are committed to developing students who are confident and responsible and exhibit the values necessary to become effective communicators, informed and productive thinkers, self-directed learners, collaborative workers, and skilled information processors and problem solvers. As educators we will develop the facility for learning and foster the motivation for students to continue to learn after their formal school years. We will challenge each student to maximize his or her effort and in so doing realize their potential. The development of a sound work ethic and effective organizational and study skills will be stressed."
A semestered, university preparatory curriculum with:
MacBook
Extended After School and Saturday Study Club Programs
Supervised English/Math Resource Centres
Members of SSAF and TDCAA Sports/Clubs
Classes start at 10:00am daily
On site Fitness Centre
Music Recording Studio
On site Innovation Lab (Makerspace)
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Our people, atmosphere, and academic ethos differentiate TPS from other schools. While this sounds like an empty platitude, it is anything but. We believe that a school can be...(more)
"Our people, atmosphere, and academic ethos differentiate TPS from other schools. While this sounds like an empty platitude, it is anything but. We believe that a school can be academically rigorous, but we also believe that teachers and administration should be approachable and create a comfortable environment. Growth does indeed occur when we are uncomfortable, but trust needs to be established before this growth exists."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At TPS we strive not to trade off values or features, but to add on. We believe that a school should be keep up with the times but not forgo traditional academic and social...(more)
"At TPS we strive not to trade off values or features, but to add on. We believe that a school should be keep up with the times but not forgo traditional academic and social values. Our foundation remains strong academically, while developing emotional well being for our students. We take a human first approach at TPS by providing our students with strategies to navigate our new digital world. The psychological and academic well being of our students begins with understanding, structure, direction and discipline."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"We just celebrated our 15th anniversary. Toronto Prep School was founded by Steve and Fouli Tsimikalis in 2009 and now is a partner of Globeducate which has 65 schools world...(more)
"We just celebrated our 15th anniversary. Toronto Prep School was founded by Steve and Fouli Tsimikalis in 2009 and now is a partner of Globeducate which has 65 schools world wide.
Our students enjoy travelling to countries such as England, Italy, France and Spain to attend a variety of symposiums."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"At Toronto Prep School we value the character of the child as much as that child's academic ability. We look for students who have a true desire to succeed and would like the...(more)
"At Toronto Prep School we value the character of the child as much as that child's academic ability. We look for students who have a true desire to succeed and would like the opportunity and environment to do so. Students who respect themselves, their families, their peers and their teachers make great candidates for our school."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"At Toronto Prep School, we believe that children need discipline, direction and structure. Our students receive the personalized attention needed to help develop both their...(more)
"At Toronto Prep School, we believe that children need discipline, direction and structure. Our students receive the personalized attention needed to help develop both their characters and academic ability. We believe it takes a village to raise a child, therefore we get involved and work closely with our students and their parents."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"According to students and parents who have chosen TPS as their school, it seems personal attention, accountability, and academic flexibility are the deciding factors. Our...(more)
"According to students and parents who have chosen TPS as their school, it seems personal attention, accountability, and academic flexibility are the deciding factors. Our semestered system, with a plethora of elective courses, allows students to find their passion and build a foundation upon which to launch their post-secondary journey. When students are provided with academic options and have the ability to choose a number of their classes, it makes for a better learning environment."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"We are well known primarily for our high academic standards and our expertise in the instruction of executive functioning skills."
"We are well known primarily for our high academic standards and our expertise in the instruction of executive functioning skills."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"The most important aspect of TPS is its reliance and insistence on the importance of family. From admissions, through matriculation, and capstoned by graduation, a given...(more)
"The most important aspect of TPS is its reliance and insistence on the importance of family. From admissions, through matriculation, and capstoned by graduation, a given student’s personal family blends with TPS’s educational family. By this, we mean that it is essential for the morals, values, and ethics of prospective families to meld with those of TPS. Academic integrity, familial gratitude, and respect for oneself and others are the hallmarks of TPS."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Once families enter our campus, they are typically surprised by the breadth of our physical location. In addition to our 33 traditional classrooms, TPS bolsters a professional...(more)
"Once families enter our campus, they are typically surprised by the breadth of our physical location. In addition to our 33 traditional classrooms, TPS bolsters a professional grade music recording studio, a 100 seat mainstage auditorium, a fully equipped, 2000 sq. ft. fitness studio, a wellness centre, and the list goes on."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"At Toronto Prep School we are always looking to improve our campus, and to upgrade the school experience for our families. We have added many new technology courses along with a...(more)
"At Toronto Prep School we are always looking to improve our campus, and to upgrade the school experience for our families. We have added many new technology courses along with a brand new Innovation Lab (our Makerspace). We have expanded globally by organizing and providing excursions for our students to travel to Costa Rica, England, Italy, France and Spain."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Toronto Prep School is continually looking to improve in all areas. Academically, we have added new Technology, and Computer Science courses. We have developed an emotional well...(more)
"Toronto Prep School is continually looking to improve in all areas. Academically, we have added new Technology, and Computer Science courses. We have developed an emotional well being curriculum which we have incorporated in our classes on a weekly basis. We will continue to grow in this area because we believe that the emotional maturity of children is paramount for their success."
Watch our Toronto Prep School Q&A discussion with Shay Mendel (Alum), Astrid Fischer (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.