9711 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 9X7, Canada
4600 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9A 1A5, Canada
1996
1989
300
480
JK to 8
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
15 to 25
20 to 22
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
$10,200 to $12,800
$30,995 to $34,500
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
27
32
0%
0%
100%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
information not available
“Our school community is open, caring, and kind,” says Director of Advancement Hallie McClelland, who helps with community engagement.
“It’s an academically rigorous school, yet the demands are tempered by a strong
commitment to individualized instruction, academic support, and student well-being.”
“The teachers take the time to understand your child as an individual and translate that into programming, or simply connecting with them in a way that makes them feel so empowered and cared for,” says one parent of a Junior School student.
Read The Our Kids Review of Kingsway College School
Richmond Hill Christian Academy (RHCA) provides a non-denominational Christian education for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. It follows a rigorous and accelerated curriculum with a biblical foundation. Its dedicated and highly qualified teachers focus on preparing students for service to God and their community while striving for academic excellence. More than 25% of the curriculum at RHCA is religion-based. The school provides a disciplined environment and a safe space for all kids to learn, one in which they’re always treated with love and respect. Teaching staff have close relationships with families and are committed to fostering kids’ spiritual, social, and physical growth.
View full reportNeil deGrasse Tyson has said, "imagine how different the world would be, if, in fact, that were 'reading, writing, arithmetic, empathy.'" Kingsway College School, offering Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, poses the same question and has worked to augment a strong academic program with cross-curricular attention to values. Derek Logan, the head of school, notes that a goal is to teach students to "lead with vision and humility." The attention to values, and providing opportunities for social development, in addition to a sense of mastery with core skills, is a strength of the school. The ideal student is one who is able to thrive in an active, academically challenging environment.
View full reportinformation not available
"There is a strong emphasis on self-directed learning that extends beyond the core curriculum."
BRAD MCCAMUS - Parent (Feb 28, 2024)
Both of our kids love the culture of KCS and the faculty and staff. Each year has been outstanding ...
View full review
"Richmond Hill Christian Academy (RHCA) is an independent, non-denominational, private Christian school. We are a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and are listed as a private school on the Ministry of Education website."
"At KCS, students develop the Habits that matter most for success in life. Through our distinct Four Doors to Learning Program, our students explore and grow as learners, artists, athletes, and citizens. Every student is challenged to examine all aspects of school life, to take responsible risks and uncover a wealth of talents, interests, and passions throughout their journey. Our goal is to provide environments where a student’s wellness is supported as they become lifelong learners who are good people."
"Abeka curriculum is used in all of our grades, and it is the foundational to our school's educational program. It is a thoroughly Christian curriculum that is tried and true since 1972 with real-world results (CAT-4). Abeka is the largest publisher of Christian curriculum in the world and is used by more than a million students in Christian schools around the world. In Ontario, there are 12 schools that use it exclusively and 45 that use it predominantly."
"Kingsway College School differentiates itself through its focus on wellness, enriched curriculum and personalized learning approach, innovative teaching methods including place-based, project based, and experiential, and supportive community. By combining these distinctive features, KCS delivers an unparalleled educational experience that inspires students to reach their ultimate potential."
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"Top five reasons given for choosing RHCA:
1. High academic standards
2. Caring and supportive environment and staff
3. Observable changes in learning achievements and character developments
4. Affordable tuition rates
5. Structured learning environment"
"Families choose KCS because of our good reputation in the community and within the independent school system; the people - our amazing teachers, staff, and leadership; our location in west Toronto, the school is co-ed; our innovative, individualized and progressive learning environment (project-based, place-based and experiential sprinkled with traditional learning with tests, exams, homework and our distinctive Four Doors Learning Program and Three School rules: Respect, Manners, Try Your Best"
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"As a Christian school rooted in the Biblical worldview, RHCA is a safe place for our students and staff. For many, that is an important reason why families enrol their children. For some, the protective environment can be viewed as a drawback due to its sheltering nature. For families who professed to Biblical Christianity, the formative years of a child's development are critical for establishing a sure foundation in their faith. Such faith strengthening environment is provided at RHCA."
"Although KCS is well known in the local community, the emphasis on experiential learning and providing learning opportunities outside the classroom may not be so obvious. Hands-on experiences, field trips, place and project-based learning opportunities are integrated throughout the curriculum, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. KCS is committed to providing an engaging and relevant education that goes beyond traditional classroom learning."
"Although considered by many as an academically advance school, our program is geared towards the average child who is willing to work hard and parents who are supportive of school's philosophy and policies. Parents are often amazed at the amount of learning students are able to achieve through a well developed, school-wide curriculum taught by highly dedicated teachers. Ordinary students are able to accomplish extraordinary results when they are provided the opportunities and training needed!"
"New families often say their experience exceeded their initial expectations. The level of dedication and care that the teachers show in their interactions with students goes above and beyond . KCS teachers are extremely empathetic and caring people who genuinely care about the success and well-being of every child. Families are also surprised by the variety of the extracurricular activities, scope of the place-based and project-based learning taking place and the enrichment opportunities."
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Welcome to Richmond Hill Christian Academy! We are a Christian school founded upon the Word of God. Our mission is to prepare the next generation for service to God and to our community, our country, and to our world. We accomplish this by using a thoroughly Christian school wide curriculum that is taught by dedicated and highly qualified teaching staff in a loving but structured environment that strives for excellence in the development of the whole student.
We provide a Christ-centred education with a clear, biblical worldview that allows children to learn of God’s great love for them! We welcome children from all backgrounds, whose parents/guardians are supportive of the school’s philosophy and policies, to come and discover what a difference Christ can make in their education!
It is said that learning is an end in itself. That may be. Our belief is that learning is inextricably a part of life. Strangely, this belief makes us different from other schools. Our faith in this idea makes Kingsway College School a place of joy, respect, fulfillment and... superior individual development.
The children who graduate from Kingsway College School leave knowing what matters in life. They know how to lead with vision and humility. Though they may go on to excel in specialized areas, they have the advantage of beginning as generalists. They have avid appetites for life’s experiences. And, they have the surety to dive into their future comfortable in themselves and their abilities. Our children (your children!) are ethical, responsible, concerned. They are exceptionally sound of mind, body and spirit.
One hundred percent of KCS students graduate with more than sufficient academic standing to go on to the schools of their hearts’ desire.
Progressive
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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We know every child is unique. The KCS curriculum is carefully designed by teachers so that it prepares, inspires and challenges each of our students every day. Core skills are taught through direct instruction, often in small groups. Ample time is also dedicated to developing the KCS Habits of Mind, Body and Action through project-based learning, school-wide student leadership, hands-on creation, field trips, student-initiated learning and much more. Our Senior School builds on the foundation of the Junior School with an enriched experiential program that includes regular student engagement with external experts, regular offsite learning, and an introduction to entrepreneurship. The Senior School also offers a unique program called 'Path' every Wednesday afternoon where students are challenged to independently pursue learning in an area of interest. A Faculty Advisor will support students in developing as independent, resourceful learners and an external Mentor with expertise in the student’s chosen area will support them in this pursuit.
Equal Balance
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Phonics-intensive
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
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DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Equal balance
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Equal Balance
Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Traditional
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Thematic
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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Equal Balance
Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
The audio-lingual method of teaching foreign languages emphasizes the use of repetition and a system of immediate reinforcement and feedback. The method makes particular use of oral drills where students are expected to correctly imitate (or intentionally alter) an utterance made by the teacher in the target language. Quizzes and worksheets are also used extensively.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
Receptive arts programs emphasize art history (visual, music, theatre, etc) and appreciation over creating or “making” art. Students learn about various artistic works and movements, and are asked to reflect on their underlying aesthetic features and principles. The goal is to give students a core body of knowledge related to the arts, while developing their cognitive, emotional, and aesthetic sensibilities. Studio-work is still a component of most reflective programs, but it plays less of a role than in creative programs.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Students at Kingsway College School receive regular physical education instruction. The focus is on learning and practicing the fundamental movement skills necessary to participate in a wide variety of physical activities and sports. We also focus on physical literacy to nurture the motivation, confidence, and physical competence required to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. We help our students along this important journey with our physical and health education program in conjunction with our extensive extracurricular program.
Reggio Emilia
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.
The KCS Early Learning Program includes junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten. Much of the program is Reggio-inspired and emergent, and evolves based on the students’ demonstrated interests and areas for growth. Some direct instruction is also introduced as children become ready, including the introduction of printing with the Handwriting Without Tears program, as well as reading with Reading Mastery. Ample time to socialize, create, and play in our award-winning Outdoor Classroom makes for a rich and healthy day of learning.
Standard-enriched
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
While the general pace of the program is steady, adjustments are made as needed for individual students. In addition, our Super Skills and Workshop programs, from grades 1-8, offer small-group dedicated instruction in reading and math.
Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
0%
0%
$0
$0
100%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
If you wish to apply, please navigate to the Admissions portion of our website at https://www.kcs.on.ca/admissions/apply-to-kcs then complete and submit the application form.