AN OUR KIDS REPORT:TFS - Canada's International School vs. Kempenfelt Bay School

one-to-one comparison:

View TFS - Canada's International School's full report
VS.
View Kempenfelt Bay School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    306 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 1T7, Canada

    2145 Innisfil Beach Road, Innisfil, Ontario, L9S 4B9, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1962

    1999

    Enrolment

    1530

    155

    Grades

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    JK to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English, French

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate

    Progressive

    Curriculum pace

    Accelerated
    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).
    Standard-enriched
    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.

    Academic culture

    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”.

    Avg. Class Size

    12 to 22

    18 to 20

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Academic
    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.
    Academic
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $23,070 to $39,020

    $21,250 to $23,210

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    7 to 12

    JK to 8

    Median FA package size

    $35,000

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    90

    14

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    30%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Dec 01, 2023

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    The school celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, marking the end of an astonishing period of growth and development. The school really did start in a basement, moving from there into a range of branches throughout Toronto, in time consolidating onto the two campuses that the school occupies today. Schools don't grow that much, or that quickly, if they aren't servicing a specific need, and certainly that's true of TFS. The acronym stands for Toronto French School, which is the name that the school was founded with, though in time it was offering a lot more than the name suggested. Language remains an important part of the curriculum, though the culture of the school reaches beyond language. The environment is rich, varied, and supportive. The student body is culturally and academically diverse, all of which is encouraged through a robust bursary program.

    View full report

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Academic excellence is the main focus at Kempenfelt Bay School, which offers Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Individually tailored programs delivered through team teaching and small class sizes help kids excel. On entering Kempenfelt Bay School, kids are placed in one of four houses. This gives them an immediate sense of belonging and camaraderie that they retain throughout their school years. Kempfelt offers plenty of extracurriculars to help spark kids’ interests, including robotics, jazz ensemble, yoga, drama, and dance clubs and activities. The school places a major emphasis on character development and participation in the local community through outreach and volunteer work. And, overall, it offers a safe and calm environment where kids thrive, meet their academic goals, and develop socially and emotionally with the help of caring and committed staff. 

     

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "TFS’ mission is to develop multilingual critical thinkers who celebrate difference, transcend borders and strive for the betterment of humankind and the planet. As the pioneer of French immersion in Canada, our education is unparalleled in its excellence, preparing students for success in today’s global world. Bilingual and coed since 1962, TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework of the IB's three programs (PYP, MYP and bilingual Diploma Program). We want our students to be academically ambitious and well-rounded, with an international and intercultural perspective. Our students master French and English, while balancing rigorous science, arts and humanities programs. No prior knowledge of French is required, but all students graduate as bilingual due to our successful Intro program, offered up to Grade 7. TFS students are multi-faceted, passionate learners, who form friendships for life in our supportive community. Co-curricular programs include competitive sports, robotics, music, visual and dramatic arts. Students benefit from exceptional facilities, a 26-acre ravine and a diverse, non-denominational environment. TFS has campuses in Toronto and Mississauga."

    • High academic standards
    • Bilingual education
    • International perspective
    • Intro French program to Grade 7
    • IB World School, France and Ontario programs
    • Strong in science, math, sports and arts
    • Sports field, pool and gyms
    • Age two to University Entrance
    • Grade 7 Entrance Scholarship

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    "We are a co-educational, non-profit, independent school for students in JK to Grade 8 located in beautiful Innisfil, Ontario. As Simcoe County’s only accredited independent school, we believe in providing a higher standard of education so that the children we teach today will be inspired and empowered to do great things in the future. We're a community which inspires independent, lifelong learners by building competence, confidence, and character."

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "TFS is renowned for its academics. The rigour of our curriculum — in which we teach the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework established by the IB programs — is unparalleled. Our graduates leave TFS with an education that is rich in challenge, diversity and opportunity, and they study in universities and pursue the programs of their choice."

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    After working as a Principal with Le Conseil Scolaire Viamonde here in Toronto, and in Georgia before that, as well as a Director of Curriculum in Nigeria and an Athletic Director in Yemen, M. Gaudet arrived at TFS as Principal of the Senior School in 2015, bringing with him an invaluable international perspective. In August 2020, M. Gaudet stepped into his new role of Executive Director of the Learning Forum at TFS. M. Gaudet is a bilingual educator with a master’s degree in educational administration. He has more than 20 years of experience working with high school students. His passion for academic ambition is felt school-wide through his innovative and informed ideas and programs.

    information not available

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Liberal Arts


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      International Baccalaureate

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Academic ambition is our bedrock. TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework established by the IB programs (PYP, MYP and bilingual IB Diploma Program) from Jardin d'éveil (age 2) to Grade 12 in a fully bilingual French/English environment. We provide our students with an education that is rich in challenge, diversity and opportunity.

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach


      Our Take

      Our Take

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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.

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 1, TFS teaches the curricula of the Ministry of Education of Ontario and the Ministry of Education of France through the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization. From the moment children join TFS, through Grade 1 (CP), they are instructed only in French. Children quickly embrace the language and are gently encouraged to increase their use of French during classroom activities. As of Grade 2 through high school, the language of instruction of the various subjects is approximately 30% in English and 70% in French.

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Unlike play-based Kindergarten programs, our program is academically focused to align with the school’s belief that excellent learning skills are not acquired later on in your child’s learning career but from their first day of learning.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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).

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Flexible and self-paced programs include Math XL and Mathletics, coding, digital citizenship programs.

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      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”.

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Information not available

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

      KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

      Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    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

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    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


    What the school says

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    7 - 12

    JK - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $35,000

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    30%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Dec 01, 2023

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades 2 - 12

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    High average to excellent academic performance; motivated and determined; respectful of others; positive attitude; makes a positive contribution to TFS; values a bilingual education; internationally minded; parents are committed to the TFS vision, mission and values.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Admissions application plus:

    • Current photo
    • Proof of date of birth
    • Current report card (if applicable)
    • Copies of two most recent end-of-year report cards (if applicable)
    • Applicable application fee
    • Confidential School Report (for applicants to Grade 3 and above)
    • SSAT score and SSAT Character Skills Snapshot (for applicants to Grade 6 and above)

    KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

    Step 1: Submit Your Application. Please complete our online application and submit the required supporting documents. Click here to access the online application form.

    Step 2: Visit Day - Interview and Assessment. During your Visit Day, an interview and assessment will be conducted by a member of the KBS Leadership Team. 

    Step 3: Communicating Admissions Decisions.The school will communicate admissions decisions within a week of a completed Visit Day.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Martha Baillie (1977)
    Bestselling author and Giller Prize nominee (2009), University of Edinburgh, l’Université Paris-Sorbonne and University of Toronto.
    Molly Shoichet (1983)
    Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, Ph.D., Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Recipient of the Order of Ontario (2011).
    Samantha Nutt (1987)
    Founder & Executive Director of War Child Canada and bestselling author. Recipient of the Order of Ontario (2010) and Order of Canada (2011). M.D., McMaster University.
    Alastair Rucklidge (1982)
    Professor of Applied Mathematics, University of Leeds (UK), Ph.D., University of Cambridge.
    Karandeep Sonu Gaind (1986)
    Psychiatrist and Psycho-Oncology Consultant, Princess Margaret Hospital. Associate Professor, University of Toronto. M.D., University of Toronto.
    Justin Poy (1987)
    Creative Director, The Justin Poy Agency. B.A. (Radio and Television), Ryerson University.
    Carole Piovasan (1995)
    Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP. M.Sc., Social Policy and Planning in Developing Countries, London School of Economics and Political Science. J.D., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.
    Ruth Milkereit (2004)
    Ph.D. Candidate, Biochemistry, University of Toronto. Direct entry from B.Sc., Immunology, McGill University.
    Daniel Posen (2005)
    Ph.D. Candidate, Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University (US), Master of Research in Green Chemistry, Imperial College, London, Master of Science in Economics, London School of Economics/Political Science.
    Gabriela DeBues-Stafford (2013)
    Two-time Olympic athlete
    information not available

Compare:

TFS - CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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