250 Lesmill Road, North York, Ontario, M3B 2T5, Canada
455 Cochrane Drive, Unit 30, Markham, Ontario, L3R 9R4, Canada
2016
1978
100
295
9 to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 8
Coed
Coed
Day, Homestay
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
5 to 10
15 to 20
In-class adaptations
Dedicated gifted school
$14,000 to $20,000
$17,500 to $17,700
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
25
23
0%
0%
90%
80%
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: grades 9 - 12
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
While still a young school, founding principal, Henry Michels, brings a wealth of enthusiasm, insight, and decades-long experience to the program. Small class sizes are a draw, with less than 10 per, allowing for a very student-directed delivery, building from individual strengths, talents, and areas of interest. The school addresses itself to students operating at the top of their peer group, granting them the challenges and diversity of approach that can make the most of their gifts. The diversity of the student body—the homestay program attracts overseas students—adds to the experience, allowing for a range of perspective within classroom discussion.
View full reportFounded in 1978, Wishing Well is one of the older Montessori programs in the region, as well as the country, so has had a lot of time to develop its programs. Today it provides the foundational elements of the method, including a strong sense of place, as well as a wealth of opportunity to peer interaction. The Casa classrooms are of a size that the work well, allowing for mentorship relationships to develop naturally among the students. In addition, the administration has demonstrated a keen desire to develop the program with an eye to the kinds of things that students need when they advance to grade 9 and beyond, including a keen interest in developing 21st century literacies, including digital literacy and a robust science curricula. The extended care option, included in tuition, is understandably a very welcome feature for the families that enroll; it’s also a sign of the school’s attention to the needs of the parent community. The school has built a reputation on providing a strong, varied program based firmly in the ethos of the Montessori method, with an eye to educating students to be creative, confident, and social learners.
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"The unique approach the school took when it came to course planning for my son caught my attention."
Gilbert Tossa - Parent (Jun 08, 2021)
My son joined Webtree Academy during a challenging year, when we were at the middle of a pandemic, w...
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"Webtree Academy is a private day school for Gr. 7-12 students, focusing on university preparation. Our institution employs an innovative, nurturing approach to education, tailored to each student's needs. By fostering creativity and individualized learning, we aim to cultivate responsible, engaged citizens, and future leaders. Recognizing the evolving landscape of technology, workplace demands, and multicultural societies, we strive to offer a diverse range of educational programs to meet the unique needs of every student."
"Delivering accredited Toddler and Montessori programs endorsed by CCMA, coupled with an accelerated Elementary program spanning Grade 1 to 8, our focus is on nurturing qualities like independence, creativity, collaboration, intrinsic motivation, and leadership. At Wishing Well Schools, students not only flourish in a supportive setting but also cultivate a sincere passion for learning. Upon completing their education, they carry with them the self-assurance to excel in academically demanding settings."
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"Wishing Well Schools distinguishes itself through a holistic learning environment, comprehensive Grade 1 to 8 programs, integration of 21st-century skills, and a focus on character and leadership development. With a 45-year legacy, we offer a trusted and time-tested education that prepares graduates not only academically but also with the resilience, adaptability, and leadership qualities for success in the evolving world."
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"Families opt for Wishing Well Schools due to its advanced academic programs spanning Grade 1 to 8, coupled with a 45-year legacy of excellence. The institution's commitment to character and leadership development, along with an emphasis on collaboration and project-based learning, resonates with parents seeking a comprehensive and forward-thinking educational environment. Wishing Well's dedication to academic advancement solidifies its position as the preferred choice for families."
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"Families at Wishing Well Schools often witness the vibrant and collaborative community, but one aspect that may not be accorded sufficient significance is the Quiet Waters Outdoor Education. The serene outdoor setting serves as a unique extension of the learning environment. Families may not fully grasp the transformative impact of outdoor education on their child's holistic development, including enhanced creativity, resilience, and a deeper connection with nature. Emphasizing the significance"
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"At Wishing Well Schools, families discover a strong community, individualized attention, innovative teaching methods, emphasis on emotional intelligence, a global perspective, opportunities for parental involvement, and a focus on lifelong learning. These unexpected aspects contribute to an enriching educational experience, surpassing initial expectations."
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DEAR STUDENTS, STAFF, AND PARENTS
Education has been a lifelong passion and is the greatest gift, we give to our youth. It has the transformative power to change lives and continually redefine the limits of what can be achieved. As an educator with over 30 years experiences working with gifted, special needs, second language learners, I am convinced that all students can excel to reach their full potentials with provision of stimulating challenge, encouragement, and the targeted support.
Therefore, at Webtree, we value every individual's uniqueness, recognize his /her strength and areas that need improvement, so as to personalize the academic path leads to each student's ultimate success.
At Webtree., we aim to nurture our student with global version, a sense of citizenship, a critical mindset, in addition to their academic success. Webtree Academy. is the home away from home for our students; is a school where they will laugh and shine.
WEBTREE PRINCIPAL: HENRY MICHELS
At Wishing Well Schools, we take pride in fostering an exceptional learning environment for our students. Within this nurturing environment, students not only achieve academic excellence but also cultivate confidence and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Our objective extends beyond providing them with the academic accomplishments needed for entry into competitive programs post-elementary school; we also strive to instill in them the character and confidence necessary to emerge as successful leaders.
Our ongoing commitment to providing an enriched and forward-thinking educational experience for our students is continuously revised and enhanced. With so many emerging changes in the world, we aim to empower our students with a robust foundation, setting them on a trajectory towards academic excellence and success.
As we celebrate 45 years of educational excellence at Wishing Well Schools, we look forward to another 45 years marked by continued success, academic excellence, and the emergence of upstanding student graduates. Our enduring commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching environment sets the stage for an even brighter future, as we look forward to shaping the next generation of accomplished individuals. Here's to the ongoing journey of learning, growth, and success at Wishing Well Schools for the years to come.
Progressive
Information not available
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.
Not applicable
At Webtree., we strive to provide our students with the necessary language, academic, and technological skills required for students to achieve their educational and personal goals as well as being successful in post-secondary studies. Additionally, we aim to assist our students to not only better immerse them into Canadian cultural and social environments but also to thrive in a competitive global environment.
Wishing Well Schools delivers the Montessori curriculum from Toddler to age 6 and an enriched academic program following the Ontario Curriculum from Grades 1 to 8. We believe in teaching the skills of critical thinking, with a 21st century approach to teaching and learning.
Traditional Math
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.
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.
Our OCT Math teachers are qualified in Mathematics and some in Special Education, having the qualifications to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations, the sequentially-chunked curriculum at a pace that suits the individual student. Being that our mathematics credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements.
We use a variety of tools to help solidify math concepts and ensure automaticity and understanding of deeper mathematical problems. From Grades 4 to 8 we have specialized math teachers for all students. Included in our Math curriculum are our STEAM lessons where students are presented with problems using the engineering design process to solve. Coding is taught from Grade 1 to 6, with more intensive Computer Science taught in Grade 7/8.
Ministry-approved textbooks along with learning materials from SOLARO.
Nelson Math, Jump Math, iPads and various resources created by teachers.
Calculators are used at more advanced levels of mathematics after students have learned important fundamental skills.
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.
Our students learn to read during their Montessori years (age 3 to 6) in preparation for the advanced academic program in Grade 1.
Equal balance
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.
Writing is carefully planned and focuses on developing technical writing skills as well as creative expression. Varied lessons focus on essay writing, media literacy, film analysis, poetry and song writing, creative writing in a variety of narrative formats, and non-fiction writing (such as writing blogs, websites, speeches, biographies, etc.). We have specialist Language Arts teachers from Grades 4 to 8.
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.
Our Science OCT teachers are qualified in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as well as Special Education. Our teachers are qualified to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations, the sequentially-chunked curriculum at a pace that suits the individual student. Being that our Science credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements.
Science is taught using varied materials and approaches in an inquiry based setting (such as in our STEAM lessons) as well as a traditional setting. Project Based Learning is emphasized and students are expected to test their hypothesis using the scientific method. Specialist Science teachers teach students from Grades 4 to 8.
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
Physics
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Our English OCT teachers are qualified to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations. The curriculum is offered at a pace that suits the individual student and is designed thematically. Being that our ENG credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements. Our ESL program is comprehensive in building the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for other language-oriented credit courses.
We begin teaching literature from Grade 1 with careful selection of challenging classic novels and shorts stories, as well as modern, award winning literature. Shakespeare is taught from Grade 6 to 8. Our curriculum focuses on appreciation of literature, with the deconstruction and analysis of both contemporary and classic novels and poems.
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
Core Knowledge
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).
We teach Social Studies following the Ontario Curriculum and expand upon our curriculum by including an in-depth investigation of world events and their social/historical context. We have specialist Social Studies teachers from Grades 4 to 8.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
To study History, Economics and Philosophy is to embark on a voyage of discovery, to seek in many ways to advance beyond the limitations and preoccupations of the present. Only by exploring the human experience in the past can we see how and why society changes and develop a sense of perspective on where we are heading in the 21st century.
Humanities and Social Sciences are taught following the Ontario Curriculum while also supplementing the curriculum with resources that investigate current events and globalization. Project Based learning and deeper investigation is used to further explore the issues that effect the world, lending students an understanding of their place within it.
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
At Webtree, we offer Mandarin as an international language credit course.
French is taught from age 3 to Grade 8. Our French teachers are classically trained and speak European French, providing students with the diction and fluency required in advanced courses of language in Secondary School and University. Our students are confident, fluent speakers and enter Grade 9 far ahead of their peers.
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
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
At Webtree, we offer visual arts, dramatic arts & music (keyboard & guitar) to enrich our academically-focussed students.
We believe that the arts are as important as Language and Math and lend students the ability to become truly well rounded individuals. The ability to perform with confidence, analyze artistic pieces fluently and create art and media with freedom of expression are all embedded within our curriculum.
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.
At Webtree, students are allowed to use personal laptops to complete homework or assignments such as writing essays, constructing Power Point slides for presentation. Our science teachers sometimes use Virtual Labs on computers to demonstrate physics or chemistry experiments in assisting teaching and learning.
In our Elementary program, we have a 1to1 iPad program and we are fortunate to have many opportunities to integrate technology into our curriculum. This technology is used to enhance the pedagogy and is curriculum driven. We teach coding from Grade 1 and Computer Science in Grade 7/8.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
We utilize the soccer field and rented space for physical education credit courses and the afterschool sports program.
We believe that Physical Education is the key to success. We have a mandatory 20 minute whole school DPA every morning and three to four gym classes per week. Our ski program is a six week program every winter and we are part of the SSAF.
Montessori
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Our focus is to provide students with a stimulating and academically challenging education that is deeply committed to the Montessori principles, so that they may reach their full potential with integrity and trust.
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).
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).
At Webtree, credit courses can be completed in 10-week blocks in small-sized groups (ranging from 1-6 students per OCT teacher). Teachers are sensitive to differentiated instruction including multiple intelligences.
Information not available
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”.
In addition to teaching academic credit courses, we offer specialized learning programs for our students entering into DECA competitions and Waterloo Math Contests. For our International students we offer intensive, personalized support toward accomplishing their post-secondary goals into reputable universities and colleges in Canada, USA and abroad. We offer summer camps for our students to explore different cultural areas of Toronto. We have OCT teachers giving extra hours to tutoring students within our school and other students from leading Preparatory schools.
Our rigorous academic environment is further enhanced with a balanced, well planned curriculum, specialist teachers for Language, Math, Science and Social Studies and a firm foundation from the Montessori curriculum we offer. We expect our students to strive for excellence.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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."
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.
We value citizenship and academic achievement. We aim to shape students into leaders of their communities, with character, grit and integrity.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Field Hockey |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Skating |
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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
90%
80%
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: grades 9 - 12
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
We are looking for well rounded applicants. Who is committed to work towards his/her goal.
Students who strive for excellence and can cope with academic rigour, finding joy in learning, are ideal candidates for Wishing Well Schools.
Completed Application Form with Signature
Report Card from Previous School
Copy of Identification
Application Fee - $250 CDN
Students in 3rd Year Casa (SK) to Grade 8 must spend a day to determine suitability for our program. Within the day visit, an entrance test will also be administered.