REVIEW OF CGS (Children's Garden School) BY parent, Irene Chai

(4.5) Student Experience

My kids enjoy the nurturing and encouraging school atmosphere created by the teachers and staffs at CGS. My daughter feels safe and comfortable to express her thoughts and ideas. The school is also a fun place to be, as the learning is integrated with exciting school activities and various projects.

(4.5) School Leadership

The school leadership and administration team is very easy to approach. There are various formal and informal communication channels for the parents to communicate with the school, including principle messages, weekly reminder, school blogs, emails, phone calls or simply drop off at the office. School environment is very positive with the right discipline in place.

(4) Teaching

Teachers at CGS are generally very passionate and loving. There are many faculty staffs who have been with CGS for a long time and are very knowledgeable and experienced about their subject. The younger teachers are all very passionate and go above and beyond. The small size classes enable teachers to give individual attentions to each student, allowing different students to learn at their own pace.

(4) Academics

The phonics program started at JK all the way thru to grade level is very consistent and systematic, fostering reading skill at an early stage and also continuously reinforcing the rules and applications as the students advance. Math program encourages different ways of thinking, cultivating critical thinking. The enriched academic program at CGS adequately prepared my daughter advance into the school of her choice.

(3.5) Extracurriculars

Despite the limited space in the school, the extracurricular program is well designed and integrated into the school life. Resources from the internal school and outside of the school are leveraged. There are about 4 or 5 clubs to choose from each term, and the school also offers extended French, Chess, art and private music lessons.

(4) Students

Early start and kindergarten classes are usually big in size, and when it progresses to the grade level, the classes become a little smaller. There are plenty of opportunities to work, play with students across different grades, and they all feel close to each other. Many students knows students from different grades by name, and they greet to each other at hall way, play with each other at recess and involve together in house activities. Students come from different ethnic background and the school celebrates different culture traditions.

(4.5) School Life

Both my kids love to go to school because there are always exciting things happing at school and they feel secure surrounded by teachers and friends they know well. The enrich academic program is delivered in a systematic yet fun-filled approach that facilitates a love of learning. The character education program also sets CGS apart. The strong music program ties into monthly assembly, talent show, Christmas show and annual CGS musical, providing enormous opportunities for the students to build confidence on stage, and develop their talent on vocal and performance arts.

(4.5) Community

Parents community are highly involved in the school life. Regular PA meetings are open to every parents. There are lots of volunteer opporutnities throughout the year. It's a warm and close community that we all feel an important part of it.

(3.5) School Location

The school is located in a safe and nice neighbourhood. The construction of the subway line might have an impact on the local traffic. The school ensures that the morning drop off and afternoon pick up is as smooth as possible. There are usually teachers and staffs available on the roadside to facilitate morning drop off. The annual CGS terry fox walk usually takes place in the nearby neighbourhood.