"Established in 1893, Olivet School is a private, not-for-profit elementary school. We follow a Christian-based perspective that values scientific inquiry, usefulness, and thoughtfulness. We average a small student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and offer an affordable tuition, possible through an endowment given over the years by alumni and friends. Let us join you in building your child’s foundations for a successful life. Book a tour on OlivetSchool.ca and follow us on Facebook/Instagram (@OlivetSchool on both)."
Our small student-to-teacher ratio allows us to give each child meaningful attention. When we say small, we truly mean it — with a maximum ratio of 12:1. We believe that, to ensure every student learns and grows, they need time with their teacher. That simply isn’t possible in large classrooms.
Every child learns at a different pace. Smaller class sizes allow for individualized instruction, targeted support, and personal attention. At Olivet, students are known, supported, and encouraged — and they do not get left behind.
We are deeply committed to educating the whole child. We care about our students’ spiritual well-being, social-emotional development, physical growth, and academic achievement. As a result, graduates of Olivet are confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals, prepared to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
At Olivet, we strongly emphasize teaching traditional values such as "scientific inquiry and usefulness." While we follow the standard Ontario curriculum, we’ve occasionally chosen to diverge when it best serves our students' needs. For example, although the Ontario curriculum phased out the requirement for teaching cursive writing, we have continued to teach it because we believe it benefits our students.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students — many of whom come to us seeking refuge from bullying or challenging peer dynamics — we carefully consider each child’s needs during the admissions process. While we strive to support a wide range of learners, we are not currently equipped to provide the specialized support required for students with significant social-emotional regulation challenges.
Our school was founded to ensure that the children of the congregation could learn to read and write. Some of our earliest teachers were mothers committed to providing a nurturing, personalized approach to education. That spirit remains with us today, with literacy continuing to stand at the heart of our curriculum.
Many of our staff members share a long history with Olivet. Some once walked our halls as students, while others represent generations of families connected to the school. This deep-rooted commitment contributes to remarkably low teacher turnover, with most of our educators remaining until retirement.
Our teachers are dedicated not only to academic excellence but to the development of the whole child — nurturing students’ intellectual growth alongside their emotional and social well-being.
The student who thrives most in our school is often the one overlooked in traditional classrooms—the quiet, thoughtful child who doesn’t seek the spotlight and rarely causes disruption. These students possess tremendous potential, yet in larger, more conventional settings, they may not always receive the recognition or individualized support they deserve.
Families who value a return to traditional principles that can sometimes be missing in larger school environments also seek us out. At Olivet, character and courtesy are woven into daily life. Students say grace before meals, ask to be excused, and consistently use “please” and “thank you.” They hold doors open for one another and offer sincere apologies when needed—because good manners are not just encouraged, they are expected. “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16)
At Olivet, we intentionally integrate Christian faith into every aspect of the school day. The religious component of our curriculum is foundational to our program. Families do not need to be Christian to enroll at Olivet, because all are welcome in the eyes of the Lord; simply, parents are comfortable with their child learning in a Christian environment grounded in Biblical values and teachings.
While our small student-teacher ratio allows us to support students with a range of academic needs, we might not be the right fit for everyone. As a smaller school, we do not have specialized training, equipment, or personnel to address more complex or severe cases. We encourage you to reach out to discuss your child’s specific needs. If we believe we cannot provide the best support for your child to thrive, we will be transparent about that decision and, hopefully, point you to a school that can provide those supports.
Families choose Olivet School for our unique, grounded and caring approach to learning. For over 100 years, we have led the way in teaching with small class sizes and integrated learning. Our school is deeply rooted in strong morals and values that teach our students much more than academics - it teaches them how to be a "good" person in the world.
We are a hidden gem in the heart of Etobicoke. While we may often be overlooked, those who discover us are glad they did. Our school feels more like a small town—a close-knit community where everyone knows and supports one another. This sense of connection goes beyond our faculty and extends to our student population. Our students embody this by looking out for and genuinely caring for each other.
Kindness, giving, and the fundamentals of learning the values of being a "good" person and a good Christian are significant reasons for enrolling at Olivet School. Here, your children will begin a learning journey of academics and strong Christian values while experiencing a feeling of being cared for and supported.
Our students are genuinely happy to be here and often don’t want to leave at the end of the day. No matter the weather, it’s a daily occurrence at dismissal for multiple students to ask their parents if they can stay and continue playing with their friends. It’s not uncommon to see many students and their families still enjoying time together on our playground long after the final bell has rung. This sense of community is something we truly cherish.
Families find it surprising to learn that we have a rich history spanning 130 years and that we grew out of a growing need for faith-based learning, character development, and overall growth.
When families visit our school, they often comment on how conveniently located we are— an ideal spot they often drive by every day. However, it’s what they experience during their visit that truly leaves a lasting impression. We often hear how warmly welcomed they feel and how the positive atmosphere within our walls. It’s a place where people immediately sense the caring atmosphere, connection, and community that define our school.
Many parents value the fact that our school has remained steadfast over the years, resisting the urge to follow every new trend and fad in education. Instead, we take pride in maintaining our history of Christian values and preserving the innocence of childhood. While we incorporate some technology in our older grades, our focus remains on fostering human connections, which we believe are far more effective in nurturing children.
We don’t envision any large-scale changes over the next five years—and that’s intentional. We are proud of our history, traditions, and proven track record of success. When you have an amazing recipe, there’s no need to change it.
Our focus remains on preserving what makes our school special: a strong foundation of Christian values, a supportive community, and a commitment to providing the best possible environment for our students to thrive.
Hear directly from Olivet School community as they share insights.
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