The big picture on St. Clement's Early Learning School
We summarized the school ourselves
St. Clement’s was founded in 1955, and has been doing great work with young children ever since. The approach is based in creating a caring community of learners, with small class sizes and a close-knit student body. It’s telling that the school tends to express its size in terms of families; they say that they are able to serve up to 200 families. Indeed, there is a real sense of partnership and involvement with families, as wholes, rather than simply a group of children. It’s that approach that informs the reputation of the school. The facilities nicely reflect St. Clement’s age and pedigree, while the interiors and appointments are at the cutting edge of early childhood instruction.
We questioned the school administration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"As the leading benchmark for Early Childhood Education since 1955, SCELS has stuck to its promise. Our promise is to provide an exceptional, individualized program that works best for your child. With an intimate staff of twenty, and small class sizes in one of Toronto’s historic landmark churches, we’ve developed a reputable program that encompasses a balanced academic and social/emotional curriculum from Nursery to Grade 2. Contact us at [email protected] to book a tour or visit www.scels.ca ."
Early Education
Early Years
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
Through intimate class sizes, an Individualized Program, well-curated curriculum, and access to phenomenal resources, SCELS is able to understand each child’s specific learning style and guide them at the appropriate level. Ultimately, this helps shape confidence and build a strong sense of self.
"Through intimate class sizes, an Individualized Program, well-curated curriculum, and access to phenomenal resources, SCELS is able to understand each child’s specific learning style and guide them at the appropriate level. Ultimately, this helps shape confidence and build a strong sense of self."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
This year, SCELS is celebrating our 70th Anniversary! Our amazing Parent Community, Alumnae and Staff are to thank for so many years of dedication to early childhood education. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support.
"This year, SCELS is celebrating our 70th Anniversary! Our amazing Parent Community, Alumnae and Staff are to thank for so many years of dedication to early childhood education. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Our Nursery intake begins from preschool age, with co-ed Kindergarten, as well as a Primary program available for boys. Our reputable individualized approach supports child development through social, academic, emotional and physical domains with an open-door communication policy encouraged with the families of our school.
"Our Nursery intake begins from preschool age, with co-ed Kindergarten, as well as a Primary program available for boys. Our reputable individualized approach supports child development through social, academic, emotional and physical domains with an open-door communication policy encouraged with the families of our school."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Because of our focus on Individualized Learning, SCELS is often chosen by parents looking to gain a more intimate learning environment with a high focus on academic, social, and emotional growth.
"Because of our focus on Individualized Learning, SCELS is often chosen by parents looking to gain a more intimate learning environment with a high focus on academic, social, and emotional growth."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
We've maintained a high reputation over seventy years as being one of the top-tiered early learning schools in Toronto. Located in a historical landmark church, our legacy can be attributed to intimate class sizes, a devoted team of qualified teachers, and lasting relationships with our community.
"We've maintained a high reputation over seventy years as being one of the top-tiered early learning schools in Toronto. Located in a historical landmark church, our legacy can be attributed to intimate class sizes, a devoted team of qualified teachers, and lasting relationships with our community."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
The importance of the SCELS community is something families take with them long after graduation. Being a more intimate sized school, the friendships formed here as well as fundraisers and community events can leave a lasting impression on families of the school.
"The importance of the SCELS community is something families take with them long after graduation. Being a more intimate sized school, the friendships formed here as well as fundraisers and community events can leave a lasting impression on families of the school."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
Our Kindergarten classes are approximately between 14-17 students with two teachers (RECE/OCT certified). This is especially small compared to many other schools in Toronto. This allows teachers the appropriate time with each student to understand their learning styles and set goals that are attainable and suitable to their level.
"Our Kindergarten classes are approximately between 14-17 students with two teachers (RECE/OCT certified). This is especially small compared to many other schools in Toronto. This allows teachers the appropriate time with each student to understand their learning styles and set goals that are attainable and suitable to their level."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
In 2024, our fundraising initiatives lead by our Parent Committee lead to the construction of our new playground! Our location has also seen various updates to the premises including renovations to the church, grounds, and landscaping.
"In 2024, our fundraising initiatives lead by our Parent Committee lead to the construction of our new playground! Our location has also seen various updates to the premises including renovations to the church, grounds, and landscaping."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
My children love the teachers and the students at SCELS. We have met a lot of great families while attending SCELS, we only wish it went beyond grade 2 for boys and SK for girls so they could stay here forever! The staff at SCELS make the school so amazing. They design individual goals for the children using feedback from the parents. Each child’s educational path is unique.
Insider community voices
Hear directly from St. Clement's Early Learning School community as they share insights.
