TFS - Canada's International School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
    • Mathematics: Equal Balance
    • Early Reading: Balanced Literacy
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Social Studies : Thematic
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Communicative
    • Fine Arts: Equal Balance
    • Computers and Technology: Medium integration
    • Physical Education:
    • IB Diploma courses: 29 courses
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education: Ontario curriculum
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Academic
  • Curriculum Pace: Accelerated
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Intellectual
  • Special needs support: No support
  • Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
  • Language: bilingual / dual-immersion
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
    [Show definition of Curriculum]

    Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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    Curriculum approach at TFS: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate

    TFS has a Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate?]

    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.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Liberal arts - 18%
      Traditional - 43%
      Progressive - 27%
      Montessori - 10%
      Reggio Emilia - 1%
      Waldorf - 1%
    

    TFS has a International Baccalaureate approach to secondary curriculum.

    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.

    What TFS says: 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.

    International Baccalaureate offered:

    Program	offered
    Primary Years
    Middle Years
    Diploma program
    Career-related program

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Equal Balance
      Mathematics approach at TFS: Equal Balance

      TFS has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 69%
        Traditional math - 28%
        Discovery math - 3%
      

      What TFS says: The Mathematics program develops students’ ability to work independently and their aptitude to seek, communicate, and justify mathematical statements. Problem solving and creativity will be integrated in all areas of mathematics.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
      Early Reading approach at TFS: Balanced Literacy

      TFS has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

      [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

      Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

      Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

        Balanced literacy - 56%
        Phonics-intensive - 42%
        Whole language - 2%
      

      What TFS says: The early reading program focuses on phonics instruction in French and English, with guided reading and levelled literacy that suits individual needs and abilities.

      DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

      What TFS says: Regular running records and miscue analysis, CTBS testing

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at TFS: Equal balance

      TFS has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

      [Show: About 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 at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 82%
        Systematic approach - 10%
        Process approach - 8%
      

      What TFS says: Cursive writing instruction begins in SK, and students have access to a handwriting app developed by a TFS teacher for the iPad. The writing process is taught thoughout the grades, including writing reflections and reading for authentic purposes, as part of the IB programs.

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at TFS: Equal Balance

      TFS has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      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.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 73%
        Expository - 5%
        Inquiry - 22%
      

      Teaching approach: The study of science is integrated into units of inquiry in the primary grades, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, digital tools and robotics. In Grade 6, science is taught as a specialized subject, leading to biology, chemistry and physics study in later years.

      Treatment of evolution:

      Subject	offered
      Evolution as consensus theory
      Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
      Evolution is not taught

      Topics covered in curriculum:

      Subject	offered
      Biology
      Chemistry
      Ecology
      Geology
      Meteorology
      Physics
      Physiology
      Zoology

    • Literature Equal Balance
      Literature approach at TFS: Equal Balance

      TFS has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 77%
        Traditional - 20%
        Social justice - 3%
      

      What TFS says: Grades 2-5: Students receive daily instruction in English and French. Language experiences support the Program of Inquiry and fulfil the Ontario curriculum’s Language expectations. The language curriculum is organized into four strands: Reading, Writing, Media Literacy and Oral Communication. In later grades, through our literature program, students will expand their knowledge of literary genres. Reading various kinds of texts will help students to discover what interests them most and to pursue and develop their interests and abilities.

    • Social Studies Thematic
      Social Studies approach at TFS: Thematic

      TFS has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Expanding Communities approach).

      [Show: About Thematic?]

      The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Thematic - 32%
        Core knowledge - 42%
        Expanding communities - 26%
      

      What TFS says: Students explore social studies through the PYP's program of inquiry, with central ideas and key concepts relating to the themes of who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves and sharing the planet.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at TFS: Equal Balance

      TFS has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 85%
        Perennialism - 6%
        Pragmatism - 9%
      

      What TFS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages Communicative
      Foreign Languages approach at TFS: Communicative

      TFS has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Communicative?]

      The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

      Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

        Communicative - 34%
        Audio-lingual - 2%
        Equal balance - 64%
      

      What TFS says: TFS is a bilingual French-English school. In addition to becoming fluent in both languages, students also learn a third language.

    • Fine Arts Equal Balance
      Fine Arts approach at TFS: Equal Balance

      TFS has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 61%
        Receptive - 2%
        Creative - 37%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What TFS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Computers and Technology Medium integration
      Computers and Technology approach at TFS: Medium integration

      TFS has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Heavy integration approach).

      [Show: About Medium integration?]

      Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Medium integration - 48%
        Light integration - 18%
        Heavy integration - 34%
      

      What TFS says: TFS has made the integration of information technology into the curriculum a priority. Students have access to a wide array of technology, including Apple laptops and desktops, iPads, digital cameras, production equipment, robotics, interactive whiteboards and projectors in every classroom, and much more.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What TFS says: Health and Physical Education courses are part of the regular curriculum. TFS appreciates the benefits of physical activity to academic performance. Students with higher levels of fitness have a more developed brain structure, perform better on cognitive tests, and have heightened levels of focus and retention. Skating and swimming programs are scheduled throughout the year as part of the curriculum in different grades.

    • IB Diploma courses 29 courses
      Group 1 (Language A)

      • English Literature SL

      • English Literature HL

      • French Literature SL

      • French Literature HL

      Group 2 (Language B)

      • French HL

      • Spanish SL

      • Spanish HL

      Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

      • Economics SL

      • Economics HL

      • Geography SL

      • Geography HL

      • History SL

      • History HL

      Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

      • Chemistry SL

      • Chemistry HL

      • Biology SL

      • Biology HL

      • Physics SL

      • Physics HL

      • Computer Science SL

      • Computer Science HL

      • Environmental Systems SL

      Group 5 (Mathematics)

      • Mathematical Studies SL

      • Mathematics SL

      • Mathematics HL

      Group 6 (The Arts)

      • Theatre SL

      • Theatre HL

      • Visual Arts SL

      • Visual Arts HL
    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at TFS: Ontario curriculum

      TFS has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

      [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

      The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      TFS has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

      What TFS says: TFS follows the Ontario curriculum for health and sexual education, with changes based on age-appropriateness and curriculum integration.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • IB Diploma courses

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Preschool/K Curriculum Academic
    [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

    Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

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    Preschool/K Curriculum approach at TFS: Academic

    TFS has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).

    [Show: About 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.

    Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Academic - 44%
      Play-based - 22%
      Montessori - 26%
      Waldorf - 2%
      Reggio emilia - 6%
    

    What TFS says: 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.

  • Curriculum Pace Accelerated
    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at TFS: Accelerated

    TFS has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About 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).

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Accelerated - 17%
      Standard-enriched - 58%
      Student-paced - 25%
    

    What TFS says: The curriculum is accelerated and measurable; our students consistently read one level higher as seen in the Canadian Test of Basic Skills. The rigorous IB program allows students to receive advanced standing in university courses.

    Flexible pacing style

    Flexible pacing style	offered
    Subject-streaming (tracking)
    Multi-age classrooms as standard
    Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
    Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
    Regular guided independent study opportunities
    Differentiated assessment

    What TFS says about flexible pacing: Flexible and self-paced programs include Math XL and Mathletics, coding, digital citizenship programs.

  • Academic Culture Rigorous
    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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    Academic Culture approach at TFS: Rigorous

    TFS has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

    [Show: About 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”.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Rigorous - 51%
      Supportive - 49%
    

    What TFS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Developmental priorities Intellectual
    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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    Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

    "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

    What TFS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Special needs support No support
    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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    TFS offers No support

    TFS offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

    What TFS says about their special need support: The Learning Forum at TFS offers a comprehensive support program including learning strategies courses for all Middle School students, and individualized supports and accommodations for mild learning disabilities. Strong language abilities are the foundation for our students.

    Academic Support:

    Subject Type	offered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

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    Summary: Teachers employ a variety of instructional strategies
 to meet the needs of all students in an inclusive learning environment. Resource teachers support staff as they implement new strategies. Students' needs are discussed and followed, when appropriate, by classroom observation and the implementation of an individualized learning plan; parents are involved throughout the process. In some cases testing is recommended and the school can provide some diagnostic assessments as well as pre-screening. If an external assessment is recommended, TFS helps parents by providing a list of specialists and their areas of expertise.

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:

    Modification:

    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:

    Resource Assistance:

    Withdrawal Assistance:

    Partial Integration:

    Full-Time Class:

    
    

    Special NeedNeed

    Forms of SupportA

    EnvironmentsB

    ADHD

    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

      This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

      Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

      This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

      Dyscalculia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

      Dysgraphia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

      Language Processing Disorder

      This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

      Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

      These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

      Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

      A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
    • Developmental
      Autism

      Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

      Asperger's Syndrome

      On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

      Down syndrome

      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

      Intellectual disability

      This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

      Williams syndrome

      This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
    • Behavioral and Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

      roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

      Clinical Depression

      This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

      Clinical anxiety

      This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

      Suicidal thoughts

      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

      Drug and alcohol abuse

      This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

      Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

      This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis

      This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

      Cerebral palsy

      his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

      Muscular dystrophy

      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

      Spina Bifida

      This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

      Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

      This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

      Blindness

      Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

      Deafness

      Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

      Cystic Fibrosis

      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

      Multiple physical

      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

  • Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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    Dedicated gifted programs:

    Program	offered
    Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
    Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

    Curriculum delivery: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)

    In-class adaptations:

    Program	offered
    Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
    Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
    Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
    Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
    Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
    Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
    Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
    Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
    Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

    What TFS says: Teachers are aware of individual strengths and adapt instruction and testing as needed. Opportunities to excel and expand skills are offered throughout and beyond the school program.

  • Language bilingual / dual-immersion
    TFS is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction:

    English - 40%				French - 60%

    Language of enrollment include: English
  • Homework Policy
    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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    In grade Gr. 12, TFS students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
    TFS	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	45 mins	60 mins	60 mins	90 mins	90 mins	120 mins	120 mins	160 mins
    Site Average	0 mins	2 mins	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	30 mins	35 mins	40 mins	53 mins	57 mins	69 mins	80 mins	97 mins	106 mins

    What TFS says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

  • Report Card Policy
    [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

    While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12
    Academic achievement reporting	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12
    Habits and behaviour reporting	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetings	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12

• Extracurriculars
  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

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  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 12
  Recreational sports: N/A

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • 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

  ---

  Clubs offered

  TFS - Canada's International School offers 17 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  
• Tuition & Financial Aid
  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

  ---

  Day

   

  	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$20,360	$27,250	$30,650		$32,320										$35,320

  
  

  What TFS says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

  ---

  Discounts

  Discount Type	Enrolment Type	Amount
  3rd child (sibling)	all students	$500
  4th child (sibling)	all students	$500

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	7 to 12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	0%
  Average aid package size	$35,000
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	0%
  Total aid available	$0

  Application Deadline:

  November 27, 2020  (Repeats annually)

  More information:

  https://www.tfs.ca/admissions/entrance-scholarship-program

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  Submit the most recent report card and the previous two years’ final reports. The academic record should demonstrate a minimum A average. Include any special awards or records of achievement. Send the Confidential School Report to their current school to be completed and forwarded directly to TFS. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation. These can be from a teacher, school administrator, coach or other adult (non-family member) who is knowledgeable about the student’s strengths, accomplishments, special interests and potential. Choose to write either TFS' tests or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). If the candidate is currently enrolled in a French program, they may also be asked to write a TFS French competency test. Submit a financial assessment application to Apple Financial by November 27, 2020. A Scholarship Committee will review all applications. Selected candidates will be invited to attend a personal interview with the Scholarship Committee in February 2021.

  ---

  Merit based Scholarships

  • Grade 7 Entrance ScholarshipAcademic
    Amount: 100%

    Deadline: 12/02/2016

    ---

    Eligibility Details: —

    TFS will award one full scholarship to an incoming student who is starting Grade 7 in September 2017, and who demonstrates high academic standing, involvement in his/her school and/or community, as well as financial need. As this is a full scholarship, covering tuition, uniform, books and incidental fees, we define financial need as a family’s inability to pay for any part of TFS’ tuition fees.

    The TFS Grade 7 Entrance Scholarship is renewable every year until graduation, if the student maintains an average of 80% and meets the conditions noted below. 

    Students do not need to speak French to apply, but must be keenly interested in becoming bilingual.

    We are now accepting applications for the scholarship and urge students who are seeking an exceptional education to apply! Applications are due on Friday, December 2. Applying is easy, and TFS will support you at every stage!

    ---

    Application Details:

    Please view tfs.ca for full details.

    For more details, visit:www.tfs.ca/admissions/scholarship/
    
• Enrolment
  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

  ---

  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12	Coed	Day	1500

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	1,500
  Average class size	12 to 22
  % of international students (total enrolment)	15%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	60

  Student Distribution:

  	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	30	50	70	80	80	88	88	88	88	90	90	105	105	95	95	95
  Class Size	5	11	14	16	16	22	22	22	22	22	22	22	22	20	20	20

• Admission
  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

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  Application

  Admissions Assessments:

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		6 - 12
  SSAT		6 - 12
  SSAT (out of province)		6 - 12
  Entrance Exam(s)		2 - 12
  Entrance Essay

  Application Deadlines:

  Day students: December 01, 2020
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  ---

  Fees:

  Application fee: $200
  Registration fee: $8,500
  Deposit: N/A

  What TFS says:

  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)

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 75%

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Day
  

  ---

  Student Entry Points

  This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.

  
  

  Student Type	NS	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	29 - 30 (75%)	48 (77%)	12 - 24 (74%)	16 - 20 (81%)	10 - 15 (86%)	5 - 10 (91%)	5 - 10 (88%)	5 - 10 (88%)	5 - 10 (94%)	5 - 10 (83%)	5 - 10 (65%)	5 - 10 (70%)	5 - 10 (85%)	5 - 10 (85%)	5 - 10 (100%)	0

  Type of student TFS is looking for:
  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.
• University Placement
  [Show definition of University Placement]

  Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

  ---

  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	60
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	N/A

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	N/A
  Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)	20

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  This information is not currently available.

  Areas of Study

  • TFS - Canada's International School
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  TFS - Canada's International School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

  This information is not currently available.

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    25% - Business/Commerce
    5% - Fine and Performing Arts
    13% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships	N/A

  Mentorship Program	N/A
  University counseling

  What TFS says:

  • Canada: Carleton University, Concordia University, McGill University, McMaster University, Queen’s University, Ryerson University, University of British Columbia, University of King’s College, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, University of Victoria, University of Waterloo, Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, York University
  • U.S.A: Babson College, Boston College, Chapman University, Colby College, Colgate University, Columbia University, Emory University, Harvard University, Macalester College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Middlebury College, New York University, The New School, University of Chicago
  • Europe: Sciences Po (France), University College of Dublin (Ireland).
• Notable Alumni
  [Show definition of Notable Alumni]

  Many private schools in Canada have numerous graduates who have gone on to great things. Learn about a school’s most influential, important, successful, and famous alumni.

  ---

  Alumnus	Grad 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.

• Principal's Message
  Dr. Josep L. González , Head of School

  Dr. Josep L. González is TFS’ Head of School. Dr. González brings to TFS exceptional academic and international experience. He holds a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Oxford, and has been department head, and a language and literature professor and lecturer, for over two decades at prestigious schools and universities, including Eton College and the University of Oxford. With a passion for languages, he speaks French, English, Catalan, Spanish and Italian fluently.

  In his welcome message, he writes: “TFS holds a special place in history as the pioneer of French immersion education in Canada. Today, as a French and multilingual international school, we are in a unique position to empower our students to become accomplished individuals, as well as responsible citizens who consciously choose to make a positive difference in the world. In fact, that is precisely the sentiment expressed in our motto: Individuals who reflect, citizens who act.

  Our school has long been renowned for its excellent academics. In addition, our identity is deepened by ascribing to specific values – integrity, discernment, respect and engagement – that are lived by staff and nurtured in students every day. Ultimately, a TFS education is based on three major pillars: academic ambition, all-round development and an international perspective.

  This explains why our graduates are well-rounded, emotionally intelligent young men and women, who can balance their rights as individuals with their responsibilities as citizens.

  As a school that was founded to promote multilingualism as one of its core principles, we are particularly conscious that fluency in other languages gives TFS students a gateway to other cultures and different ways of understanding the world. Our families and staff are linguistically and culturally diverse, and this diversity strengthens us as a community.

  Our pupils have many opportunities to experience the power of language and gain intercultural competencies through a range of trips and exchanges abroad. Our international perspective is further reinforced by teaching the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework established by the IB programs.

  It is this layering of language, personal interaction, experiential journeys and varied academic programs that gives TFS students an international outlook and inspires in them a purposeful will to contribute to the progress of humanity.

  These are the ideals and beliefs that permeate our community, as we walk together in the same direction and share the conviction that we provide the best possible education for our children."

  
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