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Go to child profileOur academic, inquiry-based program supplements Ontario’s curriculum to nurture a variety of learning styles in a safe, flexible setting. Based on feminist pedagogy and innovative research on girls' educational needs, enriched small classes (average size: 12) allow faculty to focus on girls' academic growth as well as their socio-emotional well being. We are highly regarded for our award-winning faculty, inclusivity, diversity, engaging STEM, art, drama, music and sports programs; and 100% university acceptance.
What learning looks like now: The Linden School is open to all of our students in JK-Grade 12, while maintaining full safety protocols within a hybrid learning model. Individual students may join classes virtually as needed. Our longstanding commitment to small class sizes lends itself well to distancing, and we will build on our existing successful outdoor education and outdoor learning programs. Our plans incorporate the flexibility to switch seamlessly to full distance learning, should this be required.
Curriculum delivery for 2020/21:
Grades | Living Arrangement | Delivery Model | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
Day | JK - Gr. 12 | Hybrid/blended | Full-time |
What The Linden School says: Students in JK-Grade 8 will attend school in-person each day, with enhanced safety protocols. Our longstanding commitment to small class sizes lends itself well to distancing, and we will build on our existing successful outdoor education and outdoor learning programs. Students in Grades 9 to 12 will have in-person classes at school as well as synchronous virtual classes from home. Our plans incorporate the flexibility to switch seamlessly to full distance learning, should this be required. Additionally, individual students may join classes virtually as needed.
View recent COVID-19 updates from Linden SchoolAthletics at Linden is a well-rounded curriculum of physical education, health class, and daily physical activity.
Our robust athletics program has no tryouts, because we know every girl can be an athlete.
Linden girls win many tournaments and bring home many trophies and banners!
Linden’s music program introduces students to a wide variety of genres, emphasizing theory as well as performance.
Girls perform a wide variety of plays throughout the year.
The art room is always the best place for creative expression!
Recess on the rooftop.
Linden’s progressive community celebrates diversity and social justice.
Where friendships are just the start of an extraordinary education.
All Grade 9-12 students bring their own laptops/devices to class.
Our innovative computer studies program that encourages girls to see themselves as creators, rather than just consumers, of digital technology.
Each student receives individual attention from caring teachers.
Linden students work collaboratively in groups to ask questions and seek answers.
At Linden every girl is a scientist.
Linden excels in stimulating confidence in STEM fields.
Small classes allow teachers to provide individualized support.
We develop advanced coding and engineering skills in girls from the early years.
Students enjoy outdoor activities at camp every fall!
The Linden Library: a quiet place to study.
All schools, to some extent, defy the various stereotypes that the general population might have about private education. Still, the Linden School is a particularly stark example of that. Founded by Diane Goudie and Eleanor Moore in 1993, the school was intended as a needed and necessary alternative to what was happening in public schools, as well as other private institutions. Goudie had butt heads with other educators by demanding that education be based in a sense of equity, especially as girls and women are concerned. The Linden School is the result, and today it does exactly what Goudie and Moore hoped it would: provide an example of a school for girls that will make a difference in the students' lives and, in turn, encourage them to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The goal, as Moore said at an address at York University, is to educate each student to "to speak with courage--[to] be credible, find a community, listen for all voices, change structures, be a leader and above all make a difference." Since they founded the school, Goudie and Moore have lead by example, earning honorary doctorate of law degrees from York University in recognition of their leadership in the field of education. On receiving the doctorate, Goudie addressed the convocation saying "Ask yourselves the tough questions: What do you want to achieve beyond your paycheque? What are you prepared to risk in order to make a difference in your communities or in the global community?" Those are, of course, very tough questions, and the Linden School is structured around them. For the wrong student, it could be overwhelming. For the right student, it can provide a very strong foundation for a lifetime of engagement, leadership, and success.
Focus |
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Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Evolution as consensus theory | |
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
Evolution is not taught |
Subject | offered |
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Biology | |
Chemistry | |
Ecology | |
Geology | |
Meteorology | |
Physics | |
Physiology | |
Zoology |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Acting | |
Dance | |
Drama/Theatre | |
Graphic Design | |
Music | |
Visual Arts |
Expressive | |
Disciplined |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Computer science | |
Robotics | |
Web design |
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 |
Subject Type | offered |
---|---|
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Subject Type | offered |
---|---|
Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
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.)
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) |
In grade Gr. 12, Linden School students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Linden School | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
Site Average | 15 mins | 17 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 57 mins | 69 mins | 81 mins | 97 mins | 106 mins |
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 2 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 12 |
Competitive sports: 7
Recreational sports: 7
The Linden School offers 22 clubs and extracurricular programs.
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
Day | $24,550 | $29,950 | $31,350 |
Discounts
Discount Type | Enrolment Type | Amount |
---|---|---|
2nd child (sibling) | all students | 10% |
Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | JK to 12 |
Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 20% |
Average aid package size | $6,000 |
Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid | 20% |
Total aid available | $250,000 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
Linden's Commitment to Equity
The Linden School lives up to its values of diversity and inclusivity. Last year, 20% of our students benefited from a Linden education thanks to the school’s generous bursary policy. Bursary awards are based solely upon the family’s demonstrated need, as determined by Linden’s Bursary Committee. While we are unable to provide bursaries that cover full tuition, our Bursary Committee will do its best to meet demonstrated need. We expect that parents, as much as they are able, will bear the primary responsibility for financing their daughter’s education, which can sometimes be at the expense of other discretionary expenditures.
Bursary Application Process
The process to apply for a bursary begins with the submission of an application to Apple Financial Services, a third-party organization that provides an unbiased evaluation of an applicant’s financial resources and ability to fund their private education. Applications to Apple Financial must be submitted by Friday, November 27, 2020, in order to receive a response by the Common Offer Date, Friday, February 19, 2021. Applications received after November 27th will be evaluated as space and funds allow. Families who have been awarded bursaries previously must re-apply each year. Awards may be adjusted if family financial circumstances change significantly.
Supporting Linden
We ask recipient families to volunteer their time at the school in various capacities. We value your willingness to share your time and expertise.
Contact Us
Please contact our Admissions Office if you have any questions about your application.
Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrolment | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Group 1 | JK to Gr. 12 | All girls | Day | 115 |
Total enrolment | 115 |
Average class size | 12 |
% of international students (total enrolment) | 1% |
Number of different nationalities within student population | 2 |
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Enrollment | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Class Size | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Assessment | Required | Grades |
---|---|---|
Interview | JK - 12 | |
SSAT | ||
SSAT (out of province) | ||
Entrance Exam(s) | 7 - 12 | |
Entrance Essay |
Day students: December 14, 2020
Offer mid-year entry:
Yes
Application fee: $150
Registration fee: $6,000
Deposit:
48%
Admissions Application Guide
Meet Linden students and faculty, and explore our program and philosophy with a personalized virtual tour of the school. An admission application is not necessary for booking a tour. Learn more about booking a virtual tour.
2. Apply
Admission for the 2021-2022 School Year: Although our application deadline has passed, we are still accepting applications on a rolling basis as space permits.
Admission for the 2020-2021 School Year:
3. Interview & Assessment
Once we have received your application form, we will be in touch to schedule an interview with our Director of Admissions. During this time, you and your daughter will participate in an informal, conversational interview which will help us get to know you better and is an opportunity for you to learn more about our program and ask questions. The interview can last up to one hour.
Applicants to Grades 7–12 are required to complete our Academic Assessment in mathematics and English. The assessment usually takes 1–2 hours. We will schedule a time for your daughter to complete the assessment remotely.
4. Admission Offer
5. Experience Linden
Once you have accepted your offer of admission, you and your daughter will have a number of interesting and enjoyable ways to experience Linden and to get to know new classmates, families and teachers. We want you to feel like part of the Linden family well before the first day of school.
Contact Us!
If you have a question about applying to Linden please get in touch:
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%.
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 | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 10 (80%) | 10 (80%) | 4 - 10 (80%) | 4 - 10 (80%) | 4 - 6 (80%) | 4 - 6 (80%) | 4 - 6 (80%) | 4 - 6 (80%) | 12 - 15 (80%) | 12 - 15 (80%) | 6 - 8 (80%) | 6 - 8 (80%) | 6 - 8 (80%) | 6 - 8 (80%) |
Average graduating class size | 15 |
Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation | 100% |
Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada | 5% |
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) | N/A |
University of Toronto | 20% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University of Waterloo | 20% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
McGill University | 10% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University of Victoria | 10% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Western University | 10% |
The Linden School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Career planning | |
Internships | N/A |
Mentorship Program | N/A |
University counseling |
What Linden School says:
Alumnus | Grad Year | Accomplishment |
---|---|---|
Alannah Bloch | 2011 | Alannah Bloch is the talented creator and director of a newly minted Fringe show, The Wyrd Sisters which also happens to be a Shakespearean mash-up. More: http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/curtain-up-on-victoria-fringe-theatre-festival-1.2041997#sthash.SIwBjpi2.dpuf |
Emma Ruby-Sachs | 1999 | Emma Ruby-Sachs is Deputy Director at the global advocacy organization Avaaz, and has authored The Water Man’s Daughter, a book which explores activism. More: http://magazine.utoronto.ca/all-about-alumni/emma-rubysachs-novel-water-mans-daughter/ |
Zinta Zommers | 1996 | Zinta Zommers, received the Ontario Rhodes Scholarship for her outstanding academic performance and pursued graduate studies at Oxford University in England. |
Lauren Margison | 2010 | Accomplished singer and song-writer Lauren Margison has shared the stage with Gordon Lightfoot, Rufus Wainwright, Louise Pitre, Sheila McCarthy, the Canadian Tenors and Richard Margison, her world-famous father. More... http://www.timescolonist.com/singing-is-the-margison-family-business-1.1394832 |
Alumni Highlights
Linden is best known for its exceptional and academic girl-centred program where girls receive individualized support and encouragement to become engaged learners both inside and outside the classroom. We nurture essential leadership qualities among girls so that they become comfortable taking intellectual risks and advocating for themselves and their own ideas. Our faculty members don’t simply stand at the front of a classroom and lecture. They are active learning partners, offering opportunities for our girls to develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills by contributing meaningfully to class discussions and activities. Even the youngest members of our community know that they have the power to be heard and create change. From our annual STEM Fair, in which all girls share their findings with the community to senior leadership initiatives such as peer mentoring, coaching, and facilitating co-curricular activities—Linden students have daily opportunities to develop and use their voices. These include athletics, school activities, performing arts, clubs, and community activities.
A critical component of our program includes developing a keen awareness of equity and social justice issues from a global perspective. We encourage students to challenge themselves and others through independent thinking, well-informed opinions, and critical debate.
We have seen first-hand the impact of a Linden education on our students. Our alumnae repeatedly tell us how Linden has instilled them with a strong academic foundation, leadership skills, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to change the world for good, and how these key ingredients have sparked their personal and professional success.
No matter what grade your daughter is in — Linden’s unique philosophy and student-led culture are bound to inspire her. I invite you to learn more by exploring our website and joining us at our upcoming open house events.
Nasrin Matini
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998
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