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Trusted by families since 1998.
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OUR KIDS REPORT:

The New School

Grades JK — 8 — Etobicoke, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
The New School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

School overview

  • LOCATION
    Etobicoke, ON (View address)

The big picture on The New School

We summarized the school ourselves

The NEW School integrates faith, sustainability, and hands-on learning to nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Founded as an alternative to rigid educational models, it encourages curiosity, leadership development, and faith-based values through nature immersion, hands-on projects, and mindful technology use. The school’s academic rigour is reflected in its status as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School and its personalized, small-class instruction. Combined with experiential learning, monthly workshops, and organic living practices, the school aims to prepare students for meaningful, purpose-driven lives. While offering fewer traditional extracurriculars, the school provides diverse enrichment opportunities, from musical theatre and art to fishing and sewing. Families seeking a highly structured, test-driven environment may not find The NEW School a fit, but those who value exploration, faith, and holistic development are drawn to its mission. With ongoing campus expansion and evolving programs, The NEW School remains committed to cultivating resilient, entrepreneurial thinkers who lead with integrity in an ever-changing world.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"The NEW School inspires children to learn with wonder & confidence in a faith-filled, small-class setting. Blending academic excellence, nature immersion, project-based learning, and mindful tech use, students engage in real-world experiences—from entrepreneurship and the arts to outdoor exploration. As a school pursuing the IB (MYP), The NEW School nurtures curious minds, leadership, and character—empowering children to live with freedom & purpose. Ideal for families seeking a Christian, holistic alternative."

  • Dynamic & modern, experience-based curriculum
  • Daily Access to Humber River Trails, Wildlife and exceptional Recreational Facilities
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School
  • Hands-on STEM and entrepreneurship programs
  • Strong focus on character and virtue development
  • Monthly real-world experiences and workshops
  • Organic living and sustainability practices
  • Small class sizes for personalized learning
  • Full computer lab access for Grade 4+ students
  • Education rooted in biblical values and wisdom.

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

The NEW School is set apart by integrating Christian values with a dynamic, hands-on education that nurtures the whole child. Our students spend 2 outdoors daily, (rain or shine) engaging with nature as an immersive classroom that fosters resilience, creativity, and wellness. We emphasize real-world learning through monthly experiences and expert-led workshops, ensuring students develop practical skills, confidence, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Our STEM and computer lab programs prepare students for a tech-driven world while balancing this with sustainability and organic living practices, instilling responsibility and ethical stewardship.

Character formation is at the heart of our education. By weaving biblical virtues into academics, we cultivate leaders of integrity who are prepared not just for success, but for a purposeful, faith-driven life. We cultivate wisdom, nurture faith, and inspire purpose in every child equipping them to lead lives of integrity, contribution and joy.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

Our commitment to a holistic, experience-based education means we prioritize depth over breadth in our curriculum. Rather than following a rigid, standardized approach, we focus on hands-on learning, outdoor immersion, and character formation, which means we intentionally deprioritize excessive testing and rote memorization in favour of real-world application and mastery of concepts.
Our emphasis on nature and sustainability means that while we embrace technology as a tool, we do not make it the centrepiece of our learning environment. We encourage students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through outdoor exploration, entrepreneurship, hands-on projects and arts.
Small class sizes come at the tradeoff of fewer extracurricular clubs than a large institution might offer. However, we believe that by integrating leadership, business, and faith-based community engagement into daily learning, we provide an education that is both meaningful and transformative.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

Covid was the catalyst for The NEW School’s vision of freedom-centered education. As schools shifted to restrictive online learning, children lost more than academics—they lost curiosity, connection, and independent thought. Many families sought an alternative that prioritized critical thinking over compliance. In response, The NEW School was founded to restore freedom in education, allowing children to learn through experience, exploration, and faith, not rigid systems. Our Christ-centered, hands-on approach builds wisdom, resilience, and real-world skills, moving beyond standardized curricula and excessive testing. From the start, we’ve prioritized small class sizes, outdoor immersion, and entrepreneurial learning, helping students become confident, purpose-driven leaders. Expanding into a dedicated space allowed us to enhance STEM, sustainability, and real-world learning—always keeping freedom, faith, and personal growth at our core. The NEW School was built for new earth children

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Students who thrive at The NEW School are curious, hands-on learners who flourish in a dynamic, experience-based environment. They enjoy outdoor exploration, real-world learning, and creative problem-solving, rather than being confined to textbooks and standardized tests. A great fit for our school is a child who is curious, ask questions, and engages deeply with their learning. Our students develop entrepreneurial skills and a strong moral character, in a community that nurtures faith and growth. Families who resonate with our mission value freedom in education and want their children to grow in wisdom, resilience, and virtue. They embrace a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, appreciating our focus on organic living, outdoor immersion, and a balanced approach to technology. They prioritize faith, character, and hands-on experiences over conventional academic pressures and believe education should prepare children not just for success , but for a meaningful, purpose-driven life.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

We advise families to carefully consider whether The NEW School aligns with their educational philosophy and values. Our approach is hands-on, experiential, and rooted in faith, which may not be the best fit for families who are not yet ready to embrace alternative education and trust its non-traditional methods. Our school emphasizes real-world learning, outdoor immersion, and experiential education, which requires families to trust in the value of freedom and exploration over conventional, rigid structures. Families who are looking for a more test-driven or highly structured environment and schedule might find it difficult to adjust to our flexible, student-centered model. Also, if a family is not aligned with the principles of faith, sustainability, and holistic learning, they may find that our Christ-centered mission and focus on organic living and balance do not resonate with their values. Essentially, The NEW School stands as a disruptor to the conventional education system!

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

Families choose The NEW School for our unique approach that blends academic excellence with faith, character development, and hands-on learning. Our dynamic, outdoor-focused curriculum allows children to learn through nature and real-world exploration, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional, classroom-bound models. Parents value our personalized, student-centered environment, where children grow at their own pace and are encouraged in their curiosity and creativity, free from rigid structures and excessive testing. They appreciate that their children develop not only academic skills but also leadership, resilience, and a strong moral compass through our focus on entrepreneurship and biblical values. Our commitment to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle resonates with families who prioritize well-being and health freedom. Parents also appreciate the strong sense of community and trust we foster, where learning is a partnership between school, family, and faith.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

The NEW School is known for going against the traditional current and re-imagining education. At our core, freedom is everything—freedom to learn, freedom to explore and freedom to create. Our students are not just following a standard path; they are breaking glass ceilings and doing things that few others do. From creating poetry and launching businesses to stepping into their full creative potential in theatrical masterpieces, our kids are free to express themselves, think critically, and push boundaries. We empower them to be innovators and entrepreneurs, helping them become confident, independent thinkers who are shaping their own futures. We instill in our students that they are made on purpose for a propose, thus connecting them to a greater force and a standing as a lightpost along their path of self-discovery in achieving a life of joy and purpose. The NEW School is also an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School, offering a rigous internationally recognized diploma.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

An underappreciated aspect of The NEW School is our prime location with access to Humber Trails and Weston Lions Recreation facilities. Students enjoy exclusive access to private tennis courts, an indoor ice arena, a full turf soccer field, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, splash pads, outdoor gyms and more, offering unmatched opportunities for physical activity and skill development.
Additionally, students can nature bathe, fish, and immerse themselves in nature, strengthening their connection to the natural ecosystem surrounding us. This combination of recreational and natural spaces enhances our hands-on, freedom-based learning and provides a rich, balanced environment for growth in ways other schools can’t match. The numerous health benefits of children being free is nature is undervalued as well. Children who connect with nature and their bodies are happier, healthier and better prepared for success in the world.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

Families may be surprised by the sheer variety of experiences we offer at The NEW School. Beyond our core academic program, students have access to tennis lessons, chess, sewing/knitting, musical theatre, piano, French, skating lessons, fishing, and art classes, including painting, drawing, and other creative mediums. These unexpected opportunities allow students to explore their creativity, build new skills, and grow in areas they might not have anticipated. Our commitment to hands-on learning and freedom-based education means that every day is an opportunity for personal growth and discovery, making the experience here much richer and more diverse than many families initially expect. Because of our dynamic days children genuinely enjoy school, so much so, that continuums are built between school and home life and the lines of when a child is 'learning' becomes blurred allowing a continuous state of discovery and growth. We seek to 'ignite a fire' - a love for learning in each child!

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Recently, The NEW School has made several exciting improvements that align with our commitment to providing a dynamic, hands-on education. We opened a brand new state-of-the-art bright and expansive campus in September 2024, which has allowed us to expand our space and offer more opportunities for growth. Alongside this, we’ve introduced specialized STEM equipment and a state-of-the-art computer lab, ensuring that our students have the tools they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world while still nurturing creativity and exploration. Grades 4+ students begin computer labs weekly to teach them how to steward technology ethically. Also as a school we have began the process to becoming an International Baccalaureate School to offer a world renowned high rigor diploma program to our students.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, The NEW School aims to become a fully certified IB School for the MYP. This will allow us to offer a more rigorous, globally recognized academic program that aligns with our philosophy of developing critical thinkers and entrepreneurs who are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world. One exciting change is the creation of an outdoor garden and adjacent play structure as well as an outdoor ice rink and garden classroom at our new Kingdom Street campus, offering students more opportunities to connect with nature and integrate sustainability into their learning experiences. This will further enhance our commitment to holistic, hands-on education in an environment that fosters growth, creativity, and environmental stewardship.


We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

The New School: Parent Review from Monika Plocica and Giuseppe Sorrentino

JK (current), Gr. 1 (current) — Watch our parent interview with Monika Plocica and Giuseppe Sorrentino to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend The New School.
The New School, Parent Video Review from Monika, Giuseppe Plocica, Sorrentino

Parent, Allison Darch (2026)

(5)

Gr. 5 (current) — Our child’s experience at The NEW School has been impactful, life-changing, and unlike anything we’ve encountered before. Nothing has met our son’s needs as fully as this program - a place where he can be outdoors, engaged in learning that feels practical and purposeful, and supported within an environment rooted in care, creativity, and self-love. The teachers, along with founder Angela, bring a rare level of passion, presence, and vision. Our son doesn’t feel like he is simply attending school; he feels part of something meaningful - something he is helping to grow and contribute to. He especially loves the hands-on, real-world work the school engages in. Whether it is making scones for the school’s “Pitch and Pour” evening or creating business plans to attract potential investors for schoolyard upgrades and garden market initiatives, the work feels relevant and naturally captures the students’ attention and engagement. The language and values woven into each day - truth, love, and freedom - deeply resonate with him. He feels capable, inspired, and genuinely excited to show up.

Parent, Josephine Khan (2026)

(4.9)

SK (current) — My child enjoys outdoor learning opportunities and the freedom to explore. He values being able to interact with his classmates, as well as connect with older students—for example, through activities like reading buddies. My child is exposed to a variety of activities outside of school that encourage perseverance and a willingness to try new things, such as tennis, skating, and more. My child enjoys taking on responsibilities, and his teacher often assigns him leadership roles where he helps younger students with their work. He especially loves Fridays, as it’s “show and tell” day—when students bring an item from home and give a short presentation to the class. He does feel disappointed when tennis lessons or library visits are cancelled due to weather, as he enjoys staying active and exploring books.

Parent, Zach Theo (2025)

(5)

JK (current),SK (current) — Our child’s experience at The New School has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first day, we noticed a spark in his eyes—an eagerness to engage, question, and grow. What he appreciates most is the school’s nurturing environment that champions creativity, critical thinking, and individuality. The interdisciplinary approach to learning has given him the freedom to explore subjects deeply and make meaningful connections between them, which keeps him genuinely excited about coming to school each day. He especially values the relationships he’s built with his teachers. The faculty’s encouragement and willingness to meet each student where they are—academically, emotionally, and creatively—has had a profound impact on his confidence and sense of self. He often comes home enthusiastic about a project, a lively classroom discussion, or a new idea he was introduced to in a way that truly resonates with him. If there is one aspect he finds slightly disappointing, it's that there are only so many hours in the school day—he often wishes he had more time to pursue his passion projects or delve deeper into topics that fascinate him. But even this “disappointment” is a reflection of how much he values the learning environment at The New School. Overall, we couldn’t be more grateful for the way The New School is helping shape our child not just into a well-rounded student, but into a thoughtful, curious, and engaged young person.

Parent, Lisa-Marie Scaglione (2025)

(5)

SK (current) — My son’s experience at The New School has been nothing short of amazing. From the very first day, it was clear that this school was different. The emphasis on outdoor learning has been a game-changer for him. He gets to spend time outside every day, whether it’s learning about nature, exploring the outdoors, or participating in physical activities. It’s been incredible to see how much more engaged and energized he is, and it’s fostered a deep love for the environment. What stands out most, however, is the variety of opportunities The New School offers. My son has had the chance to learn piano, which has sparked a new passion in him and given him a sense of accomplishment. He’s also been learning French, which has broadened his horizons and instilled a love for languages. Beyond the academics, activities like fishing and tennis have helped him develop important life skills, such as patience, teamwork, and focus. It’s clear that The New School is about more than just textbooks—it’s about creating well-rounded individuals.

Parent, Chris Halliday (2025)

(4.1)

Gr. 3 (current),Gr. 1 (current) — The New School does an excellent job merging in-classroom academic learning with outdoor learning, real-life experiences and spiritual development. My children have enjoyed this holistic approach employed at the New School. As a result, they are both thriving from an academic and spiritual perspective. My children are not only learning academically at a high level, but they are also being given an opportunity to better learn about how the world, society and nature work around them. The level of knowledge that my children have obtained about the core educational subjects, life, health, spirituality and more is vastly superior to what I would have ever been exposed to as a young student in the public system. Additionally, the New School curriculum is catered to the learning levels of each student. If a student needs a little more attention, he or she will get it. Teachers will assign more difficult assignments if a student needs to be challenged. Most importantly, my children attend the New School, eager and excited to learn daily. For us, the results have spoken for themselves.

Parent, Yulia U.Martins (2025)

(4.9)

K (current) — My child has been truly thriving in this school. She enjoys the flow of the day, which allows her to have a variety of experiences in a very balanced way. The environment allowed her independence skills to shine. She enjoys intentional learning outside when the group spends time on the trails. She has made a lot of progress in her academics and with her "reading buddies" time. She made friends with kids of various age groups, both younger and older than her, which I believe is important in proper social development. After experiencing playing an instrument, she took on the role of showing younger students how it's done. She also uses lessons from AM/PM meditation blocks to help regulate her emotions when she is outside of school.

Parent, Rachel N (2025)

(4.6)

SK (current) — My child enjoys attending school and often does not wish to leave at the end of the day. He likes the teachers and fellow students across all grade levels. He fully engages with the activities and extra-curricular opportunities the school has to offer. The school provides an environment where students of various ages and grade levels can interact. This helps build confidence as they mentor younger students through programs like reading buddies. It also offers younger kids encouragement when they receive support from their fellow students. Occasionally, my child has expressed disappointment when students in a split grade class achieve academic goals while he does not. However, when he does attain his goals, the class celebrates and acknowledges his achievements.

Parent, Monika Plocica (2025)

(5)

Preschool (current),SK (current) — Choosing the right school for my children was one of the most important decisions I’ve made, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. As a psychologist and former school board staff, I understand the critical role a school plays in shaping a child's emotional well-being, character, and academic success. From the moment we joined the school community, it was evident that the educators here are deeply invested in each child’s growth, not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. The modern curriculum, inclusive teaching methods, and strong sense of community create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. Kids spend half their lives in school, and finding a place that prioritizes both education and emotional well-being was essential for me. The well-rounded approach, incorporating academics, creativity, outdoor exploration, and character-building, has allowed my children to flourish in ways I never imagined. I truly cannot say enough great things about this school, and I am beyond grateful for the incredible impact it has had on my children’s development.
See all reviews (9 total)

 

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