Kingsley School

Kingsley is an independent school in Toronto, ON providing an enhanced educational experience for elementary school students. Since 1981, we have been offering individualized learning, smaller class sizes, and the option of a full-day or half-day kindergarten program. Kingsley is a not-for-profit, non-religious organization, with registered Canadian charity status and governed by a Board of Directors.

Our school community allows every child to be seen, heard and respected every day. Through I.D.E.A (Inquiry, Discovery, Exploration, Analysis) we help each individual engage in the learning process. Educator and visionary Ursula Morton longed for a school that could offer an affordable alternative to the public education and one that was not an elite private school. In 1981, Kingsley was born. We value a consistent and fair approach to learning. Its origins are found in the teachings of Dr. Haim Ginott. Dr. Ginott first came to public attention in the early 1960s when his book Between Parent and Child remained on the American best-seller list for over sixty weeks. Although Dr. Ginott died in the 1970s, many of his students (notably Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish) continue his work.

Kingsley goes beyond the provincial curriculum offering smaller class sizes, enriched music and French for all students. Kingsley follows the provincial guidelines. We meet, and often exceed, the provincial standards in all subjects. Our enriched program, taught by specialists, includes French, Music, Art, and Physical Education, beginning in Junior Kindergarten.

Kingsley students have the benefit of using individual laptops and we hold group lessons by using our SMART Board technology. We offer on-line literacy programs to track reading development and language skills. Teachers are able to track students at school and parents are able to log-on and work with their children at home.

We recognize that every learner is unique, and we see the value in each and every student. Our purposely small class sizes ensure that every teacher interacts and engages with every student every single day. Our aim is to give students the skills to teach themselves and to empower them to reach their own potential. Building relationships, learning to understand themselves, their actions and interactions are the basis for strong character development.

Our seamless day provides students with a balance of nurturing and academics. Our school community allows the child to be seen, heard, and respected every day. Through Inquiry, Discovery, Exploration, and Analysis, we help each individual engage in the learning process. This same philosophy is carried through all portions of the day by our teachers including our before- and after-care programs.

Our philosophy is to recognize each student for the unique person they are. We aim to provide students with the necessary skills to teach themselves, and to empower each individual to reach their own potential. Building relationships, learning to understand oneself , one's actions, and interactions are the basis for strong character development.

Our media literacy program finds students creating and filming commercials and short dramatic pieces that are directly tied to our monthly character curriculum, leadership teams, or other areas of the curriculum. Our school community and love of learning is fostered by making connections to ourselves, our experiences and also in building relationships. Our program also includes “Reading Buddies” where classes connect with one another to share books, read together, and for one another. An extension of this is included in the Forest of Reading program centered around Canadian children’s authors.

Kingsley Primary School follows the provincial directives. Students receive a report card three times per year followed by a parent-teacher interview. Our small class sizes allow teachers the time and space to provide personal assistance to each student in the classroom. Each pupil has the opportunity to receive positive, challenging and interactive, and hands-on learning. Reasonable goals for the mastery of strong basic skills are tailored to the needs of each student and revised on a regular basis. Classes regularly take field trips and host classroom visitors.

Our teachers are easy to contact and will proactively communicate with you if there are any additional learning or social supports recommended for your child. We believe that early intervention and parental awareness is key to helping students reach their potential.