German International School Toronto vs Walden International School

	G German International School Toronto Toronto, Canada	W Walden International School Toronto, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$19,160	Fees / year CA$18,500 - 19,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 3 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Pupils	Pupils 110	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English, French	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2000	Opened 2016
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The German International School Toronto is located at 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Toronto, ON M9A 1G9, Canada.	Location Walden International School is located at 2035 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville, ON L6H 7G6. The school is in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. The address is provided on the site and tours can be arranged by calling the office at (905) 338-6236. For tours call our office.
Stages	Stages Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12	Stages Early Years; IB 1-5; IB 6-8
School type	School type International school offering a trilingual program (German, English and French) with a High School IB Diploma Programme	School type IB World School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Local Oakville and neighbouring communities; international students are welcomed.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Accommodating Diverse Learning Needs.	Additional learning support New students receive additional help or tutoring as needed to adjust to the Walden approach.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany and Canada	Country affiliation Canada
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Kindergarten: 7:30 AM–1:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM. Grades 1–4: 7:45 AM–1:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM. Grades 5–12: 7:45 AM–3:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM.	School day structure The timetable is structured to take into account student needs and is centered on student and teacher wellness, with time also dedicated for personal and leadership development. Extended care is available before school supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. and after-school supervision until 6:00 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & enrolment fees - Registration (application) fee: CAD 150 (per child). This fee is non‑refundable and is due with the submitted application. - Acceptance (enrolment) fee: CAD 2,500 (one‑time). The acceptance fee is due when the signed enrolment agreement is returned and the place is secured (generally due about two weeks after acceptance). If enrolment occurs during the school year, the acceptance fee is paid along with the tuition instalment(s). Tuition fees by year group (2026/2027 academic year) — annual and per term Note: The school year runs in two terms (Term 1: early September through end of January; Term 2: February through the end of June). Per‑term figures below are the annual tuition divided into two equal term amounts to match the school's two‑term calendar. - Kindergarten (Pre‑K, JK, SK) - Local families (annual): CAD 14,460. - Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 22,990. - Per term (two terms): Local CAD 7,230; Corporate CAD 11,495. - Primary School (Grades 1–4) - Local families (annual): CAD 19,160. - Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 28,300. - Per term (two terms): Local CAD 9,580; Corporate CAD 14,150. - Grades 5–12 (Middle School, High School and IB Diploma years) - Local families (annual): CAD 20,330. - Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 29,630. - Per term (two terms): Local CAD 10,165; Corporate CAD 14,815. Aftercare / extended‑day fees (annual) and day‑rates - Afternoon care options (available for JK through Grade 12, not for Pre‑K sleeping accommodation): - Aftercare until 3:15 p.m.: annual rate CAD 2,700 for local families; included for corporate‑funded families. - Aftercare until 5:30 p.m.: annual rate CAD 3,450 for local families; CAD 750 for corporate‑funded families. - Individual day rates (drop‑in): typical range CAD 18–28 per day for local families; CAD 10 per day for corporate‑funded families. Other compulsory or regularly expected additional costs - School uniform: mandatory; purchase through the school's supplier (InSchoolwear) or the school's ordering process. Uniform costs are additional. - Textbooks, extracurricular activities, overnight camps and certain program materials: additional charges apply and are billed separately. - Lunch program and occasional paid event days (Pizza Day, lunch provider) are charged separately. Discounts, reductions and financial aid - Sibling discount: 10% off tuition for the second and subsequent siblings (in order of birth). - Early‑payment discount: 3% discount on the tuition fee for the following academic year when full payment is received by June 1. - Long‑term enrolment reduction: each local student receives an annual CAD 2,500 reduction once they enter their fifth year of continuous enrolment and for all subsequent years. - Tuition assistance: limited program administered via Apple Financial Services; aid may be up to 50% of tuition (does not apply to registration, acceptance, or extended‑care fees). Applications for assistance follow Apple Financial Services' process and internal Board review. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is organised in two terms (Term 1: September–end of January; Term 2: February–end of June). Per‑term amounts above are the annual tuition split into two equal term amounts for practical budgeting. - Registration fee (CAD 150) is due with the application. The acceptance fee (CAD 2,500) is due on return of the signed enrolment agreement to secure the place (typically within two weeks of acceptance). When enrolment occurs mid‑year, the acceptance fee is due together with the relevant tuition instalment(s). - Early full payment by June 1 for the following academic year qualifies for the 3% early‑payment discount. - Payment plans are offered (options vary); one plan (referred to as Payment Plan A) allows payment by Interac e‑Transfer or wire transfer; other payment plans require cheques. Specific instalment dates and required plan paperwork appear in the enrolment agreement and the school's fee schedule provided with enrolment. Accepted payment methods and practical notes - Accepted methods include: Interac e‑Transfer, bank transfer (school account at Bank of Montreal — parents are instructed to contact the office for account details), wire transfer (for certain payment plans), and cheques. The acceptance fee may be paid by cheque or Interac e‑Transfer. Credit card payment is not listed among the standard methods. Boarding / residence - Boarding is not offered at the school; the school operates as a day school with afternoon care and extended‑day options. Refunds and enrolment‑related refund conditions - Registration fee: explicitly non‑refundable. The acceptance fee is payable to secure the place at enrollment; the enrolment agreement references the conditions of payment and any terms for withdrawal/refund, which are handled through the enrolment documentation. Parents should note the registration fee's non‑refundable status when applying. Summary — what parents should record immediately - Pay CAD 150 registration fee with the application (non‑refundable). - When offered a place, return the signed enrolment agreement and pay CAD 2,500 acceptance fee to secure the spot. - Expect annual tuition by grade band: Kindergarten CAD 14,460 (local) / CAD 22,990 (corporate); Grades 1–4 CAD 19,160 (local) / CAD 28,300 (corporate); Grades 5–12 CAD 20,330 (local) / CAD 29,630 (corporate). - Aftercare is billed separately (annual and drop‑in rates apply). - Available discounts: sibling, early‑payment (3% if full payment by June 1), and long‑term enrolment reduction after the fifth year; limited tuition assistance is available by application.	Fee details TUITION — ANNUAL RATES (by year group) - Junior Kindergarten & Senior Kindergarten (full day): CAD 21,000. - Grades 1–5: CAD 21,600 per year. - Grades 6–8: CAD 22,000 per year. PER-TERM / PAYMENT-PLAN DETAIL - The school offers standard payment plans (annual/advanced and monthly) processed through an online TUIO billing portal; a per-term price schedule is not published as a fixed table. Families select a billing plan (one-time annual payment or monthly installments) and the instalment amounts are generated by the billing portal according to the chosen plan. BILLING SCHEDULE AND PAYMENT TERMS - Registration deposit: a non-refundable CAD 2,500 registration deposit is required and is credited toward the year's tuition. - Billing and payment processing: annual and monthly plans are processed online via the TUIO portal. Direct debit from a bank account is accepted without additional fees. Credit card payments are accepted but subject to a 3% surcharge. - Service/penalty fees: a CAD 50 service charge applies if banking information is changed with insufficient notice, and a CAD 50 charge applies to any item that does not clear the bank (NSF). Students with outstanding tuition from a previous year will not be permitted to begin classes in September. BOARDING FEES - Boarding is not applicable to this school; Walden operates as a day school (no boarding fees). OTHER COSTS / ADDITIONAL FEES - Uniform: mandatory uniform pieces are required and must be purchased directly through McCarthy Uniforms; uniform costs are billed separately through the supplier. - Extended care (Before and After School): available 7:30–8:30 A.M. for CAD 250 per month and 4:00–6:00 P.M. for CAD 350 per month. Occasional use is billed at CAD 25 (morning) and CAD 35 (afternoon) per use. Students picked up after 6:00 P.M. incur a CAD 25 late pickup fee (invoiced monthly). Overnight trip costs are not included in tuition. - Textbooks and damage/loss: textbooks are provided; parents are responsible for replacement cost if textbooks are lost or destroyed. - International-student deposit: for international students an acceptance deposit of CAD 5,000 is required (in addition to other registration requirements). - No additional one-time development/capital/expansion fees are charged (the school does not levy separate expansion fund, development fee, or capital contribution fee). - Sibling discounts: a second-child discount of 5% and a third-child discount of 10% are offered. REFUND / WITHDRAWAL / DISMISSAL TERMS - Withdrawal prior to September 1: only the non-refundable CAD 2,500 deposit is retained; other prepaid fees (where applicable) are refunded. - Withdrawal prior to December 31: non-refundable deposit plus 50% of the annual tuition is required; other prepaid fees (where applicable) refunded. - Withdrawal after January 1: full year's fees are required and no fees will be refunded. - Dismissal by the school: pro-rated tuition is required up to the point of dismissal; prepaid fees (excluding the non-refundable deposit) will be refunded. FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS - Online payments: All annual and monthly payments are processed online through the TUIO portal. Direct debit from a bank account is accepted without surcharge. Credit card payments are accepted with a 3% processing surcharge. - Other: standard banking transfer/direct debit methods are supported via the portal; the Finance Office requires 10 working days' notice for changes to banking information. NSF/failed payment fees apply. SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE NUMBERS AND GAPS - Published annual tuition rates by year group (JK–SK CAD 21,000; Gr 1–5 CAD 21,600; Gr 6–8 CAD 22,000) and the school's payment-policy details (deposit amounts, TUIO portal, service charges, credit-card surcharge, extended-care rates, and refund schedule) are available. - The school's public materials do not publish a fixed per-term price table (per-term amounts are generated according to the chosen billing plan); explicit per-term amounts or a standardized term-count (e.g., 2-term vs 3-term) are not provided in the published fee information. This means per-term dollar amounts must be calculated from the chosen annual payment plan or by the billing schedule generated in the school's TUIO portal.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school requires wearing the school uniform for all students. In kindergarten, uniforms are worn for special occasions and once a week; the dress code lists the uniform items and uniforms can be ordered online from InSchoolwear.	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory; uniform pieces are provided by and purchased directly through McCarthy Uniforms.
Food options	Food options Twice a week students may order a meal through the Lunch Lady Program. There is also a Pizza Day once a week; on all other days, parents provide lunch.	Food options Lunch is voluntary; parents may send homemade lunch or order meals through the service provider.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a not-for-profit corporation under Ontario law; the Board of Trustees is the main governing body. It oversees fiscal matters, assets, and strategic direction, while day-to-day operations are managed by the Principal and the School Management Team; board directors are elected for two-year terms, with a maximum of nine directors.	Governance and ownership Walden International School Oakville is privately owned by the Perugini family; it is located on the site of the former Glenburnie School; the Perugini family established the first Walden International School in Brampton in 2016.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school follows a state-of-the-art combined German and Canadian curriculum. It teaches the Thuringian German curriculum alongside the Ontario curriculum. Primary instruction is mainly German, with English increasing to about 50/50 from grade 5. French begins in kindergarten with weekly lessons and becomes integral from grade 3. The Three Step German Program (GermanFasttrack, GermanPlus, GermanPro) supports language development, with free language support in German, English, and French. The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for global university access and has a STEAM_MINT profile with a Seal of Excellence from the Federal President of Germany.	Curriculum details IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–12 and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, as part of the IB continuum. The PYP emphasizes holistic development of the whole child and inquiry, while the MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, cross-discipline connections, and intercultural understanding.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are kept small to provide individualized attention.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Third-party inspections and standardized tests, Canadian and German, demonstrate the school's overall quality, and the school holds the Seal of Excellence awarded by the Federal President of Germany.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for global university access and provides a pathway to universities worldwide.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes social and emotional development as part of Making Good People. The motto is that students think deeply, act with integrity, and contribute positively to their communities. Empathy and respect are at the heart of the school's vision. Kindness, integrity, and community are embedded in daily practice from Kindergarten onward. Open Minds Open Doors describes how the learning environment helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school supports emotional and mental well-being through a caring and inclusive community. Students are encouraged to feel seen and heard and to develop resilience. Empathy, mutual respect, and kindness guide interactions among students and staff. The school's focus on social and emotional growth complements academic learning. The learning environment is described as fostering growth emotionally as well as academically.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Walden International School is located at 2035 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville, Ontario L6H 7G6. The school invites tours and lists the contact number (905) 338-6236. Visitors can walk through classrooms and visit facilities to see the learning environment. The International Baccalaureate continuum is offered, with Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, and instruction is in English and French.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities New IB Diploma Programme is offered with language options English/French or English/German. From PreK to Grade 12, the school provides education across all grades. Trilingual education in German, English and French. STEAM_MINT @ GIST program combines Canadian and German science education and the school has been awarded as a STEM-friendly school.	Academic facilities Walden offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). Language of instruction is English and French. The IB programmes provide inquiry-based learning across the primary and middle years.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school hosts community events such as Süd Beat Big Band - Live in Concert celebrating 75 years of German-Canadian friendship. Easter Egg-stravaganza is held in collaboration with Islington United Church. Virtual Open House and School Tours are offered for prospective families. The school emphasizes activities that engage families and the wider community.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-curricular activities such as Varsity Sports, the spring musical, concert band and volunteer opportunities are available for students in grades 4-8.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GIST began with just 10 students and has grown into an IB World School. It moved from Cranbrooke Avenue to a downtown location at Bloor and Dufferin Street after an extensive search, and later relocated to its current site at 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Toronto.	History Walden International School - Oakville is located on the grounds of the former Glenburnie School site, a private school founded in 1985. When its founder retired in 2018, the Perugini family purchased the Oakville campus, who had established the first Walden International School in Brampton in 2016. The Oakville site's original building was constructed as a family home by a Swedish immigrant who came to Canada seeking an improved educational system for his son, and the architecture of the present school reflects this heritage to support the Walden educational program.
Community	Community GIST is a private school in Toronto and a proud partner of an extensive global network of over 135 German Schools Abroad and eight German Schools in North America. The Central Office for Schools Abroad (ZfA) supports all German Schools Abroad. The schools welcome students of all nationalities, and graduates from German Schools Abroad are part of a community that reaches far beyond one's own school. A community of global citizens.	Community The school operates under the motto Making Good People, aiming to help every child discover that goodness leads to greatness and to create an environment dedicated to making good people. Walden kids are described as resilient, curious, giving and good, and the learning culture emphasizes kindness, respect and presence as central to a meaningful life and to cultivating globally responsible citizens. Open House is listed as a community event to experience classrooms, meet educators and see the learning environment in action, for example on October 25.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association A strong partnership: Our Parent Council. The Parent Council is formed when two parent representatives from each grade are elected at the start of the school year. The Council meets monthly and publishes minutes for reference. It hosts events such as Flea Markets and Parents' nights out to Ripley's Aquarium and Second City. In past years, it organized initiatives such as a warm school lunch, a mud kitchen, and book and bake sales. The Council remains open to new ideas and feedback.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual New IB Diploma Programme runs from PreK to Grade 12. Students may choose English/French or English/German for the Diploma track. The school provides a multilingual learning environment with instruction in German, English, and French. STEAM_MINT @ GIST strengthens science education by blending Canadian and German approaches; the school is described as STEM-friendly.	Academic & intellectual Walden International School uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3 to 12 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11 to 16. The IB framework emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary connections, and the development of lifelong, internationally minded learners who contribute to a better world. The school also prioritizes wellness and a balanced, globally oriented education to foster respect and harmony.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school teaches in German and English, with a regular French program beginning in Grade 3. The primary curriculum is mainly German, with increasing English instruction from Grade 5 onward (roughly 50/50 by upper primary). The French curriculum is based on German standards for French as a second language and is taught in a bilingual German-English context.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There are afterschool care options available until 3:15 pm or 5:30 pm, with homework and reading time plus a range of afternoon clubs and activities. The school also runs an ambassador program to help new families connect with the community.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service The school community includes parents, students, teachers, staff, board representatives and partners; frequent school events and activities are organized, and there is a Parent Council. Family Ambassadors support new families in joining the community.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school provides a Staff & Faculty directory, a Careers page, a Board of Directors, a Parent Council and Family Ambassadors, reflecting opportunities for involvement and governance within the GIST community.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Afterschool care is available after regular hours (until 3:15 pm or 5:30 pm) with clubs and activities. There is a Lunch Lady meal program twice weekly and a Pizza Day once weekly; a school uniform is required.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellness is a central focus of Walden's balanced, world-class education. The program fosters resilience, respect, and harmony within self and others, empowering students to imagine, explore, and pursue a peaceful, sustainable future.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision German, English, and French are taught at GIST. The German program uses DeutschFASTTRACK, DeutschPLUS, and DeutschPRO to accommodate varying levels of German proficiency; in Grades 1–4, German classes are taught by two teachers to provide support. The English program follows the Ontario Canadian English curriculum, with two teachers per class from Grade 1 to 9 and EQAO testing in Grades 3 and 6. The French curriculum is based on German standards for French as a Second Language, begins in pre-kindergarten, and continues through the grades; all teaching materials are available in German and French.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching GIST provides trilingual education in German, English, and French. The program uses a bilingual approach designed to develop proficiency in all three languages. German instruction is delivered by native-speaking teachers and runs through a three-step program (DeutschFASTTRACK, DeutschPLUS, DeutschPRO), with two German teachers in Grades 1–4 to provide individualized support. Admission is open to students with any level of German, including beginners.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Students are immersed in a multilingual environment with signs in English, French, and German around the school. Most instruction is in German, and non-German-speaking students can join Pre-K through Grade 4 with targeted German language support. The German language program follows three steps (DeutschFASTTRACK, DeutschPLUS, DeutschPRO) to accelerate learning. GIST also participates in international competitions for German Schools Abroad and language-related projects.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Explore: Request the digital information package and discover the teaching approach. The package includes general information about the school, the fee schedule, the yearly calendar, and the Application for Admission form. 2. Apply: Complete the form on the online application portal. After the school receives the application, the non-refundable registration fee of $150 and all supporting documents, processing begins. 3. Meet: Arrange an in-person tour or virtual meeting with the Admissions team. Trial days are available and family ambassadors can connect you with current families. 4. Enroll: If the application is approved by the principal and the registration fee has been paid, the Enrollment Agreement is sent. Return the signed agreement and pay the enrollment fee of $2,500 to secure the spot.	Admissions Inquiries can be made by calling 905-338-6236 or via the contact form. A two-day class visit is offered before applying. After the Head of School invites an application, families complete the Admissions Application. Walden admits students on a rolling basis. New students may be accepted mid-year as placements become available.
Scholarships	Scholarships Tuition assistance is awarded in a limited number of cases based on financial need and assessed by Apple Financial Services. Assistance is up to 50% of tuition and does not apply to registration, acceptance, or extended care fees. An Apple Financial Services application is required. Apple Financial Services evaluates the application and makes a recommendation to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees; final decision rests with the Board of Trustees. Applications must be submitted by May 1, and the process typically takes four to six weeks. Annual renewal is required.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist For Pre-Kindergarten applications, complete the waitlist application form and email it to admissions@gistonline.ca.	Waitlist —
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