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The Giles School

Canada, Toronto

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees CA$27,685 - 33,940
Ages 2 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 170
Type Co-educational
Opened 1989
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 13
Strengths Languages, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Located in Toronto, The Giles School is a PreK to Grade 8 independent day school offering a bespoke bilingual program with French immersion from Pre-K and Mandarin instruction. Students ages 2 to 14 learn in English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, preparing them for a multilingual world. The curriculum blends language acquisition with advanced study in grades 4–8, focusing on languages, STEAM, critical thinking, and global awareness, and is anchored by small classes of roughly 10–16 students to support individualized learning. Since moving to North York in 2008, the school has fostered an international community drawing students from more than 20 countries and 22 languages. Highlights include Matatalab coding for Grade 1 and Financial Literacy for Grades 4–8, plus service learning and leadership opportunities. The Giles Parents Association supports the school's community, and field trips, day camps, and termly clubs broaden real-world learning. A welcoming environment encourages curiosity, collaboration, and resilience.

80 Scarsdale Rd, North York, ON M3B 2R7, Canada

The Essentials

The Giles School has 170 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English, French.

Location
80 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 2R7. The Giles School is located in Toronto, Ontario. Phone: (416) 446-0825; Email: caroline_bernaba@gilesschool.ca.

Stages
PREK TO GRADE 8

Type
bilingual education with French immersion from Pre-K and Mandarin program

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 20 countries represented; 22 languages spoken.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The Giles School uses a uniform. Uniforms can be ordered through InSchoolWear or purchased second-hand at the school. The Giles School uniform removes distractions related to distinctions in dress or brand consciousness.

Governance and Ownership
The Giles School is a non-share corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Giles School ranges from CAD 27,685 to CAD 33,940 for 2026/27.

Application and one-time enrolment fees

- Application Fee: CAD 525 per student.
- One‑time Enrolment Fee (new families only): CAD 4,000 (paid once per family).

Tuition fees by year group (2026–27 academic year)

- Pre‑K (Full Day)
- Tuition: CAD 21,960 per year.
- Highlighted additional mandatory charges that combine with tuition to the stated total: One‑Time Enrolment Fee CAD 4,000; Application Fee CAD 525; Activity Fee CAD 500; Capital Maintenance Fee CAD 660; Parent Association Fee CAD 40.
- Total shown (tuition + the listed fees): CAD 27,685.

- Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 (JK–3)
- Tuition: CAD 26,690 per year.
- Highlighted additional mandatory charges: One‑Time Enrolment Fee CAD 4,000; Application Fee CAD 525; Activity Fee CAD 1,000; Capital Maintenance Fee CAD 660; Parent Association Fee CAD 40.
- Total shown (tuition + the listed fees): CAD 32,915.

- Grades 4 to 8
- Tuition: CAD 27,215 per year.
- Highlighted additional mandatory charges: One‑Time Enrolment Fee CAD 4,000; Application Fee CAD 525; Activity Fee CAD 1,500; Capital Maintenance Fee CAD 660; Parent Association Fee CAD 40.
- Total shown (tuition + the listed fees): CAD 33,940.

Payment plans, billing schedule and per‑installment amounts (2026–27)

- General notes on payment plans: The published installment amounts below are shown excluding Application and New Enrolment Fees (these application/enrolment charges are highlighted separately). Options include a full payment with a tuition discount, multi‑installment plans, and financed monthly plans as published. Accepted payment methods and fees are described in the payment methods section.

- Pre‑K (Full Day) — payment options for the tuition portion (excluding application/enrolment fees):
- Option A — Full Payment (3.5% discount on tuition only): due February 1, 2026 — CAD 22,391.
- Option B — Three‑Payment Plan (excluding application/enrolment fees): due February 1, 2026; May 1, 2026; July 1, 2026 — CAD 7,720 each installment.
- Option C — Financed Monthly Plan (financing fee applies; excluding application/enrolment fees): monthly payments from February 1 to July 1, 2026 — CAD 3,937.20 per month.

- JK–Grade 3 — payment options for the tuition portion (excluding application/enrolment fees):
- Option A — Full Payment (3.5% discount on tuition only): due February 1, 2026 — CAD 27,456.
- Option B — Three‑Payment Plan (excluding application/enrolment fees): due February 1, 2026; May 1, 2026; July 1, 2026 — CAD 9,464 per installment.
- Option C — Financed Monthly Plan (2.25% financing fee; excluding application/enrolment fees): monthly payments from February 1 to July 1, 2026 — CAD 4,826.30 per month.

- Grades 4–8 — payment options for the tuition portion (excluding application/enrolment fees):
- Option A — Full Payment (3.5% discount on tuition only): due February 1, 2026 — CAD 28,462.
- Option B — Three‑Payment Plan (excluding application/enrolment fees): due February 1, 2026; May 1, 2026; July 1, 2026 — CAD 9,805 per installment.
- Option C — Financed Monthly Plan (2.25% financing fee; excluding application/enrolment fees): monthly payments from February 1 to July 1, 2026 — CAD 5,000.55 per month.

Billing details and payment terms

- Which charges are payable on application/enrolment: The Application Fee (CAD 525) and the One‑Time Enrolment Fee (CAD 4,000 for new families) are highlighted as immediate charges; Activity, Capital Maintenance and Parent Association fees are shown in the enrolment schedule and are included in the stated annual total for each year group. The published payment plan installment amounts are described as excluding application and new enrolment fees.
- Accepted payment methods: cheques, bank drafts, VISA, MasterCard and American Express; Pre‑Authorized Payment (PAP) from a bank account is available and incurs no fee. All credit card payments are subject to an added 5% credit‑card processing fee. If a PAP is returned (NSF/insufficient funds), a CAD 75 fee applies.
- Discount for full payment: families who pay the full tuition portion receive a 3.5% discount on the tuition amount (this discount is applied to tuition only; application/enrolment fees are excluded).
- Sibling discount: 10% for the second child, 20% for the third child, 30% for the fourth child, etc., applied to tuition as published.

Activity fee and other recurring/ancillary charges

- Activity Fee: ranges by year group (Pre‑K CAD 500; JK–3 CAD 1,000; Grades 4–8 CAD 1,500) and is used to establish an account for items and activities during the year (pizza days, class trips, after‑school activities, camps, some transportation, technology charges, yearbook, used uniform purchases, overnight trips for Grades 4–8, etc.). Any unused balance is refunded at year end for departing students or retained and credited for returning students. If activity funds are insufficient, additional charges will be billed.
- Technology charge: CAD 100 per year for the indicated grades as published.
- Extended care and late‑pickup fees: before/after school care options are available; extended childcare is charged (CAD 25 per child for the published sessions), and late‑pickup penalties are applied (examples published: CAD 50 for the first half hour late, an additional CAD 75 for the second half hour, and CAD 100 for each subsequent half hour after the published grace period). Exact session availability and charges appear in the enrolment agreement.
- Uniforms and supplies: Uniforms are available for purchase through the school's approved supplier (InSchoolWear) or second‑hand at the school; the school publishes a separate supply list. Uniform purchase costs are paid directly to the uniform supplier.

Refund and withdrawal policy (summary)

- Parents/guardians must give written notice to withdraw a student. If parents/guardians withdraw a student before attendance begins or for any reason, amounts already paid for Tuition, Capital Maintenance Fee, Enrolment Fee and/or Activity Fee will not be refunded, and any remaining portion of those fees becomes immediately due. If the School requires a student to withdraw for reasons other than misconduct, fees (tuition, enrolment, maintenance) will be prorated to time attended and the balance, if any, will be refunded. Suspension or expulsion for misconduct carries no refund. The published enrolment agreement contains the full refund and withdrawal terms.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable; The Giles School operates as a day school with published hours and extended childcare options.

How activity balances and incidental charges are handled

- The Activity Fee establishes a student account for purchases and activity charges. Families receive itemized account statements; any shortfalls are billed and any remaining balance is refunded (or carried forward for returning students) at year end. Overnight trips, camps, some outings and before/after care may appear as charges to the activity account or as separate billed items depending on the item.

(End of fees summary — figures are those published for the 2026–27 enrolment schedule and the associated enrolment agreement and payment plan tables.)
Academics

The Giles School teaches Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 2 to 14.

Curriculum
The Giles School provides a bilingual Pre-K to Grade 8 program with French immersion from Pre-K and Mandarin instruction. English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish are the four main languages taught. Grades 4–8 follow an advanced blended curriculum with a focus on languages, STEAM, critical thinking, and global awareness. The school emphasizes small class sizes and a low student–staff ratio, with an average class size of 10–16 students. The blended learning curriculum aligns with UNESCO's Sustainable Development Goals as part of Innovation in Education.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 10–16 students. Low student–staff ratio.

Exam Results
Students performed well on YCT and HSK Mandarin exams.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Giles School emphasizes social and emotional development through student leadership training and an inclusive learning environment. The curriculum is multilingual and blended, with small class sizes and differentiated instruction to support each child's growth. Leadership opportunities and service-learning activities build character and resilience. The school fosters an international growth mindset and expects students to develop self-awareness and collaboration. The approach aims to help students become confident, empathetic contributors to their communities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Giles School differentiates teaching to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring students feel safe and able to thrive. Instruction is tailored to each learner's strengths, interests, and abilities, in small inclusive classes. The school emphasizes individualized support within a bilingual immersion context to accommodate varied language abilities. Classroom practice focuses on ongoing assessment and adjustment to meet evolving learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Giles School provides a multilingual curriculum featuring four core languages: English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish. French immersion is a key component of the program. No prior French language experience is required to join; students are educated in cultural awareness and acquire language skills to interact in diverse settings.

Mental Wellbeing
Social and emotional development is integrated into daily life. A growth mindset is cultivated through the language programs and leadership opportunities. The Giles Student Leadership program, established to equip Grades 4–8 students with life skills, promotes resilience through service-learning projects. The school emphasizes self-reflection, emotional flexibility, and coping strategies as part of its educational approach.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1989. It began in the basement of an Anglican church in Toronto and moved to Donway Covenant United Church, with a second branch opened in 1994. In 2008 the school relocated to North York, consolidating at 80 Scarsdale Road in Toronto. The Giles School offers French immersion from Pre-K onward and has introduced Mandarin as part of its multilingual program. It maintains small class sizes of about 10 to 16 students and established the Giles Parents Association to support the community.

Community
The Giles School community emphasizes kindness, compassion, and academic excellence. The school hosts community events and activities, including performances, seasonal events, and charity fundraisers, to engage families. The Parents Association runs events such as Morning Coffee, the Gala, Fun Fair, Barbecue Day, and Staff Appreciation Day. The school also runs field trips and arts programs, and shares updates about events on its News and Events pages.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Giles School Parents Association's mission is to enhance our children's school experience and strengthen our community by creating a fun and lively environment for families through unique programming, services, activities, and events like Morning Coffee, the Gala, Fun Fair, Barbecue Day, and Staff Appreciation Day. It encourages all parents to volunteer and participate in the many opportunities available.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Giles School is a PreK to Grade 8 independent day school in Toronto. It equips students with four main languages: English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, with a strong emphasis on French immersion. It maintains small class sizes with an average of 10-16 students per class and a low student-teacher ratio. It serves an international community with students from more than 20 countries and 22 languages spoken. Coding and robotics programs are part of the curriculum, including Matatalab coding for Grade 1 and financial literacy and investment courses for Grades 4-8.

Academic Facilities
Inclusive learning and teaching are central, with attention to varied learning needs so students can thrive. The Giles School provides an international growth mindset by equipping students with four languages: English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, with French immersion. It was founded in 1989 and embraces small classes as a pillar of its approach, including a move to North York in 2008. Coding and robotics programs were introduced to the curriculum, including Matatalab coding for Grade 1, and Financial Literacy and Investment courses for Grades 4-8. The PreK to Grade 8 program underpins these academic offerings with a focus on language and global-minded learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Giles School offers a wide variety of co-curricular clubs, including Spanish, Arts and Crafts, Painting, Chess, Sports, Dance, Musical Theatre, Yoga, Lego, Coding, and Robotics. New club offerings are available each term, with popular clubs repeated based on interest. Grades 4-8 students participate in leadership workshops to develop leadership skills. The school emphasizes service learning projects that connect students with broader communities through activities like letters to nursing homes, coat drives, and fundraising for heart research. Field trips provide experiential learning opportunities, and day camps may be offered during school breaks in November, March, and summer.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Giles School runs leadership workshops for Grades 4-8, helping students develop leadership skills. Students are encouraged to identify their voice and leadership qualities through team-building and communication workshops. Leadership competencies are developed through stories, role-play, and active learning. Field trips provide experiential learning opportunities, and workshops such as Mad Science are offered at the school.

Arts & Creative
At The Giles School, a wide variety of co-curricular clubs, offered by specialists, cater to a range of skills and interests. Choices include Spanish, Arts and Crafts, Painting, Chess, Sports, Dance, Musical theatre, Yoga, Lego, Coding, and Robotics. New club offerings are available each term, with student sign-ups occurring at the start of the term. Popular clubs are repeated based on student interest.

Cultural & Language
The Giles School equips students with four languages: English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish. Spanish is offered as a language and a language club exists. French Immersion and Mandarin language offerings are part of the school's language program.

Social & Hobbies
A wide variety of co-curricular clubs cater to different interests, including Spanish, Arts and Crafts, Painting, Chess, Sports, Dance, Musical Theatre, Yoga, Lego, Coding, and Robotics. Day camps may be offered during school breaks in November, March, and summer, with activities such as outdoor education, obstacle courses, cooking, arts and crafts, and soccer.

Community & Service
Service learning is a regular part of The Giles School community. Students participate in activities such as friendly letters to nursing homes, winter coat drives, food bank collections, and fundraising for heart research. They also learn about and fundraise for international charities to build a global perspective.

Leadership & Professional
Grades 4-8 students participate in leadership workshops to discover their voice and leadership qualities. The program emphasizes team-building and communication to foster collaboration. Students develop lifelong leadership competencies through stories, role-play, and active learning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Monthly assemblies celebrate learning, and Grades 4-8 assemblies focus on Canadian or UN International Days. The school observes UN International Days such as Orange Shirt Day and World Mental Health Day. Spirit Days are coordinated by Student Leaders, and the school hosts events such as a Science Fair and International Day. Field trips provide experiential learning opportunities throughout the year.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches four main languages: English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish. French immersion begins in Pre-K. Mandarin program is offered. The Giles School is a non-selective, co-ed French immersion independent school. Twenty-two languages spoken.

Bilingual Teaching
The Giles School offers an inclusive, bilingual education with a strong emphasis on French immersion beginning in Pre-K. English is taught as a core language alongside French. Mandarin and Spanish are also part of the language program, with four main languages highlighted: English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish. Twenty-two languages are spoken within the Giles community.

Immersion Programs
French immersion begins at the Pre-K level, providing students with early exposure to French as their primary language of instruction. From Pre-K through Grade 8, students are immersed in a creative and engaging environment that promotes language acquisition through play-based activities. By Grades 4 to 8, students transition to a blended English and French curriculum with a STEAM focus, and the DELF Junior exam is offered from Grade 4 onward.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The Giles School is non-selective and does not test entrants. Admissions operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The school welcomes all learners and believes they can thrive with the right academic stimulation and social environment. It draws students from Toronto and surrounding areas, including Markham, Richmond Hill, Ajax, and Port Credit, Ontario.

2. The Giles School is a non-selective, co-ed French immersion independent school. Applicants may be admitted throughout the year. Spaces are reserved for current students until February 1; families are advised to apply early to secure a space. Contact the school to learn whether there are openings.

3. Steps to apply begin with downloading the applicable application forms. For 2025-26, download the Preschool form or the JK to Grade 8 form, and download the consent form. Fill both forms and submit the documents using the online form provided. The same process applies for the 2026-27 school year.

4. Submit the forms: The online submission form requires Javascript to be enabled. Complete the fields for name, contact information, current grade, entering grade, and preferred starting year, and attach up to two files with a maximum size of 10MB. After completing the submission, click to send the documents.

5. Additional notes: Remaining places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Families enrolling mid-year may be eligible for a pro-rated rate if openings exist in certain classrooms. The school offers several payment options: Full Payment with a 3.5% discount; a Three-Payment Plan with payments February 1, June 1, and October 1; and a Ten Month Payment Plan with payments on the 1st of each month from February to November; a 5% credit card processing fee applies.
School Events
The school has not added events
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