doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
T

The Mabin School

Canada, Toronto

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Fees CA$37,400
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 150
Type Co-educational
Opened 1980
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School
Introduction

Located in downtown Toronto at 50 Poplar Plains Road, The Mabin School is an independent, co-educational JK–Grade 6 with a small, family-like culture and an exceptional student-teacher ratio. It is Canada's first independent Ashoka Changemaker School. The Bespoke Curriculum is co-created each year from students' emergent interests, anchored in inquiry, integration, and reflection. The JK program is enriched and play-based, with regular one-on-one and small-group time to develop motor, literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Language Arts follow the Science of Reading, and French starts in JK, weaving into music, drama, and other subjects. Science uses an Innovation Station for technology-enabled inquiry; Art is taught in an Art Room embedded with classroom themes. Co-Curriculars and Extended Care run term-by-term, with offerings such as Theatre Arts, Dance, Chess, and Math Club. Social-emotional learning is woven through every subject daily, guided by students' questions across disciplines. Community involvement and lifelong curiosity are encouraged.

The Mabin School, 50 Poplar Plains Road, Toronto, ON M4V 2M8, Canada

The Essentials

The Mabin School has 150 pupils.

Location
The Mabin School is located at 50 Poplar Plains Road, Toronto, Ontario M4V 2M8, in downtown Toronto.

Stages
JK-Grade 6

Type
Independent, co-educational

Country affiliation
Canada

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Hot lunch program operates on school days; parent volunteers help with serving and organizing lunches.

House System
There is a house system with four Houses named Jarvis, Poplar, Prince Arthur, and Spadina.

Governance and Ownership
Independent elementary school governed by a Board of Directors.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Mabin School ranges from CAD 37,400 for 2026/27.

Application fee
- A non‑refundable application fee of CAD 200 is charged per application and can be paid online.

Tuition (2026–2027)
- Annual tuition for returning students for the 2026–2027 academic year: CAD 37,400. This tuition figure applies to the school's JK–Grade 6 day program.

Tuition by term / year-group detail
- Tuition is published as an annual amount for the JK–Grade 6 program (see the returning‑student annual tuition above). The school issues a detailed tuition payment schedule to families at the end of January each year that sets out available instalment or term arrangements.

New‑student registration fee
- A one‑time, non‑refundable New Student Registration Fee is required for new students and is due upon acceptance.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The Board sets tuition each January and the school provides the tuition payment schedule to families at the end of January for the upcoming academic year. Outstanding non‑tuition charges become due immediately upon a written withdrawal notice. A late payment charge of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) is applied to outstanding accounts.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The Mabin School operates as a JK–Grade 6 day school.

Other costs and typical auxiliary fees
- Auxiliary fees such as after‑school care and overnight field trip fees (for upper grades) apply in addition to tuition where relevant. The school's financial aid programs may cover auxiliary fees for eligible recipients. Additional incidental costs (for example special trips or additional program fees) may be charged as needed.

Uniforms and supplies
- Standard school charges for supplies and any uniform requirements are handled through the school's usual billing and communications; families should expect occasional additional charges for specific program materials or events.

Refund and withdrawal policy
- Withdrawal requests must be made in writing to the Principal. Refund and charge rules are as follows:
- If withdrawal is received before March 1: the school retains the tuition deposit per child and the non‑refundable New Student Registration Fee (if applicable).
- If withdrawal is between March 1 and June 30: 50% of all remaining fees are due and will not be refunded.
- If withdrawal is after June 30: 100% of all tuition fees are due and will not be refunded.
- The school may withhold services, co‑curricular participation, and re‑enrolment for the following year until all fees and charges are paid in full. A late payment charge of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) applies to outstanding accounts.

Fee payment options and billing platform
- The application fee can be paid online. The school uses its parent/administration portals for inquiries and enrolment procedures; a detailed tuition payment schedule and billing instructions are provided to enrolled families.

Financial assistance and bursaries
- Financial assistance is available; families may apply through the school's designated financial services provider. The Hilary and Galen Weston Bursary and other financial aid programs may cover tuition and auxiliary fees for eligible students.
Academics

The Mabin School teaches Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
Kindergarten is an enriched, play-based program with regular one-on-one and small-group time to develop fine and gross motor skills, literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Habits of Mind guide students as they solve problems and learn to collaborate, including Persisting; Taking Responsible Risks; Listening with Understanding and Empathy; Applying past knowledge to new situations; Paying Attention to Detail; Collaborating; Managing Impulsivity; Taking Ownership; Questioning and Creating Solutions; and Thinking about Thinking. Academics are rooted in Inquiry, Integration, and Reflection; student questions lead the way, and inquiries are multi-disciplinary and may last several months, with play and creativity woven throughout the JK–6 curriculum. Mathematics uses a progressive approach that balances rote learning with experiential, dynamic lessons, and instruction is differentiated in half-class settings. Language Arts relies on the Science of Reading with half-group instruction and Learning Strategies support, and French begins in JK and is integrated with music, drama, and other subject areas to build oral language, with basics of reading and writing introduced.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small, co-educational JK–Grade 6 school in downtown Toronto.

Higher Education Progression
Most graduates choose independent schools for Grade 7, and they do well in both private and public institutions. The Transition Team guides families through the transition, including tours, portfolio preparation, applications, mock interviews, and related supports.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Mabin School weaves social-emotional learning into every subject every day. The school is Canada's first independent Ashoka Changemaker School, emphasizing empathy, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and personal growth. Habits of Mind teach listening with understanding and empathy, persistence, collaboration and ownership. The Integration & House System fosters belonging and connection across grades, strengthening social-emotional development. Intergenerational Art creates reciprocal social, emotional and academic benefits for children and seniors, strengthening community and self-esteem. The Physical Education and Health program promotes physical skills and psychological well-being, and Health Education covers healthy eating, personal safety, human development, and substance use and abuse.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Kindergarten offers an enriched, play-based program with regular one-on-one and small-group time to develop social skills, literacy, numeracy and self-regulation. The Language Arts program relies on a Learning Strategies Teacher to support differentiated instruction and to challenge students at an optimal level.

Mental Wellbeing
Health Education focuses on personal safety, human development, healthy eating and substance use. The social-emotional curriculum is woven through every subject, contributing to psychological well-being. Intergenerational Art provides reciprocal mental health benefits for children and seniors. The Habits of Mind include listening with understanding and empathy, and taking ownership of thinking and decisions, supporting mental well-being. The house system promotes belonging, which supports students' mental health.
Parent Experience

History
The Mabin School was founded in 1980 in downtown Toronto as a progressive, co-educational elementary school. It is an independent, small school described as 'unapologetically small' with a family-like atmosphere. It is Canada's first independent Ashoka Changemaker School. The curriculum is co-created each year based on students' emergent interests, and the social-emotional curriculum is woven through every subject daily. The school emphasizes the four Rs—Reading, 'Rithmetic, 'Riting, and RELATIONSHIP.

Community
Intergenerational Art connects children with seniors through arts activities for mutual social, emotional, and academic benefit. The school hosts school-wide activities such as the Terry Fox Run and a Community Skate Day, with students planning and leading events. Every Friday, Integration and a House System foster belonging across grades; four houses—Jarvis, Poplar, Prince Arthur, and Spadina—reflect the school's history. Co-Curriculars and Clubs are offered and change every term, and the Extended Care program provides after-school care from 3:30 to 6:00 PM.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Mabin School is a co-educational JK-Grade 6 progressive school in downtown Toronto with an exceptional student-teacher ratio. It is the first independent Ashoka Changemaker School in Canada. There is a dedicated Innovation Station for technology-enabled science inquiry, and an Art Room where art activities are embedded with classroom themes. Athletics includes fundamentals and team sports across age groups, with intramural games and school-wide activities. Co-Curriculars and Clubs change each term, and Extended Care provides after-school programming with arts, crafts, sports, games, and a snack.

Academic Facilities
The academic program is anchored in inquiry, integration, and reflection. Science uses an Innovation Station as a technology-enabled inquiry space, while Art is taught with an Art Room that supports integrated creative work. Language Arts are supported by a Learning Strategies Teacher to differentiate instruction, and the curriculum emphasizes experiential, interdisciplinary learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-Curriculars and Clubs are optional and change every term, with offerings including Dance, Nature Club, Chess, Theatre Arts, Mabin in Motion, Woodworking, Tennis, Jewelry Making, Magic, Math Club, Reading Club, Lego Club, Maker Kids, Floor Hockey, and Yoga. The Extended Care program runs after school from 3:30 to 6:00 PM on school days, offering arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor organized sports, games and baking.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academic programs at The Mabin School are built on Inquiry, Integration, and Reflection. Student questions guide multi-disciplinary inquiries that may unfold over several months. Rigor comes from deep exploration rather than speed, and academics are integrated with social-emotional learning. Play and creativity are woven throughout the curriculum from JK to 6.

Arts & Creative
Art is taught through an experiential, multimedia approach that develops visual literacy. Music education uses the Carl Orff pedagogy, with movement, drama, and instruments, and annual concerts celebrate the community. Theatre Arts and other performing arts are offered as co-curricular activities, alongside Dance, and Art Room activities are integrated with classroom themes when possible. The Art program emphasizes expressive creativity and hands-on making.

Cultural & Language
Co-Curriculars include Dance and Theatre Arts, enriching cultural expression beyond the core academics. The Intergenerational Art program brings children and seniors together through arts activities to explore culture and heritage. French starts in JK and is taught with music, drama, and other subject areas to foster a love of the language, focusing on oral language with reading and writing basics. These elements support cultural learning inside and beyond the classroom.

Social & Hobbies
Co-Curriculars and Clubs are optional and change each term, organized or led by students, teachers, or other talented individuals. Examples include Dance, Nature Club, Chess, Theatre Arts, Mabin in Motion, Boot Camp, Woodworking, Tennis, Jewelry Making, Magic, Math Club, Reading Club, Lego Club, Maker Kids, Floor Hockey, and Yoga. Clubs provide leadership opportunities and chances to explore interests with peers. Participation is driven by student interests and school priorities.

Community & Service
Mabin hosts school-wide activities with an athletic base, including events like the Terry Fox Run and a Community Skate Day, and has held events such as National Frog Jumping Day. Students help plan and run these events, taking on leadership roles within the Mabin community. These activities foster teamwork, community spirit, and a sense of social responsibility. The events connect students with peers, families, and the broader neighbourhood.

Leadership & Professional
Co-Curriculars and Clubs are led by students, teachers, and other community members, creating leadership opportunities across grade levels. In addition, the intramural program features house captains who organize activities, referee games, and coordinate teams. Co-curricular involvement provides practical experience in collaboration, organization, and project leadership. These experiences complement academic learning by building professional skills in real-world contexts.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Athletics program includes Fundamentals and Team Sports tailored to age groups, with options such as basketball, volleyball, track, dance, and floor hockey. Intramural games occur during morning recess, with house captains selecting activities and coordinating participation. The School also hosts events like the Terry Fox Run and emphasizes health education on topics such as healthy eating, personal safety, and human development. The Physical Education and Health program focuses on promoting joy of activity, teamwork, cooperation and respect.
Languages

Language Provision
French starts in JK and is taught through music, drama, and other subject areas so that students remain engaged and build confidence. The primary goal of the French program is to instill a love of French. While the focus is on oral language, students learn the basics of reading and writing as well.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
null
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the online inquiry form. The school will contact the family to answer questions and to set up a personalized tour. This initial contact begins the admissions process and guides next steps. 2. A private tour is arranged after the inquiry. The visit lets families see the school in action, meet staff, and experience the community. Tours provide an opportunity to observe classrooms and ask questions. 3. After the tour, the formal application process begins. The non-refundable application fee is $200, and applications open in the fall one year prior to entry. For current-year or mid-year entry, contact admissions. 4. After a completed application, applicants and families are invited for an interview. The interview is designed to be unique and cozy, focusing on the child's comfort. This step helps staff understand fit for both child and family. 5. Financial assistance is available through Apple Financial Services. The Hilary and Galen Weston Bursary expands financial aid by supporting inclusion. The Weston Bursary is offered to families who will benefit most, including auxiliary fees, to enable equal access.

Scholarships
The Hilary and Galen Weston Bursary provides financial aid to families who would benefit from the most support, including auxiliary fees, to enable equal access. The Inclusion Fund, funded by a Weston Foundation gift, expands financial aid programs and supports the bursary. The Weston Bursary and related inclusion initiatives are intended to increase socioeconomic diversity at The Mabin School.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Canada View all schools in Toronto View all schools in Canada Open days & tours in Toronto View all schools Search all schools