got kindergarten-itis?

Filed Under Places, Tips & Tricks | January 11, 2011

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If you’re already knee-deep in school, cue a wry grin of remembrance for those stressful months of decision making, if your children are younger, then oh, that joy still awaits you…

But if your first-born is ready for kindergarten next September then you may have had a moment (or seven) of angst around the whole thing.

First of all, take a deep breath. Most children have a very positive experience wherever their parents send them. And if something else feels right for your family later on, then you can change your mind.

Now we wouldn’t be parents if we didn’t agonize over choices. And Toronto has some pretty great programs to add to the decision-making challenge. Here’s a whistle stop tour of options to meet any family’s learning needs:

  • Your neighbourhood schools, both public and Catholic have a lot going for them, including the chance to walk the kids to school, have playdates with classmates in the ‘hood, and build ties with your local community. For Toronto District School Board public school registration, all you have to do is head to your designated school during the education year (find registration documents here) and your little one is all set for September. For Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) schools, Kindergarten registration begins in January.
  • If you have your heart set on a public school outside of your neighbourhood district (The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) assigns schools by neighbourhood), there is optional attendance. Students can apply to schools outside of their designated school district, and acceptance depends on space availability and program suitability.
  • Early Immersion Program*: There are 43 schools across TDSB that offer Early French Immersion to those entering in Senior Kindergarten. To locate the Early French Immersion school in your area, you must first confirm the English school for your home address. TCDSB also offers French Immersion programs. No prior knowledge of French is required.
  • Full-Day Kindergarten: A year ago some schools in TDSB began offering full-day Kindergarten classroom learning for children aged four and five. As of September 2011, there will be 90 schools participating in the full-day learning program. TCDSB also offers full-day Kindergarten learning.
  • Alternative Schools: Each alternative school is unique, with a distinct identity and approach to curriculum delivery. They usually feature a small student population, a commitment to innovative and experimental programs, and volunteer commitment from parents and guardians.
  • International Baccalaureate Programs: The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) is designed for students from three to 12.  It focuses on the total growth of the developing child, and encompasses social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development. Currently the TDSB has one authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program school, Harrison Public School, which offers the PYP from Junior Kindergarten to grade 6.
  • Specialized schools: These include programs TDSB has deemed as specialties, such as Arts, Cyber Arts, and programs for High Performance Athletes. Note: Not all of these specialty schools begin at the Kindergarten level.
  • Eco-certified Schools: There are 345 eco-certified schools in Toronto. These schools become certified through leadership, environmental impact reduction, energy conservation, well maintained school grounds, and improving student achievement through ecological literacy.
  • Montessori: Toronto Montessori Schools focus on providing students with a unique environment designed for self-directed learning.
  • Special Education: Students who have behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical or multiple exceptionalities, may require special education programs and /or services to benefit fully from their school experience. Special education programs and services primarily consist of instruction and assessments that are different from those provided to the general student population.
  • Private School: For parents interested in pursuing private education for their children, there are a number of options throughout Toronto, including schools offering boarding.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the volume of options, why not create a pro and con list for your top choice schools? While it may not completely alleviate your “kindergarten-it is”, you can rest assured that you’ve done your homework!

 

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