Our Mission

To develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world.
Our mission is distinct among independent schools because it focuses on the strengths of our graduates, rather than the features of our school.

The capacity for inquiry arises from curiosity, an inclination toward action and an ability to adapt.
 
To be knowledgeable is to transform diverse ideas and experiences into integrated understanding.
 
Caring flows from empathy, compassion and a genuine appreciation for community.
 
And engaged citizens feel a sense of responsibility for personal, social and global progress.

To help our students develop these qualities, we provide a learning context that challenges, supports and inspires. The result is a school community that values individuals for their unique contribution and brings out the best in everyone.

Our approach to learning puts students at the centre of the process and builds on the International Baccalaureate’s world-leading, inquiry-based and interdisciplinary model. Our exceptional teachers have extensive international experience and integrate advanced technology into the curriculum to enhance our students' skills and understanding. And we provide interactive, hands-on learning experiences that solidify our students’ knowledge of themselves and their subjects.

Across the three divisions, we focus on developing the whole person through involvement in service learning, the arts, athletics, clubs, student leadership and citizenship. Support is a key priority at all times and students benefit from our inclusive approach.

Our Values
How we carry out our mission is equally important. We will be principled, balanced, open-minded and courageous.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
The York School is committed to achieving an equitable and inclusive school climate. It aims to support and honour the uniqueness of each individual and embrace diverse backgrounds, values, and points of view in our community where all individuals protected by the Human Rights Code feel safe, comfortable and accepted. We actively seek to understand the identities of ourselves and others and to lean into uncomfortable topics related to diversity and inclusion. By doing so, we believe that this will lead to social, emotional and academic excellence and will prepare our students and staff to continue to be contributing members of an increasingly diverse and global world.
As part of our commitment, we will continue to create and maintain a school culture that will:

  • Strive for equitable representation of students and staff from both domestic and international communities
  • Embrace students and staff of all genders and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community
  • Honour and respect religious, racial and cultural diversity and their intersecting identities
  • Promote accessibility, by identifying, preventing and removing barriers in our facilities, programs and services
  • Provide support and accommodation for students experiencing a diverse range of social, emotional and physical health needs.

At The York School, we recognize that promoting diversity and inclusivity is an active, iterative, and ongoing process. We are committed to listening to feedback and engaging in difficult conversations. We will evaluate and reevaluate our progress on a continuous basis to ensure that our space is inclusive, equitable, and respectful for students and staff alike.
In addition to listening, learning and reflecting our plan of action includes:
  • Review and update our current mission statement on diversity and inclusivity to ensure it reflects the proactive focus of our commitment to make a difference.
  • Partner with local community diversity leaders to better understand the issues of those directly impacted by racism and discrimination and examine our policies, curriculum and staff diversity training over the coming months to ensure that our anti-oppression stance is reflected throughout.
  • Commit to hosting conversations about race and inequity with students, faculty and staff in assemblies and meetings as well as our homeroom and advisor programs, creating a safe space to share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
The path ahead for our school will involve all members of our community, as well as racial and diversity experts, and will incorporate a thoughtful, long-term approach that builds on where we are now to get us where we need to be. Students, staff, parents and community leaders -- together we will take the action needed to lead us in a better direction for growth and change.  

To learn more about The York School culture and our approach to learning, please visit The York School Our Kids Review.

About the York School

Canada's first gender-inclusive independent IB World School
The York School is a gender-inclusive JK to Grade 12 independent school located in the heart of Toronto. The York School was founded in 1965 and is the first school in Canada accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from junior kindergarten (JK) to university entrance. As an IB World School, The York School's motto is Experientia Docet or Experience Teaches.

Contact Us

Junior School (Grades JK-5) 1639 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 2W6 
 
Middle School (Grades 6-8) & Senior School (Grades 9-12) 1320 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 1X2 
 
Mailing address: 1320 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1X2
Attendance:
Junior School: 1639attendance@yorkschool.com
Middle & Senior School:
1320attendance@yorkschool.com

Admission:
For admission inquiries please contact:
admission@yorkschool.com

General Questions:
For general questions please contact:
reception@yorkschool.com