private

Giles School

Toronto, Ontario

At a glance

Grades: Preschool – 8
Gender: Co-educational
Board: Independent

Tuition & admissions

Tuition: $21,530 /year
SSAT required: No

Admissions process

Non-selective, first-come, first-served admission throughout the year, subject to space. Families are invited to book a private tour. Download the relevant Preschool or JK–Grade 8 application and consent forms, complete both, and submit online. Forms are available for 2026–27 and 2027–28. Current students' spaces are reserved until February 1.

Academics & learning

Curriculum: French immersion from Pre-K, with French and English foundational subjects in Grades 1–3 and a blended English and French curriculum in Grades 4–8. Studies include mathematics, science, social studies, Mandarin, arts, physical education, health, STEAM, robotics, coding, financial literacy, and character education. Grades 4–8 participate in the Canadian Tests of Basic Skills and Canadian National Math League; Grades 7–8 also participate in CEMC–University of Waterloo activities.
Student–teacher ratio: Preschool: two teachers per class of 10–12 children.
Class size: 10–16 students overall; 10–12 in Preschool.

Tuition & financial aid details

Full-tuition payment discount: Families paying the full tuition fee receive a 3.5% discount.
Credit card surcharge: A 5% credit card fee is added to the billed amount.

Course descriptions

Preschool

For ages 2 and 3, foundational social, emotional, and academic development through French songs, stories, art, play, and creative activities. Classes have 10–12 children and two teachers; before- and after-care are available.

JK and SK

French stories, songs, games, and music introduce counting, measuring, and writing. Mandarin begins in JK.

Grades 1–3

French and English reading and writing alongside mathematics, science, social studies, and Mandarin, with storytelling, music, hands-on activities, and character education.

Grades 4–8

Blended English and French studies emphasizing languages, STEAM, critical thinking, global awareness, health, financial literacy, robotics, and character education.

French Immersion

Begins in Pre-K with French as the primary instructional language. Later grades develop reading, writing, oral communication, and critical thinking through classic literature, essays, and debates; DELF Junior exams begin in Grade 4.

Mandarin

Begins in JK and introduces Chinese language and culture. Students take HSK and YCT Mandarin exams annually.

STEAM, Coding and Robotics

Inquiry-based science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Students use Matatalab, Dash, and Lego Robotics to explore sequences, loops, programming, forces, energy, and problem-solving.

Financial Literacy

Programs include Junior Millionaire and Young Investors. Junior Millionaire covers budgeting, saving, taxes, and basic investing.

Health Education

Explores physical and mental health, informed decision-making, personal safety, puberty, and strategies for maintaining well-being.

School images

Learning programs

Specializations

French immersion and multilingual education · STEAM, coding, robotics, and engineering · Financial literacy · Small-class, personalized instruction

Languages

French · English

Learning support

Small classes support personalized attention and early identification of students needing additional challenge or help. Early intervention is a founding principle · and the text describes extra teacher support helping a student without prior French catch up with peers.

Student life

Sports

Physical education from Pre-K through Grade 8 includes physical and motor skills · team sports · swimming · and track and field · emphasizing sportsmanship · goal-setting · health · and well-being.

Clubs & extracurricular activities

Chess club
Painting club
Arts clubs
Sports clubs
Robotics clubs

Outdoor activities & education

Field trips: School life includes field trips; one pictured activity involves meeting goats.
Running: Students are pictured out for a run.

About the school

The Giles School is a non-selective, co-ed French immersion independent school founded in 1989 by Harry Giles, serving children from age 2 through Grade 8.

Location & school highlights

Location

Located at 80 Scarsdale Road
Toronto
Ontario M3B 2R7. Draws students from Toronto and surrounding areas
including Markham
Richmond Hill
Ajax
and Port Credit.

What makes the school distinct

French immersion begins in Pre-K; Mandarin begins in JK, and Spanish is also taught.
Classes average 10–16 students; Preschool classes have two teachers.
Non-selective, first-come, first-served admissions with no entrance test and year-round entry.
Students take DELF Junior French exams from Grade 4 and HSK and YCT Mandarin exams annually.
Founding principles are early intervention, bilingualism, third languages, small classes, international standards, and love.
UNESCO Member School with a blended learning curriculum underpinned by UNESCO's Sustainable Development Goals.