Canada, Toronto
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
· Reviewed by Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
The York School is an independent, co-educational day school in midtown Toronto serving ages 4 to 18 across campuses on Yonge Street. It delivers full International Baccalaureate continuum from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, including PYP, MYP, DP and a Personalized Pathway Program. The Diploma is earned in Senior School with the OS Diploma, enabling IB and OS requirements. The curriculum includes Core French from JK to Grade 9, Mandarin as an elective from Grade 7, and Language B options in IB for French, Mandarin and Spanish. The Middle School offers nine core subjects with electives. The York School is the first English-speaking school to offer the complete IB program. Facilities across campuses include classrooms, labs, theatres, libraries, STEAM spaces and athletic facilities; renovations in 2025–2026 will expand learning spaces and dining. Co-curriculars include DECA, Model UN and VEX Robotics, with an arts program and service learning.
1320 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1X2, Canada
The York School has 750 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.
The York School has two campuses in midtown Toronto, located on Yonge Street near St. Clair Avenue. The Junior School (JK–Grade 5) is at 1639 Yonge Street. The Middle & Senior School (Grades 6–12) is at 1320 Yonge Street.
JK–Grade 12
Independent, co-educational day school
The York School has families from all over the world, reflecting a diverse international community.
Student Learning Plans (SLP) outline individualized supports; English language learners (ELL) support is not offered.
Canada
Annual tuition at The York School ranges from CAD 45,065 for 2026/27.
The York School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.
The York School offers the International Baccalaureate program from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and a Personalized Pathway Program. The Diploma Program is part of Senior School, and graduates can earn both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the IB Diploma. Languages include Core French from JK through Grade 9 (AIM used through Grade 5), with Mandarin available as an elective from Grade 7 and Language B options in the IB for French, Mandarin, and Spanish. The Middle School curriculum covers nine core subjects (English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, French, Physical Education, Instrumental Music, Visual Arts, Technology) with electives such as Mandarin, Coding, Drama, and Learning Strategies in Grades 7–8. The Integrated Canadian Experience is a Grade 9 interdisciplinary course in Senior School. The York School is the first English‑speaking school in Canada to offer the full IB program, and the continuum supports a pathway toward the IB Diploma and OS diploma together.
Class sizes vary from 16–18 in JK/SK to 18–22 in Grade 4 and above, with an average class size of 18 students. Instruction is delivered by Core Teachers, with support from Specialist Teachers, Learning Resource Teachers, and Associate Teachers.
100% of graduates have graduated and received offers to attend university, with graduates accepted to more than 145 national and international post‑secondary institutions. The IB Diploma Program culminates in external exams marked by outside examiners.
The York School has a dedicated University Counselling team. Each student is matched with a university counsellor in Senior School, who provides one‑on‑one guidance, helps with course selections for Grades 11–12, identifies suitable universities, offers feedback on essays, tracks deadlines, and assists with applications and offers.
There is no Gifted program; extension opportunities exist within the IB program.
The York School fosters social and emotional learning through a wellbeing-centered approach. The homeroom and advisor programs promote meaningful discussions on identity, current events, and self-management strategies. The Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing provides a dedicated hub that connects wellbeing initiatives to daily life. The community emphasizes belonging, inclusivity, and respectful communication, helping students develop empathy, resilience, and collaborative skills.
The York School does not provide any ELL support.
English is the language of instruction. The school accepts entry for Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, and Grade 1 with limited English but strong foundational skills; Grades 2–6 require solid English. Students in Grades 7–11 must demonstrate English language proficiency as the school does not provide ELL support, with proficiency assessed during admissions and tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for non-native speakers. French begins in Junior Kindergarten and is mandatory through Grade 9; Mandarin may be studied from Grade 7 and Spanish or Mandarin from Grade 10.
Wellbeing and Belonging is a core focus at The York School. The curriculum promotes safe and inclusive learning experiences, with homeroom and advisor programs facilitating discussions on identity, current events, and self-management strategies. The Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing serves as a hub for these practices and related support services. A wellbeing and learning strategies team provides individual and collaborative support to students, reinforcing a culture of care and belonging.
Safety and inclusion are integral to York's culture. The school communicates in linguistically and culturally responsive ways and engages social workers to promote student wellbeing and inclusion. The Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing supports safeguarding by providing safe spaces and access to wellbeing resources; the community prioritizes representation, respect for differences, and a welcoming environment for all students and staff.
1. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are being accepted; the deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. This ensures families have adequate time to prepare materials and complete the admissions process. 2. To begin, submit an inquiry using the 'Register to Learn More or to Book a Tour' form or click 'Apply Now' to create a YorkNet family portal account, which is used to receive admissions updates and deadlines. 3. For Grades 7–11, entrance assessments are online (fee $125) and are delivered through a collaboration with Crescent School and Royal St. George's College; a single assessment covers applications to any of the three schools, and you can take it at The York School, Crescent School, or Royal St. George's College. 4. The admission process includes an interview, assessment, a teacher reference, and supporting documents such as report cards; Letters of Recommendation are not required. 5. Assessment dates by grade include: Grade 7 on November 15, 2025 or December 13, 2025 at The York School; Grade 8 on January 13, 2026 at The York School; Grade 9 on November 15, 2025 or November 29, 2025 at The York School; Grades 10–11 on January 13, 2026 at The York School. Out-of-province/international applicants for Grades 7–11 will write the assessment virtually from their location, with the date and time provided later. 6. International applicants follow the same application process as domestic applicants; application fees and tuition fees are the same; international families may need to arrange a Study Permit depending on status. 7. The main entry years are Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 7, and Grade 9; grade placement is determined by the calendar year. 8. Language and English proficiency: The language of instruction is English; The York School does not provide ELL support; JK–SK–Grade 1 may be admitted with limited English, but Grades 2–6 require strong English; Grades 7–11 must demonstrate English proficiency, with language assessments (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) if needed. 9. If you have questions, or need additional information about the admissions timeline or requirements, the admissions team can be contacted through the YorkNet process.
Financial Aid is available for qualified students in Grades 9–12 based on demonstrated financial need; families must submit an Apple Financial Services application in addition to The York School application by the deadline of December 1, 2025; any Financial Aid awards are communicated along with admission offers. Tuition costs cover the majority of attendance; uniforms, textbooks, laptops, lunches, and activities/trips are extra and vary by grade and level of involvement; for a detailed breakdown of fees, refer to the Tuition information.