Account
Shortlist
Currency
The York School logo

The York School

Canada, Toronto

Shortlist

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Managed by doris 👵🏼
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$45,065
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 750
Type Co-educational
Opened 1965
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

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 Essentials

The York School has 750 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location

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.

Stages

JK–Grade 12

Type

Independent, co-educational day school

Pupil Nationality Mix

The York School has families from all over the world, reflecting a diverse international community.

Additional learning support

Student Learning Plans (SLP) outline individualized supports; English language learners (ELL) support is not offered.

Country affiliation

Canada

Fees

Annual tuition at The York School ranges from CAD 45,065 for 2026/27.

Application and Admissions Fees

- Late application fee: CAD 300, payable online at the time of submission and non‑refundable.
- Online entrance/assessment fee (for applicants required to write an assessment, e.g., Grades 7–11): CAD 125.
- Registration (one‑time) fee on acceptance of an offer for new students: CAD 10,000, non‑refundable.

Tuition (annual and instalment structure)

- Annual tuition for Grades JK–12: CAD 45,065 (annual rate).
- Instalment / timing details:
- A first, non‑refundable tuition instalment of CAD 7,500 is required to hold a student's place.
- The remaining balance of tuition may be paid in two instalments due at the end of April and at the end of August, or by monthly instalments (monthly instalment plan available by direct debit).
- The school treats an enrolled place as reserved for the full academic year and parents/guardians are contractually responsible for all fees for that year.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Statements of account are posted and additional incidental charges (for items such as cafeteria, supplies, co‑curricular activities, trips, and York Parents' Association membership) appear on statements and are due on receipt. Interest is charged on unpaid statement balances at 1.25% per month (15% per annum) where applicable. Students with unpaid fees at the end of a term will not be permitted to return unless payment arrangements are made.
- Sample instalment approach (school practice): the school offers multi‑installment schedules and a monthly direct‑debit instalment plan for the larger instalments; a nominal fee for the monthly plan may apply.

Boarding / Residence

- The York School is a day school only and does not provide boarding facilities or homestay arrangements. No boarding fees apply.

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Junior School lunch service is provided and included in tuition for Junior School students; Middle and Senior School students may incur cafeteria charges for purchased meals. Additional incidental charges can include supplies, field trips and outdoor education fees, co‑curricular activity or team costs, instrument or music program fees (where applicable), and York Parents' Association membership. These charges are billed as incurred.
- Uniform / spirit wear: the school operates a uniform/spirit‑wear program; costs for required uniform pieces and optional spirit wear are additional and are paid by families. (Uniform items and purchasing details are provided through the school's uniform guidance and parent communications.)

Refunds and withdrawal policy

- The school's withdrawal and tuition refund policy includes non‑refundability of the initial deposit/first instalment and staged refunds for later withdrawals; for example, under the published schedule for the prior academic year: the first instalment was non‑refundable after the first instalment due date; a partial refund (one‑half of the second instalment) was possible for withdrawals within a specified spring window; and after the final instalment date there was no refund of tuition. Fees may be prorated at the school's discretion in cases where enrolment is terminated by the school. Interest and outstanding incidental balances remain the family's responsibility.

Accepted payment methods and payment processing

- Standard bank bill‑pay: families may set up The York School as a payee through most major banks using the student account identifier.
- Wire transfer: available by contacting the Finance Office; families are responsible for any bank transfer charges.
- Monthly instalment plan: available via direct electronic bank debit (nominal service fee may apply).
- Credit card payments: accepted through a third‑party processor (Plastiq) for most major cards; a service fee (e.g., 2.9%) applies to credit card transactions processed this way.
- Cheque: accepted in limited circumstances (drop off or mail) though electronic payments are preferred.

Notes on responsibility and collections

- The school reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student for reasons the Head of School deems appropriate; parents/guardians remain responsible for fee obligations in cases of suspension, dismissal, withdrawal, or absence unless otherwise determined by the school. Interest on overdue balances and restrictions on re‑enrolment for unpaid accounts are enforced.
Academics

The York School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum

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.

Student Teacher Ratio

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.

Exam Results

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.

Higher Education Progression

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.

Gifted and Talented

There is no Gifted program; extension opportunities exist within the IB program.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The York School does not provide any ELL support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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.

Mental Wellbeing

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.

Safeguarding

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.

Admissions

Admissions

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.

Scholarships

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.

doris
linked-in-logo facebook-logo instagram-logo
© 2026 doris Worldwide Ltd. All rights reserved.