Schools in Toronto Promote Values for Life
Toronto’s top private
schools offer more than just academic education: the best of these schools help
to instill core values in their students. Of course, parents who consider
enrolling their children in a private school want to ensure that they are fully
prepared for all of the challenges they will face in the future, at university
and beyond. As we know, academic
strength is just one aspect of a successful life. Good private schools transcend the aim of building an
impressive academic record and a satisfying career path, and help to lay the
foundation for a happy and successful life.
The best private schools in
the GTA offer a comprehensive program that tailors learning to each individual
student. Helping each pupil grow into a well-rounded individual with a sense of
personal and social responsibility, confidence, leadership skills, and a
working knowledge of technology, will ensure that all graduates are ready for
whatever challenges life will give them.
Skills, Strengths, and Values
A
private school should work to develop the following characteristics in
students:
• Confidence
• Effective communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical thinking
• Self-directed learning
Each private or prep school
also has core values that reflect their philosophy. For example, a school may
focus on respect for self, for others, and for the community. Service to the
greater community is also a core value for many Toronto private schools, and alumni
of these schools often serve on boards or committees of organizations that make
our world a better place. Other values that private schools emphasize may
include integrity, responsibility, tolerance, knowledge, and more. If you send
your child to a school that cherishes the same values that your family holds
dear, you and your child’s teachers will be creating a powerful partnership to
guide their worldview.
The Private School Approach
Each private school is
unique, and alumni often feel a strong bond with their "alma mater.” Private
school is the place where students make friends for life. How do the best
private schools foster this type of connection? The answer to this question is
as varied as the number of schools in the GTA, but there are some
characteristics that most independent schools share. Where public schools may
have very large classes, for example, private schools often strive for a low
student-teacher ratio. This is one of the best ways to help students engage in
the classroom, join in discussions, and participate in activities. Teachers are
also better able to pinpoint where the strengths and weaknesses of each student
lie. As a result, parents and teachers can work together to help each child
overcome their personal learning obstacles.
Private schools also offer
enrichment outside the academic realm. Participation in school activities,
clubs, and athletic programs aids in the development of leadership,
sportsmanship, and long-lasting positive relationships. Some students discover
a passion for design, robotics, a sport, or other extra-curricular activity,
that strengthens every aspect of their lives. In addition, the sense of
"belonging” – first to the school, and then to a club or team -- can help to
give students the confidence they need.
Explore the values of
private schools in Toronto, and discover the many
advantages they can offer to your child.