Chester Elementary School (Gr JK - 05)
115 Gowan Ave, East York, ON
M4K2E4
M4K2E4
416-396-2325
416-396-2332
The original Chester School was built in 1890 and was situated on Broadview Avenue near Pottery Road. It was called Don Mills Rd. School until 1927 when the name was changed to Chester. The present school (at least the old wing) was built in 1959. The new wing was built in 1972. Chester is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 school located near Pape and Cosburn Avenues, not far from the bustling Danforth.
In addition to our regular Kindergarten to Grade 5 program, Chester offers a Grade 4 and 5 Gifted Education program and a Mild Intellectual Disability program.
Enrich Our Lives!
At Chester we focus on enriching the curriculum with activities that bring the classroom program to life. This year, some of the activities our students will take part in are: Dance activities, snowshoeing, workshops with visiting artists and Scientists in the Schools. Chester also provides programming in Music, Library, and Health and Physical Education by specialist teachers.
Student Diversity
Chester's students come from over 35 different countries. A very large number of our students speak a first language other than English at home. We provide a dynamic ELL (English Language Learners) program. In addition, we have a Settlement Worker in the school several days a week. As a team, we work to facilitate a smoother transition for students and their families into the school and community. The International Languages-Elementary Program is hosted at Chester. This after school program supports student learning in first languages of Albanian, Bulgarian, Greek and Serbian.
Arts Alive
Chester staff engage students in many rich and exciting artistic activities throughout the year. In addition to integrating Drama, Dance and Visual Arts into other areas of the curriculum, Chester dedicates the month of May as 'Arts' month, culminating in our "Arts Alive" Open House. We also have a full time Music Teacher who works with every class in the school.
Keeping Active
Chester offers a wide range of in class, co-curricular and house-league activities that engage both students and staff in healthy living. We are proud to be a Toronto School on the Move. We have full time specialist teachers teaching Health and Physical Education. Many of our teachers also participate in coaching our sports teams and intra-murals.
Going for Gold!
Chester has earned the status of being a Gold Level Eco-School. Our Eco Team, comprised of students, staff, and parents, takes part in developing and monitoring activities such as our 'lights off 'project and various recycling initiatives. Students participate in litterless lunches and the greening of our schoolyard.
Library
Chester offers a full, vibrant library program. Students and staff have access to current, quality, high interest books and other resources. We work hard to develop the essential literacy skills of reading, writing and oral language, and promote an appreciation of good literature with the goal of creating life-long readers. Read more about Library
