Karen Kain School of the Arts's Mission Statement
Entrance into Karen Kain School of the Arts
Applicants enter KKSA at the Grade 6 level and grade 7 if space is available. Grade 5 students are welcome to submit online applications through the Centralized Application Process. The Application process takes place in the month of November. Information is also available and regularly updated on our website.
More Information About Karen Kain School of the Arts
Eco School Focus
As a gold Ecoschool we have been focusing on developing an outdoor space for teaching and learning. Through the support of our community, the Home Depot Canada Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Green Apple Grant, we have been able to construct an outdoor classroom at the front of our school. Currently our goal is to establish a vegetable garden.
Community Driven Extra Curricular Programs
Our young artists are supported in extra curricular activities by the community in further developing their artistic talents through pay per fee and scholarship programs. Musical Mentors encourages students with aspirations in instrumental music while specific art skills are taught in Art Club. These programs are taught after school by artists in the community.
Student Leadership and Community Building
Student leaders and mentors are the backbone of our commitment to developing a sense of "Family" at KKSA. Our grade 6s are mentored by our entire school community and a number of times through out the year, cross grade activity days allow for the development and sustainment of healthy relationships and student leaders.
Team and Extra Curricular Sports
At KKSA, it is our goal to provide a balance in activities between the Arts and Sports. Our students are involved in a variety of sports such as: volleyball, badminton, soccer, basketball, softball and ball hockey. At KKSA we have soccer, softball and volleyball pennants hanging proudly in our gym! Pick up sports happen weekly on Friday after school.
Additional Features
- Art, Vocal, Dance and Drama Clubs
- Platinum Ecoschool
- Morning Math Support
- Forest of Reading
- Grade 9 Application Preparation
- Sports Teams & Intramurals
- Arts Community Partnerships
- Film Clubs
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Extra-curricular activities at KKSA are both numerous and satisfy a wide range of student interests. Our sports program features cross-country running, volleyball, basketball, slo-pitch and yoga. Arts-based clubs include dance, drama, art as well as Eco and Ski clubs. Our choir has already developed a reputation for excellence and our Musical Mentors program, an extra-curricular parent-driven opportunity, has allowed students to gain valuable experience in instrumental music. Curriculum-based experiences include our Forest of Reading program along with Math Club.
Leadership is vital in building community and self-esteem and KKSA students excel through participation in Student Parliament, Morning Announcements for example and through board-sponsored initiatives including Imagine Student Success, Quest for Excellence and the Student Equity conferences, as well as the Eco-Schools program, numerous Board openings, such as the Middle School Art Show at Metro Hall and Music Monday at Dundas Square. Partnerships with the National Ballet and Stratford along with visits to the AGO, ROM, TSO, Danceworks, the Canadian Canoe Museum, ESA and Treetop Trekking have also enriched our students.
Leadership is vital in building community and self-esteem and KKSA students excel through participation in Student Parliament, Morning Announcements for example and through board-sponsored initiatives including Imagine Student Success, Quest for Excellence and the Student Equity conferences, as well as the Eco-Schools program, numerous Board openings, such as the Middle School Art Show at Metro Hall and Music Monday at Dundas Square. Partnerships with the National Ballet and Stratford along with visits to the AGO, ROM, TSO, Danceworks, the Canadian Canoe Museum, ESA and Treetop Trekking have also enriched our students.
WHAT SETS US APART
Karen Kain School of the Arts provides a rich and progressive integrated educational experience that focuses on Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Vocal Music and Media. Located in a quiet, ravine setting in SW TDSB, KKSA is a very innovative and distinct educational experience. Wherever possible and practical, the Arts are integrated and used to teach and reinforce the skills, knowledge and content within the Ontario Curriculum. We believe that this type of arts integration allows for a more student centred approach where teaching, learning and assessment can be aligned to accommodate the strengths, preferences and learning styles of the individual student. All students participate in all the Arts as curriculum subjects. Students are also involved in a variety of Arts based partnerships though out the TDSB and the City of Toronto.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The KKSA School Council thrives with co chairs, various committees and a solid constitution. Parents/guardians are extremely supportive demonstrating initiative and dedication to the success of students and KKSA. Parents volunteer throughout the school, on school trips, in various classrooms and around the office. Parents also assist in fundraising events such as QSP, Pizza lunches, May Day and Silent Auction. Parents/Guardians and Community have also organised Master to assist students with the transition to secondary schools of choice. Partnerships with Norseman school and ESA allow us to use their facilities for larger Karen Kain School of the Arts events. ESA students sing in a blended KKSA/ESA choir. KKSA students present at Arts based initiatives within the TDSB and with various Arts based associations within the City of Toronto.