Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School's Mission Statement
Jesse Ketchum Public School is located at Bay Street and Davenport Road near Yorkville Village. The school was established around 1831 and the present building dates from 1914. The school is named after Jesse Ketchum, a philanthropist who donated the land to the School Board to build the school and to the city for the park.
The school serves a diverse population of over 500 students, whose cultural backgrounds represent 55 countries from around the world. There are 56 different languages spoken in the homes of our students. At Jesse Ketchum our students build self-esteem and confidence, learn to work together in mutual respect and trust, and value diversity.
The school serves a diverse population of over 500 students, whose cultural backgrounds represent 55 countries from around the world. There are 56 different languages spoken in the homes of our students. At Jesse Ketchum our students build self-esteem and confidence, learn to work together in mutual respect and trust, and value diversity.
Extra-Curricular Activities
There are a wide variety of extra curricular activities available to our students We field teams in flag football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross country, track and field and softball to name a few.
We also offer clubs for students including: chess and art club, primary and junior choirs, and an after school math and literacy club are just a selection. Our student council helps to organize spirit days, and dances for the senior school.
More Information About Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School
Empower Reading
Jesse Ketchum is pleased to be able to offer 3 reading intervention programs developed by Sick Children's Hospital. Students are screened for the programs, which include a grade 2-5 reading program, a 6-8 reading program and a 6-8 comprehension program.
School Yard and Eco Schools
Our yard is comprised of an artificial turf field, playscapes, basketball courts and a variety of other seating and play areas. We also have dedicated kindergarten play areas. During the summer of 2025 Jesse Ketchum's yard is undergoing a revitalization including new turf, a track and outdoor fitness equipment.
STEM
Jesse Ketchum is a STEM focused school. We have both a science room and a Design and Tech room for our senior students, and a STEM room that can be accessed by all classes. For primary and junior students science is taught as part of home room.
Field Trips
Students learn both in and out of school. We extend our programming with trips to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Toronto Urban Studies Centre (TUSC) etc.. Students in grade 6 attend Mono Cliffs for 3 days of outdoor education. Our senior school students have the opportunity for a year end trip, often to an Ontario outdoor camp.
Additional Features
- School-wide Snack Program
- Steel Pan, Band and String programs
- Library and computer lab
- Upgraded gym with climbing wall
- ICT-classroom focus
- Professional and student Inquiry
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Jesse Ketchum is an exciting place.
Hands on experiences in science and technology with our Design and Technology room. Projects using computer programs for our Media Studies program. Regular assemblies and performances. Intramural sports. Special workshops for music and dance. School Dances. Sports teams. Camping. Outdoor Education. Me to We breakfasts. Pizza Days. Spirit Days. Borrow a Book program. ESL classes for English language learners. Yearbook. Skills Trades Canada Competition. Field Trips. Silver Birch and Red Maple Reading programs. Varsity sports teams. Computer lab. High expectations for learning.
Caring committed teachers who make a difference in their students' lives.
WHAT SETS US APART
Jesse Ketchum is diverse in every sense of the word. We have students come to us from all over the city and all over the world. Our students are excited to learn, and do so in a caring, active environment.
With that in mind we try to allow our students the opportunities to have their interests reflected in the curriculum. Grade 7 and 8 students participate in an 80 minute inquiry block each week. They explore topics such as mural making, technology, cooking, science, fashion, drama and physical education in small groups with teachers who share the same interests and passions.
Our music options for grade 7 and 8 students also offer choice. Students can take a full year program in band, string or steel pan, or a half year music program complimented with a hands-on learning opportunity for the other half of the year.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Public library class visits (K-8)
- Community volunteers (K-Gr.8)
- After 4 Programs
- One-on-One mentors
- OISE-UT student teachers
- Regular permitted use of the school for community groups
- Regular parent volunteers who assist in Early Reading program, classroom and library
- Public Health Programs
- School Community Officer visits