City School's Mission Statement
Grades: 9-12
Approx. Enrolment: 50
City School is a semestered alternative high school that offers a range of academic courses in Grades 9-12. Our program is ideal for creative, self-motivated students who value community and collaborative learning. The inviting atmosphere, small but diverse student population, engaging curriculum, compassionate teaching, and location make City an appealing alternative to large mainstream high schools.
We hold Open Houses/Information Nights in November, January and June. First-time Grade 9 intake is for September; grade 10/11/12 intake occurs for both September (S1) and February (S2). An interview is required.
City School was established in 1980 by a group of parents and teachers who believed that education could be improved with more experiential learning, greater student involvement in school affairs, and numerous opportunities for young people to take responsibility for their learning. These principles are alive and well at City today. We welcome student initiatives and help develop the critical thinking skills that lead students to self-sufficiency, at school and in the community. Mutual respect and celebration of differences help us create an open, caring community.
Location
City School is at the foot of Bathurst Street in one of the more beautiful school settings in Toronto. All our classrooms look out onto Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands and the downtown skyline. We share our building with the Waterfront School and the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre. This alliance affords us access to a full-size gym, community garden, dance studio, and after-school activities. The TTC provides frequent service to our location, whether from Union, Spadina or Bathurst subway stations. Bicyclists can take the Martin Goodman Trail right to our door.
Our neighbourhood boasts the newest public library in Toronto (Fort York) with a digital production studio and a graphic design lab. As well, a medical clinic, major grocery store, several restaurants, and various retail outlets have opened as the area has become more and more residential. We're a short walk from the ferry docks to the Toronto Islands, where we hold orientation and leadership events annually. In May 2016, the Ministry of Education officially designated City School as part of a Community Hub.
More Information About City School
City School Then and Now
City School was established in 1980 by a group of parents and teachers from SEED who believed that education should be a shared journey. Forty-two years later, we remain true to our roots, adapting our courses and teaching within a framework of constructivist pedagogy. Our social justice advocacy underpins our emphasis on compassionate citizenship.
We welcome student initiatives and help develop the critical thinking skills that lead students to self-sufficiency, at school and in the community. Mutual respect and celebration of differences help us create a friendly, caring community. Our students come from diverse cultural, economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. We promote and embed anti-racist values and education, and we are 2SLGBTQ+ proud.
Student Governance
Students have a say in the governance of the school. Our student council is non-hierarchical and run by all students. Following Toronto Public Health COVID-19 protocols, we hold general meetings where students, teachers and staff discuss concerns, raise issues and share ideas and information.
We have a Nutrition Program that offers a daily snack. Students play a major role in running the program. In the past, we have expanded the menu to include themed meals with foods from Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. We also have used meals as a way to fundraise for charities like the World Wildlife Fund and The Daily Bread Food Bank.
Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning
We provide a stimulating academic program and also foster critical thinking by examining social issues; hosting guest speakers; developing special course units; organizing field trips and events; and arranging seminars, artist-in-the-school programs, and workshops.
We have a regular timetable with four periods. Monday to Friday hours are 9:00 am to 3:15 pm; Fridays are 9:00 am to 12:35 pm. Courses follow the Ontario curriculum while allowing room for deeper exploration of issues and topics. Our program is designed to encourage curiosity, self-confidence, self-awareness, and to promote reflection, with a view to critical thinking. City School students are lifelong learners.
Student-led workshops
Historically, City School students have facilitated a range of workshops for their peers and younger students in the community. Past topics have included anti-bullying, social activism, environmental advocacy, mental health and well-being, healthy relationships, and community storytelling.
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
City School students enjoy an inclusive social atmosphere, a creative community, and an uplifting location with abundant natural light - where the water meets the sky. The students experience comfort within the school community, and an openness where everyone feels valued and no one is excluded. As students come from all over the Toronto area, they are eager to meet new students and make new friends.
WHAT SETS US APART
City's progressive learning environment, unique courses, and opportunities for independent learning have set us apart from many schools. Over the years, City School has launched a significant number of students into STEM careers, many of them young women. In general, the school program is underpinned by egalitarian beliefs and values, which are embraced by male, female and non-binary students alike.
In Science, students learn about local issues such as water pollution, wildlife preservation and urban ecosystem challenges through exploration in the neighbourhood and on fieldtrips.
We are minutes from the Toronto Music Garden created by Yo-Yo Ma, the world-famous cellist, and various art and dance venues associated with the Harbourfront Centre. In addition, our annual whole school field trip to the Toronto Islands builds community. We are hopeful that by the spring, we once again will be able to organize this learning opportunity. Visit our Facebook page and website to stay up to date on school activities.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
City School partners with the Waterfront School and Waterfront Neighbourhood when possible, such as working in the community garden. In addition, following updated TPH rules for visitors, we are looking forward to soon welcoming parents to take part in our events and facilitate learning sessions and workshops. Our School Council plays a notable role in our programming.