Progressive School
for Exceptional Children

learn. differently.

Small classes and a vibrant school community set the stage for grades 3-12 students. Distinct among independent schools in Toronto, TSA sets high expectations for its classes, offers support, enrichment, and differentiation for its students, and features an inclusive culture that celebrates individual differences and successes.

Our philosophy

Five central beliefs lay the foundation for our understanding of student learning and school design. These core philosophies inform classroom teaching practice and leadership decision-making.

1) Learning is a social activity, influenced by our emotions and motivations

2) Students are the central participants in the learning process

3) Learning environments must be responsive to individual differences

4) Virtuous cycles occur when research informs practice and vice versa

5) Learning requires a disciplined investment of intelligence from learners

Our Students

Wordcloud with student descriptors including twice-exceptional, gifted, and verbal

Meet Becks Barstow

Academics

Developed with care and continuously adapting to our students’ diverse talents, TSA is among Toronto’s premier schools for 2eTwice-exceptional (2e) students are a diverse group of learners with complicated learning profiles. They exhibit gifts and talents in certain areas and experience impingement on their learning in others. Learn More students. Our educational approach is crafted to nurture each child’s growth and success.

LOWER SCHOOL

Students’ natural curiosities are nurtured through discussion-oriented, collaborative, and personalised classes that prepare them to navigate the world of high school.

UPPER SCHOOL

Creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity are fostered in small, collaborative classes. We support diverse learners and prepare students for success through differentiated learning, AP® classes, and a variety of extracurricular activities.

AFTER SCHOOL

TSA offers a wide range of educational opportunities beyond day school, including summer day camps, after-school tutorials and classes, and summer school credit classes.

Student Life

Learning is not limited to the classroom. We provide our students with a diverse offering of enriching activities that foster friendships, celebrate diversity, and cultivate curiosity.

Student Council

The student council, elected annually, is comprised of an executive team and facilitates student events, bridges communications between students and faculty, and promotes student interests.

Summer Camp

Our day camp features a diverse range of programs, including coding, geocaching, arts, and chef school. These programs provide a safe and inclusive environment where campers can learn new skills, build friendships, and gain confidence.

Extracurriculars

From sweating in the gym to mixing it up in the kitchen, we offer our students a wide range of extracurricular activities. These are an important part of school culture and provide opportunities for students to build teamwork skills, leadership abilities, and long-lasting friendships.

TSA Houses

Our house activities and challenges facilitate interaction among a diverse group of students across grades and academic interests. These collaborative and competitive activities provide leadership and mentorship opportunities and build a healthy school spirit. The year culminates in the awarding of the Husky Cup, which recognises a commitment to athletics, academic challenges, novel problem-solving, and positive contribution to school culture.

Inspire Week

An annual community service learning event for Upper School students centred on themed international trips and activities with hands-on community planning and development projects, promoting experiential learning and adventure.

How we Measure Up

93% of TSA graduates are accepted into and attend their first choice of post-secondary programs.

We are proudly small and student-centric by design, affording opportunities for rich discussion-based classes.

A diverse set of offerings provide a vibrant school culture and opportutnies for friendship building, leadership, creativite expression, sports, and academic enrichment.

All students deserve and benefit from the differentiated strategies and accommodations collaboratively built into their learning plans and integrated throughout their learning.

Progressive School
for Exceptional Children

learn. differently.

Our philosophy

Our Students

Meet Becks Barstow