Upper School
PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR
POST-SECONDARY AND BEYOND
GRADES 9-12
Our Upper School, as one of Toronto’s best independent schools, features small, collaborative classes that emphasise problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. We celebrate the diversity of our student’s learning and empower them to achieve their goals. Are you wondering if there are suitable private high schools near me to enrich my child’s learning? Look no further than TSA. With a range of extracurricular activities, personalised learning strategies, and AP® classes, we ensure our students are well-equipped for the future.
Classes feature a variety of teaching strategies, including inquiry-based teaching, direct instruction, and problem-based learning. Frequent individual conferences provide direct feedback to students, and a balanced portfolio of assessments evaluates students’ use of a wide variety of strategies. Students are set up for success with a feedback-rich environment, opportunities to develop effective learning strategies in the classroom, and layers of support and enrichment.
Our focus is on preparing our students for post-secondary study and lifelong learning. Please take some time to review where our alums have attended and what they have studied.
4.8
average class size
93%
of graduates attend their first-choice of post-secondary programs
65
elective courses available from 12 subject areas
Advanced Placement®
AP® courses offer an internationally recognised standard of educational excellence for high-achieving and ambitious university-bound students. Successful performances in AP® courses present opportunities for advanced standing in first-year university and provides an advantage in applying to a wide variety of competitive programs. The Study Academy offers an array of AP® courses that complement Ontario curriculum with enriched study.
AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
Key Features
All of our students are equipped with Learning Plans that outline their strengths, growth opportunities, strategies for success, accessibility needs, and accommodations. These plans are woven directly into the curriculum they participate in.
Students who excel in scholarship, collaboration, and community building are acknowledged on the Principal’s List, our annual achievement program.
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- The school day runs from 8:55 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Study Hall is available from 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Full-year courses are scheduled in the morning (including grades 9-11 math and English) and semester courses in the afternoon
- Extra-curricular activities run before school, during lunch, and after school
All students are paired with an Advisor, who regularly meets to support their growth throughout the year. This journey begins by setting goals and identifying growth opportunities. As the year progresses, students develop self-awareness, organisation, and advocacy skills to apply toward their culminating activities and assessments.
Meet Jared
Inspire Week
Inspire Week is a community service learning event for Upper School students that promotes hands-on involvement in community planning and development projects. We collaborate with organisations, including Waves of Hope and GVI, to help build sustainable communities.
But it’s not all hard work! Students also have exciting adventures like summiting volcanoes, riding horseback at sunset, and estuary kayaking.
Fall Camp
Each school year starts with a four-day overnight camp experience, immediately following Labour Day. We have travelled to the Canadian Ecology Centre and, more recently, to Camp Tawingo to kickstart the year with outdoor education, leadership opportunities, and, most importantly, friendship-building. Students will arrive on their first day of class having connected with a wide cross-section of the school, with shared stories, familiar faces, and a comfort level with their peers.