Giles School

Run, February 3, 2013

By Nadia

I wish I knew what I now know. How little can be done when you place our child in a small private school. The private school can do almost anything and you have no recourse. They do not have much accountability. If a public school teacher had treated my child like the teacher at Giles did there would have been severe consequences.
Our children are precious and we all want what is best. I made the mistake and I just do not want another child to suffer the damage that mine went through from a year at Giles

Run, February 3, 2013

By Nadia

Benefits of early language, September 17, 2012

By Jacques

The Giles school is based on the vision of Henry Giles who was an early advocate for the advantages of early language. He realized that above and beyond learning an additional language, early language exposure gives general academic advantages. Henry Giles also said "A child who is loved and knows he is loved, is a child who will work harder and who will achieve".

At his advanced age, it is true that Henry Giles is not able to be involved in the day-to-day running of the school. But with two children enrolled in this school, our experience absolutely confirms that Mr Giles philosophies are part of the DNA of the school.

Our 7 yo, like her classmates, is functionally fluent in french and loving Mandarin in grade 2. I find that remarkable. And this is done in a supportive encouraging environment.

The school and classes are the right size and the school has a close-knit feel to it. Selection of teachers is excellent. Our child was worring about starting a new year with a new teacher because she was so attached to her previous teacher. Then she received a letter in the mail addressed to her from her new teacher welcoming her to the class. She simply beamed! All the butterflies were forgotten.

Since one of the reviewers made a comparison to TFS, I think it is worth pointing out that the facillities at Giles are not on par with TFS. They are functional but not fancy.

But one of the most important strengths of the Giles school is the values it lives every day by welcoming all children without a selection process. If this is the sort of values you would like your children to learn, then check out the Giles school.

strong academics, supportive and encouraging atmosphere, September 15, 2012

By Brent

The Giles School focuses on strong academics, and does so in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. I strongly recommend this school for any parent wanting their children to advance academically in a nurturing environment. Class sizes are small, which allow teachers to spend more time with each individual child.

I have two children, the older starting his fifth year at the Giles School (he started in pre-K, now in grade 2). My younger son has some learning difficulties, and the School has been very supportive. To its credit, the School does not pre-test nor screen students (which is not the case at other schools). Harry Giles' philosophy continues at the school, including accepting all children, and believing that all children can achieve much more than what is taught in public schools. Hence, the curriculum is more advanced than public schools in Canada or France. (When I cold called the school in the spring of 2008, Harry Giles himself picked up the phone. He is no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the school, but the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster have worked directly with him, and continue his vision.)

The teachers are qualified French teachers. I know of one applicant for a teaching position, from France, who was not considered because of inadequate qualification.

Several people from France have commented how well my children speak French ("sans accent", one gentleman told me, just last month). Mandarin classes start in grade 1, and both my children enjoy learning their third language.

Also, the school is less expensive than many private schools. It may be nice for children to attend a school with a swimming pool, soccer field and tennis courts, but at what cost to the tuition?

Does the school have issues? Are there things it can improve upon? Yes. But is there any school that is perfect? None that I know.

Buyer Beware, March 10, 2012

By marina Bruni

This school likes to compare itself to Toronto French School. It cannot even get close. It does not have an International Baccalaureate, and it does not follow the curriculum from France as TFS does. Once upon a time Harry Giles did start Toronto French. Since then they have grown and adapted to the changing world. The giles School just has his name. Harry Giles has nothing to do with the school. I even doubt that some of the teachers are qualified in French. I have experienced both.

Smart kids, February 19, 2009

By Mary

This is my child's second year at Giles School (nursery program last year and JK this year). In the short amount of time he's been there, I've been amazed with the amount he's learned. He's now fluently speaking French and English, can count up to 100 in French, and can add and subtract. He's also started taking Japanese classes after school. I chose Giles School for its academics but never would I have guessed that a 3-year old could truly learn so much. Speaking with older kids around the school, I'm always impressed by their knowledge and just the way in which they speak. I've been very happy with the Giles School academically.

great academics, January 1, 2009

By mary

My daughter is enrolled in the nursery program. No doubt, you enroll your child here for the academics. They will not disappoint you in this regard at lease in the lower grade levels. What my daughter is learning is quite impressive. I have heard from other parents that there is no set curriculum for the higher grade levels. What is troublesome is that the higher the grade level, the less students enrolled in the school. The administration is no less than terrible. Ridiculous! The deputy headmaster is on a high horse and comes of as unapproachable and pompous. The before and afterschool care for the smaller children is not adequate but I will give the school credit for addressing this concern and trying to solve it for the new term though personally not quickly enough. Not too many extra-curricular activites, not so much a well-rounded school but you can't be everything to everyone. The tuition is reasonable compared to many schools

Two thumbs up!, May 18, 2008

We've been with the Giles School for 2 years now and are very pleased with the level of education that is being offered by the school. With a new administration in place, we are also seeing improvements in the areas that needed it. We would definitely recommend this school to parents whose priority when choosing a school for their children is a strong curriculum and its excellent implementation.

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