Situated in the city of Toronto, WillowWood School is a co-ed independent day school founded in 1980 under the leadership of Fred Howe, Director. Guided by the mission to provide student-centered, individualized education in a warm and caring environment where all students have a right to learn with dignity, the school nurtures a close-knit, family-style atmosphere with small class sizes typically fewer than 16 students. Students and educators engage in meaningful interactions supported by a pod system allowing cross-level scheduling and a holistic pedagogical approach. Every child is valued as an individual, fostering an environment where students feel supported, with small class sizes and a focus on diverse learning needs, including those diagnosed with ADHD and various learning differences.
Comprehensive Academic Programs
The school offers a broad curriculum that follows the Ontario Ministry of Education’s guidelines and is regularly inspected by the Ministry, ensuring academic rigor and provincial compliance. The academic divisions span the Foundation Program for Kindergarten and Grades 1 through 2, Lower School for Grades 3 through 6, Middle School for Grades 7 through 8, and High School for Grades 9 through 12. With specialized resources and teaching staff, the academic experience is tailored to accommodate unique learning profiles. Additionally, STEAM programs are integrated into the curriculum, and emphasis is placed on direct communication and problem-solving to help students thrive academically.
Specialized support is available through additional academic programs such as Orton-Gillingham remediation, Remediation Plus, Direct Instruction in Reasoning and Writing, Comprehension, Written Expression, Math Support, Homework or Text Support, and the Teaching Organization and Study Skills (TOSS) program, which involve additional costs.
Arts Excellence and Innovation
A rich arts curriculum forms a key pillar of the school’s offerings, encompassing visual arts, theatre, music, and film. Film Studies is a program introducing students to cinematic concepts beginning in Middle School and continuing through advanced courses in Grades 11 and 12. Theatre productions involve students both onstage and behind the scenes, providing hands-on experience in performance, costume design, makeup, and production management.
The Visual Arts department includes digital arts disciplines such as photography, web design, and app development, integrating technology with traditional artistic expression. Music education is enhanced by specialized courses like Sound Technology, where students learn to manage sound and lighting for live events and productions.
Athletics and Team Spirit
Encouraging physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship through active living, the school participates actively in the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF) under the banner of the Warriors. Students can engage in a wide array of competitive sports, including cross country running, ultimate frisbee, flag football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, curling, bowling, ice hockey, soccer, ball hockey, softball, track and field, dodgeball, table tennis, and golf. These programs promote goal-setting, healthy competition, and community engagement within and beyond the school setting.
International Student Support and Cultural Integration
Recognizing the importance of a welcoming environment for international students, dedicated ESL programs provide language instruction. Newcomers are introduced to Toronto’s culture and Canada’s traditions through activities including holiday celebrations, guided city explorations, clubs, and sports teams. International admissions involve a parent, guardian, or agent contacting the school for information, an assessment by the admissions team, and an interview meeting.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
The school prioritizes emotional support through a network of educators and staff, alongside language offerings in English and French. A licensed psychotherapist on staff provides guidance and counseling tailored to individual needs. The therapist also coordinates specialized programs supporting social skills and responsible actions, including the Responsible Actions Program (RAP).
School Community and Recognition
WillowWood School has earned EcoSchools Platinum recognition for its environmental initiatives and commitment to sustainability. Domestic admissions involve a meeting with parents or guardians and principals, a visit to the school by the prospective student if possible, and a review of documentation, with inquiries welcomed all year.
Summer Programs and Enrichment
During the summer months, the school offers programs that combine skill development with other activities. Options include Camp Discovery, High School Credit Courses, and international summer programs. The Experience Ontario Camp blends language learning with cultural activities, providing international students and others an introduction to Canadian life. Additionally, a specialized Golf Camp incorporates professional coaching alongside academic and social skill-building.
Why Choose This School?
This Toronto-based co-ed independent day school stands out through its commitment to individualized education for students with learning differences, comprehensive academic programs aligned with provincial standards, and a blend of arts and athletics. The community prioritizes social-emotional support and specialized student services to foster confident learners. Progressive curricula, innovative arts programs, inclusive international student integration, and mental health resources collectively create an educational experience rooted in respect, creativity, and support.
Integrating technology into the educational experience provides tools that enhance student engagement and support diverse learning styles. Digital devices, interactive software, and specialized applications allow educators to tailor instruction, making concepts more accessible to students with varying needs. Technology also fosters collaborative learning and equips students with digital literacy skills required in modern academic environments. By incorporating digital resources alongside traditional teaching methods, the school creates learning spaces that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and independent problem-solving among students of all abilities.
Enhancing memory and learning involves utilizing strategies that align with how the brain processes and retains information, such as active recall, spaced repetition, and multisensory engagement. For students navigating diverse learning styles or specialized academic programs, incorporating structured study habits and organizational techniques can significantly improve information retention and comprehension. Methods that break complex concepts into manageable segments, combined with regular practice and reflection, help learners build stronger cognitive connections over time. By pairing these evidence-based cognitive strategies with supportive educational environments and tailored resources, students can develop lifelong learning skills that foster academic confidence, reduce study-related stress, and support long-term educational success across a wide variety of subjects and disciplines.
