Academics
Junior School
Academics
Junior School
Life in the Junior School — JK through Grade 6
From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 6, we provide a foundation built on high academic standards, strong character, and a genuine love of learning. At CDS, core learning in literacy and mathematics is paired with active exploration across our 100-acre campus, giving children the space to build confidence, form lasting friendships, and recognize the positive impact they can have on the world.
Welcome to the Junior School
Elementary school is a time of remarkable growth. Children are naturally curious, constantly testing their independence and learning to stretch their thinking, while relying on a safe, structured environment to support them when challenges arise.
Our role is to provide that secure base. We give students the room to grow, to ask big questions, solve complex problems, and learn from mistakes within a community where every child is known and valued. That experience is shaped by our faculty. We are fortunate to have exceptional educators who bring deep expertise, warmth, and patience to their classrooms every day.
Beyond a strong academic foundation, we place equal importance on social-emotional growth. Our students learn to collaborate, listen with empathy, and resolve conflicts thoughtfully. Whether working in the classroom or learning out on our fields and trails, they discover early on that their ideas and actions matter.
At the center of everything we do are the students themselves, whose energy, curiosity, and genuine joy bring our classrooms, play spaces, and campus to life every single day. Finding the right balance between high standards and genuine care, independent thinking and community connection, is what we do best, and it defines the rich, supportive environment we are so proud to create.
Rheanne Stevens
Director of Junior School
Academic Vision
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Our Academic Vision
CDS provides an intellectually challenging, diversified and balanced academic program that is learner-centred and delivered through a supportive and caring community dedicated to meeting the individual learning needs of all its students. -
Academic Approach
At the heart of The Country Day School’s academic vision is the belief that all students can achieve success and meet their learning goals. A one-size-fits-all approach to learning does not serve the best interests of most students who approach their studies from various learning styles and preferences and at differing stages of skill development. To this end, we diversify our instructional strategies, the content of our curricula and our assessment methods to create an overall approach that focuses on how students are learning. -
A Place to Discover Your Passion
Education is a process of living, not a preparation for future living.
John Dewey
University preparation is integral to who we are; our curriculum is engaging and challenging. But we also believe that academic rigour should be balanced with opportunities for individual growth, exploration and reflection. We want our students to discover their passions, and to nurture and cultivate them throughout each stage of their educational journey with us. -
A Caring and Supportive Environment
Research tells us that one of the single greatest factors affecting student success is the relationship forged between students and teachers. Our classroom teachers, teaching associates, homeroom advisors, guidance councillors, learning strategists, and administrators recognize this connection and are committed to fostering professional yet kind and caring relationships where each student’s needs are supported and addressed. -
Commitment to Learning and Teaching Excellence
Our academic program is founded upon a shared vision of teaching and learning principles that is grounded in current research that define the expert teacher as one who:- meets the needs of all learners
- is passionate about teaching and learning
- has a deep understanding of teaching and learning
- monitors student learning and uses assessment to improve teaching and learning
- creates an optimal classroom environment
- focuses on mastery learning and deep understanding
- develops self-regulation, self-efficacy and self-esteem in their students
- offers appropriately challenging tasks and goals
Junior School Facts
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Curriculum
Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, French, Music, Technology, Visual Arts, Outdoor Education -
Extra-curriculars
Dance Club, Drama, Dungeons & Dragons, Art Club, Badminton, Math Logic, Lego Club, Chess Club, Yoga, Cooking Club, Improv Club, Animators Club, Ball Hockey, Nature Club, Photography Club, Crochet Club, Outdoor Games, Woodworking Club, Drawing Club, Pottery Club, Card and Board Games, Glee Club, Study Hall -
Team Sports
Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Hockey, Running, Track & Field, Softball
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Life in the Junior School
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Junior & Senior Kindergarten
A successful kindergarten program encourages curiosity and imagination. Our full-day developmental program provides our students with a balance between academically appropriate activities covering math, language, science and social studies, and fosters a sense of mutual respect, responsibility and a positive attitude toward learning.Our youngest learners are supported through their journey by both our teachers and classroom assistants. With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, our early learning specialists are able to dedicate much of their time to individuals in the classroom. Students enter our school as active and capable learners. Therefore their learning opportunities are designed to meet them at their level and encourage their spirit of inquiry.Learning through experience, 'by doing' and 'by sensing' allows the students to develop a keen sense of self-discovery, self-awareness and self-expression. Students are encouraged to create, explore and solve problems as they play.By the end of their two years, the children are fully ready to meet the academic challenges of the primary division. -
The Koalas Program
The School offers an after school extra-curricular program called Koalas to students in JK-Grade 3 that runs from 3:20-4:30 p.m. The cost of Koalas is $9.00 per day.The Koalas Program is of particular interest to primary students with siblings involved in the Extra-curricular Program or who travel regularly on the bus. Koalas is supervised by two employees. Fun, interesting and staff-directed activities are offered until 4:30 p.m. with the exception of days with no after school activities. -
The After Care Program
Additional care (for Junior School students of any grade) is offered in the After Care Program, Monday to Friday from 4:30-6:00 p.m.The cost of After Care is $13.50 per day.All primary students are eligible to attend After Care where they will be part of the Koalas Program until 4:30 p.m. and supervision will continue until 6:00 p.m.
Participating Junior students will join After Care at the conclusion of their regular Extra-curricular Program at 4:30 p.m. On days without after school activities, After Care will run for Primary and Junior students from 3:20-6:00 p.m.
JS Citizenship Pledge
CDS can count on me.
I pledge to act with integrity;
to do what is right and fair.
I will show respect for myself, for
others and for the environment.
I will be responsible
for my actions at work and at play.
I will be honest, trustworthy,
courageous and kind.
CDS can count on me
to try my best,
to be my best,
each and every day.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
