Life in the Senior School

At CDS we are mindful that as students enter the final stages of their educational journey with us, they will be confronted with very difficult life choices, not least of which are post-secondary destinations. We offer the Ontario Secondary School curriculum, as well as some Advanced Placement courses. As students move through their Senior School years, the number and range of optional course offerings increase to reflect greater levels of independence and choice, so that by their final year students have over 20 optional courses from which to choose. Our Senior School staff is committed to a yearly academic renewal process in which new courses are vetted for consideration to ensure students have the opportunity to fully engage their interests and cultivate the skills necessary for future success.

Welcome to the Senior School

The Country Day School Senior School first opened its doors in 1986 and graduated its first class of 13 students in 1991. Today’s school is a very different place, housing more than 300 active and focused students who are preparing themselves for challenging post-secondary opportunities where they will follow their passions.

Some of our Grade 9-12 students are “lifers”, having started at CDS in JK, SK or Grade 1. However, many students have joined us along the way and have immersed themselves in the school culture – a culture founded on mutual respect, and highlighted by daily character education with balance of both a formal and informal nature. Key among the strengths in the Senior School is the relationship between teacher and student.

The School is large enough to support robust programming but small enough that each of the students are well-known by the faculty members. CDS and its Senior division are committed to meeting the needs of all learners, and with the support offered by dedicated teachers and a Student Services team, our students flourish. Decisions at the School always put the student first, with programming and school policies focused on the best interests of the teenagers in our care.

Senior School students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and have an abundance of opportunities to become involved in community service, the arts, athletics or whatever captures their interests. CDS provides a myriad of opportunities for everyone to discover and develop their talents.

Celia Bland
Director of Senior School

Senior School Facts

List of 4 items.

  • Class Size Guideline

    Class Guideline 22
  • Team Sports

    Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, Track & Field, Softball, Baseball, Rugby, Tennis, Golf, Alpine Skiing and Snow Boarding, Ultimate Frisbee, Badminton
  • Extracurriculars

    Debating & Public Speaking, Model United Nations, Social Justice Club, DECA Student Marketing/Business Club, Sustainability Club, Robotics Team, Diversity Club, Health Sciences Club, Mock Trial, Peer Tutoring, Inclusivity Club, Math Competition Preparation, Meridian Yearbook Club, Portraits Art & Literary Magazine, Flag Football, Chess Club & Board Games, Indoor/Outdoor Games Club, Peer Tutoring, Cricket
  • Student-Teacher Ratios

    9:1

Academic Vision

List of 5 items.

  • 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

School Information

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.