Our Junior School Program
A Time to Discover and Explore
Our goal is to tap into the natural curiosity in each child to inspire lifelong learning.
A Strong Academic Foundation
A Balanced Approach – The Junior School Program at RDS is focused on developing independence, self-confidence, and curiosity about the world through a child-centered inquiry-based approach. Teachers leverage student interests and passions to design authentic learning tasks that challenge and inspire. Innovative pedagogies such as Design Thinking and Inquiry-Based Learning are balanced with the fundamental skill-building required for student success.
Program Highlights
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Inquiry Based Learning: Students in the Junior School develop questions, research topics, present to their classmates, and reflect on what they have learned;
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Guided Reading Program: Students in the Junior School are supported and enriched through weekly Guided Reading instruction at their individual reading level;
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Dynamic Physical Education Program: Students in the Junior School have access to specialized units and sports, utilizing many of the world-class University of Toronto facilities.
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Dash and Dot Coding and Technology: Students in the Junior School learn to use iPads, Chromebooks, and Dash-and-Dot coding programs as part of our Digital Literacy curriculum.
Testimonials
Kelly White
Grade 1 Teacher
I believe students learn best when they feel a sense of belonging and are engaged in the day to day routine of the classroom environment. Students respond best to lessons that are interactive and hands-on.
Laura Trought
Grade 3 Teacher
The best aspect of teaching at RDS is the small community feeling in the big city environment. We are able to take advantage of the amazing learning opportunities around us, like the ROM, Yorkville Library, U of T facilities, Queen's Park, St. Clair Ravine, and the Gardiner Museum.
Wafa Aouchiche
French Teacher
The best part about teaching French is discovering the Francophone world and studying etymology. The origin of words is fascinating to us; it opens up doors to historical and cultural discussions and that is where we connect and engage.
Lara Finney
Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher
The best part about teaching Grade 4 is having a close relationship with both the Junior and Middle School. In the morning and at recess, the Grade 4 students get to spend time with the friends in the Junior School but we also provide opportunities to challenge the Grade 4 students by integrating them with the Grade 5 and 6 students for weekly Problem Solving classes.
Tory Boeckh
HPE Teacher
The best part about teaching health and physical education at RDS is the variety of opportunities we can provide our students. Physical literacy for all is the foundation of our programming and we are proud to offer so many different and engaging units to our students, including skating, swimming, basketball, soccer, squash, spinning, gymnastics and more.
Marium Bahar and Robert Dixon
Grade 1 Parents
As parents our priority was to find a school that nurtured our daughters character in a supportive and inclusive environment. I’m RDS we found both. We couldn’t have asked for a better faculty that help get the best out of us as a family.
Desiree Klein
Grade 4 and Grade 8 Parent
Since we started at RDS September 2018, our two boys have valued the sense of community, the friendships, and the range of opportunities available at the school. They find teachers friendly and supportive. My children have been pleased with everything they've participated in, from athletic to artistic endeavors, to clubs and the many volunteer opportunities available. I appreciate that athletic teams and clubs accept all-takers who are committed and give their best effort. RDS is a small, urban school with a strong sense of community and belonging. My children feel known and important at RDS. They look forward to going to school each day.
Emily weedon
Jr. School Parent
After experiencing extreme bullying, a complete absence of a direct relationship between my child and her teacher, and most importantly growing mental health concerns I knew that I had to take steps to ensure my child's academic future would be nurturing, safe, involved and fulfilling. I am so proud to say that after only 8 weeks of RDS, it was clear my child was thriving. Her grades have never been better. She is ready to go, packed, organized, eager to start her day at school, excited to dive into her homework at night. Her spirit and her spark are shining bright and she has developed a keen passion for learning and exploring that I always knew was there, latent. The passion and involvement of the teachers is clear. Wherever her future studies take her I will always be confident that the investment I made in my child's life and school will have set her more firmly on a path to being a better and happier student and will help her forge a path to anywhere she chooses to go.
