Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 1
TFS teaches a unique blend of curricula: that of the Ministry of Education of Ontario, the Ministry of Education of France and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization, and it all begins in the early year.
Immersed in French
From the moment children join TFS, through Grade 1, they are instructed only in French. Children quickly embrace the language and are gently encouraged to increase their use of French during classroom activities.
Instruction in the English language begins in Grade 2 at TFS. People often wonder if this approach hinders the acquisition of English. The answer is no! The language skills students acquire learning French gives them an advanced linguistic foundation for learning, exploring and appreciating English. In fact, TFS teaches English one grade level ahead of the public system, e.g., Grade 4 students are taught at the Grade 5 level.
The Primary Years Program Begins
Underpinning the French and Ontario curricula is the Primary Years Program (PYP) of the IB. The IB is a high-quality program of international education.
Undertaken from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5, the PYP is a framework; it is not what is taught, but how it is taught. It takes an inquiry-based approach to learning, through which the curricula are delivered. This means that learning is not a passive exercise removed from the everyday world; rather it is a highly active and interactive exploration that engages students in the world in which they live.
Students in these grades learn about science, history, geography, reading and writing, the arts and more through transdisciplinary units of study. They also grow and develop their gross and fine motor skills, learn to get along together, and start to understand the world around them in all its fascinating aspects. And they do so at La p’tite école on our Toronto campus and at our Mississauga campus, where they are supported and taught by nurturing staff, within inspiring educational environments.
Academic Programs at a Glance
Unique to TFS is its history of blending highly-regarded curricula. Each, on its own, is comprehensive; however, by engaging our students in the following three curricula, we offer an exceptional educational experience:
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Ministry of Education of Ontario
(JK – Grade 12/Level V) -
Ministry of Education of France
(age 3 – Grade 9/Level II) -
International Baccalaureate – a high-quality program of international education
(PK* – Grade 12/Level V)
We also offer a French-language program for two year olds, called Jardin d’éveil.
* Authorization for PK – Grade 10/Level III programs expected in spring 2013.
Instruction Exclusively in French
Children enrolled at TFS through Grade 1 receive instruction only in French. Children adapt easily to the French-only environment, as their increasing use of French is nurtured over the school year through classroom activities.
TFS was the first school in Canada to introduce the immersion approach to learning French. Now, as then, it provides the ideal environment in which to acquire a new language.
Learn More...
For a detailed description of all subjects taught at TFS from Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) through Grade 5, please refer to the Curriculum Guide.
The French National Curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten (Petite Section) to Grade 5.
International Baccalaureate programs taught at TFS.
