Academic Programs
Private Elementary School in Toronto. Separate sciences from Grade 4.
Grades 1 through 8
An enriched curriculum that extends beyond the Ontario Ministry of Education expectations, offering distinct instruction in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Grade 4, French beginning in Junior Kindergarten, and participation in Math League contests and the University of Waterloo Gauss Math Contest to challenge and extend student thinking.
About the Program
An enriched learning experience from the outset.
Prestige School offers an enriched learning environment designed to meet your child's individual needs. We encourage students to reach their potential by expecting integrity and excellence from all our pupils.
Our programs enrich the regular Ontario Ministry curriculum in meaningful ways: separate sciences from Grade 4 and a depth of mathematics that prepares students for the Gauss and Math League contests.
We invite you to come and see us in action.
Beyond the Ministry Program
- French from Kindergarten — continued through Grade 8
- Computer Studies from Grade 1
- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as separate subjects from Grade 4
- Advanced Visual Arts, Dance, and Theatre
- Smart Board technology integrated across classrooms
- Painting, sculpting, and mixed-media Visual Arts
- Math League contests and annual Gauss Math Contest (University of Waterloo)
- Science experiments and hands-on lab work
- History and Geography as distinct subjects from Grade 6
Parent Questions
Questions to ask when comparing elementary schools.
How large are the elementary classes?
Class size is capped at a maximum of 18 students. A cap is a ceiling rather than an average, so when you compare schools, ask how many children sit in the actual classroom your child would join.
Is a private elementary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education?
No. The Ontario Ministry of Education does not license, accredit, or endorse private schools, and it does not inspect private elementary schools. Because of that, ask the schools you compare how they assess and report on your child’s progress.
Can we visit before we apply?
Yes. Visit our Toronto or Richmond Hill campus during school hours to see our small classes in action. You will meet our teachers, walk the building, and get a feel for the community.
What happens in the admissions assessment?
Your child spends a morning with our teachers in a series of lessons, games, and activities. We use this to understand their strengths, current level, and learning style — not to judge or reject.
When another school may suit your family better.
If your child wants a wide choice of electives or large team programs, a bigger school may suit them better. Whichever schools you compare, ask which subjects, clubs and activities run in your child’s grade, and visit before you decide.
The Program
The full elementary curriculum.
A closer look at the subjects Prestige School elementary students take, and how each program is taught.
Grades 1–8
Language Arts
Develops lifelong readers and skilled writers, beginning with reading and writing strategies in Grade 2 across summaries, letters, short stories, and text-based analysis paragraphs. The Grades 4 to 7 Middle School Balanced Literacy Program emphasizes vocabulary enhancement and composition across argumentative, informative, narrative, and summary genres, alongside analysis of diverse literary and informational texts. In Grade 8, the focus shifts to holistic communication, multi-paragraph composition, and listening and speaking through discussions and presentations.
Grades 1–8
Mathematics
Covers all elements of the Ontario curriculum through an innovative approach in which students are taught one grade level ahead, providing an advanced and stimulating learning experience. Teachers tailor instruction to individual learners, continuously challenging them to accelerate their mathematical abilities. Students participate in the Math League contests throughout the year, and students in Grades 7 and 8 also write the University of Waterloo Gauss Math Contest — both supported through the after-school Math Club.
Grades 1–3
Science
Introduces students to a broad foundation in the natural and applied sciences, building scientific curiosity before specialization begins in later grades. Pupils take part in hands-on experiments and learn early lab report writing alongside presentation work that develops communication skills. The approach emphasizes critical thinking and reasoning, preparing students for the shift to discrete Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from Grade 4.
Grades 4–8
Physics
Beginning in Grade 4, Physics is taught as its own subject. The elementary stream covers foundational topics such as forces and motion, simple machines, energy, light, sound, and electricity, taught through activity-based learning and lab investigations. Students complete structured experiments with formal lab reports, supported by computer simulations that model physical phenomena, building the conceptual and mathematical groundwork for high school Physics.
Grades 5–8
Chemistry
Offered as a distinct subject from Grade 5. The program introduces matter and its properties, states and changes of matter, mixtures and solutions, atoms and elements, and introductory chemical reactions through guided experiments in the lab. Students practise structured lab report writing and develop safe lab technique, supported by computer simulations to visualize concepts at the molecular level.
Grades 4–8
Biology
Taught as a separate subject from Grade 4, giving students an early specialized foundation in the life sciences. The curriculum covers cells and microorganisms, plant and animal systems, human body systems, ecosystems and biodiversity, and basic genetics, delivered through activity-based learning and field-style investigations. Pupils carry out experiments, write formal lab reports, and present findings, developing both scientific literacy and communication skills.
Grades 1–8
French
Uses an immersive methodology in which French is the primary language of communication in the classroom. The curriculum prioritizes oral skills as the foundation for reading and writing, teaching students to deduce meaning through non-verbal cues, intonation, and context. A variety of activities place students in practical and authentic contexts, building fluent oral communication, reading proficiency that connects written language to speech, and composition for diverse purposes.
Grades 1–8
Technology
Integrates computers across the curriculum through modules covering a broad spectrum of digital tools and software. Students build proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite — Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access — alongside keyboarding techniques and foundational computer literacy. The program also introduces game design and programming, image creation and editing in GIMP, web design, and digital photography.
Grades 1–8
Visual Arts
Focuses on the traditional fine arts of drawing, painting, and sculpting, with a curriculum designed to nurture creativity and visual communication. Students refine observational skills and critical thinking while learning to express ideas and emotions through art. The program also introduces art history, training students to analyse and appreciate works from different periods and styles to build cultural awareness.
Grades 1–8
Music
Builds both an appreciation for music and the practical skills to enjoy it as a lifelong pursuit, treating music as a driver of intellectual and emotional development. Lessons combine performance and listening with the study of musical elements and a diverse cultural repertoire. Students develop reasoning, critical thinking, and emotional expression alongside their growing technical ability.
Grades 1–8
Dance
Weekly classes give students a structured way to explore movement and rhythm, beginning with fundamental movements and stretches and progressing to full-class combinations and routines. The program develops physical coordination, rhythm, and expressiveness while reinforcing the ability to follow instructions and collaborate as a team. Group routines also support overall fitness and well-being as students build confidence performing together.
Grades 1–5
Social Studies
Introduces students to Canadian geography and cultural diversity, helping them connect with their national identity from an early age. Lessons combine historical and contemporary studies, including units on early civilizations and historical architecture such as castles. Students build foundational knowledge of Canada and the wider world while developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
Grades 6–8
History
Examines Canadian and world history in greater depth, studying early civilizations, key historical periods, and the development of Canadian society. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills through the comparison of historical and contemporary events. Students learn how past decisions and movements shape Canada’s legal system, government structures, and societal values today.
Grades 6–8
Geography
Builds on earlier work in Canadian geography and cultural diversity, broadening students’ understanding of Canada’s place in the world. Students study physical and human geography, including regions, environments, and the relationships between people and the landscapes they inhabit. The program develops map skills, inquiry, and analytical thinking in preparation for the Grade 9 Geography of Canada course.
Grades 1–8
Athletics
A key part of Prestige School’s holistic approach rather than a stand-alone physical education class. Activities are designed to improve physical fitness and coordination while building self-esteem and self-discipline. Through regular sport, students also develop values such as respect, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, and fair play that carry into life beyond the school.
FAQ
Elementary program questions.
How does the Prestige School elementary program go beyond the Ontario curriculum?
Prestige School goes significantly beyond the Ontario Ministry curriculum. The most notable differences: separate Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Grade 4; French from Junior Kindergarten; and Computer Studies from Grade 1. Class size is capped at a maximum of 18 students.
What math competitions do Prestige School students participate in?
Prestige School students participate in Math League contests throughout the year. Students in Grades 7 and 8 also write the University of Waterloo's annual Gauss Math Contest. Preparation for both is supported through our Math Club, which meets after school.
Do elementary students at Prestige School earn credits that transfer to another school?
At Prestige School, credit courses begin in Grade 9, so elementary students do not earn credits. Students who transfer from Prestige School carry a complete academic record to their new school.
What arts programs are available in elementary?
All elementary students study Visual Arts, Music, and Dance. Senior elementary students (Grades 6–8) also have access to Theatre.
Considering Prestige School for September 2027?
Get our School Guide and open house dates.
Get In Touch
We would be pleased to connect with your family.
Whether you have a question, would like to arrange a campus tour, or are ready to begin the admissions process, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Office Hours
Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM