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The Leo Baeck Day School

Canada, Toronto

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The school at a glance
Fees CA$18,340
Ages 1 - 14 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1974
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Hebrew, French
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Located at 501 Arlington Avenue in Toronto, The Leo Baeck Day School is Toronto's only Jewish day school offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, paired with a Bespoke Jewish education. Serving ages 1 to 14, the school blends Hebrew and Judaic studies with the IB framework, fostering inquiry, critical thinking and real‑world connections. The campus is expanding: a 10,000‑square‑foot two‑storey addition underway since February 2026 will introduce a modern library, a larger Art Studio, technology and innovation spaces, a Wellness Centre, a Student Resource Centre, flexible learning spaces and a dedicated Junior Gym; completion is planned for September 2027. The Athletics program includes basketball, hockey, swimming and more, with JDSSL and SSAF participation; the Junior Gym completed in 2024 expands Middle School athletics. Signature programs include the Tikkun Project for social action, a robust arts program (Visual Arts, Music with a recording studio, Junior Choir and Rock Band) and Hebrew, Judaic Studies and French.

The Essentials

The Leo Baeck Day School has typical class sizes of 22.

Location
501 Arlington Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6C 3A4, Canada. The school is located in Toronto, Ontario. It is Toronto's IB Jewish day school.

Stages
Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Type
Jewish IB day school

Additional learning support
Bonim provides targeted learning support for students with identified language learning needs; includes psychoeducational services and social work; remediation is offered within general and Hebrew studies; The Bonim Program supports students with language learning disabilities to achieve reading and writing success.

Country affiliation
Canada

Religious affiliation
Reform Judaism

School day structure
The school day for JK–5 runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Grades 6–8 run from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Before care starts at 7:45 a.m. and After Care is available until 6:00 p.m. (5:45 p.m. on Fridays).
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch program and after-school care are offered.

Governance and Ownership
Governing body is a Board of Directors; CAIS accreditation.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Leo Baeck Day School ranges from CAD 18,340 for 2026/27.

Application fee / deposit

- Application deposit: CAD 500, payable by cash, cheque or e‑transfer. Deposits are fully refundable if the school cannot accommodate the applicant by September 1.

Tuition fees by year group (2026/27)

- Full Day Junior Kindergarten – Grade 8: CAD 18,340 per year.

- Per‑term / instalment examples based on the school's payment options:
- Three instalments option (dates: July 1, September 1, November 1): equivalent to CAD 6,113.33 per instalment (CAD 18,340 ÷ 3).
- Ten instalments option (dates: the first of each month from July 1 to April 1): equivalent to CAD 1,834.00 per monthly instalment (CAD 18,340 ÷ 10). Choosing the ten‑instalment plan carries an additional monthly handling charge of CAD 22.50 per student.

Capital levy

- Capital levy total: CAD 6,500 per student, payable over five years at CAD 1,300 per year, beginning in the year a student first enters Senior Kindergarten or any higher grade. A 25% credit is offered to families who pay the full five‑year commitment in one initial payment (credit available only in the first year the levy is applicable). The levy payments are tax‑receiptable in the year(s) paid.

Other mandatory / regular fees

- Parents' Association dues: CAD 18 per family.
- After‑school care: CAD 15 per day per student (after‑care program available until 6:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 5:45 p.m. on Fridays). Before‑school supervision is provided at no extra cost.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Two permitted tuition payment schedules:
- Three (3) instalments dated July 1, September 1 and November 1 (following year).
- Ten (10) instalments dated the first of each month from July 1 to April 1 (following year); this option includes a monthly handling charge of CAD 22.50 per student.
- Both payment plans may be paid by post‑dated cheque or by pre‑authorized payments. Agreements received after May 15 are subject to a CAD 100 late filing fee.

Payment methods

- Application deposit: cash, cheque or e‑transfer.
- Tuition: post‑dated cheque or pre‑authorized payments. (Families should follow the school's payment agreement instructions.)

Refund and withdrawal policy

- The school's policy states that deposits and other fees are non‑refundable. When a student is unilaterally absent or withdrawn after the due date for the first tuition payment (July 1), tuition payments may be refundable on a monthly pro‑rated basis. In all cases a processing fee of CAD 500 per child will be retained by the school. If the school requires a student's withdrawal, unused tuition will be refunded but other fees remain non‑refundable.

Credit, collection and penalties

- Returned bank or pre‑authorized cheques: CAD 25 service charge.
- Overdue balances: interest charged at 1.5% per month. Monthly payment plans must be in good standing by December 1 to retain the student's place in the current year and by April 1 to retain a place for the next school year.

Boarding / residential fees

- The Leo Baeck Day School is a day school for Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8; no boarding facility or boarding fees are published.

Uniform / apparel costs and other optional purchases

- There is no published, mandatory school‑wide uniform fee. Branded school apparel and merchandise are available for purchase through the school's apparel webstore; individual item prices vary by product.

Tuition assistance / alternative payment resources

- The school participates in tuition assistance programs through community partners; day‑school scholarship applications are available through the UJA Federation and interest‑free loan programs are available through Jewish Free Loan Toronto (JFLT). These programs reduce net tuition for eligible families.
Academics

The Leo Baeck Day School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 1 to 14.

Curriculum
The Leo Baeck Day School offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. It is Toronto's only IB Jewish day school. The IB program is paired with a progressive Jewish education and a global outlook, shaping how students view the world and their Judaism. The school focuses on teaching students how to learn and gives them opportunities to practice strategic, critical thinking and problem solving through a curriculum connected to the world around them. The curriculum fosters inquiry, critical thinking and engagement with real-world issues. Leo Baeck graduates are prepared for high school academically, socially and emotionally.

Higher Education Progression
Max Debow, Class of 2013, is a Harvard student.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of The Leo Baeck Day School. The Social Work team oversees SEL to ensure the school looks at the whole child. Students learn to understand their emotions and demonstrate empathy, and to engage socially by interacting with peers appropriately, listening effectively, learning with intention, and regulating themselves. SEL is integrated into the formal curriculum across all grades to support responsible decision-making and positive relationships. Social workers provide one-to-one support to help students set individualized wellbeing goals.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Bonim is an academic program designed to meet the needs of students with identified language learning disabilities. It goes beyond traditional remediation to ensure all Leo Baeck students achieve reading and writing at grade level while remaining integrated into the Jewish day school system. The program provides remediation in both general and Hebrew studies, delivered in small groups or within the classroom. The Student Services team includes psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers who provide counseling and classroom support. The Bonim Program is funded by donors and has limited capacity.

Mental Wellbeing
The school marks national days dedicated to mental health and student wellbeing. The Social Work team provides one-to-one support to promote student mental wellbeing and to help students regulate emotions and build healthy relationships.

Safeguarding
The school has a Code of Conduct to ensure a respectful and safe environment, outlining the responsibilities of students, staff and families.
Parent Experience

History
The Leo Baeck Day School opened its Arlington Avenue campus in 2012 with 450 students in a building designed to accommodate 500 students in 25 classrooms. Within ten years enrollment grew to over 600 students in 29 classrooms, nearing the building's capacity of 30 classes. The Arlington Avenue building was renamed the Phil and Cees Wynn Centre for Jewish Education in recognition of a major gift. In 2026 the Proud History, Bright Future campaign announced a 10,000-square-foot two-storey addition and renovations, with construction beginning February 2026 and expected to be completed by September 2027; the plan includes a Wellness Centre, Student Resource Centre, modernized library, enlarged Art Studio and Technology/Innovation space, plus a dedicated Junior Gym. The Arlington Avenue campus address is 501 Arlington Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6C 3A4, and The Leo Baeck Day School continues to operate there as The Leo Baeck Day School.

Community
The school community is enriched by the LBPA, the Leo Baeck Parents' Association, a vibrant team of volunteers that enhances the school experience through programs, services and events. LBPA invites all parents to volunteer and join one of its many committees to support the school and families.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The LBPA is the Leo Baeck Parents' Association, a volunteer-driven body that enhances the school experience. Dani Seligman and Robin Joffe serve as LBPA co-chairs for 2025–27. The LBPA relies on volunteers to run its programs and offers committees such as Grade Captain, Events Committee, Holidays, Book Fair, tikkun olam, challah bake, and staff appreciation. LBPA events include Skate Days, Bingo Night, Challah Bake, Passover seder experiences and a school Book Fair, and the group also coordinates the hot lunch program. For questions, contact lbpa@leobaeck.ca.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Leo Baeck Day School is undergoing a major facilities expansion at 501 Arlington Avenue, Toronto, including a 10,000-square-foot two-storey addition on the north side of the building. The addition will provide dedicated spaces for technology and innovation, a modernized library, an enlarged Art Studio, a contemporary Student Resource Centre, a Wellness Centre, a technology and innovation space, and flexible multi-purpose spaces for group work and clubs. Construction began in February 2026 and is planned to be completed by September 2027. The Athletic Centre will be enhanced with a dedicated Junior Gym, freeing up the full-size gym for higher-level Middle School athletics; the Junior Gym was completed in 2024. The project also reinstates a proper lunchroom and dining hall and improves accessibility with a ramp and a new elevator; the Phil and Cees Wynn Centre for Jewish Education has been established in recognition of a major gift.

Sports Facilities
The Athletics program includes basketball, baseball, hockey, volleyball, swimming, track and field, and more. Full-time Physical Education teachers lead the program. The Athletic Centre will be completed with a dedicated Junior Gym, allowing greater access to the full-size gym for higher-level athletics for Middle School students; the Junior Gym was completed in 2024. The school participates in the Jewish Day School Sports League (JDSSL) and is the only Jewish day school participating in the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF).

Academic Facilities
The renovation includes dedicated spaces for technology and innovation, a modernized library, an enlarged Art Studio, and a contemporary Student Resource Centre. The Wellness Centre and flexible multi-purpose spaces support learning and social-emotional development. A Dining Hall is being added to restore proper lunch facilities, and accessibility features include a ramp and a new elevator to all floors. The project total includes a 10,000-square-foot two-storey addition to support student growth.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Tikkun Project integrates social action, Jewish values and critical thinking into the core curriculum for Grades K-8. The Arts program includes Visual Arts & Design, Musical Training with a recording studio, a Junior Choir and Rock Band, and Performing Arts, with Middle School plays and Shabbat services. Athletics offers basketball, baseball, hockey, volleyball, swimming, and track and field, with JDSSL competition and SSAF participation as the only Jewish day school in SSAF. Little Leos provides programs for children aged 16 months to 2.5 years, including Move It! and Shake It & Bake It! sessions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Leo Baeck Day School is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The IB framework fosters curiosity, creativity, interdisciplinary connections and self‑reflection through hands‑on, experiential learning. The program balances Jewish and general studies, dividing subjects into Language Arts and Social Studies, Math and Science, and Hebrew and Judaic Studies. It also includes athletics, music, drama, art, technology, library and science, with French taught beginning in Senior Kindergarten and a wide range of extra‑curricular programs.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts & Design begin in the early years and formal training in Visual Arts techniques starts in Grade 1, with design thinking applied to real‑world challenges in Middle School. Music education includes instrument and composition instruction from professional educators, plus a recording studio, a Junior Choir (Baeck Jr.) and a Rock Band that perform at assemblies, holidays and events. Performing Arts include annual Middle School plays and drama productions that foster collaboration and creative storytelling.

Cultural & Language
Hebrew and Judaic Studies are integrated into the IB balance of Jewish and General Studies. French is taught beginning in Senior Kindergarten. The IB framework combines Jewish and general studies with language arts and other core disciplines, reflecting a holistic approach to language and cultural education.

Social & Hobbies
Collaborative projects, extracurricular activities and an array of lunch clubs are part of daily life at Leo Baeck. Leadership opportunities include the Student Council. The school offers a robust athletic program led by full‑time Physical Education teachers, supported by volunteers and families.

Community & Service
The Tikkun Project integrates social action, Jewish values and critical thinking into the core curriculum for Grades K‑8. The program addresses real‑world issues such as poverty, climate change and inequality and has been a core element in teaching and learning since 2017. Tikkun learning connects Judaic texts and values to authentic community service and social justice action.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership opportunities include the Student Council, providing experiences in governance and teamwork. Lunch clubs and collaborative projects further develop leadership, communication and peer collaboration.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Health and fitness are essential parts of the Leo Baeck experience, achieved through curricular and extra‑curricular programs led by full‑time physical education teachers. A wide range of sports is offered, including basketball, baseball, hockey, volleyball, swimming, track & field, and more, with competition through the Jewish Day School Sports League and related associations. The school also emphasizes social and emotional wellness, with core competencies such as self‑awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making and self‑management.
Languages

Language Provision
Hebrew and French are language subjects taught in the program. Hebrew is introduced for half an hour per day in Junior Kindergarten. Hebrew is taught for 1 hour per day in Senior Kindergarten. From Grade 1 to Grade 5, Hebrew and French appear in the daily schedule.

Bilingual Teaching
Hebrew and French are taught as part of the regular curriculum. Hebrew is introduced for half an hour per day in Junior Kindergarten. Hebrew is taught for 1 hour per day in Senior Kindergarten. From Grade 1 to Grade 5, Hebrew and French are included in the daily schedule.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Book a private tour today. Complete the Connect form to introduce yourself and begin the admission process. The tour initiates the admissions and helps the school learn about your family and child.

2) Submit an application. After the tour, a link to the online application is shared. The application requires a $500 deposit, a copy of your child's birth certificate, a copy of the immunization record, and a photograph of your child. All documents are needed to complete the application.

3) Admission Interview. The interview is an integral element of the admission process and is required for all applicants, regardless of grade level. Parents are invited to arrange an individual appointment with the Director of Admission. The interview allows the school to learn more about your family and child and to discuss fit and expectations. It is conducted with the parents in attendance.

4) Student Assessment. In-house assessments use grade-appropriate activities with a variety of school staff and administrators to determine if the school is the right fit for the applicant. All information collected is shared with the Director of Admission and the Admission Committee during the process. The assessment helps the school understand the student's readiness and needs. The process involves collaboration among staff to ensure a fair review.

5) Admission Decision. Acceptance letters are sent in the year prior to entry. The wait pool remains in effect until September 1, immediately prior to school opening. Deposits are fully refundable if the school cannot accommodate by September 1. The Leo Baeck Day School reserves the right to deny an offer of acceptance at any point during the admission process.

Scholarships
Day School Scholarships and the Generations Trust Scholarship are available through the UJA Federation. Scholarships are offered for JK–Grade 12 and are awarded as reduced tuition based on each family's financial situation. A quick, anonymous Scholarship Calculator helps estimate what you might pay via UJA; Visit dayschoolscholarships.ca to learn more about eligibility and the application process.

Waitlist
The school maintains a wait pool for applicants. The wait pool remains in effect until September 1, immediately prior to school opening.
School Events
The school has not added events
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