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The Rosedale Day School

Canada, Toronto

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The school at a glance
Fees CA$32,500
Ages 4 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 175
Type Co-educational
Opened 1995
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French
Strengths Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Rosedale Day School is a Toronto co-ed day school serving students aged 4 to 14. It follows the Canadian Curriculum and offers an individualized, future-ready program designed to meet each child where they are. Instruction is tailored through collaboration with the Learning Strategies Team and parent partnerships, combining structured programs with inquiry-based exploration. Structured Literacy and Mathematics use the Really Great Reading program and the My Math Path framework, blending Ontario Curriculum with Singapore math concepts to support literacy and problem solving. Inquiry and Project‑Based Learning are embedded to help students research, present findings, and reflect on learning, with real-world connections through experiential education, museum visits, outdoor education, and service learning. In Middle School, Portrait of a Graduate is embedded in the curriculum in partnership with Future Design School to prepare students for future challenges. The Sharon Stewart Library and Visual Arts, Music, French, PE, and STEAM spaces support learning.

131 Bloor Street West, Suite 426, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1R1

The Essentials

The Rosedale Day School has 175 pupils.

Location
131 Bloor Street West, Suite 426, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1R1. The Downtown Advantage places the school in Downtown Toronto. The school is a downtown co-ed day school.

Stages
Kindergarten; Junior School (1-5); Middle School (6-8)

Type
co-ed day school

Additional learning support
Inclusive learning environment with a Three-Tier Learning Support approach; in-class support, AM/PM support, and withdrawal support; external specialists including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, English Language Learning specialists, and tutors partner with RDS.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is a day school and does not offer boarding.

House System
The school has a four-house system: Desmond, Peltier, Laws, and Hughes. Houses were named after prominent Canadians and were selected by a vote among students after a year of research and deliberation. During the year there are events such as Spirit Weeks, the Terry Fox Run, and the Harrier Run. Students dress in House Colours and earn House Points toward the House Cup, awarded at year end.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by The RDS Board of Directors. The Board works with the Head of School to advance the school's mission, vision, and long-term strategic plan and to fulfill fiduciary duties for financial sustainability. The Head of School is responsible for operations, leadership, and the academic and cocurricular programs; the Board operates at arm's length and is not involved in management of personnel or programs.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Rosedale Day School ranges from CAD 32,500 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration fees

- New student registration (one-time): CAD 5,000.
- Financial-assistance application fee (third-party financial assessment): CAD 125 (charged by the financial-aid assessment provider).

Tuition by year group

- Annual tuition (all grades JK through Grade 8): CAD 32,500 per student.
- Student activity fee: CAD 300 for JK–Grade 3; CAD 350 for Grade 4–8.

Per-term and instalment breakdown

- Annual total: CAD 32,500 per student.
- If paid in three instalments: CAD 10,833.33 per instalment (CAD 32,500 ÷ 3).
- Examples for a monthly PAD plan (school sets up the PAD schedule):
- If spread over 12 months: CAD 2,708.33 per month (CAD 32,500 ÷ 12).
- If spread over 10 months (common academic-plan example): CAD 3,250.00 per month (CAD 32,500 ÷ 10).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment options: pay in full, pay monthly, or pay in three instalments.
- All family payments are collected through PAD (Pre-Authorized Debit); families set up a school account for automated collection. Parents or guardians are contractually responsible for the full-year fees once a place is reserved.
- Re-enrolment and contractual commitments are completed in advance of the academic year; responsibility for the full year's fees is standard for an enrolled place.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The school is a downtown day school and does not operate boarding facilities.

Other costs and incidental fees

- Student Activity Fee (mandatory): CAD 300 (JK–Grade 3) or CAD 350 (Grade 4–8).
- New-student registration (one-time): CAD 5,000.
- Financial-assistance application fee (third-party): CAD 125.
- The school may levy additional incidental or optional charges for items such as specific field trips, co-curricular activities, materials or program-specific fees; these are not listed as fixed line items in the core tuition table.

Refunds and withdrawals

- Enrollment is understood to reserve a place for the entire school year and parents or guardians are responsible for all fees associated with that reserved place. The published fee information describes the contractual responsibility for the full year's fees. Specific refund, cancellation, or withdrawal terms (timing, pro-ration rules, or refundable versus non-refundable deposits) are governed by the school's enrollment and financial policies.

Fee payment options

- Accepted payment mechanisms: payments are collected via PAD (Pre-Authorized Debit); the school lists pay-in-full, monthly PAD, or three instalments as available options. For questions about payment setup or schedule, the school lists the Controller (Ms. Sarah Ahmed) as the contact for billing inquiries.

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Summary of findings and limited items: the published fee schedule lists annual tuition (CAD 32,500), a one-time new-student registration fee (CAD 5,000), and student activity fees (CAD 300 / CAD 350). Payment is processed by PAD with options to pay in full, by three instalments, or monthly. The published materials do not provide a line-item boarding fee (board is not offered) and do not include a detailed, line-by-line list of every possible incidental charge (uniforms, exact field-trip costs, or the precise PAD monthly schedule), nor do they state detailed refund pro-ration rules in the visible fee summary.
Academics

The Rosedale Day School teaches Canadian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 14.

Curriculum
RDS offers an individualized and future-proof curriculum that meets each child where they are, tailoring instruction to students' strengths and interests with ongoing collaboration with the Learning Strategies Team and strong parent-teacher partnerships. The curriculum combines structured programs with inquiry-based exploration to ensure academic rigor, curiosity, and character development. Structured Literacy and Mathematics use the Really Great Reading program and the My Math Path framework, which blends the Ontario Curriculum with Singapore math concepts to support literacy and problem-solving. Inquiry and Project-Based Learning are deliberately integrated to help students research, present findings, and reflect on learning. Real-world connections are emphasized through experiential education, downtown Toronto experiences, museum visits, outdoor education, and service learning. In Middle School, Portrait of a Graduate is embedded in the curriculum in partnership with Future Design School to prepare students for future challenges.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes. This supports individualized attention and a personalized learning experience.

Higher Education Progression
After RDS, Grade 8 graduates go to a variety of schools in both independent and public boards. The school supports families in finding the right fit for each student. The Portrait of a Graduate framework and partnership with Future Design School underpin a future-ready skill set that helps graduates pursue diverse paths.

Gifted and Talented
RDS provides differentiated instruction and a learning strategies approach to support diverse learners, including higher-ability students. The Learning Strategies Course for Grades 6-8 focuses on executive functioning skills and uses targeted units and open-ended inquiry projects to extend learning. A three-tier approach using universal design for learning, differentiated instruction, and tailored supports guides instruction and intervention.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides social-emotional learning support through the RDS Learning Strategies Team and external partners for mental health, social-emotional, and wellness needs. It emphasizes an inclusive learning environment that values students' character, learning styles, and diverse backgrounds, with ongoing parent–teacher communication to support social-emotional development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has an inclusive learning environment with Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction. A psych-ed assessment informs a Learning Profile with recommended strategies and accommodations. Three remediation tiers are offered: In-class Support, AM/PM Support, and Withdrawal Support. The Learning Strategies Team coordinates internal and external specialists, including English Language Learning Specialists, to support diverse needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has English Language Learning Specialists and partners with Toronto-based professionals to support English language learners.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides mental health, social-emotional, and wellness support through the Learning Strategies Team and external partners. The Middle School Learning Strategies Course focuses on executive functioning, organization, interpersonal skills, transitions, and life skills, contributing to students' wellbeing and resilience.

Safeguarding
The school is committed to a safe and respectful learning environment where all community members feel safe and accepted, and to dismantling racism and discrimination while upholding diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice (DEIJ).
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1995 by Mrs. Sharon Stewart, The Rosedale Day School began with four staff members and 23 students in JK-Grade 2. The founder embraced the philosophy that each child is unique, fostering self-respect and individualized learning within a small integrated setting. Since its founding, the school has grown to more than 170 students and about 30 teachers and staff. Mrs. Stewart retired in 2010, but her legacy continues through the school's values of integrity, diligence, respect, and involvement. Every November, the school honors her legacy with Annual Founders Day.

Community
RDS maintains a lively downtown community with regular campus life and learning experiences. Campus highlights include Terry Fox Run Recap and Welcome Back Social, along with program highlights such as a French program and middle school health workshops. The Whats Happening On Campus section features ongoing student-led achievements and experiential learning across grade levels. These activities connect students, families, and staff in a culture of curiosity and collaboration.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The RDS Parent Guild is the school's volunteer hub and open to all RDS parents. The Guild meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Volunteers support Harrier Run, Withrow Cup, Pizza Days, Scholastic Book Fair, Skate Sale and Family Skate, Spirit Week, and the Annual RDS Art Show, among other activities. The Guild coordinates with staff to foster family involvement in school life. Contact The Parent Guild at 131 Bloor Street West, Suite 426, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1R1; Phone 416.923.4726; Email office@rds-on.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Rosedale Day School is a downtown Toronto co-ed day school. It emphasizes a personalised learning experience with small class sizes. The Sharon Stewart Library is a dedicated library space on campus where students can read and access collections. The school offers specialty academic spaces for Visual Arts, Music, French, Physical Education, and STEAM learning. Outdoor Education spaces support learning beyond the classroom with activities in parks, ravines, and other natural spaces around Toronto.

Sports Facilities
Athletic offerings include Cross Country in Fall, Basketball and Swimming in Winter, and Soccer and Track & Field in Spring. The school is a member of the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF) and the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA). Athletics operate with a no-cuts philosophy to welcome students of all skill levels and encourage teamwork and leadership. Typical athletic offerings vary year to year but commonly include the listed sports.

Academic Facilities
The Sharon Stewart Library is the on-campus library space. Specialty subjects include Art, Music, French, and Physical Education. The Student Success Centre provides inclusive learning support with a three-tier approach and partnerships with external specialists. From Kindergarten onward, RDS emphasizes structured literacy, creative inquiry, experiential learning, and self-regulation as part of its balanced academic approach.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Athletics (no-cuts philosophy; SSAF and CISAA), Co-curriculars, and Outdoor Education are part of student life, with outdoor experiences such as Ravine visits and Camp Hurontario. RDS also hosts events and exhibitions, including the RDS Art Show.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers thorough academic preparation and character education within a culture of belonging. The balanced approach begins at an early age with structured literacy, creative inquiry, experiential learning, and self-regulation.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts and Music are offered as specialty subjects from Junior Kindergarten; Art, Music, French, and Physical Education are taught by expert instructors. Students in all grades have opportunities to explore new topics and passions in a safe, inspiring learning community.

Cultural & Language
Pluralism at RDS commits to anti-racism and anti-discrimination education and to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Social & Hobbies
Athletics, Co-curriculars, and Outdoor Education are part of student life.

Leadership & Professional
The school has a Board of Directors and a Head of School who lead and oversee operations; The Board provides fiduciary oversight and guides the school's long-term strategic plan, while the Head of School manages day-to-day operations and programs.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical Education and Outdoor Education support student wellbeing through active learning and outdoor experiences.
Languages

Language Provision
French is taught as a weekly specialty subject starting in Kindergarten. The curriculum includes French as part of a suite of specialty subjects, alongside art, music, and physical education. English language learning support is provided by English Language Learning Specialists, and external language-related services such as Speech Language Pathologists are available through the Student Success Centre.
Admissions

Admissions
Discover: Begin by connecting with the admissions team. Schedule a Family Inquiry Zoom Call, book a tour, or attend an admissions event to learn about The Rosedale Day School. Start your admissions journey by submitting the Inquiry Form. Admission is offered for Junior and Senior Kindergarten, Grades 1-5, and Grade 6-8. Apply: Submit an online application to begin the formal process. The online application saves information automatically, and a member of the admissions team will confirm receipt and discuss next steps. Upload Age Verification (passport or birth certificate) and complete a Student Readiness to Learn Form as part of the online application. Upload the required documents for the specific entry year (examples include final report cards and interim progress reports). For Grade 6-8 entry, also submit a Student Interest Form and a Student All About Me Video. Experience: After the application is received, a member of the admissions team will schedule a student visit experience for the child. Junior Kindergarten experience is an Activity Morning; Grades 1-5 experience is an Activity Learning Day; Grade 6-8 experience is an Activity Learning Day.

Scholarships
Financial assistance is available to all incoming new families JK through Grade 8. Financial assistance is based on financial need and evaluated through an independent third party, Apple Financial Services. The amount of assistance ranges from 10% to 50% of the overall tuition. The RDS Financial Aid Committee distributes funds based on the confidential Apple Financial Services summary and annual funds available. The deadline for financial aid applications is December 31; late applications may be considered if funds are available. To be considered, both the school's admission application and the Apple Financial Services financial aid application must be submitted, and there is a $125 fee for the financial aid application.
School Events
The school has not added events
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