Canada, Toronto
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DECA, Model UN and the VEX Robotics Competition are part of The York School's co-curricular program. The MITMUNC Model United Nations Conference hosted at MIT and participation in the Ontario DECA Provincial Championships show a strong emphasis on competitive academic experiences. York robotics teams regularly compete in the VEX Robotics Competition, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. These activities complement the IB program by providing real-world contexts for inquiry, collaboration and critical thinking.
Drama, music, visual arts and film are offered at the Senior School within the IB framework. The Senior School mounts a major play or musical each year and showcases student performances through assemblies, concerts, coffee houses and festivals. The IB Diploma music program includes performance ensembles and composition opportunities, with travel and performance experiences as part of the program. Visual arts courses cover drawing, painting, digital media, printmaking and sculpture, with gallery visits and cross-cultural arts experiences.
An IB-focused environment promotes global-mindedness and international contexts, with students encouraged to collaborate with peers around the world to address global challenges. The York School emphasizes inclusivity and the value of diverse perspectives within the learning community. Middle School Co-Curricular Clubs include Mandarin Club and Jewish Culture Club, reflecting language and cultural engagement.
Co-Curricular Clubs cover a wide range of interests. Middle School clubs include Public Speaking, Debate, Current Events Club, Game Society, Maker/Programmer's Club, Dance Team, Mandarin Club, Choir, Lego Club, Concert Band, Chess Club and Robotics, among others. The program is staff- and student-led, with student facilitators developing leadership skills as they run clubs.
Service learning is a core component of Middle School and Senior School programs. Middle School Service Learning provides meaningful service and community outreach, with examples such as Library Program volunteering, Daily Bread Food Bank Drive, clothing drives and campaigns, and Walk/Run events. The York School strongly recommends that students in Grades 9 and 10 perform a total of 40 hours of volunteer service over those two years, with CAS requirements for the IB Diploma guiding senior-year service. Online systems and school coordinators help students log hours and reflect on their experiences.
Co-Curricular Clubs are staff- and student-led, providing leadership development opportunities for student facilitators and reflecting The York School's emphasis on student-driven programming. The University Counselling team guides students in post-secondary planning, helping with course selections, school matches and application timelines to support leadership and career-ready pathways.
The York School runs a broad athletics program across Junior, Middle and Senior School with 48 competitive teams in the Middle and Senior School. Junior School Athletics introduces students to a variety of sports and offers Sport Development Clinics for JK–Grade 3, helping develop motor skills and teamwork. Middle and Senior School Athletics emphasize teamwork, fair play and personal bests within a healthy, supportive environment. The York Storm, adopted in September 2025, represents the school's team spirit and energy, with Bolt the peregrine falcon as the mascot.
The York School is an independent, co-educational day school in midtown Toronto serving ages 4 to 18 across campuses on Yonge Street. It delivers full International Baccalaureate continuum from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, including PYP, MYP, DP and a Personalized Pathway Program. The Diploma is earned in Senior School with the OS Diploma, enabling IB and OS requirements. The curriculum includes Core French from JK to Grade 9, Mandarin as an elective from Grade 7, and Language B options in IB for French, Mandarin and Spanish. The Middle School offers nine core subjects with electives. The York School is the first English-speaking school to offer the complete IB program. Facilities across campuses include classrooms, labs, theatres, libraries, STEAM spaces and athletic facilities; renovations in 2025–2026 will expand learning spaces and dining. Co-curriculars include DECA, Model UN and VEX Robotics, with an arts program and service learning.