WillowWood School

WillowWood delivers targeted, personal education that considers each student's needs, inclinations, and strengths. Classes are small, the atmosphere is warm, and the pedagogical approach is holistic. Enriched programs support students who excel in one or more subjects, and all courses in Lower, Middle, and Upper School follow the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. The school is inspected regularly by the Ministry of Education and prepares students to be on-track when transferring to other schools.

Arts offerings are broad; students explore many art forms in Lower School and beyond, including Music, Drama, Choir, Film, and Digital Design. Lower School classes include art with an art therapist to discuss classroom culture in a supportive setting. The Visual Arts program covers drawing, sculpture, painting, installation art, and digital media, with work showcased in gallery shows and performances. The Theatre program stages two major productions each year, inviting students to participate onstage, backstage, or in design roles.

WillowWood's International Program welcomes students from around the world, offering a fully integrated environment with the domestic program. International students are supported by an International Student Coordinator, highly qualified teachers, guidance counselors, English development instructors, athletics coaches, club leaders, and arts instructors. In High School, the program focuses on post-secondary admission in Canada and globally, with graduates attending universities such as the University of Toronto, Waterloo, McGill, McMaster, and Western; students are encouraged to compete in national mathematics contests. Summer and Winter Camps are offered for international students.

WillowWood is an active school, with a focus on fitness, mindfulness, nutrition, and community health. The gym and Workout Room support Physical Education classes, clubs, workshops, and Mindfulness activities such as Meditation and Yoga. Competitive SSAF teams provide opportunities for teamwork and healthy competition in sports such as Cross Country, Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, Soccer, and more. Camping trips and outdoor days, along with various field trips around the GTA, broaden social and recreational experiences.

WillowWood emphasizes community involvement and good citizenship; students can complete the 40-hour volunteer requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma in home communities or through the school and local partners. Students participate in High School Coop placements and community events such as the Battle of Scarsdale Softball Tournament. The RAP program offers opportunities to learn about and help with food security, animal welfare, environmentalism, and human rights; SHOP fundraising has supported Juliette's Place, and Pennies for Pets helps animals in those communities. The Climate Change Action Committee advocates sustainability; solar panels were installed to reduce the school's footprint.

Guidance counselors assist with post-secondary planning, applications, and scholarships. The Student Council donates a portion of its funds to charities chosen by members. The RAP program and student clubs offer leadership opportunities in community initiatives spanning food security, animal welfare, environmentalism, and human rights. The International Program provides English development instructors, club leaders, and arts instructors who help students develop leadership in a global context.

WillowWood promotes healthy living across body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Students learn about mental health, mindfulness, nutrition, and community health; the Gymnasium and Workout Room host fitness classes, clubs, and workshops, including Meditation and Yoga clubs. Camping trips and outdoor days support physical well-being and a connection with nature, and Mindful Meditation Clubs help students manage their interior spaces. Movement, mindfulness, and active participation in sports are integrated into daily life.