Academic Programs
TFS is renowned for its academic excellence. However, academics at TFS are about more than just gaining knowledge. We educate children to become thoughtful citizens, who will bring their intellectual curiosity and empathy into the wider world.
TFS offers a French-language program for two year olds called Jardin d’éveil, with academic programs beginning in Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) and concluding in Grade 12 (Level V).
French in the classroom
Students from PK up to and including Grade 7 are accepted into TFS with no prior knowledge of French. Thanks to our highly successful Introductory French Program, students who enter an introductory class can move into the regular, bilingual academic stream in the next school year.
From PK through Grade 1, our students receive instruction only in French. TFS was the first school in Canada to introduce the immersion approach to learning French. Now, as then, it provides the ideal environment in which to acquire a new language.
Our outstanding curricula
Unique to TFS is how we blend three well-respected curricula. Each, on its own, is comprehensive and delivers a highly-regarded education. However, by engaging our students in the curricula of Ontario, France and the International Baccalaureate (IB), we offer our students an exceptional educational experience.
In the 2010-2011 school year, TFS began implementing the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP) of the IB, adding to our existing, mandatory IB Diploma Program. TFS hopes to be authorized in both programs by the spring of 2013.
Starting in Pre-Kindergarten, our students are introduced to the Primary Years Program (PYP) of the IB. The PYP continues through Grade 5 and follows an inquiry-based model of learning. The curriculum also meets the requirements of the Ontario and French Ministries of Education.
The PYP continues through all grades at the Junior School (Grades 2 to 5) and up to and including Grade 5 on our Mississauga campus.
The Middle Years Program (MYP) of the IB takes place from Grade 6 through 10 (Level III) at our Senior School on the Toronto campus, and during Grades 6 and 7 on our Mississauga campus. Like the PYP, it continues to be inquiry-based, reinforcing the connection between academic content and the real world.
The French National Curriculum
The French national curriculum, which begins when students enter TFS, culminates in Level II. At its conclusion, most students at TFS chose to sit a series of National French exams identical to those taken by students of the same age in France. Our students’ results are excellent, which is a testament to their French proficiency, since the exams are developed with native French students in mind. Over the past five years, the average success rate has been 99%. Our successful students are awarded the Diplôme National du Brevet des Collèges.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma
At all stages of a child’s education at TFS, the curriculum meets the stipulations of the Ontario Ministry of Education. This becomes particularly important during the high school years. TFS incorporates the specific requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) into the curriculum, to ensure that they are fully met. All students at TFS graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
The IB Diploma Years
The IB Diploma is a distinguished academic accomplishment that is recognized world-wide. The program is mandatory at TFS and is taught during the last two years of high school. Since the program exceeds the level of acquisition of knowledge and critical thinking skills required by a secondary school diploma, students are often offered advanced placement in courses at university.
The IB Diploma program is based on the highly-valued liberal arts approach, requiring students to take a balanced selection of subjects, so no subject area is excluded.
In addition to specified course requirements, students studying for the IB Diploma must also write an Extended Essay, take the unique Theory of Knowledge course and commit to Creativity, Action and Service activities over the two IB years. Students also have the opportunity to pursue the IB Bilingual Diploma.
Visit the IB website for detailed curriculum notes and further background on the programs.
New IB Programs at TFS
How are we implementing the new programs? Read our article to find out:
Inside the PYP & MYP at TFS: Challenging Students Through Inquiry (PDF)
Academic Programs at a Glance
Unique to TFS is its history of blending highly-regarded curricula. Each, on its own, is comprehensive; however, by engaging our students in the following three curricula, we offer an exceptional educational experience:
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Ministry of Education of Ontario
(JK – Grade 12/Level V)
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Ministry of Education of France
(age 3 – Grade 9/Level II)
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International Baccalaureate – a high-quality program of international education
(PK* – Grade 12/Level V)
We also offer a French-language program for two year olds, called Jardin d’éveil.
* Authorization for PK – Grade 10/Level III programs expected in spring 2013.
