Standards in Excellence and Learning Commends TFS in Accreditation Report

Toronto French School is pleased to announce the delivery of the accreditation report from Standards in Excellence and Learning (SEAL), whose Visiting Committee inspected the School in November 2009. The Visiting Committee was made up of leaders from independent schools across Canada, who, under the auspices of SEAL (formerly the Canadian Educational Standards Institute), rigorously examined all aspects of TFS for re-accreditation. Re-accreditation takes place every seven years.

In its report, the Visiting Committee commended the unique education that TFS provides its students, one that is bilingual, co-educational, with an international perspective, and whose curriculum adheres to three distinct educational bodies – the Ontario Ministry of Education, the French Ministry of Education to Grade 10 and the International Baccalaureate Organization at the diploma level.

Included in their remarks the Committee stated “Academic excellence, global awareness and citizenship, bilingualism, participation in school life, and student involvement in leadership and service projects are the core threads that, when woven together, form the fabric of a TFS education. The school is a highly active and dynamic place that resonates with an air of frenetic productivity and high engagement.” 

As part of the inspection, the Committee visited all branches of the School, including its Mississauga Campus, and spoke to members from each TFS constituency, including students, parents, alumni, academic and administrative staff.

They described daily life at the School as: “Another impressive quality of TFS is the community culture, including a strong sense of belonging and a very open and positive rapport between the faculty and students. It is that sense of family and feeling comfortable with each other in a healthy, co-educational environment that allows students to take risks and try new activities to discover their potential. Finally, these defining strengths are supported by many new and renovated facilities. There is a special bond at the Mississauga campus which should be celebrated and marketed.”

Finally, the Visiting Committee noted the outstanding success of TFS students on completing their education, saying “Internationalism and an emphasis on bilingualism are cornerstone elements of a student’s educational experience at TFS. The rigours of these two programs leave TFS graduates well prepared for post-secondary study, and the school’s university admissions’ record is a testament to the academic success and preparation of its graduates.”

TFS is delighted with these commendations and looks forward to evolving even further to meets the needs of today’s students.