Learning at TPS Elementary
Strong Foundations. Curious Minds. Confident Learners.
TPS Elementary will offer an enriched Ontario curriculum designed to help children build essential knowledge and skills while becoming curious, capable and increasingly independent learners.
An Enriched Ontario Curriculum
The Ontario elementary curriculum will provide the academic foundation for learning from JK/SK.
Teachers will bring it to life through questions, projects, meaningful connections across subject areas and opportunities for children to apply their knowledge in practical and creative ways.
Children will experience a balanced program that includes:
- Daily literacy and numeracy instruction
- Enriched mathematics and problem-solving
- Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through the Innovation Lab
- Inquiry- and project-based learning
- Formal handwriting and fine-motor development
- Structured paragraph and essay writing
- Arts, physical education, health and wellness
- Character education and responsible citizenship
- Field trips and experiential learning
Three Stages of Growth
| Program | Grades | Learning emphasis |
|---|---|---|
Kindergarten Program |
JK-SK |
Play based, purposeful learning; early literacy and numeracy; oral language; self-regulation; |
Primary Program |
Grades 1-3 |
Fluency in reading, writing and mathematics; growing independence; foundational inquiry; |
Junior Program |
Grades 4-6 |
Deeper subject knowledge; structured writing; problem-solving; research; project work; |
Learning How
to Learn
Academic knowledge is only one part of long-term success. Through simple, age-appropriate routines, TPS Elementary will help children organize their thinking, sustain attention, plan tasks, manage time, respond to feedback and choose strategies that support their learning.
A practical Learning Skills Toolkit will offer different strategies for different learners. These habits will develop gradually as children grow and prepare for Toronto Prep’s Intermediate and Secondary programs
Inquiry, Projects and Innovation
Children learn deeply when they are invited to ask questions, test ideas, create and apply knowledge. Inquiry- and project-based learning will encourage them to explore meaningful problems, collaborate with others, share their thinking and reflect on what they have learned.
The Innovation Lab will support hands-on experiences in STEM, design thinking and creative problem-solving. Technology will be used purposefully and selectively, with careful attention to age, learning goals and healthy development
Character, Confidence and Wellbeing
TPS Elementary will foster responsibility, respect, empathy, perseverance and leadership. Children will be encouraged to see abilities as something that can grow, understand that challenges are part of learning and develop the confidence to try again when something feels difficult.
Daily physical education, movement, outdoor learning and wellness practices will support healthy development. Age-appropriate mindfulness and calming strategies will help children recognize their emotions, strengthen attention and respond to everyday challenges with growing confidence.
Power Hour:
Curiosity in Action
A weekly Power Hour will give children protected time to follow their curiosity and explore interests beyond the core curriculum.
Through playful challenges, rotating themes, workshops and projects, they may investigate areas such as design, coding, science, visual arts, performance, creative writing, leadership or community action.
The goal is to nurture curiosity and give children meaningful opportunities to discover what excites them.
Partnership With Families
Young children thrive when schools and families work together. TPS Elementary will maintain regular communication with parents and provide clear information about academic progress, learning habits, wellbeing and each child’s development.
- Formal academic achievement reporting throughout the year
- In-person parent-teacher interviews each semester
- Monthly parent learning workshops focused on child development and student success
- Opportunities for families to participate in the life of the school community
Support That Recognizes
the Whole Child
Teachers will use observation, assessment and close relationships to understand how each child learns. Classroom resources, individualized strategies and access to appropriate support will help remove barriers and enable children to participate confidently in school life.
TPS is exploring a range of on-site student-support services and sensory-integration resources for the new Elementary program. Final details will be shared with families as the program develops.
Preparing Students for the Next Stage
The transition from Grade 6 to Grade 7 will be planned as part of a continuous educational journey. Elementary teachers and Toronto Prep’s Intermediate team will work together to support each child’s academic readiness, learning habits, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
By the time children enter Grade 7, they should understand themselves more clearly as learners and have the academic foundations, practical learning strategies and confidence to take on greater independence.