Mission Statement
City School is a small, caring and open community that provides students with the knowledge and skills to think critically about differing worldviews, with the aim of empowering students to become self-confident, creative and active participants in a global community. In a well-balanced academic program, we stress the importance of a relevant curriculum, eco-friendly practices, and an inclusive community where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.
City School is an alternative high school that offers a full range of semestered academic courses to Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. It is ideal for creative, self-motivated young people who value community and enjoy working together. Our informal atmosphere, innovative curriculum, engaging social atmosphere and small size make City a lively alternative to mainstream high schools.
City School was established in 1979 by a group of parents and teachers who believed that education could be improved with more experiential learning, greater student involvement in school affairs, and by providing more opportunity for young people to take responsibility for their learning. These principles are alive and well at City. We welcome student initiatives and help develop the critical thinking skills that lead students to self-sufficiency, at school and in the community. Mutual respect and tolerance of individual, social, and sexual differences help us create a friendly, caring community.
Our school has a wide range of courses in the Humanities, Mathematics and the Sciences. As well as a core academic program, we offer courses in Life Strategies, FilmStudies, The Writer's Craft, Earth and Space Science, Guitar, Philosophy, the Sociology of Food and Physical Education. These courses are enriched by field trips, guest speakers and numerous activities which bring the various disciplines together. Most of our graduates go on to university.
City School is at the foot of Bathurst Street in one of the most beautiful settings in Toronto. Classrooms look out on Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands and the downtown skyline. We share our building with the Waterfront School and the Harbourfront Community Centre. This alliance provides us access to a modern, full-size gym, a games room and a cafe that provides fresh, nutritious food. The TTC provides frequent service to our location, whether from the Union Station LRT or the Bathurst bus. Bicyclists can take the Martin Goodman Trail right to our door