Some of the best private
schools in North America are located in Toronto's Forest Hill neighbourhood.
There are many reasons why you might choose a private school for your child.
Most private schools emphasize academic excellence, which ensures that your child
will have a solid knowledge base for university work. Private schools generally
have a low student-teacher ratio, meaning that your child will get more
individual attention. They instill core values in their students by building
character and skills for life. Private
school facilities are
usually far superior to public facilities and the finer private schools in
Forest Hill offer outstanding athletics programs.
The Body-Mind Connection
Whether your child is a
natural athlete, or whether he or she is in need of more physical activity, the
athletics program of a good private school can make a great difference in
his/her life. Here are some of the hallmarks of an excellent athletics program:
- Wide
array of sports. A good program will offer a variety of
sports. These should include traditional team sports such as basketball,
badminton, volleyball, football, softball, soccer, and hockey. They should
also include individual sports like tennis, track, and swimming. In
addition, there should be some unusual and challenging sports such as
snowboarding, along with some less strenuous activities such as Frisbee
and table tennis. Students should be encouraged to try out for any team or
get involved at various levels.
- Coaching.
Coaches should have specialized training. They should be able to impart an
enthusiasm for the game to students. They must also be able to demand
respect from players, ensuring that the contribution of every player on
the team is valued. Coaches should have CPR and First Aid training.
- Balance. A
good private school requires students to participate in some type of sports.
By learning to plan well and developing discipline, students learn to
balance academics, sports, and social activities.
- Opportunities. A
good program allows students plenty of opportunities to test their
abilities against other athletes. Regular games or matches should be part
of the schedule, as well as tournaments and trips.
- Enrichment. If
a student really excels, he or she should be eligible for clinics and
workshops, as well as individual coaching.
- Facilities
and equipment. Facilities should be spacious, well
lit, and safe. Outdoor playing areas should be well maintained and
adequate in number. There should be sufficient equipment for all players,
and the equipment should be replaced often.
Academic Support
Of course, private and prep
schools also offer superior academics, with support available for students with
learning challenges. Look for a school that features small class sizes and low
student-teacher ratios. These situations allow teachers to spend more time with
each individual student, and lead to greater opportunities for students to
participate in classroom discussions and activities.
Also find a school that
offers in-house tutoring. Better schools have tutors that can meet with
students during the school day, for immediate help with complex concepts, or
for reinforcement of basic concepts. A good guidance department can help to
guide course selection and career choice. And supervised homework "clubs” can
be an excellent way for students to find a quiet, focused time to complete
assignments or study for exams.
Explore Forest Hill private
schools for your child. Private schools can be life-changing!