FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How many students are at Leo Baeck?
A: In the 2010-11 school year, the North Campus has over 500 students and the South Campus had 375 students. Our enrollment continues to grow with each year.
Q: What is the difference between North and South Campus?
A: There are specific geographical boundaries for attendance at each campus, defined by the school’s Board of Directors. Students who live south of Wilson attend our South Campus, those who live north of Sheppard attend North Campus, and those living between Wilson and Sheppard may attend North or South depending on individual circumstances. South Campus is smaller, due to the size of our facility, and the demographics of each campus reflect the demographics of the catchment area. However, both campuses operate by the same philosophy and teach the same curriculum, and teachers share resources and ideas.
Q: How far in advance do I need to apply?
A: As space at Leo Baeck is limited and waiting lists are common, we do encourage early application. The deadline for application is October 1st of the year preceding the year the child(ren) will start school. A $500 deposit is required on application. (This deposit is refundable only if we are unable to accommodate a child.) Leo Baeck is an admission-based rather than registration-based school. Admission is not first-come, first-served. Our aim is to ensure that the school is the proper fit for the child and family.
Q: What makes Leo Baeck unique?
A: Leo Baeck is the only Reform Jewish day school in Canada and the largest in North America, which makes us an excellent choice for parents who are affiliated with or inspired by the Reform movement as well as other parents who are looking for an egalitarian, liberal Jewish education for their children. The two campuses make it convenient for families in terms of location no matter where in the GTA you live. We are also unique in terms of our academic program. In Grades 1-5 our academic is day divided into equal thirds (English Language Arts, Math/Science/Social Studies, and Hebrew Language Arts/Jewish Studies) in Grades 1-5. In Middle School, our students experience a rotary schedule, which allows for an excellent academic balance. Our enriched curriculum is enhanced with specialist subjects such as music, drama, art, computers, library science, phys. ed. and French (taught for ½ hour per day from SK onwards), and supplemented by frequent field trips. Our teachers are specialists in their taught subjects.
Q: What do you mean when you call Leo Baeck a “Reform Jewish Day School”?
A: Leo Baeck is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. We have relationships with Reform organizations in Toronto and worldwide, such as the Toronto Reform synagogues, Camp George, and Reform youth groups. In general, Reform Judaism is egalitarian and liberal in its views, while placing central importance on the place of religion in family and daily life. Leo Baeck students lead educational Kabbalat Shabbat services every Friday, regular Shacharit and Rosh Chodesh services, and other holiday-specific services throughout the year in preparation for assuming responsibilities in adult Jewish life. Religious learning is taught through the lens of Reform Judaism, which emphasizes personal informed choice in decision-making. Girls and boys are treated equally, both in a religious and a secular sense. Girls and boys wear kippot during t’filah, read Torah when and after they come of age, and have equal obligation in all religious rituals.
Q: What is the advantage of a Jewish day school versus public school or a non-denominational private school?
A: A Jewish day school education helps to instill Jewish values, philosophy and pride in each student. Their connection to Judaism is a part of who they are and not something that sets them apart from their peers. Students develop an inner connection to Judaism and a link to the wider Jewish community. Along with French beginning in SK, Hebrew is also taught for 1 hour per day in SK and 2 hours per day after that. Multi-language learning at an early age is a proven indicator of future success. Leo Baeck is a school that values academic excellence and allows students to develop a Jewish identity without sacrificing the academic rigour of a private school education.
Q: What is the IB program? How does the IB program affect the academic program at Leo Baeck?
A: Leo Baeck is an IB World School for the MYP (Middle Years Programme Gr 6-8), although we have incorporated IB pedagogy and terminology at the younger grades as well. IB stands for International Baccalaureate. It is an academic program that has been adopted at over 1500 schools worldwide, primarily independent and private schools. It encourages critical thinking, cross application of knowledge, and engagement with one’s community – both local and international. IB works in harmony with our own curriculum. It reinforces a system of ethics echoing the Jewish traditions, value system, beliefs objectives of Leo Baeck. The IB curriculum is quite rigorous and Leo Baeck students are encouraged to reach for a high level of academic achievement. All teachers are trained in IB methods and are eager to help each student reach his or her academic potential. We adopted the IB program because it helps our students to grow and develop academically without losing focus of the Jewish objectives of a Leo Baeck education.
Q: How difficult are the academics at Leo Baeck? Will my child be able to keep up?
A: Academics are a high priority at Leo Baeck. We understand that all children have different learning styles and that traditional academic achievement is not the only measure of success. Our goal is for each student to become proficient in English, French and Hebrew as well as in Jewish Studies. Our teachers are experienced in teaching classes with a range of ability levels and are dedicated to helping each student achieve to the best of their ability. Remediation and enrichment are offered with specialized staff. Occupational therapists and Speech and Language Pathologists are brought in as needed.
Q: Where do students usually go when they graduate from Leo Baeck?
A: Our alumni achieve success at many different schools once their time at Leo Baeck is through. Currently, more than half of our alumni go to CHAT (Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto), where they enjoy exceptional levels of academic achievement. Many alumni also attend local public high schools and other private schools.