Next Steps

CGS graduates thrive at the top Toronto Private Schools. They are widely acknowledged by the admissions community for their academic readiness and social skills.

• Upper Canada College
• Havergal College
• Royal St. George's College
• The Bishop Strachan School
• Crescent School
• Branksome Hall
• The York School
• St. Clement's School
• Sterling Hall School
• Greenwood College School
• Montcrest School

“Crescent is thrilled to have forged a strong relationship with CGS over the years."

"We find CGS students to be happy, curious, creative and well-prepared academically."
~ Dave Shaw, Director of Enrolment and Financial Aid, Crescent School

“CGS is a fabulous school."

"CGS prepares their students well to transition into our program. Keep up the great learning!"
~ Elena Holeton, Director of Admission, St. Clement's School

“We have had the pleasure of welcoming CGS students to UCC for many years."

"They arrive ready for the academic and social environment of a larger school. We always look forward to the many ways CGS boys will contribute to our community."
~ David McBride, VP Enrollment Management, Upper Canada College

“Branksome Hall values its relationship with CGS."

"Students who have come out of CGS into Branksome are extremely well prepared and make a smooth transition into our learning environment.”
~Kimberly Carter, Director of Admission, Branksome Hall

“CGS students are a pleasure to teach."

"Royal St. George's College has been very fortunate to admit a number of students from CGS over the years. We find the graduates to be well prepared with strong academic and social skills."
~ Tom Stevens, Director of Admission, Royal St. George's College

CGS families may also choose to enter the public system after CGS, confident that their children have acquired the necessary skills before moving on. Neighbourhood schools like Bessborough, Blythwood, Northlea, Rolph Road or Maurice Cody are common destinations for CGS graduates.

Preparing for entrance into the larger schools can be a challenging process for some children so we work with students to ensure they are feeling confident and excited about what lies ahead.

The Parent Association plays a vital role in CGS life as an excellent way for parents to become involved in their school community. Parent Association meetings are held monthly and all CGS parents are welcome.

This dedicated group of volunteers includes a President, Treasurer and Secretary along with Class Parents who represent each classroom at CGS. The group holds small scale fundraisers throughout the year and is responsible for "friend-raising" events like our Fall Family Fun Night, Welcome BBQ, and Olympic Day. The funds raised by the CGS PA sponsor engaging, curriculum enhancing events and workshops in the school every term.

Past PA sponsored events include, Drumfit workshops, Mad Science, African dance workshops, Anti-Bullying and Mindfulness presentations for students, staff and parents, amazing trips to Tree Top Trekking, varied theatrical presentations, visits from Pawsitively Pets and much more. The PA is always looking for ways to support the curriculum and bring unique learning opportunities to the students.

See a little of what the PA is up to here.

What is the CGS Foundation?

The Children’s Garden Foundation is a private, non-profit, charitable organization, established in 1999. It is run by a volunteer board of CGS parents on behalf of all parents at CGS. Thanks to the continued support of CGS parents and their fundraising efforts, the Children’s Garden Foundation is able to fulfill its mandate “to provide facilities, equipment, furnishings, teaching aids and supplies to enhance the education of the students at CGS.” The support of The Foundation is an integral part of maintaining the high standards and progressive learning environment at CGS.

Recent Foundation contributions include new resurfacing of the playground, comfortable new audience chairs for our student performances, new SMARTboards and additional washroom space for our Early Start students. In 2020 the Foundation sponsored our Stage Refurbishment Project and after an absence of live performances during COVID-19 we are so pleased to have our students finally able to use this lovely new space. Throughout the last few school years, the Foundation has supported ongoing replacement of classroom furniture and classroom technology.

Past contributions include an outdoor learning centre, risers for the choir, new gym floor, theatrical lighting for the stage, and a professional sound system.

Teachers also receive $500 every year to upgrade and refresh the learning materials in their classrooms. Purchases include books, science equipment, toys and furniture.

How Does the Foundation Raise Money?

“Reach for the Stars” Campaign

The “Reach for the Stars” campaign is the Children’s Garden Foundation’s ongoing program of annual giving. Donations are made when you register your child.
CGS parents have enthusiastically supported this program since it began in the spring of 1999. The campaign is run during each fiscal year to help the Foundation realize its' yearly objectives. Parents are asked to make an annual donation of $500 to the Foundation for each child enrolled at CGS. All donations are acknowledged with an official tax receipt. Funds raised are not saved for projects far in the future*, they are spent the year your child is enrolled to ensure value for all families. (*Larger projects, which require more planning, may be executed the following school year. Eg. the stage, playground and gym floor projects.)

The Gala

This biennial event is an opportunity for the CGS Foundation and parent body to raise money to target larger capital projects in the school. Our last Gala was held on April 27, 2019 and was a huge success. The monies raised funded our stage refurbishment project. The children continue to enjoy our 2017 Gala funded playground and 2015 Gala funded gym floor.
After an absence of a few years, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we look forward to our next Gala in the 2023-24 academic year.

At CGS, we have an inclusive policy. We do not have rigid guidelines regarding what kind of a learner a child has to be. We require that all of our students are able to manage the CGS curriculum and daily activities. If your child has a specific learning issue, we may be able to meet your family's needs. We believe that classrooms and students can benefit from varied experience and that students learn valuable life lessons from a non-homogeneous classroom. At CGS, we are here to create a successful environment for all of our students.

In order to assess whether or not a student can be successful at CGS it is extremely important that parents provide as much information as possible. If your child will require extra support, the admission process may be a little different. We may request that your child spend more time at CGS in order for CGS staff to make an informed decision about the readiness of your child.

Days at CGS are busy and full of transitions. Students are required to sit for short periods of time in order to complete desk work and students must be able to respect their fellow students and the school environment. Our goal at CGS is to create balanced classrooms and guarantee a quality learning environment for all of our students.

We have had incredible success with many ‘outside the box’ students and have seen impressive social, academic and artistic progress in these students over the years.

It is an integral part of the CGS philosophy that all students deserve a chance to thrive. Tolerance, acceptance and openness are vital qualities in the world and at CGS we aim to lead by example.