Frequently Asked Questions

 1. Who is a suitable candidate?

The child of parents who desire an education that is well-rounded and balanced academically, emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually. Typically, Froebel accepts children under age 7 with the majority of spaces being available for ages 3 and 4. In rare cases, students have been accepted after the age of 7. For any child, it is essential that the family and the Froebel Education Centre work together and share the same goals.

Children with significant special needs are not suitable candidates because we do not have the appropriate resources.

2. What are the Staff qualifications?

Kindergartners are child nurturers (rather than teachers) in the Kindergarten, which includes age 3 to Grade 2, the foundation years. They either have a Degree or an Early Childhood Education Certificate. Kindergartners have or are working toward a Froebel Certificate from the Froebel Institute of Teacher Training.

The role of the Kindergartner is child development and so those possessing the Early Childhood Education Certificate are well prepared to help the children build a sound educational foundation.

Teachers in the School, which includes grades 3 to 8, have a Bachelor's degree, most also have a Bachelor's of Education and some have Master's degrees. As well, they have completed or are working towards their Froebel Diploma from the Froebel Institute of Teacher Training.

3. What is the class size by age group?

The ratio of children to teacher/kindergartner is a maximum of:

All of these children are placed in their best social grouping where their academic needs are met on an individual basis. The slower child is given individual assistance while the more advanced one receives enrichment. No one is hurried or held back but instead the student stays with peers at his proper social-emotional level.

4. Does Froebel administer standardized tests?

Froebel participates in the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test with children age 6 and older. Froebel does not participate in the EQAO test.

5. What is the Phys. Ed. Programme?

Froebel follows the Physical Education curriculum of Ontario's Ministry of Education. In the Kindergarten (ages 3 to 7), the emphasis is on physical skills, grace of movement and cooperative games. There is a great deal of movement throughout the day including singing games, guided play and outdoor play. In the School (grades 3 to 8), the students play soccer, basketball, floor hockey, baseball, etc. There is also a swimming, tennis and squash programme off-site. Occasionally there are competitions with other schools. The students have demonstrated leadership and sportsmanship that has been recognized by our staff and the staff at other schools.

Family time is highly valued at Froebel. Many students pursue personal passions in sports and other activities during after-school hours. Two of our former students have earned Olympic medals.

6. What is the music programme?

In the Kindergarten, the children sing throughout the day so that the music programme is integrated rather than being a separate activity. There is a song for everything: songs about the seasons, the weather, their play, traveling etc. These songs are sung in the Opening Circle, Games Circle, Gift Play and guided play. Grace is sung before snack and the goodbye song before going home. The all day Kindergarten children have formal Choir time, as well as rhythm study with percussion instruments.

In the School (grade 3 to 8), the students all participate in Choir. The Junior students (age 8-9) learn to play the recorder, while the Intermediate (age 10-11) and Senior students (age 12-13) play band instruments. They also study the appropriate theoretical knowledge.

7. Is there an extended care programme?

For those who require it, there is a morning programme that begins at 8:00 a.m. In September 2006, we began an after-school programme as well. For more information please contact the registrar.