TMS College Program

 

An International Baccalaureate (IB) World Secondary School with a Montessori Philosophy   Internationally recognized since 1961, Toronto Montessori Schools combines the proven Montessori philosophy for promoting effective learning for adolescent students with the internationally acclaimed International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

 

The TMS College program is accredited in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) (Grades 7-10) and for the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11 and 12). At TMS College each high school student is supported in making the transition from adolescence to being a fully prepared, mature, well-adjusted young adult ready for lifelong challenges and opportunities in university, work and adult life.  

 

TMS has implemented a unique and highly effective Montessori-IB educational program for students from 18 months through 18 years. The innovative program is based on a scientific understanding of the developmental needs and learning tendencies of students at the various ages and stages of development, reflects best practices in education and supports successful teaching and learning. TMS has thoughtfully partnered two powerful methods to guide the approach taken in the high school, The TMS College program supports each student’s full development. The methods of instruction recognize the individualized needs of each student during the fundamental and frequently challenging changes that occur as part of the process of maturation.  

 

 

The TMS Promise

 

To enable each student to define and realize success in university, in a professional career and in life through academically rigorous programs based on Montessori and IB principles. The School’s ability to achieve this promise is realized through the many powerful learning experiences in which students participate from 18 months to 18 years.

 

 

A Full and Well-Rounded Course of Study

 

For Middle Years Programme (MYP) students in Grades 7-10 the key aspects of the prepared environment are:

• A high degree of hands-on learning
• The opportunity to make choices in one’s learning and learn from the effect of these choices
• An optimal mix of individual and collaborative learning activities
• Considerable integration between subject areas that develops insight and understanding of the interrelationship of various areas of knowledge and the global nature of our world
• A focus on developing higher level thinking skills such as research, synthesis, evaluation and application

 

In Grades 11 and 12, the key aspects shift to focus on preparation for post-secondary education with:

• Support for increasing independence and responsibility for one’s self in the adult world
• Preparation to pursue a meaningful and rewarding life through active engagement in activities that promote creativity, service and global understanding
• Increased academic rigour as preparation for challenging university programs and lifelong learning
• COURSE SELECTION EVENING POWERPOINT (FEB 5, 2009)

 

Three additional features define and enhance the Grades 11 and 12 programme for every TMS College student.

1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): An interdisciplinary course that explores the basis of knowing, perceptions of truth and encourages critical thinking.
2. Creativity, Action and Service (CAS): All students take part in collaborative activities in the arts, athletics and service to others. This supports the belief that each student must participate fully in the education of the whole person.
3. Extended Essay: Each student conducts supervised independent research, synthesizes research and completes a 4000 word essay about a topic of interest. The extended essay enhances the breadth and depth of student learning and hones skills essential to success at university.

 

Students with an IB education are sought after by universities worldwide. They are frequent recipients of scholarships due to the depth and breadth of their knowledge, understanding and skills. The TMS College Montessori-IB experience enhances this by emphasizing a humanistic world view and productive involvement in the community. TMS assists each student to become well-rounded in academics, arts, athletics, citizenship and a fully developed human being. Studies demonstrate that IB students:

• Outperform peers on standardized assessments
• Have higher acceptance rates to universities
• Perform better in post-secondary education than non- IB peers

In addition:

• 92% of students who hold an IB diploma graduate
• 59% of students who hold an IB diploma go to grad school

  

Dedicated, Professional, Qualified Faculty

 

Our team includes committed expert veteran International Baccalaureate (IB) educators and teachers with valuable expertise and experiences. Our record shows that we have been very successful in attracting a mix of excellent TMS College Faculty members. We use our induction, mentoring and evaluation processes to ensure that each member of the TMS team demonstrates the skills and attitudes required to do what it takes to make the TMS educational experience truly rewarding and effective for each student.

 

The TMS faculty recognizes that it is building upon a leading and very special learning institution.

 

Overall the opportunity to create a unique and highly effective 18 months - 18 years program enables us to attract and retain exceptional teachers at all levels. In the College program specifically, many teachers have experience teaching IB, advanced placement and other enriched programs from a variety of independent schools. Others are attending the IB workshops and working with veteran colleagues to ensure a high degree of IB knowledge.

 

TMS Faculty members appreciate that both Montessori and IB provide worldwide educational connections and professional development opportunities. We expect and support all teachers to participate in ongoing professional development as they hone their practice in a unique educational institution. Finally, in order to maintain the competitive advantage conferred upon student learning by the presence of a strong team, one of our main Human Resource initiatives is to actively pursue the goal of maintaining and enhancing our status as a “preferred employer”.

 

 

Dedicated, Caring and Responsive Community

 

Parents, board members and friends of TMS are committed and actively involved in the TMS community. This energy and involvement is an integral part of school life. Keeping the students first, TMS Community members are engaged in providing feedback, being active in various volunteering efforts, supporting and attending events and campaigns, and serving on committees.

 

 

Athletics (TMS College Titans Athletics) and

Extracurricular Programmes and Activities

 

The Athletic and Extracurricular Programs at TMS allow students to concentrate on their academic success while at the same time exploring a variety of personal interests and be involved in school life. The Athletic and Extracurricular programs are consistent with the mission, principles and guidelines set forth by TMS. The coaches, teachers and students strive to maintain the highest standards of achievement, personal growth and social responsibility.

 

 

Montessori experience is not a prerequisite for attending TMS (Grades 7 through 12). If you equired more information please contact TMS Admissions at 905-889-6882 Ext. 230. Individual tours are available by appointment.

 

 

Athletics:

 

Fall Sports:

Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Field Hockey, Girls’ Basketball, Co-ed Cross-Country

 

Winter Sports:

Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Badminton, Girls’ Volleyball, Co-ed Curling

 

Spring Sports:

Girls' Soccer, Boys’ Golf, Boys’ Badminton, Boys’ Rugby, Boys’ Softball

 

House League/Intramurals:

TMS College Varsity Blues, Lions, Huskies, Stingers, Thunderbirds, and Mustangs

 

Extracurricular Programs and Activities:

Yearbook Club

Environment Club (“G – club”)

Debate Club

Student Council

Travel Club

Baking/Cooking Club

Band

Choir

School Play

Tour Guides – Ambassadors

Art Club