private

Tamarack West Outdoor School

Toronto, Ontario

See homes near this school School website

At a glance

Grades: Preschool – 8
Gender: Co-educational
Boarding: No
Board: Independent
Principal: Jay Field
Program type: Site based only
Associations: No Association Membership

Tuition & admissions

Tuition: $21,500 /year
Application fee: Not specified
Enrolment fee: A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the child's annual tuition is required upon registration.
Financial aid: No
Interview required: No
SSAT required: No

Admissions process

Personal meeting with school staff. Contact Jay via phone (416-606-4584) or email (info@tamarackwest.com) to arrange.

Academics & learning

Curriculum: The school uses Ontario curriculum as a guide, with mixed-age, interest-led and project-based learning. Mornings focus on language, mathematics, science, and projects; afternoons prioritize outdoor exploration and real-world application. The detailed groupings currently posted are labeled 2025–26, so their exact grade spans may not describe 2026–27 placement.
Student–teacher ratio: Described as 'Mentor/Teachers' but specific ratio not provided.

Tuition & financial aid details

Full-time annual tuition: $21,500
Part-time tuition: Calculated proportionally: one day per week costs one-fifth of annual tuition; two days cost two-fifths.
Registration deposit: Non-refundable 10% of annual tuition, payable upon registration.
Monthly instalments: Remaining fees paid monthly from August 20 through April 20; contact Jay to arrange EFT direct deposit.
Three instalments: 30% of annual tuition due on each of August 20, November 20 and February 20, following the 10% registration deposit.
Lump sum: 90% of annual tuition due August 20, following the 10% registration deposit.

Course descriptions

Primaries (JK–Grade 2; 2025–26 page)

Play-based and interest-led learning uses nature exploration, games, and activities to develop literacy, numeracy, and communication; student interests guide topics such as history, geography, philosophy, and science.

Seniors (Grades 2–7; 2025–26 page)

Experiential and project-based learning develops reading, writing, numeracy, and critical thinking through interest-led projects, play, and hands-on work.

Outdoor Mathematics

The school describes using outdoor games, activities, and real-world challenges to introduce mathematical ideas and practise core skills.

View course information on the school website

School images

Learning programs

Specializations

Outdoor and experiential education · Interest-led and project-based learning · Life skills and emotional literacy

Languages

English

Student life

Arts

Art · crafts · construction and theatre play are integrated into the curriculum through participation and exposure.

Outdoor activities & education

Daily outdoor exploration: Afternoons feature nature exploration, games, physical activity and practical application of morning lessons, primarily in High Park.
Field trips: Repeated visits to the ROM, Ontario Science Centre and various parks, plus selected programs and events.

About the school

Tamarack West Outdoor School is an independent elementary school serving Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8 in Toronto, offering outdoor and experiential education.

Location & school highlights

Location

Located between High Park North and Junction Triangle in Toronto. Students spend most outdoor afternoons in High Park and also visit Étienne Brûlé Park and other city locations.

What makes the school distinct

Year-round outdoor and experiential learning.
Mixed-age groups with play-based, interest-led and project-based learning.
Emphasis on life skills, emotional literacy, positive modeling and compassionate conflict resolution.
Does not participate in Ontario's yearly standardized testing program.