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Junior Kindergarten–Grade 7

A safe and joyful environment that fosters a love of learning

Our Junior School girls are enthusiastic and confident students who ask big questions, express their opinions and are excited to explore their ideas. Our youngest learners participate in projects and activities that fill our classrooms and halls with discussion, music and laughter. Amid all of this energy, self-reliant, inquisitive and reflective young thinkers begin to emerge, ready to take on the next challenge. 

Each day at our Junior School is filled with wonder and discovery. The fundamentals of education, such as literacy and numeracy, are balanced with the importance of play. Field trips, building a website or racing through The Woods spark imaginations. Indoors and out become one inspiring classroom where girls are encouraged to apply their learning to real life. 

Designed to complement the way girls learn best, the Junior School offers an intentional approach based on collaboration, curiosity and choice. Our educational program provides girls with a level of independence that increases over time from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7. 

Teachers who are committed to their students and an educational program that is integrated throughout the School provide consistency in teaching the girls life lessons as they progress through the grades, helping to prepare them for their next steps.

“The Junior School is a place where your daughter will be cared for and surrounded by wonderful role models who will ask the most of her and challenge her to be her best.” 

Wendy Macken | Director, Junior School

Program Features

Intake years

  • While applications are accepted for all grades, our primary Junior School intake years are Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten and Grade 6 Learn more

The CHS difference

  • Our signature program, Ivy Compass, fosters personal growth, leadership and engaged citizenship through real-life experiences inside and outside of the classroom 

Parent involvement

  • Regular parent/teacher communication, volunteer opportunities, coffee mornings, parent evenings and events

Small class sizes

  • Small classes led by caring teachers and specialists in art, design, drama, music, physical education and French

Enriching learning

  • BC-curriculum-based arts and music programs are enhanced with co-curricular activities, including primary and intermediate choirs and an annual Middle School musical
  • Public speaking opportunities, including Debate Club
  • Many after-school activities, including co-curricular activities and clubs and Program Plus activities (fee-based)

Well-being  

  • Social and emotional learning is developed through dedicated teaching time, allowing students to develop self and social awareness, and learn to form positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and set goals. In addition to being central to student well-being, it is the foundation for academic achievement.
  • A dedicated team of teachers and specialists, from personal counsellors and Learning Resources specialists to homeroom teachers and coordinators of student wellbeing and SEL, oversee the well-being of every student.

Technology

  • Students are provided with iPad tablets in Grade 1–7 to support the learning experience and to ensure a healthy relationship with technology 
  • Technology is intentionally introduced with digital literacy and the impact of screen time on young children in mind

Outdoor education

  • Starting in Grade 3, girls challenge themselves, connect with nature, and learn about sustainability and environmental stewardship on annual Outdoor Education trips.

Healthy habits

  • Daily physical education and unstructured outdoor playtime
  • Daily healthy, hot lunch provided to all students through our Community Dining Program

School hours

  • 8:35 am–3:05 pm (Kindergarten)
  • 8:20 am–3:20 pm (Grade 1–7), with supervision from 7:50 am to 3:50 pm
  • Extended Day Program (7:30 am–8:00 am and 3:30 pm– 5:30pm) supports working parents who need an early drop-off or late pickup for their daughter