Attending The Linden School was one of the worst experiences of my life. It has been over 10 years since I left, and I still carry trauma from my time there. Instead of being a place of growth and encouragement, the school created an atmosphere of fear, exclusion, and constant judgment. A teacher, Rory consistently singled me out in ways that felt unfair and humiliating. The leadership under the principal, Janice, only made things worse -- the administration fostered an environment that was punitive rather than supportive, and students like me were left feeling isolated and diminished. The impact of this experience has stayed with me long after, which says everything about the culture of this school. I would strongly warn families to reconsider before sending their children here. read more

My daughter is a former student of the Linden School. This school was instrumental in transforming her understanding of herself as an academic achiever. She started at Linden in junior high school with average grades and a perception of herself as an average student who struggled in various subjects. She left Linden with top grades across all subjects and a perception of herself as someone who could do anything she set her mind to. She went on to attend the University of Toronto and graduated with an Honours Degree with Highest Distinction. I will always be grateful to the Linden School. This school had a profoundly positive impact on my daughter's life. read more

My daughter started at Linden 2 yrs ago, after leaving the public system, regrettably, due to the size of the classes and the fact that as an introvert who had no behavioural or significant learning issues, she was really overlooked by the teacher. As she entered middle school, she was losing confidence, never speaking to the teacher, worried about how she was perceived in the class, etc. The bureaucratic report cards, and teacher interviews made it clear the teachers didn't really know our daughter. At Linden, she is seen, and the small class sizes and excellent teachers have really helped her be more confident as a learner and a person -- it is like night and day. read more

Both my daughters attended Linden. My youngest graduated 15 years ago. I have nothing but positive things to say about their experiences and mine. Linden allows the girls to become empowered to be the best possible version of themselves. read more

OK, I have to write a review because the other review was so mean it's hard to not say anything. I haven't gone to Linden in a long time, but I did go there for 6 years, so I feel I have a bit of a perspective. First of all, I don't have a "mental or learning" issue. The reasons I chose to go to Linden were vast and varied, but the main driving force to leave public school at that time was severe bullying. When I returned to mainstream public school in grade 11, I had already skipped one grade and ended up being fast-tracked another. I graduated with a 97% OAC average and went to U of T on scholarship, and this was in public school following my Linden education. Did we have a wide variety of different kids from different backgrounds? Sure, it's an alternative school. That's what happens. Small classes attract people who are looking for more individual attention. Of course, all schools have negatives. Linden does have a weird hiring system, I agree. I had fantastic teachers there, and I had crazy insane stupid teachers. Just the same as when I was in public school. The difference is that you're paying for the stupid teachers when you go to independent school, so it seems more important. I have to say that the small classes also breed favouritism and the principals and teachers were never shy to show which students they liked best (usually those with parents who could provide financial or political support for the school). They have a terrible alumni program, so if you left and you weren't a "favourite", they never spoke to you again, which isn't good, because word of mouth is the most important marketing tool you can ever get. I was glad I was there for grades 7 and 8. I got an extended childhood in an all-girls' environment. However, I wouldn't recommend it for high school, as it ill-prepares you for University. I don't think a school should ever be criticized for helping kids with issues that mean they can't flourish in a regular school environment - that's just ignorant. read more

Sending my daughters here was the worst mistake I have made in regard to their education. They attended one year, then we transferred to another school. Even if they had liked it there, I would not have had them return. However, it is the only year in their high school years (or elementary for that matter) that they both HATED going to school. At their new school, they are both on the Gold Honour Roll and love school, once again. Linden's "Open House" is a sham. You see all sorts of interesting activities and think, wow. Well, that's the only time you'll see these activities going on. There is a disproportionate amount of girls who do not fit in the regular school system, so they end up at Linden. So you aren't necessarily getting a better education even though you are paying for it -- a lot of class time is wasted dealing with those girl's behavioural and/or emotional problems. Some of the things my daughters had to do were unreasonable. For example, for English they had to read 5 adult novels written by a female Indian author -- and she didn't mean First Nations --- which would have made sense. The teacher, of course, was from India. I can understand one novel; 2 is pushing it --- but what about Canadian Authors or the other countries in the world ? I know it's a feminist school --- but they jam it down their throats in almost every single class. Unfortunately, some of the teachers were anti-male and made inappropriate comments in the class -- completely unethical and unprofessional. Then there is the regular "All School" assemblies, where the elementary school and high school get together to "mingle" so they all feel like one "family." What BS! A grade 11 student does not want to hang out with a grade 7 student, nor does a grade 9 student want to hang out with a grade 2 student. All the activities are geared towards the younger students. Total waste of time. My daughters did not find the school "supportive" and did not feel that the teachers made the effort to create a bond. Most of their teachers complained about how poorly they were paid. Most were there to get experience, then get hired in the public system. As a result, there is an extremely high turnover in staff. There is one exceptional teacher, Martin, who teaches Spanish -- my daughters loved his classes. The school itself is a dump. Mismatched and old furniture / desks. I made the mistake of thinking they must put their money into equipment & enrichment activities. WRONG. It's a depressing & dark environment -- and the class rooms are small and confined. Not an environment conducive to learning. Look elsewhere if you want a good private school!!! read more

The Linden School is not what it use to be. Where do I start...it was great when Dawn was the Principal. Tracey and Tara were also great but they 'left'. They use to be all about teaching girls positivity and leadership..now it is all about being a victim and hating men. Their admission process is not selective at all and they now take a huge amount of girls that have issues. This is fine but make it known to parents as this is not what we signed up for, now at nearly $23,000. Additionally, they seem to be only hiring teachers that have no teaching experience. Advice - save your money and send your daughter to a good public school or spend a little more and send her to a more positive private/independent school. read more

We were very excited when we attended the "sale" of The Linden school but it didn't take long for us to realize none of the promises would materialize. My child was very disappointed that "I have learnt nothing all year". The science program in high school was very primary/elementary. As parents, we were so disappointed at the lack of character development at the school. Girls and transgenders are encouraged to be and behave however they like, treat others however they like and the lack of respect for others is appalling. This years school play, taught the "girls" that talking about others behind their back was acceptable, covered girls having an abortion, using all kinds of language and giving boys " b jobs". While I sat through this " performance" that my child had been TAUGHT for the better part of the year I was mortified. I wish I had researched, I wish I could turn back time, I wish I could get the money back but most of all I wish I had NEVER sent my child to The Linden School. We are now (after one year) focusing on repairing the damage this school has caused, moving forward and trying to catch up on the education and teaching lost this year. If you have ever read " Lord of the flies" it gives you a clear understanding of what this "place"is like and what to expect from it. read more

My daughter loves attending The Linden School and as parents we are quite happy with what we've seen so far. The teachers are amazing and seem quite happy to be there. They show enthusiasm for teaching. Report cards recently came home and I was surprised to see the mini-novel of feedback written for each subject area. Very different from what we've seen in her previous school. Based on research, the school has implemented a different system of providing feedback to gr 1-6 students which makes a lot more sense than the standard grading system. My daughter is working ahead of her grade level but yet she is feeling challenged is certain areas. She comes home everyday eager to explain what she's done. This was also a positive change. Her friends are lovely. She felt so welcomed by staff and students at Linden. It was such a tough decision to make the switch to another school, but I'm so glad we did. read more

My daughter Kia has been apart of The Linden Community for over 4 years. Since being at the school she has blossomed into a tenacious and intelligent young lady. Kia is fluent in French, Spanish and is studying Latin. She participates on several sports teams and clubs and is a strong advocate for girl empowerment. Before placing her at Linden I did some research and asked lots of questions at the enrollment interview. Placing Kia at Linden is the best investment I could have made in my daughter. The environment is solid, inclusive, nurturing, academically challenging and fun. It's been a valuable experience participating as a class parent as well. The small and tight knit community at Linden has been of great value to our family entire family. Our son often wishes the school was co-ed so he could also attend and share in some of the amazing experiences his sister and her friends has had. I recommend the Linden school to everyone who has a daughter, nieces or a precious little girl in your life who needs a well balanced environment to thrive in. You will find this and so much more at Linden. Marsha Brown read more

It seems odd to be writing a review about a school, but I have to respond, given the low rating I see. (There are many positive comments that are not featured at the top, which I don't understand.) The Linden School is simply one of the finest communities that I have ever been part of. The passion and expertise from the faculty is just unmatched. (Seriously: Go to Ratemyteacher and see what kids are saying.) The students achieve incredible things, likely because the teachers are approachable, engaged, and really care about their students' achievements. If a kid (or parent) needs help, the teachers are there for them. The curriculum is interesting, without a lot of emphasis put on textbooks or prepackaged programmes. Teachers listen to students and respond to individual interests and needs. Much of the classroom work is based on real problems, and hands-on activities. This approach seems to be working, as the graduates are articulate, interesting people who go on to do amazing things. There is also an outstanding athletics programme. Although there are no tryouts, the teams still somehow keep winning championship banners! Seriously--the gym is full of them. I can't recommend Linden highly enough. If you're looking for a school where people care about you and where you'll be encouraged to do amazing things, You should consider it. read more

Two years ago my oldest daughter started here and blossomed. This year we started my younger daughter and the same has happened. The school provides a supportive, interactive learning environment and my kids come home engaged and conversational. What more could I ask? read more

This school has been an incredibly positive experience for our family. Our daughter is thriving academically and socially. We have seen her become a stronger and more engaged girl. Her spirit, enthusiasm and happiness is blossoming. She adores math with her warm and fabulous math teacher, has had wonderful art class experiences and hey! she even enjoys school SPORTS for the first time ever. Thanks to the great teachers and leaders at Linden. read more

I have been attending Linden since grade 6. I am currently in grade 11. I'm not sure who really goes on yelp to review a private school, but there's no reason Linden should have two stars. When I first stared going to Linden in grade 6 I was a small girl who was extremely unconfident in my abilities to do Math, Science and English. My grade 6 teacher Beth changed that, and so did the teachers to follow her. The teachers at Linden care more about the students than any the teachers at any other school. They are all passionate about the students and the material they teach. As I grew I entered into Linden's drama program and since grade 6 I have taken part in a play every year at Linden. The sports teams are great, and I love the mentality that anyone can play on them. Linden is my home and after 6 years here I am confident in my 5 star review. If anyone finds Linden on yelp and is turned off by the low star rating I would tell them, that you need to come experience Linden for yourself. If you come on a tour, I promise, you will feel how I feel. read more

The Linden School - A photo from my grade 11 basketball season. - Elementary Schools Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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My daughter is in her second year here and has found the community, including staff, so incredibly nurturing. So glad it goes up to 12! The level of instruction is leagues above those found in her previous school - the teachers seem to be able to keep those girls engaged and thriving in novel ways. I know they have ongoing training and keep abreast of new educational methods. I love the place. read more

Where to begin? One reviewer suggests that readers simply "find another school because Linden caters to students with some learning or mental issues". Another reviewer, seemingly a former student, depicts Linden as an average educational setting that does little to prepare its female students for the realities of high school, but proved to be helpful during her challenging middle school years. And the last reviewer, describes Linden as the solution to an educational problem she did not think her daughter was having until the latter became a student at the school. In the spirit of full disclosure, I have twin daughters who are proud and successful students at Linden. Neither of them has any mental, learning or otherwise named issues; nor were they being bullied at their last school. However, unlike the last reviewer, I was quite aware of the educational problem both my girls were facing in the public board - they were being ignored and overlooked. Not because they were "problem" children, but because they are well-behaved and respectful students. Their ability to not seek negative attention in order to be noticed allowed their teachers to convince themselves that their silence meant that they were learning. As such, my beautiful children were being given grades that spoke to their demeanour and general behaviour as opposed to their capacity as learners. This fact became evident when one of their teachers was incapable of speaking directly to one of my daughter's academic progress (or lack thereof) in his class. All the teacher could offer was how polite and well-behaved my daughters is and how it's a pleasure to have her in his class. What does that mean in terms of her mathematical and/or literacy aptitudes? In other words: can my child read, write and do math; is she a critical thinker; what is her learning style? The fact that these questions could not be answered by her teacher with any kind of certainty terrified me! And I presumed that much of the same was happening in her twin's classroom. I knew then and there that I needed to intervene in order to preserve my children's love of learning. Enter the Linden School....In no way am I saying that this little school is perfect. What I am saying is that it's perfect for my girls. Linden has fostered their sense of adventure, creativity and fuelled their imagination all the while teaching them the Ontario Curriculum. My once quiet and seemingly reserved daughters now make their voices heard in a classroom that proves itself receptive to their input. They are encouraged to move beyond their comfort zone and take risks - wether it be in a new academic task or extra-curricular activity. They are taught to look at the world through a critical lens. Opting out of an activity is no longer an option for my girls because they know that their school welcomes their participation and celebrates their individual worth as girls of today and young women of tomorrow. As a mother, my primary task is to ensure the well-being of my children in all aspects of their lives. Not having to worry about the quality and substance of their education allows me to focus on other areas of their upbringing in order to effectively support their academic journey. This isn't to say that I now take a hands-off approach to my daughters' education, what I'm saying is that I have found in Linden a true educational partner. Perhaps you're thinking that my review of this establishment is too good to be true. If this is the case, I encourage you to do your own research and find out for yourself what makes this small school house on Rosehill Avenue such a special place. read more

As a parent, I look at my wonderful, strong, smart, proud, funny, charming, beautiful daughter who is curious and enthusiastic about learning, and first and foremost unapologetic about who she is and I think, ' what is my most important job here?'. The answer is actually quite simple: to keep her that way. To foster all of her amazing qualities and allow her to become her most awesome self, who SHE is. To be honest this seemed like a pretty daunting task. Then we found The Linden School through a series of serendipitous events and the task suddenly seemed MUCH more manageable. From the very first contact with the school, it has been great. Our initial meeting with the Associate Principal shattered any preconceived notions we may have had about private/independent schools and opened our eyes to what a school could be if inspired, dedicated, like minded individuals set themselves to the task. My daughter started at The Linden School in grade 1 and in the two years that she has been attending she has flourished. The faculty, all of them - but especially her teacher - have truly inspired her. Every day we see some new astounding/hilarious/insightful part of her personality emerging. She is not afraid to stand up for herself, other people, or something she believes in and she can do this quite effectively because of the tools she is being taught at Linden both in the classroom and in her co-curricular activities. We have never had any concern about her academically; she was doing very well in public school. But after starting at The Linden School she has become so much more engaged in her learning. This is most apparent to us at home as she leads conversations at the dinner table about Mae Jemison (the first African-American woman in space)/Fair trade chocolate/the chemical make-up of laundry soap or conducts lighting rounds of three digit calculations. She is excited about learning. She sees the excitement modelled by her teachers and can't help but reflect it back. This excitement about learning and strength of character is not unique to my daughter. I see this throughout the school at the annual Festival of Lights celebration, Science and Technology Fair, Art Show, Music Night, and Celebration to Greet the Summer in students from grades 1 through to 12. If I were to come up with 3 words to describe The Linden School I would say Engaged, Committed, and Inspired... in teaching....in learning...in leading. This is what I see at Linden, from teachers, staff, students, and families. If you are looking for a community where your daughter can fully explore her potential, I don't think I can recommend The Linden School enough. The small class sizes, of course, are great. But it is the dedicated staff and teachers (and students) that really make The Linden School a special place. Now, if we could only find a place like this for our son.... read more

It's not clear why the only review showing is a negative and deceiving one. My daughter is thriving here. The staff and faculty are top notch educators. Please read the reviews marked as hidden for a true picture of the school from actual parents and students. read more

We sent our daughter for grade 7. In our experience with both our older kids, and observing kids in our neighbourhood, this is a real critical time to keep kids on the rails. The reality is, you have much less control than when the kids were elementary age. Peer group is the dominant influence and having teachers that have the will and capacity to more closely engage, monitor and care, is highly valuable. We have found Linden to be a great balance for our values- great academic instruction and responsiveness; a peer group that is diverse, motivated and engaged academically, athletically, artistically and socially; and a culture that foster awareness and engagement in social issues. I would love to have a campus the likes of a BSS or Branksome vs quarters that are a bit cramped, but all in all, for us it is a good value. read more

A fantastic school for young women and girls. Progressive, with fabulous, passionate, committed and educated teachers. Children can flourish in this environment, and teenagers have the freedom to be themselves. This is a positive, friendly and inclusive environment. I recommend the Linden School wholeheartedly. read more

A fantastic school. The students have so many opportunities. For example, this year students in computer studies received 3D printer training so they have access to use the Toronto Library's 3D printer. They are holding a "Robolympics" robotics competition, and even the really young grades have been learning how to create their own computer games. The students are allowed to express themselves and to learn in the ways most conducive to them. This school is not about conformity. I recommend it wholeheartedly. read more

Most staff and curriculum were wonderful, however, after carefully picking a school that would empower young girls as they became young women, and one where 1/2 the children entering the grade (7) would be new, so she wouldn't be the only one, our daughter experienced such extreme bullying (social media and otherwise), that she began to cut herself. When we finally realized the problems she was having at the school, it was suggested that our daughter receive counselling (of course!), but nothing was done or suggested for the bullies (further victimization, this time by the administrative staff). To add further salt to the wounds, when we withdrew her, we tried to pick up a piece of her art work that had been on display. It was left at the front reception where it was stolen. read more

My daughter has been in Linden since Grade 1 and is now in Grade 7. She likes attending the school so much that even back in Grade 1, she said that she would really like to finish Grade 12 there...and that sentiment hasn't changed a bit; in fact, it's gotten intensified due to the plethora of enriching activities and learning experiences that are offered to her by the school, the teachers and her peers. We chose the school for her since it's renowned for its girl-centered pedagogy, which is unequivocal testament to the fact that girls learn best differently from how boys learn. The smaller class sizes ensures no one is left behind; on the contrary, the students help and encourage each other to do their best. Not a lot of schools can say that the women of their annual graduating Grade 12 class all get accepted into the institutes of higher learning of their choice. Linden will surely bring out the best in your daughter in a nurturing and challenging no-nonsense environment. read more

We sent both our daughters to the Linden School and not only are we very happy about the quality of the education they are receiving, but our daughters are happy to go to school every day. The girls are challenged and encouraged to achieve their best in math and science, the arts and music (they are learning strings) and also in physical education. They have gained critical thinking skills and an awareness of the world around them that I know will serve them well as they grow into women. read more

We'd tried the big fancy private school and the local public school. Then in Grade 7, our daughter came to Linden. The smaller class size, nurturing environment and excellent teaching (especially math, science, art and technology), have helped her discover her passions. The diverse community at Linden is a vital reflection of Toronto and the world our daughter will be part of. No ivory towers here, and that's a good thing. read more

This school is not what it seems. In an attempt to save money, this school does not hire OTC teachers. Most of their teachers are not trained well nor do they have teaching qualifications. Most of the students are there because they cannot be in a regular public school due to a variety of mental and learning issues. In short, find a better school. read more

My daughter joined Linden in Grade 1 and is a now a teenager in Grade 8. Although she would have thrived in any school, I am so grateful that we chose Linden. Its not just the high academics or the small class size or the downtown location....it's the space that Linden teachers create where everyone is valued and nurtured. No-one "tries" out for Linden athletic teams...everyone gets to play. No-one is ever bullied at Linden...everyone is treated with respect. As a parent, I cannot recommend this school highly enough. read more