Nestled in the heart of Dufferin Grove, Dewson Street Junior Public School stands out as a beacon of excellence in education. With a rich history dating back to 1884, this dynamic and vibrant school has earned its reputation as one of the best primary schools in Dufferin Grove. Catering to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6, Dewson offers both English and French Immersion programs, starting from Junior Kindergarten, making it one of Toronto’s best public schools for fostering bilingual learning. Beyond academics, Dewson is renowned for its focus on Social Justice programming and enrichment in the Arts—dance, music, and visual art—providing students with a well-rounded education. For families seeking a nurturing environment that values community, innovation, and equity, Dewson Street Junior Public School in Dufferin Grove is a top choice. Read on to discover what makes this school one of the best junior public schools in Toronto.
History
Dewson Street Junior Public School has a rich history of providing quality education in Dufferin Grove since its founding in 1884. The original school building, located at the corner of Concord Avenue and Dewson Street, featured a basement and four classrooms spread over two floors. It opened its doors with an initial enrollment of 76 pupils, laying the foundation for a legacy of academic excellence.
Over the years, the school has grown significantly to accommodate the needs of its vibrant and diverse community. Today, Dewson serves 400-500 students, offering both English and French Immersion programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. As one of the best junior public schools in Dufferin Grove, Dewson continues to evolve, maintaining its strong commitment to education and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for families in the area.
Academic Programs
Dewson Street Junior Public School in Dufferin Grove offers a comprehensive academic program for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6. The school provides families the flexibility to choose between English and French Immersion streams, with French Immersion beginning as early as Junior Kindergarten. This makes Dewson a top choice among the best primary schools in Dufferin Grove for fostering bilingual education.
In addition to its strong academic foundation, Dewson places a significant emphasis on Social Justice programming, helping students develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of equity and inclusion. The school also provides robust enrichment opportunities in The Arts, including dance, music, and visual art, allowing students to explore their creativity and talents.
By blending academic excellence with innovative and inclusive programs, Dewson continues to rank among Toronto’s best public schools, making it an exceptional choice for families seeking holistic education.
Extracurricular Activities
Dewson Street Junior Public School in Dufferin Grove offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities designed to support holistic student development. The school provides several after-school programs, including the Lego Club, Ukulele, and Chess Club (January through April), as well as the TDSB International Languages – Spanish program, which enriches language learning opportunities.
Students can also participate in a variety of clubs and teams, fostering creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. These include:
- Art Club (Grades 2-4) with Mme Cartier
- Dungeons & Dragons Club with Mr. Steenge
- Craft Club with Ms. Peek
- Origami Club with Mr. Henderson
- Primary Dance Club with Mme
- Floor Hockey Team (Grade 5/6 Co-ed)
These activities reflect Dewson’s commitment to providing students with opportunities beyond academics. By encouraging exploration in the arts, physical activity, and teamwork, the school maintains its reputation as one of the best primary schools in Dufferin Grove and a leader among Toronto’s best public schools.
Key Features and Unique Offerings
Dewson Street Junior Public School in Dufferin Grove is distinguished by its commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment for all students. The school integrates Social Justice initiatives into its curriculum, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of equity and community engagement. This focus prepares students to be thoughtful and active contributors to society.
In addition to its academic programs, Dewson offers extensive enrichment opportunities in dance, music, and visual art, allowing students to explore and develop their creative talents. These programs are integral to the school’s holistic approach to education, ensuring students have a well-rounded experience.
By combining academic excellence with innovative and inclusive programs, Dewson has earned its reputation as one of the best junior public schools in Toronto and among the best primary schools in Dufferin Grove. Families value its emphasis on equity, creativity, and community.
Parent and Community Engagement
At Dewson Street Junior Public School in Dufferin Grove, parents are recognized as lifelong teachers and invaluable partners in their children’s education. The school actively fosters this partnership by encouraging parental involvement in various aspects of school life, ensuring a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Parents can engage through several opportunities, such as:
- Volunteering in classrooms or during events.
- Participating in the school council, contributing to decisions that impact the school community.
- Supporting students with homework and school activities, reinforcing the learning process at home.
The school is well-connected with the local community, offering access to key resources and amenities, including:
- Dewson YMCA daycare, conveniently located on-site.
- The College/Shaw Library Branch, providing educational and recreational resources for families.
- Dufferin Grove Park and the YMCA, offering outdoor activities and community programs.
This strong collaboration between the school, parents, and the local community ensures that Dewson remains one of the best primary schools in Dufferin Grove and a standout among Toronto’s best public schools.
Registration Process
Families interested in enrolling their children at Dewson Street Junior Public School in Dufferin Grove can complete the registration process online. The school offers registration for both the current school year and future school years. The relevant links for Kindergarten to Grade 6 Registration can be accessed on the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) website.
For questions or to book a registration appointment, families can contact the school’s Office Administrator:
- Contact Person: Kathryn Richards
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact: (416) 393-9120
This streamlined process ensures parents can easily register their children at one of the best junior public schools in Dufferin Grove. For further assistance, families are encouraged to reach out to the school for guidance.
Leadership and Staff
Dewson Street Junior Public School in Dufferin Grove is led by a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering high-quality education. The current principal, Dan Smart, oversees the school’s operations, ensuring a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Supporting the principal is Office Administrator Kathryn Richards, who manages the administrative functions and serves as a key point of contact for parents and students.
The school operates under the guidance of Superintendent John Currie and is represented by Trustee Alexis Dawson in Ward 9. Both play an essential role in advocating for the needs of the school and its students within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
The dedication and skills of the teaching and support staff are central to Dewson’s reputation as one of the best primary schools in Dufferin Grove. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and equity helps create a vibrant and supportive educational environment that continues to rank the school among Toronto’s best public schools.
Why Choose Dewson Street Junior Public School?
Dewson Street Junior Public School in Dufferin Grove has established itself as one of Toronto’s best public schools, offering a well-rounded education for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6. The school is highly regarded for its excellence in both French Immersion and English programs, providing families with bilingual learning opportunities starting from Junior Kindergarten.
Dewson stands out for its unwavering commitment to equity, innovation, and accountability, creating an inclusive environment where every student feels supported and valued. This focus on progressive education is complemented by its vibrant location in Dufferin Grove, a community known for its cultural richness and family-friendly amenities.
The school’s community-centered approach fosters strong partnerships between students, parents, and staff, ensuring a holistic learning experience. These features make Dewson a top choice for families seeking one of the best primary schools in Dufferin Grove, combining academic excellence with a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere.
Location and Community
Dewson Street Junior Public School is located at 65 Concord Avenue, Toronto, ON, M6H 2N9. For inquiries, the school can be reached at (416) 393-9120 or via email at [email protected]. Situated in the vibrant Dufferin Grove neighborhood, the school enjoys a central spot in one of the city’s most community-oriented areas.
The surrounding Palmerston-Little Italy neighborhood is primarily residential, characterized by charming side streets with semi-detached homes built in the early 20th century. Known for its cultural diversity and family-friendly atmosphere, the area reflects a blend of history and modern living. Just a short walk from the school, you’ll find Dufferin Grove Park, a popular green space featuring sports facilities, an ice rink, and community activities. Families also have access to the College/Shaw Library Branch, offering a range of educational resources. For childcare needs, the Dewson YMCA daycare is conveniently located on-site.
- Address: 65 Concord Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 2N9, Canada
- Contact: +1 416-393-9120
Socials
This strategic location enhances Dewson’s appeal as one of the best primary schools in Dufferin Grove, providing both a strong academic foundation and access to enriching local amenities.
FAQs
- Does Dewson offer French Immersion programs?
Yes, French Immersion begins at Junior Kindergarten. - Is Dewson Street Junior Public School known for any specific programs?
Yes, it is recognized for Social Justice programming and enrichment opportunities in dance, music, and visual art. - What extracurricular activities does Dewson offer?
The school offers clubs like Art Club, Chess Club, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Origami Club, and sports like floor hockey. - What local amenities are near Dewson Street Junior Public School?
Nearby amenities include the College/Shaw Library, Dufferin Grove Park, and Dewson YMCA daycare. - Is there a daycare on-site at Dewson?
Yes, the Dewson YMCA daycare operates on-site. - Does Dewson offer after-school programs?
Yes, programs include Lego Club, Ukulele, Chess Club, and Spanish language classes.