RPS Article in Toronto Express

Have you read about us in Toronto Russian Express yet? In case you missed it, here is the English translation of the article. The original article, which was published in Russian, is attached at the bottom of this post.

Article published on April 17, 2026

"Roots" is a whole world for children! It is not just a school, but a place where children feel at home while building a powerful academic foundation.

Roots Private School provides a strong academic foundation with an emphasis on mathematics and languages, while placing great importance on creativity, friendship, and the joys of childhood. Small class sizes allow for individual attention for every child, nurturing their interest in learning. A vibrant school life, combined with a focus on comfort and safety, makes Roots truly special for the entire family.

Why Choosing a School Matters So Much

Choosing a school for your child is perhaps the most important decision every family with school-aged children has to make. After all, so much of their future life depends on this choice. At first glance, it might seem that elementary school—especially the early grades—isn't that "serious," that it’s just the beginning and much can change later.

Of course, you can always change schools if necessary, but we mustn't forget that a child's first impressions of school are among the most vivid. Memories of first teachers stay for life; a love for learning and specific subjects can be instilled in these early years—or, conversely, discouraged. Furthermore, it can be difficult to pull a child away from friends and a familiar environment. When you think about it, a child spends nearly half of their active time at school. That is why the decision must be balanced and well-thought-out; ideally, it should define the life of the child and the whole family for all the elementary years.

Today, we want to tell you about a truly special school that has been a vital educational institution for children for nearly ten years: Roots Private School (RPS).

Education and Academic Program

Roots Private School provides a comprehensive, enriched, and individualized education covering all subjects of the Ontario elementary curriculum, with advanced studies in Mathematics and Languages (English, French, and Russian). The program also features an expanded Arts curriculum (Fine Arts, Music, and Drama) and additional subjects designed to broaden a child’s horizons.

The school opened and was officially registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education in September 2018. Since then, it has earned the love and respect of the community and an excellent reputation within the York Region District School Board. Graduates demonstrate 100% acceptance into top high school programs, including IB (International Baccalaureate), AP (Advanced Placement), and others.

Roots Private School is proud of its team of highly qualified teachers who have experience working both in Canada and abroad and are certified by the Ontario College of Teachers. Every teacher is not just a professional but an enthusiast who loves working with children, sharing their knowledge and enriching the intellectual and spiritual world of their students daily.

Beyond the standard curriculum, the program includes:

• Logic and Chess

• Problem Solving (Olympiad-level math)

• Literature in three languages (English, French, and Russian)

• History and Geography

• Creative Movement

• Ethics & Social Skills

Infrastructure and Safety

Lessons take place in bright, spacious classrooms. Since the building was originally designed as an educational facility, every classroom is well-lit and includes a small kitchenette and space for play. Safety is a priority; the building has several separate entrances that remain locked and are accessible only via special codes or keys.

Sports and Recreation

For physical education, the school utilizes the nearby Maple Community Centre sports complex, including winter sessions at the ice arena. Daily walks and active games take place in a beautiful neighboring park featuring equipped playgrounds and spacious fields.

Nutrition and Comfort

Hot lunches are prepared daily in the school kitchen by a team of chefs. The menu includes healthy, delicious kid-friendly meals consisting of vegetables, various soups, a main course (meat/poultry with various sides), and fresh berry compote made daily. Most families happily opt into this hot lunch program.

Individual Approach

Classes average 15 students. This size ensures an individual approach to each child’s needs while remaining optimal for creating a social environment where children learn communication skills and find friends.

School Life and Extra-Curriculars

Life at RPS buzzes after school hours. Weekly interest clubs include:

• Book Club & Debate Club

• Crochet & Arts & Crafts

• Amazing Science & Financial Literacy

The school calendar is packed with competitions and projects: Canadian Math League, Beaver Computing Challenge, Spelling Bees, Poetry Contests, Science Fairs, and Chess Tournaments. There are also "Spirit Days" (Twin Day, Pajama Day, Crazy Hair Day) and monthly celebrations like the Autumn Ball, Orange Café (Halloween), and International Cultures Week. Twice a year, large-scale concerts are held on a professional stage for the Winter and Summer holidays.

After-School Care

The school offers an after-school program where children complete homework under teacher supervision, followed by social play and activities.

Field Trips and Traditions

Several times a year, students go on educational trips to sites like the ROM, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, AGO, Pioneer Village, Toronto Zoo, and Little Canada. A cherished tradition is the graduating class trip to Muskoka for a few days, and to Ottawa/Montreal. Graduation festivities include a trip to Treetop Village, a medal ceremony, and a celebratory BBQ for graduates. The "Last Bell" is a moving event where the whole school lines up to cheer for the graduates as they walk the halls one last time.

Admissions

While students can enroll at any grade level, it is preferable to start in the early years. This is because the RPS curriculum is one year ahead of the standard Ontario curriculum in primary grades, and two to three years ahead in middle and senior elementary levels. Admission is based on testing in Math and English, as well as a social skills assessment.

Additional Opportunities:

The building also houses Roots Daycare (for ages 1.5 to 6) and the Russian Educational Program, which offers advanced Russian language classes and various evening/weekend workshops.

How to Learn More

Visit rootseducation.ca/privateschool to explore the program. You can request an information package for the 2026–2027 academic year or email office@rootsprivateschool.ca. The administration is happy to meet for personal tours and Q&A sessions.

Russian Express about RPS (1).pdf

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