Community Consultation Report
Based on Surveys from Spring 2024
Introduction
At The York School, our mission is to nurture curious learners who grow into globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose. As part of our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and enriching place for learning, we seek regular feedback from our stakeholders — parents, students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Our most recent survey from this past spring gathered insights from more than 900 members of the school community, allowing us to reflect on our many strengths and a few areas of opportunity. The feedback underscores York’s commitment to our values of curiosity, challenge and community, and we are committed to using these insights to further enhance the student experience and the home-school partnership that we value so greatly.
Fostering Future Ready Learners
90% of Junior School students believe their teachers encourage and support their thinking and help make their ideas better
96% of recent graduates feel that TYS prepared them with the self-management skills needed to be successful in their post-secondary pursuits
Academic Balance
Though the IB is known for its rigorous curriculum, students feel that their wellbeing is a priority. The community appreciates the balance between supporting student wellbeing and maintaining high academic standards.
Approaches to Learning
Staff, parents and students believe The York School is helping learners develop crucial executive functioning skills such as time management and organization. This prepares students not only for success in academics but also for life beyond school, embedding students with the tools to manage their responsibilities independently.
Leveraging Technology
Technology plays a key role at The York School, not just as a tool but as a way of enhancing learning experiences. Students and staff appreciate how technology is integrated into the classroom, preparing students with future-ready skills. It’s an essential part of our innovative learning environment.
Engaging and Experiential Learning
The York School’s vision for exceptional learning experiences provides students with a dynamic and experiential learning environment. Learning goes beyond the classroom and connects to real-world experiences, making education exciting and meaningful.
• 92% of employees report believing in the vision for exceptional learning experiences at TYS
• 88% of recent graduates agree that TYS prepared them for the academic challenge of university
• 94% of Senior School students believe TYS is effectively preparing them for success beyond graduation
• 92% of Senior School students believe they are developing executive functioning skills
• 85% of Senior School students believe they get insight into emerging technologies and the role they play in all industries
• 90% of all students believe they have access to interesting technology
• 91% of Senior School students say TYS supports students in making meaningful connections between classroom learning and the real world
“York more than prepared my child for university. She is a confident and independent learner who knows how to self regulate her study habits.”
- PARENT OF RECENT GRADUATE
University Preparation
Our approach to university preparation continues to be one of the school’s standout features. Graduates feel confident stepping into the next chapter of their lives, knowing they have the tools to thrive in post-secondary life. Parents appreciate how students are helped to find the right path.
• 91% of Senior School students believe they are receiving personalized guidance around post-secondary pathways
• 92% of recent grads agree
87% of Senior School students believe they are being given opportunities to explore their unique curiosities
Growth Mindset and Innovation
The York School encourages a growth mindset and a culture of innovation. Staff and students alike embrace change and creativity, looking for new ways to learn, grow and improve.
“Finding a place where teachers care so much is rare which is what makes The York School so special.”
- MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT
Embracing Curiosity
Curiosity is at the heart of The York School experience. Students are consistently encouraged to explore new ideas, with educators inspiring deep inquiry that prompts students to think critically about the world around them, question their own assumptions, and be open to new perspectives.
“When I walk into TYS, I am curious and excited to learn new things.”
-SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT
“It has been my personal experience that, thanks to the academic rigour of the IB, this first year at university has actually been easier to manage and at times, less of a challenge than the IB program in general. This has been immensely helpful and I am so glad for it!”
- RECENT GRADUATE
Leadership & Personal Development
89% of Middle & Senior School students believe their teachers encourage and support them to reach their fullest potential
“When I walk through the doors of York, I feel ready to take on new challenges and grow.”
-SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT
Globally Minded Leaders
At The York School, students are encouraged to broaden their perspectives and think globally. By connecting classroom learning to real world issues, students develop the skills and awareness needed to engage with diverse global challenges.
• 86% of all students believe they are growing their global perspective
• > 87% of staff and 80% of parents agree
Challenging Yourself
The York School commits to recognizing the unique strengths and identities of every student and empowering them to reach their fullest potential and pursue ongoing growth. Our academic environment encourages students to push themselves to achieve their best. Across the community, there is strong satisfaction that learners are being motivated to reach their full potential.
• 91% of all students say they are challenging themselves in learning
• 84% of parents report feeling satisfied with the current level of academic challenge TYS provides their child
Leadership Skills
From Junior to Senior School, students feel they have the opportunities they need to develop into capable leaders. They’re encouraged to take on leadership roles and grow into confident individuals ready to make a positive impact.
• 88% of all students believe they are given ongoing opportunities to develop their leadership skills
Wellbeing, Community, & Relationships
Trusted Relationships
Strong relationships are at the core of our community. Students feel secure knowing they have trusted adults they can turn to when needed, and parents appreciate the welcoming, supportive environment.
• 89% of Middle and Senior School students believe they have teachers who guide and encourage them to reach their fullest potential
Empathy and Integrity
At The York School, students are encouraged to see the world through others’ eyes. The values of empathy and integrity are woven into everyday learning. It’s not just about academics – students leave with a strong moral compass.
• 91% of Middle and Senior School students feel encouraged to purposefully consider the perspectives and ideas of others
[When I walk through the doors] I feel good, since I have a strong community to support me and many friends and great teachers waiting for me on the other side of the doors!”
– SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT
“The one thing all three [of our] kids have in common, which we attribute in large part to their York School education, is a heightened level of empathy for the people and the world around them, which guides them to this day.”
- ALUMNI PARENT
The York School is known for creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where students and staff feel safe and supported. Parents and students alike highlight this as one of the school’s greatest strengths.
Support for Student Wellbeing and Academic Success
The York School offers meaningful support for students. Students know how to access help when needed, and there is a strong network of trusted adults available to guide them through challenges. York’s social workers and learning strategists are embedded into every division to support students where they are, and we integrate social-emotional learning and a focus on wellbeing into everything we do.
• 95% of employees believe there is a known and provided channel of support for struggling students
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT of all students believe TYS supports/ embodies a culture of wellbeing and belonging 87% of all students report being close and feeling connected to other students at TYS 92% of employees feel supported by their colleagues 94%
“It is an amazing place where you can be welcomed and brought into because the teachers support you and help you with whatever it is you may need.”
–
Employee Satisfaction
Employees take great pride in working at The York School and report high levels of job satisfaction. Staff are committed to the work they are doing, report feeling supported by their colleagues, and have relationships built on trust. It’s a place where people enjoy what they do.
Parent Satisfaction
Parents appreciate the quality of education their children receive at The York School. They feel confident that their children are being challenged academically while being in a safe and supportive environment.
• 88% of employees feel proud to tell others that they work for TYS
• 91% of parents believe their children feel safe and supported at TYS
“It’s an interesting, innovative and fun place to work. I learn new things every day and my colleagues are friendly and helpful. It’s the best job I’ve ever had!”
- STAFF
“We’ve been impressed by the attentiveness of the teachers and support staff. They are able to identify learning styles early and tailor their approaches so that both our kids feel supported and thrive.”
-JS PARENT
“[I feel] welcome - and that our kids are in the right place, where they are wholly seen, cared for and taught by amazing faculty and staff who are clearly engaged and invested in the entirety of these young people and not solely their academic performance.”
– PARENT
“We are committed to continuing to listen to our community and embracing our strategic goal of being a data driven organization.”
- Struan Robertson, Head of School
While the feedback from our recent survey confirmed that we are excelling in many areas, it also pointed to some opportunities for improvement. We take this feedback seriously, and we want to acknowledge where things haven’t gone as smoothly as we had hoped—particularly when it comes to communication and recent changes within the school.
One of the opportunities highlighted was to continue to enhance our communications especially when it involves introducing new programs, processes or changes. We recognize that while sharing the “what” of a change is important, taking time to unpack the “why” is also helpful in ensuring shared vision and context.
Another key area identified was change management. We understand that change can cause discomfort and we’re committed to leveraging best practices as we continue to evolve. Continuing to get your feedback is a core commitment we’ve made and why we continue to solicit your input on an annual basis through surveys and check-ins.
As we look ahead, our strategic plan, Embrace Curiosity is our roadmap for this journey. In it we outline our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive community where every student can thrive, providing outstanding programs that ignite curiosity, and ensuring long-term sustainability through responsible planning and governance. We’re excited to continue to work with our community to bring these goals to life. Together, we are building a bright future for all of our students.
