Academics
Curriculum

Fieldstone Day School has long been recognised for its distinctive and thoughtfully designed curriculum. Over time, our academic programme has evolved into a rich and rigorous blend, drawing from the most relevant and effective educational frameworks available.

Our curriculum integrates key elements from:

  • The Cambridge Primary Programme (Kindergarten to Grade 5)

  • Cambridge Lower Secondary (Grades 6 to 8)

  • The Ontario Ministry of Education elementary curriculum

  • The Core Knowledge sequence

Since 2015, Fieldstone has adopted the Cambridge curriculum as the foundation for English, Mathematics, and Science from Kindergarten through Grade 8. Social Studies combines elements from both Core Knowledge and the Ontario curriculum. French and other specialist subjects are primarily based on the Ontario framework, with Core Knowledge content included where appropriate.

Both the Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Lower Secondary programmes are comprehensive, challenging, and internationally benchmarked. Fieldstone students follow the same academic pathway as thousands of learners across the globe and are regularly assessed throughout the programme. In Grades 5 and 8, students sit the Cambridge Checkpoint Exams, which are externally marked by the University of Cambridge.

A Cambridge education fosters students who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged—qualities that align seamlessly with Fieldstone’s caring and forward-thinking learning environment.

Arts

Music
Fieldstone has a unique and dynamic music program, incorporating music appreciation, Orff Schulwerk, and stringed instrument instruction. Every day starts off with “Morning Music,” one half hour of classical music played throughout the halls and classrooms. A chronological survey of classical music, Morning Music teaches the students to appreciate listening to the great musical works of history, and to distinguish between the musical eras, from Medieval plainchant, through to art music of recent years. The recordings are accompanied by text, puzzles and pictures which complement the music the students are listening to. Once or twice a week, students from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade Three have Orff instruction, based on the ideas of the German composer, Carl Orff (1895–1982). The Orff approach combines movement, singing, playing, and improvisation to teach basic musical concepts, such as rhythm, beat and ensemble, through the use of simple and easy-to-play instruments such as xylophone, triangles and drums. From Grade One, all Fieldstone students learn to play the violin or cello. Initial instruction is based on a modified Suzuki approach, supplemented by a system of simple notation which helps the students to learn to play many pieces quickly and easily. By Grade Four, students learn to read from traditional treble and bass clef notation, and the focus shifts to playing with more sophisticated technique and better tone quality. More advanced students are invited to join our String Orchestra, in which the repertoire includes favourite works such as Karl Jenkins’ Palladio and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #3. Our students play and sing in the community. They have performed many times at homes for the aged, such as Villa Columbo, Meighen Manor and a SPRINT lunch at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. We have also brought a select group of students from Grades One through Grade Eight to play the American and Canadian anthems at the start of Blue Jays baseball games and Toronto Marlies hockey game. All students perform regularly throughout the year at assemblies and events within the school. There are two major concerts annually. The traditional December Holiday Concert showcases students playing stringed instruments and Orff instruments, as well as songs in languages such as French, Hebrew, Portuguese, Italian and German. The Spring Arts Night combines playing and singing with art work produced by the students. All combined, our students receive from 4 ½ to 6 ½ hours of excellent musical instruction a week. This is one of the best musical programs that Toronto schools have to offer.

Shakespeare Lives at Fieldstone

Shakespeare lives on at Fieldstone Day School. For over twenty-eight years, students from JK through Grade Eight have had the opportunity to take part in an annual Shakespeare Production—a cherished tradition that blends classical literature with performance, creativity, and personal growth.

Each year, students perform adapted versions of plays from the Shakespeare for Young People series. Past productions have included Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing. Whether tackling a comedy or a tragedy, our students light up the stage—for one night only—leaving family and friends in awe of the talent and commitment they witness.

Students audition for roles with the option to request a small, medium, or large part, allowing them to manage their academic and co-curricular commitments alongside the rehearsal schedule. Rehearsals take place over several months, fostering teamwork, responsibility, and time management.

Once students experience the excitement of a Shakespeare Production, they are nearly always eager to return. The anticipation builds each year—What will the next play be? When are auditions? How soon can I get my script?

Beyond the performance itself, participating in the Shakespeare Production strengthens memory, confidence, and focus, while refining verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Students learn to project their voices, control their movements, and express complex emotions—all while working together to bring timeless stories to life.

At Fieldstone, Shakespeare is not just studied—it is lived, spoken, and performed.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts at Fieldstone is far more than studio work or basic art appreciation. It is a rich, integrated part of the curriculum that nurtures visual literacy, imagination, and creative expression, all of which enhance students’ learning across subjects.

In our Visual Arts courses, students are encouraged to think creatively, experiment boldly, and communicate meaningfully through visual media. Learning in, about, and through the arts helps students to express their ideas, observations, emotions, and values with increasing confidence and clarity.

Students explore the expressive power of art while developing a personal response to a range of artworks. They learn about the elements and principles of design, analyse artistic techniques, and create original works using both traditional methods and emerging technologies.

Throughout the programme, students gain hands-on experience with a variety of tools, materials, and media. They refine their technical skills while also expanding their capacity to interpret and respond to visual culture with thoughtfulness and depth.

The Visual Arts experience culminates in an authentic and empowering opportunity: students take part in curating, hanging, and presenting their own art exhibition. This showcase not only celebrates their artistic growth but also fosters a sense of ownership, pride, and accomplishment.

At Fieldstone, the arts are not an addition—they are integral to developing well-rounded, creative, and reflective learners.

Beyond the Classroom: Co-Curricular Life at Fieldstone

The opportunities we provide at Fieldstone extend well beyond the classroom. In our small, inclusive community, every student is encouraged to participate, explore, and thrive. Our co-curricular programme takes a participatory rather than competitive approach, ensuring that all students feel welcome to get involved—regardless of prior experience.

We are proud to offer a wide range of activities that support our commitment to providing a “big-school” experience within a small, nurturing environment. This approach helps students discover their interests, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills.

Athletics

Fieldstone is an active member of the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF). Our student-athletes regularly compete in a variety of sports, including:

  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Bowling
  • Cross Country
  • Flag Football
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball

Inclusive Co-Curricular Life at Fieldstone

Beyond the rich learning that takes place in our classrooms, Fieldstone offers a wide array of co-curricular opportunities designed to inspire every student. While we provide the breadth of programmes typically found in larger schools, these opportunities are offered in a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages participation over competition.

From House League and inter-school sports, to string orchestra and the annual Shakespeare production, Fieldstone fosters a culture where every student feels empowered to get involved. Whether building on classroom learning or exploring a new passion, students are encouraged to participate—either as leaders or active contributors.

At Fieldstone, you don’t need to be a star athlete to play on a team, nor do you have to be the best actor to perform on stage. Staying true to our personalised approach to education, we ensure that there is a meaningful place for every student in our co-curricular life.

Just as our academic philosophy blends challenge with care, our co-curricular programme promotes confidence, community, and personal growth by allowing every student to thrive in a way that is authentic to them.

Individualising the Challenge

At Fieldstone, we recognise that every student is unique—and we are committed to providing a personalised educational experience that reflects this. Our diverse and inclusive student body benefits from a school environment where individual strengths, needs, and aspirations are understood and supported.

Whether a student requires additional support in one or more subjects or qualifies for gifted and enriched programming, we ensure that each learner receives what they need to thrive. This commitment to individualisation extends across academic, social, and co-curricular life.

The Fieldstone experience is not one-size-fits-all. A student who shines on the stage or excels in sport will be encouraged and celebrated in those areas just as much as they are in the classroom. We value and nurture the full range of our students’ talents and interests.

At Fieldstone, every student is seen, supported, and challenged as an individual.

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