The Toronto Heschel School offers a transformative education where academic excellence and Jewish values are deeply intertwined. We nurture confident, compassionate, and capable learners—prepared to succeed academically and to lead meaningful, purpose-driven lives.

1. Holistic, Integrated and Inquiry-Based Curriculum

• Holistic Learning: The curriculum combines Jewish and general studies, fostering a deep understanding of interconnected subjects, teaching students how to think deeply and across disciplines.
• Project-Based Learning: Students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based projects that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Thematic units blend science, math, arts, language, Judaics, social justice, and environmental stewardship, creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences​.

2. Deep Jewish Learning and Values in Action

• Pluralistic Environment: The school celebrates diversity within Judaism, welcoming families from various Judaic backgrounds and practices.
• Jewish Learning: Daily Tefillah, Torah study, and Hebrew language immersion build a strong connection to Jewish identity and culture.
• Inclusivity and Respect: Practices like wearing a kissui rosh reflect the school’s commitment to pluralism and inclusivity​.
• Connection to Israel: The Toronto Heschel School fosters a deep connection to Israel through various educational initiatives. One notable program is the ShinShinim initiative, where Israeli high school graduates defer their military service to spend a year as cultural ambassadors in communities worldwide. At Heschel, these ShinShinim engage with students, bringing Israeli culture into classrooms and strengthening ties between students and the State of Israel. Additionally, the school’s Centres for Excellence include a focus on Israel engagement and education, further emphasizing its commitment to connecting students with Israeli culture and society.

3. Focus on STEAM and Innovation

• State-of-the-Art Innovation Hub: Students engage in hands-on STEAM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) that spark curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
• Creative Integration: STEAM projects merge with arts and humanities, revealing connections between disciplines and preparing students for a dynamic, interconnected world.

4. Environmental Stewardship

• Certified Eco-School: Sustainability is a core value, with programs in outdoor learning, gardening, and recycling.
• Environmental Literacy: Students learn to appreciate and protect the natural world through hands-on activities​.

5. Nurturing and Supportive Community

• Individualized Attention: Small class sizes and a low teacher-to-student ratio ensure personalized learning experiences and individualized attention.
• Inclusivity: The school provides student support services and fosters an environment where all children feel valued and are given an opportunity to thrive.
• Parent Engagement: Opportunities for parents to volunteer and connect enrich the school community​.

6. Preparing Students for the Future

• High School Readiness: The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, ensuring graduates excel in high school and beyond.
• Social Emotional Development: Students build empathy, teamwork, and ethical responsibility through collaborative projects and social justice initiatives.

Yes. We are a Jewish day school — and a unique one. We integrate Jewish values, traditions, and teachings throughout a strong interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical action. Students don’t just learn Jewish content; they learn through a Jewish lens in everything they do.

At The Toronto Heschel School, our approach to Jewish education is holistic and integrated, focusing on the development of the whole child. We emphasize an integrated curriculum that weaves together Jewish studies with general academics, fostering a deep connection to, and respect for, Jewish heritage while promoting critical thinking and creativity. Our immersive Hebrew program and commitment to Jewish pluralism ensure that students not only learn the language but also appreciate the diverse expressions of Jewish life. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and engaged members of both the Jewish community and the broader society.

The Hebrew term “kissui rosh” means “head covering”.  At The Toronto Heschel School, we use the term kissui rosh rather than kippah because, in some communities, a kippah may be considered begged ish (a man’s garment). The kissui rosh represents our school’s egalitarian ethos. Whether referred to as a Kippah or Kissui Rosh, covering one’s head is a longstanding Jewish tradition symbolizing reverence, humility, and mindfulness in the presence of God. Across Jewish communities, this practice varies widely in who wears a head covering, what type is worn, and when it is observed.

At The Toronto Heschel School, students wear a kissui rosh as part of our shared school practice and as a way to deepen their connection to Jewish identity and tradition. This practice is intentional and mindful: it reflects our commitment to egalitarianism and to a learning environment where Judaic and General Studies are seamlessly integrated. Because Judaic texts, values, and ideas are woven into all areas of learning – whether in Math, Science, Art, or beyond – the kissui rosh reminds us that the sacred can be present in every classroom experience.

While the kissui rosh reflects the rich diversity of Jewish practices, it also serves as a unifying tradition at Heschel. Much like a school uniform, it symbolizes belonging, bringing students from different backgrounds together under shared traditions that promote mutual respect and community.

We understand that this practice may not reflect every family’s home tradition. At Heschel, the kissui rosh is a schoolwide expression of unity and belonging – an intentional practice that reflects our values of egalitarianism and integration, while honouring the diversity of Jewish life within our community.

We provide education for Preschool (18 months+) through Grade 8.