Leaside High School's Mission Statement
Founded in 1945, Leaside continues to maintain a tradition of academic excellence. The size of our student population allows for a caring environment in which staff get to know their students as individuals. We are dedicated to academic achievement and the preparation of our students for post-secondary education and life in a changing society.
Leaside offers a semestered program from Grades 9 to 12. Each discipline offers a continuum of skill development to prepare students for a future of lifelong learning. Leaside offers a range of programs for students with diverse interests, including numerous languages, digital photography, forensics and communications technology.
French Immersion and Extended French
Leaside also offers excellent French Immersion and Extended French programs. Students may choose from a variety of courses taught entirely in French. Students in the program can obtain two certificates: The Honours Certificate of Bilingual Studies in French Immersion or Extended French and The Certificate of Bilingual Studies in French Immersion or Extended French.
The French Immersion and World Languages programs were profiled in the Toronto Life magazine's September 2006 issue as the Best School in the City for Languages.
More Information About Leaside High School
The Arts
Combine learning with creativity! Our Music program satisfies a variety of musical tastes from band, guitar, to computer music. A high level of technical competence is developed in our Visual Arts program. Our Drama program, offered in English and French features a variety of approaches that develop performance, learning and life skills.
Health and Physical Education
We offer health and physical education in Grades 9 to 12 that promote lifelong healthy active living. Personal Fitness classes and Kinesiology expand opportunities for our students. Participate in a range of physical activities and field trips.
Computers and Technology
The enthusiasm is real when your Java code works or the robot you designed and built comes to life.
In communication technology you will be astonished by vectored graphics and Flash animation. The Kubrick, Spielberg or Cronenberg within you will come out when you get behind a camera. Digital photography offers a multimedia real world experience.
Science
Our science programs are interactive experiences. In biology and forensics, solve criminal investigations using genetics. Monitor heart rate using an EKG and analyze DNA.
Chemistry students are involved with titrations and explore chemical reactions. In physics, students design roller coasters and mousetrap cars.
Additional Features
- Student Leadership
- Co-operative Education
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Community Partnerships
- Contests and Competitions
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Gain friendships, experiences and memories for a lifetime. Leaside's athletic association encourages and promotes student involvement in intramural events, school spirit and support for a wide variety of sports teams. Our archery teams won first place in Ontario; our girls' softball team won the south region championships for eight years. Our rugby teams have travelled to Nashville and Scotland. The girls' cross-country team won gold at OFSAA this fall.
Join one of our many clubs, including yearbook, student newspaper, debating and volunteering (ACT). Leaside Drama, our musical productions and L Factor welcome performers, stage crew, designers and others behind the scenes. The Robotics & Programming Club, School Website Club and Stage Crew welcome those interested in expanding their tech skills.
Plan to take your learning to a higher level. Students have visited Italy, Greece, France, China, Japan, Egypt, Africa, Australia and Peru and participate in exchange programs with schools in France.
Make a difference in the lives of other students by advocating for solutions to bullying, violence, health and wellness.
WHAT SETS US APART
Students have many opportunities to demonstrate their academic abilities at competitions. Our students won the gold at the Toronto Science Fair and the silver at the National Science Fair in Vancouver. Students participate in mathematics competitions at the University of Waterloo.
Leaside's physics team built a bridge from popsicle sticks and glue earning a first place finish at an engineering competition hosted by Ryerson University.
Leaside's Robotics Team, 'Lancebotics' competed for a third consecutive year at the VEX Robotics World Championships in March 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. 450 of the best teams from around the world competed at the World Championships.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
" We are grateful beyond belief that you have been able to accommodate our children. It has made a difference to all of us." A Leaside Parent
We work collaboratively with parents in order to build critical links between home, school and community that affect each student's education. Parents appreciate that our school is large enough to provide many opportunities for their children to develop inside and outside the classroom but small enough to ensure individual attention.