About Us

Welcome to St. Clement's Early Learning School — a leading boutique school situated in one of Toronto's historic landmark churches. Founded in 1955, we've developed an exceptional, individualized program that works best for your child. We invest in early childhood education using a well-researched curriculum that allows for growth in all areas of development, implemented within a caring and structured environment.

A teacher pointing at a blank whiteboard while speaking to three young students seated in front of her, one student raising their hand, in a classroom with educational materials on the wall.

Small Class Sizes, Individualized Learning

With an intimate staff of twenty and small class sizes, we offer a balanced academic and social/emotional curriculum from Nursery through to Grade 2. In each class, students engage in circle time and lessons, planned play activities, art, self-serve snack, and small group work. With French, Music, Gym, and Dance/Drama programs planned throughout the week, students gain the well-rounded experience of a larger school within a setting that's catered to the age group.

Each teacher uses anecdotal observations and assessments to help curate an Individual Program Plan for each student. Goals are set each term that are attainable, appropriately challenging, and fun. With our continuing commitment to each individual child and a low student-to-teacher ratio, we support children to make choices, solve problems, and ultimately learn to think independently.

Adult and three children sitting around a large colourful drum, each holding mallets with colourful round heads, playing the drum indoors on a tiled floor.
Two young girls sitting at a classroom table working on worksheets; one girl has dark hair and wears a school uniform, the other has blonde hair and wears a white shirt. Coloured pencils are in a green basket on the table, and a screen in the background shows a cartoon train and the text 'Is it a train?'.

A Research-Based Curriculum Built Around Your Child

The SCELS curriculum is well-researched and carefully designed with the understanding that each child is unique. As a result, we provide our students with learning experiences aimed at building and enhancing their skills in all developmental areas.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Field trips, walks around our community, parent volunteer activities, and gross motor and dramatic play in our well-structured playground — these are just some of the many ways children learn and develop a sense of self as part of our school.

Our Parents Say

“The nurturing environment, supportive staff, and engaging programs have truly made a difference. I am amazed at how quickly she learned to read and write, and it's wonderful to watch her confidence flourish as she explores new subjects and builds friendships.”
G.M.
“Communication with families is excellent, with regular opportunities for parents to see and celebrate their child's progress. Parents are welcomed as true partners in their child's educational journey.”
M.G.
“SCELS has been an incredibly special place for my family. I have had the pleasure of seeing how the school has grown since 2006 when my son first started in nursery school at SCELS.”
S.M.
“The SCELS parent community has given our family a great sense of belonging. We look forward to another fantastic year as our daughter enters senior kindergarten.”
G.M.
“There is a strong emphasis on student well-being, inclusion and personal growth, ensuring that every child feels safe, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. The sense of community is remarkable, with students, teachers, staff and families working together.”
T.K.
“Our family's experience with SCELS has been truly exceptional. From the moment we joined the community, we were welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of belonging.”
T.K.
“We have been a part of the SCELS community for the past six years, and we absolutely love it here. It may be a small school, but its impact on our family has been immense — we don't ever want to leave!”
H.E.
“SCELS has been an integral part of our family for over 6 years. We have had three children attend this incredibly warm, supportive environment. The community, parents, teachers and students are cherished by our family and we will miss them when we move on.”
E.B.
“SCELS is truly an exceptional place for children to learn and grow. From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the positive, nurturing environment that makes every child feel valued and supported.”
M.G.
“The community and staff members are so phenomenal, and we can't wait to visit as often as we can. SCELS is truly like a second home.”
E.B.

Come Visit Us

We invite you to reach out and book a tour. We love meeting new families and showing you around our beautiful school.

Book a Tour