Our History

St. Clement's Early Learning School was founded in 1955, beginning as a small half-day Nursery School. Over the decades it has grown into a full-day educational institution offering a range of programs: Nursery School, Junior and Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2. All programs are co-educational, with the exception of our Primary program.

Black and white photo of an adult and a child in a gymnasium where the adult leans down holding a basketball, and the child sits on the floor looking up at them.

Growth, Programs, and Community

We currently serve up to 125 families — large enough to meet the needs of our students, while remaining intimate enough to offer individual attention to every child. A Before-School program begins at 7:30 a.m., and an After-School program runs until 6:00 p.m.

After acquiring a solid educational foundation at SCELS, our graduates move forward confidently into the private or public school system. We take great pride in ensuring they are placed in the best-fit program that suits each individual child.

Black and white photo of a young boy wearing glasses and a dark outfit running indoors while carrying several foam pool noodles under one arm.
A smiling young girl kneels on the floor playing percussion mallets in a group activity with other children.

Our Place on the Land

Our school is situated on the territory of the Anishnawbe Confederacy, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat Nation, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This legacy is something SCELS is proud to be part of, and we give thanks for the land on which we gather and are committed to caring for as a community.

Our Neighbourhood

Many of our families live in the neighbourhoods near our Yonge and Eglinton location in mid-town Toronto, and we welcome families from all across the city. Although situated in a church, the school itself is non-denominational, and we love to celebrate the diversity and traditions that our families bring to our community. Our historic church building has been featured in many TV shows and films, and it is a special place for many local residents.

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.
“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 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.

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