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Junior School (JK-Grade 5)

Where Every Child Finds Their Voice 

A Pickering College Junior School student begins as a curious learner and leaves as a confident communicator—someone who knows their voice matters and has learned how to use it. 

From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 5, students grow in confidence as they learn to express themselves, explore new ideas, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Through a learning environment that challenges and supports them in equal measure, children discover not only what they can achieve, but who they can become. 

Our students are known as individuals. They are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, care deeply, and contribute with confidence. Every experience—whether in the classroom, on the playground, at the Blue & Silver Farm, or on the stage—is designed to help children build the knowledge, character, and courage they need for the future. 

A Welcome from the Director of Junior School 

Junior school director

Welcome to the Junior School at Pickering College. 

The early years of a child's education are filled with remarkable moments of growth and discovery.      They are learning to ask questions, solve problems, build friendships, and find the confidence to share their ideas. Our role is to nurture that curiosity while helping every child develop the knowledge, character, and confidence to thrive. 

From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 5, every student is known, challenged, and encouraged to become their very best. Through engaging academics, meaningful experiences, and a caring community, children discover not only what they can achieve, but who they can become. 

One of the greatest privileges of my role is watching our students grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and confident young people who are ready to make a positive difference in the world. 

I invite you to visit our campus, meet our exceptional teachers, and experience the warmth and energy of our Junior School. I look forward to welcoming your family to Pickering College. 

Karen McCallum-Ryan 
Director, Junior School 

Why Families Choose Pickering College

Every Child is Known

Belonging is at the heart of the Junior School experience. Small class sizes and strong relationships ensure every child is seen, heard, and supported. Faculty know each student as a learner and as a person, creating an environment where children feel confident taking risks, trying new things, and discovering their strengths. 

Family-style hot lunches, Morning Meetings, collaborative learning, and meaningful connections with teachers and classmates foster a genuine sense of belonging from the very first day. 

 

We Build Strong Foundations

Strong academic foundations give children the confidence to explore, create, and succeed. 

Our program combines rigorous instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, technology, the arts, and French with inquiry-based learning that encourages students to ask meaningful questions and connect their learning across disciplines. 

Reading, writing, and communication are at the heart of everything we do. Using evidence-based literacy instruction grounded in the science of reading, students develop strong skills in phonics, decoding, fluency, comprehension, and written expression. Through personalized instruction and ongoing assessment, every child builds the confidence to become a capable reader and writer.

 

We Encourage Curiosity

Learning begins with wonder. 

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach in the early years and evolving into rich inquiry experiences throughout the Junior School, students investigate authentic questions, explore multiple perspectives, and develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Rather than simply learning about the world, students actively engage with it—designing, building, researching, experimenting, and reflecting as they deepen their understanding. 

 

We Turn Ideas Into Action

Students learn best by doing. 

Experiential learning extends far beyond the classroom and gives children opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways. 

Whether exploring local ecosystems at the Blue & Silver Farm, participating in outdoor education, visiting museums and science centres, or engaging in environmental stewardship projects, students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. 

These opportunities help children develop resilience, creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of their role in the world. 

 

We Teach Children to Speak with Confidence

Every child has a voice worth hearing. 

From their earliest years, students regularly share ideas, present their learning, lead discussions, and collaborate with others. As they grow, these opportunities become increasingly sophisticated, helping students develop confidence, empathy, and effective communication skills. 

This journey culminates in Grade 5 with My Key Idea, a signature capstone project in which students research an issue they care deeply about before delivering a public presentation that advocates for meaningful change. 

 

Expert Teachers Who Know Every Child

Junior School students learn from passionate Ontario Certified Teachers supported by specialist educators in French, visual arts, music, and physical education. Specialist instruction begins in Kindergarten, allowing students to discover new interests while developing confidence across a broad range of disciplines. 

Our educators combine deep knowledge of child development with evidence-based teaching practices to challenge, support, and inspire every learner. 

 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Some of our most memorable learning happens outside the classroom. 

Students regularly participate in experiences that deepen understanding while building independence and confidence, including: 

  • Outdoor education 
  • Blue & Silver Farm experiences 
  • Robotics and coding challenges 
  • Museum and Science Centre excursions 
  • Environmental stewardship projects 
  • Leadership experiences and grade-specific excursions 

Every experience encourages students to think critically, collaborate with others, and see themselves as active participants in their communities. 

Two Pathways for Grades 4 & 5

Beginning in Grades 4 and 5, families may choose between two distinct learning pathways. Both deliver the Ontario curriculum through exceptional teaching, strong relationships, and inquiry-based learning while preparing students for success in Middle School and beyond. 

Campus Pathway

Students learn on Pickering College’s main campus, building strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation through dynamic classroom experiences and hands-on learning. 

 

Sphere Pathway

Based at the Blue & Silver Farm, Sphere delivers the Ontario curriculum through the lens of sustainability, agriculture, environmental stewardship, emerging technologies, and design thinking. 

Students explore robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, environmental science, drone technology, and outdoor learning while solving authentic real-world challenges. 

A Day at Pickering College

We know flexibility matters to families. 

Complimentary supervision is available for Junior School students until 4:00 p.m., with After School Care offered until 6:00 p.m. in a safe, familiar, and caring environment. Students may also participate in a variety of after-school clubs and enrichment opportunities throughout the year. 

Morning drop-off begins at 8:00 a.m.