The Linden School was founded by Diane Goudie and Eleanor Moore with the aim of creating a school where girls' opinions are valued. It was created to be a feminist and socially aware learning community from the start, where students would participate in the process of defining their education rather than only attending classes. The founders believed that girls should have an environment that is centered around their potential, leadership, and strengths, not just equal access.

Linden has developed into a strong and encouraging community in Toronto over time. The school highlights social justice, student welfare, and academic performance. The school supports students to build confidence with small group work and an emphasis on critical thinking. The school life of the child is infused with opportunities to be a leader, to speak out, to take charge, and to be a reformer.

Linden's strategy is supported by studies that show how well females do in settings created especially for them. The school supports students in becoming competent and brave, talented, respectful leaders who are prepared to change the world.

Academic & Student Learning Programs

Junior School Program

Linden's Junior School program is offered to JK to Grade 6 students, this program offers them a nurturing and engaging environment where they are recognized and appreciated. With the aim to develop curiosity and confidence in the students. The students receive personal and intellectual development through hands-on teaching and constant support.

Literacy helps the students to have a love for stories, which helps them develop speaking, writing, and reading skills. The students have regular assemblies and presentations, which help them develop speaking and communication skills. The students learn and practice mathematics with exercises that help them relate what they have learned to real-life situations. The students learn and practice science and technology by building, testing, and fixing things.

Their main component of this program is the outdoor education. Through this, the students can develop the virtue of tolerance and make a connection with nature via weekly trips to the Yellow Creek ravine. The students are additionally taught French through games, music, and conversation, right from Grade 1.  Drama, music, and arts promote creativity and self-expression. The early exposure of the students to leadership opportunities can teach them responsibility and teamwork. Social-emotional learning and physical education can promote self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and overall wellness.

Middle School Program

For their part, grade 7 and 8 students are supported through Linden's middle school program as they transition from their childhood years into their adolescent years. The students are encouraged to explore their identity as well as who they are becoming through a supportive environment.

Learning is experiential and individualized. In order to obtain high school technology credits, students work together on practical projects, such as creating useful structures with engineers-in-residence. By conducting ecological studies in Yellow Creek, scientists cultivate environmental consciousness through practical fieldwork. Learning becomes relevant and meaningful when mathematics is linked to real-world problems like planning sustainable projects and creating a budget.

Every course incorporates digital literacy. Students gain knowledge about conducting ethical research, evaluating internet content, and applying critical thinking to new technology, like AI. This helps students become more independent in their studies. Students take leadership positions and duties outside of the classroom. They assist in event planning, budget management, mentoring younger students, and field trip planning. Sports and the arts support students in developing confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Linden's Middle School gives kids the guidance and support needed to face adolescence with bravery and purpose.

Senior School Program

Linden's Senior School program supports students in Grades 9 to 12 as they transition beyond high school. With the aim to support gaining and achieving confidence, self-competence, and high academic quality. Parlance of the classroom: Humbling for students, exposing difficult concepts through small, discussion-based classes that force them to think critically, question and express their beliefs. The other activities include research projects, Model UN conferences, science competitions and other learning experiences which build a bridge between what is taught inside the classrooms and real-world events.

The aspect of leadership is an integral part of the experience that the students get at the school. They are also involved in mentoring younger students, planning school-wide activities, and participating in service projects that promote social awareness and positive change. In addition, artistic expression is encouraged. In Linden's CERES Lab, students write and recite poems, take part in theater shows, and use technology to design projects. Technology is carefully employed to promote creativity and teamwork.

At the heart of the program sits future planning and well-being. Frequent guidance sessions aid the students in facilitating their educational goals and preparing for college applications. Students graduate knowing what to do, feeling capable, confident and able to thrive in post-secondary education and life.

Diane Goudie and Eleanor Moore | Founders

“At Linden, every student is recognized as having a unique voice and the potential to make a meaningful impact. The school’s vibrant, inclusive community is grounded in care, connection, and a shared commitment to growth.”