The Leo Baeck Day School
LBDSOther, Founded 1974
Updated July 2026
The Leo Baeck Day School is a Reform Jewish day school and Canada’s first Jewish International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. It provides a progressive, nurturing environment that pairs academic excellence with a modern approach to Jewish identity.
Teaching approach
The school is a Reform Jewish day school that emphasizes a "kehillah kedoshah" (holy community) where every member is a valued part of the whole. Its philosophy integrates progressive Jewish values, such as Tikkun Olam (social justice) and Derech Eretz (respect), with the International Baccalaureate framework. The school aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a deep connection to Judaism, the State of Israel, and the worldwide Jewish community.
Programmes
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. The curriculum is balanced into three core areas: Language Arts and Social Studies, Math and Science, and Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Additional subjects include French (beginning in Senior Kindergarten), music, drama, art, technology, and athletics. The school also provides a "Little Leos" program for younger children.
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for the academic, social, and emotional demands of high school. Alumni have demonstrated success through high academic performance in secondary school and have become leaders and agents of social change in various fields, including media. The school tracks graduate preparedness, with survey data indicating that many students maintain or exceed their Grade 8 marks in Grade 9.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a dedicated team of student services professionals, including registered social workers and managers of student academics. This team works to support students of all abilities within the school's nurturing and inclusive environment. While the school strives to support students on their academic journey, it acknowledges that some specific educational needs may be better suited to other academic institutions.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does The Leo Baeck Day School offer?
- The Leo Baeck Day School offers IB PYP and IB MYP.
- What accreditations does The Leo Baeck Day School hold?
- The Leo Baeck Day School holds accreditations including IB and Cognia.
- Where is The Leo Baeck Day School located?
- The Leo Baeck Day School is an international school in Toronto, Canada.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school is an admission-based institution that requires a private tour before an application can be submitted. The process includes an online application, a personal interview with the Director of Admission, and a grade-appropriate student assessment. Acceptance letters are issued the year prior to entry, and the school maintains a wait pool until September 1. Tuition for full-day JK through Grade 8 is $18,340, with an additional capital levy of $6,500 payable over five years starting in Senior Kindergarten. Financial assistance is available through the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and the Jewish Free Loan Toronto.
Calendar
The school operates on a traditional academic year. The Little Leos program hosts a weekly "SHAKE IT and BAKE IT" session on Fridays, where students engage in music, movement, and activities to celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Admissions tours for future entry years typically begin in November.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located at 501 Arlington Avenue in Toronto. It features classrooms designed for active learning and state-of-the-art facilities, including spaces for athletics, music, drama, and art. The school also maintains a library and technology resources to support its IB curriculum.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a range of extra-curricular programs to complement its academic offerings. These include athletics, music, drama, and art, as well as a student-led newspaper club. Students also participate in the Tikkun Project, which focuses on social conscience and contributing to positive social change.
- Eric PetersielHead of School
Eric Petersiel is the Head of School at The Leo Baeck Day School. He is a recipient of the 2022 Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) Art of Leadership Award and is recognized as a mentor to other heads of school.
- Adina LubekPrincipal
Adina Lubek serves as the Principal of the school.
- Andrew HowardVICE PRINCIPAL, Grades 6-8
Andrew Howard serves as the Vice Principal for Grades 6-8.
- Jenna SobelVICE PRINCIPAL, JK - Grade 5
Jenna Sobel serves as the Vice Principal for JK - Grade 5.
- Danielle ApplebaumDean of Student Services
Danielle Applebaum serves as the Dean of Student Services.
- Sheryl FaithDean of Academic Development & IB Coordinator
Sheryl Faith serves as the Dean of Academic Development & IB Coordinator.
- Rabbi Noam KatzDean of Jewish Living
Rabbi Noam Katz serves as the Dean of Jewish Living.
IB PYP
Cognia