The Learning Common — Kid-friendly Storytime & Classes in Toronto, Ontario

What parents say

• eimpett

  This is our son's second year at TLC (he's in grade 6 now). I honestly cannot say enough good things about TLC. We sent our son there for two primary reasons: (a) to get him the extra help and attention he needs due to a diagnosed learning disability and (b) to help with his self-confidence. Within a few months of being at TLC, he was reading at grade level and comes home from school happy and eager to talk about what he learns each day. Here are more specifics: Academic Success: The teachers at TLC are awesome - they have patience of saints, are incredibly upbeat and positive, and have a unique way of explaining concepts that make them fun for kids. In public school, our son never wanted to get involved in school activities, but with TLC's support, he's now taken on positions of leadership in the school including being the editor of the morning announcements. Student Support: Our son went from having daily "freak outs" to being able to articulate what he needs from himself and from the teachers in each moment. The school has a support room where kids can go a couple of times a day if they just need a little space and need to recharge. What I love about the school is that they recognize that many kids need support in this way - they cannot stay glued to their chairs and sometimes need a little space so that they can come back and be productive learners. Community Engagement: We receive weekly updates from our teachers on what the kids are learning in the classroom and how we can best support them. The teachers are always willing to hold extra meetings with parents beyond the typical parent-teacher interviews which take place twice a year. TLC also holds regular town halls (online) for everyone in the community to connect, in addition to a holiday play that the entire school comes out to celebrate. Teaching: Both of the teachers that my son has had at TLC have this "Mary Poppins" like quality, a little magic that ensures that the kids have the right combination of liking and respect that makes for both a fun and productive working relationship. We love TLC - it's literally changed our son's life (and ours as parents too!).

• Craig David Wallace

  Our child has thrived at The Learning Common and is always excited to go to school. The teachers and staff are engaged with both the students and the parents.

• Katerina Cizek

  The special needs support and community of TLC has been life-changing for our kid and our family. TLC offers a pathway to regaining a love of learning and curiosity through evidence-based literacy programs, and exceptionally talented and experienced teachers and tutors.

• Rayanne Caciolari

  Like many parents of children with learning disabilities, I felt lost and overwhelmed at first. I initially sought support within the public system, hoping the school where my son was enrolled would offer appropriate accommodations and evidence-based intervention. While I continued to advocate, I began seeking help elsewhere — turning to tutors, speech therapy, and occupational therapy in an effort to support his learning. Over time, these interventions consumed what little space he had left to simply be a child. Instead of helping, they became a source of exhaustion and frustration for a child who was already carrying far too much. It became clear that no amount of extra activities could replace an environment that truly understood how he learns. I was looking for academic intervention. What I found went far beyond academics. I had watched my once vibrant, confident, and joyful child slowly become quiet, insecure, and paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes — worn down by labels and subtle messages that, piece by piece, took parts of him away. It happens quietly, almost invisibly, until one day the weight becomes impossible to ignore. TLC gave me my child back. In this environment, my son is truly seen, understood, and supported — not only as a learner, but as a whole human being. The impact has been deeply transformative. Beyond learning to read and write, he is confident, willing to try new things without fear of failure, and proud of who he is. His joy, curiosity, and smile have returned, and watching him flourish has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. For me, TLC is not simply a school. It is a place where children are given the space, respect, and care they need to grow into everything they already are — supported by educators who are deeply committed to the children in their care.

• Jean Ross

  Our 11 year old son is in his second year at the Learning Common and we could not be happier with the experience. The growth we’ve seen in him over the past two years has been amazing. He was falling behind in the public system, had very little confidence, and we were seeing him sink further and further. There is a collaborative and individualized approach the school takes with each child. The smaller class sizes (about eight students in a class) make such a difference. We also love the welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The Friday workshops, the regular field trips, and the way the school actively engages the students make learning feel exciting and meaningful. We are incredibly grateful to The Learning Common and the wonderful educators there for helping our son grow both academically and personally. It has truly been a transformative experience for him.