Right here at 18 Atkinson Avenue stands Netivot HaTorah Day School. It is more than just a school. It embodies a vision. It is a pillar of the Orthodox Jewish community in Toronto.
Netivot HaTorah Day School began in 1984. Parents sought a stronger religious environment for their children. They wanted something different from the Associated Hebrew Day School. The school started small. It had just 42 students. But it grew quickly. By 2003, nearly 600 students were enrolled at Netivot HaTorah Day School. The school moved to its current location in 1993. Netivot HaTorah now shares a block with the Associated school and Leo Baeck Day School.
Netivot HaTorah Day School has a strong connection to Israel. Teachers often come as shlichim. They are Israeli emissaries. They live in Canada for a few years. This gives students a taste of modern Israeli language and culture. The school emphasizes Ivrit b’Ivrit. This means Hebrew subjects are taught in Hebrew.
Netivot HaTorah Day School follows the Ontario curriculum. It also teaches Hebrew language, Torah, and Jewish subjects. The school has a Modern Orthodox and Religious Zionist approach.
Netivot HaTorah Day School faced a change in its French program. French instruction was reduced. This decision caused concern among parents. They worried about high school preparation. The school decided to focus on other subjects. These included art, coding and Jewish history.
Netivot HaTorah Day School publishes a cookbook. It is called Gatherings. The parents’ organization created it. It is a fundraising effort. In its first year, it raised over $120,000 for Netivot HaTorah Day School.
Netivot HaTorah Day School supports diversity. Personalities emerge. Individuality develops. Friendships form. The school is guided by three pillars. They are Torah, Israel and Derech Eretz. These pillars shape the education provided here at Netivot HaTorah Day School.
After Grade 8, students often attend Bnei Akiva Schools or Tanenbaum CHAT. Congregation Ayin L’Tzion Zichron Yisroel meets here. It is a Modern Orthodox Zionist minyan.
Netivot HaTorah Day School continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the needs of its students and the community. Netivot HaTorah Day School remains a vital part of Toronto’s Jewish community.