Have you ever heard of a school starting in a church basement? Giles Hall, part of the Toronto French School, has such a story. Giles Hall itself isn’t the original location. But its history is tied to the Toronto French School’s humble beginnings. The school was founded by Harry Giles, a true pioneer in bilingual education. He started the Toronto French School in 1962, right in his own basement.
Harry Giles wasn’t just an educator. He was also a lawyer, a businessman, and a champion of early childhood development. He believed in the power of immersion and small class sizes. He also believed in a third language. These principles became the foundation of both the Toronto French School and later, The Giles School. He saw the importance of languages like French and Mandarin. He pushed for high standards and, above all, emphasized the importance of love in education.
The Toronto French School quickly outgrew the Giles’ basement. It moved to various locations across Toronto, even using churches, synagogues, and hockey arenas as classrooms. Imagine learning your ABCs in a hockey arena! Giles Hall itself came later, as part of the school’s expansion. It housed more classrooms and a multi-purpose room. This room hosted countless student assemblies, events, and theatrical productions.
The Giles School, also founded by Harry Giles, opened in 1989. It started in a similar fashion to TFS. It began in the basement of an Anglican church. It later found a permanent home near York Mills and Leslie. Both schools reflect Giles’s vision. They offer French immersion, small class sizes, and a focus on a third language, Mandarin. They are a testament to his commitment to a well-rounded education.
So, next time you pass Giles Hall, remember its connection to the Toronto French School’s unusual start. Remember Harry Giles. He was the man who dared to start a school in his basement. His legacy lives on in both schools. He touched countless lives with his innovative approach to education.