Turnbull School has created a model school to meet the individual needs of children in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 by enriching them in their areas of strength and assisting them to fill in any gaps in their learning. We place a major emphasis on a competence-based approach where students can meet the challenges of the future by being able to apply skills, acquire knowledge, develop creative problem solving skills, acquire strong social skills and manage their inner resources in terms of their gifts and their learning styles. Time management and organizational skills are viewed as an integral part of their curriculum and essential to their future success in high school and post-secondary education as well as in their future careers.

We place an emphasis on developing strong academic skills and competence in acquiring new knowledge, yet this is fostered in a learning environment that encourages children, respects their creativity and applauds their courage to take risks that are inherent in the learning process. Errors are viewed as an opportunity to learn and move ahead. Great emphasis is placed on the children's contributions and strengths. A strong focus is also placed on the development of effective oral and written communication skills.   Students are enriched in their areas of strength and can be assisted if gaps have occurred in their previous learning experiences. (See Criteria for Acceptance.)

By experiencing a small school environment of  290 students and with class size ranging from an average of 12 in the primary division to an average of 18 in the senior division, children have greater opportunities to develop excellence in their learning, leadership skills, a sense of contribution to the school, and more varied social interactions with all ages. All the children have opportunities to feel they can make a valuable contribution to their school whether it relates to sports, academics, work habits, empathy and caring toward other students, community contributions or accepting leadership responsibilities. Emphasis on what the students are doing well enables them to learn that we respect and value what they can offer.