About us

A New Beginning in Thornhill

A dynamic and evolving Torah community, providing hope and a lasting foundation for the future of Jewish Toronto.

It all began with one man’s vision. In the early 80’s philanthropist
Joe Tannenbaum began building the foundation to expand Toronto’s
growing Jewish presence and enable a future for long term growth.

His dream was to build a Torah community in Thornhill, with all
the essential resources provided locally. He envisioned a place
where young families could settle and thrive in the Greater Toronto
area. Thornhill would offer affordable housing and a complete
infrastructure. Today, his grandson, Yaakov Kaplan, continues his mission. The vision of a strong and thriving Thornhill is now even
closer to completion, with the establishment of Bais Yaakov of
Thornhill, which is set to grow into a full K-8 school by 2029.

The Thornhill Jewish community, which started with just a few families, blossomed, over the next 40 years, into the diverse, dynamic, and thriving Torah community we know today.

Jewish families from all walks of life – spanning various backgrounds,
traditions, and levels of observance – have come together, channeling
their energy, passion, and vision into building a vibrant Torah-centered
community.

With each new institution, Jewish life here becomes stronger and more vibrant. Bais Yaakov of Thornhill marks the next chapter in this ongoing
journey, solidifying Thornhill’s growth as a Makom torah in the Greater
Toronto area.

Inspiring Girls.
Building Futures.

A Tradition of Excellence

Rooted in Torah values and strengthened by a rich program of general studies, our dual curriculum provides the knowledge, skills, and character formation that prepare our students for life. For over a century, our school has guided generations of Jewish girls to embrace their heritage with pride while excelling academically and personally.

A School for Every Girl

We are committed to serving the entire community. No girl is ever turned away because of financial need. Our leadership works tirelessly to ensure that tuition remains accessible, so that every family, regardless of circumstance, can provide their daughters with a high-quality Jewish education.

Learning that Meets Every Need

Each student learns in her own way. That’s why we provide individualized instruction and specialized support programs, from enrichment to special education, ensuring every girl has the opportunity to succeed at her own pace. We dedicate significant resources to make sure that no child is overlooked, because we believe every girl deserves the chance to shine.

Beyond the Classroom

Education doesn’t stop at academics. Through art, music, athletics, chesed initiatives, leadership opportunities, and character-building programs, our students discover their talents, build confidence, and develop life skills that prepare them for success in every area of life.

More than a school – A foundation for their future

Torah and Middos

Instilling timeless knowledge, strong hashkafos, and eternal values.

Personal Growth

Guiding each student with warmth,
care, and personal attention.

Academic Excellence

Providing a comprehensive chinuch
that prepares our girls for life

Leadership

Rosh Vaad HaChinuch

HaRav Uri Mayerfeld

Executive Director

Rabbi Leib Irons

Menaheles

Mrs. Rivkie Steier

S’gan Menaheles

Mrs. Rivky Richter

General Studies Principal

Mrs. Shira Silberstein

Join our Family

“Right now, Bais Yaakov of Thornhill has over 100 girls but this is just the beginning. If you want to invest in a product and do so when it is small, then the dividends you get are tremendous. Whoever can join us in supporting this beautiful school should be blessed with Birkas haTorah and should see much success and harmony and nachas in their lives.”

“My children come home so happy, so excited to be in school. As a parent, it’s such a pleasure to see my children love going to school so much.”

“The teachers at Bais Yaakov Thornhill don’t just teach the material, they bring it to life so the children can truly comprehend what they are learning.”

“All Jewish children should be able to attend Jewish day schools no matter what their financial situation, and I’m happy to help out to the best of my ability.”

“Baruch Hashem, they have a yeshivah up north, a kollel up north, and the people involved understand that they also need a Bais Yaakov up north with a Torahdike hashkafa. It will be successful up north and it will be successful down here in Toronto, but it will be better for both places with a Bais Yaakov up north.”

“I do believe very strongly that this is a very important mosad for the Thornhill community and it is run with tremendous professionalism and tremendous warmth. We can see the girls’ simchas hachaim, and how much they are thriving because of the warmth that permeates Bais Yaakov of Thornhill.”

“Years ago, Thornhill was a side part of the Toronto community, but it’s not that way now. It behooves all of us to realize the great importance and great success of Bais Yaakov of Thornhill, which was founded at the urging of Rav Shlomo Miller. Whoever takes part in its growth will have the zechus of seeing their own growth.”

A Growing School, a Growing Impact

Already, Bais Yaakov of Thornhill has tripled in size and is growing at an incredible pace. With 100+ students from kindergarten through Grade 4, the school has established a strong foundation and is bursting with potential.

Our classrooms are filled with joy, energy, and the promise of a new generation of Jewish mothers, daughters, and leaders. But to fully realize this vision, we need to expand. We must build capacity to reach 250+ students in the next five years and grow into a full K-8 school. This is vital for our future and the future of Torah life in Greater Toronto and Canada.

Together, let’s expand to build a thriving and affordable Jewish community for future generations!