Meet the Team
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Canadian School of Florence (CSF), where education meets inspiration in the heart of Tuscany. Surrounded by the beauty of the Florentine Hills and the cultural riches of Florence and Fiesole, CSF offers an immersive learning experience that nurtures academic achievement, global citizenship, and personal growth.
Since the founding of our Senior School in 2017, CSF has become a forward-thinking institution offering an exceptional educational pathway for students aged 3 to 18. In 2021, we expanded with the opening of our Junior School, followed by the establishment of our Middle School in 2022. Our K-12 approach seamlessly integrates the Ontario curriculum with the Italian national framework, preparing our students for a globalized world while honoring Italy’s rich cultural heritage. This year, we are proud to be the first school in Italy to offer a fully Paritaria-accredited K-12 program, providing both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a dual pathway with the Italian Liceo delle Scienze Umane.
At CSF, our students thrive in an innovative, student-centered learning environment that focuses on developing essential 21st-century skills. Through STEAM-driven, project-based learning, we nurture creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, preparing our students to become confident global citizens. Our high school students graduate with the internationally recognized Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and now have the option to add the Italian Liceo delle Scienze Umane pathway to their qualifications. Equipped with these dual credentials, our graduates are well-prepared for success at prestigious universities and in careers worldwide.
As part of our new strategic plan, we are committed to further strengthening our community and enhancing our academic offerings. CSF will continue to focus on multilingualism, multiculturalism, and creating an inclusive, dynamic learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow. Our commitment to student well-being, personalized learning, and global connections remains at the core of everything we do.
As the new Head of School, I remain deeply committed to maintaining high standards in education while ensuring the safeguarding and well-being of every child in our care. My goal is to continue fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where all students feel valued, respected, and inspired to reach their full potential. Through strong educational practices, inclusivity, and differentiated learning, we strive to meet the unique needs of every student while cultivating a culture of excellence across our school community.
I firmly believe that education extends far beyond academics. As a family-oriented community, we are equally dedicated to nurturing the social, emotional, and personal growth of our students. By promoting kindness, respect, collaboration, and global-mindedness, we continue to create an environment where every child can thrive and experience a true sense of belonging.
Partnership with families remains essential to the success and well-being of our students. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue working in partnership with our families, staff, and wider community to provide the very best opportunities for our students and to further demonstrate why the Canadian School of Florence is truly such a special place to be. Together, we will continue building a dynamic and inspiring school culture that empowers our students to become confident, compassionate, and successful individuals.
I encourage interested families to visit our school and experience firsthand the vibrant, diverse community that makes CSF so special. Together, we will unlock your child’s potential and help them shape a bright future. Please contact our Admissions Office to schedule your visit.
We’d love to show you all that CSF has to offer.
Jean-Paul Gagnier
CSF Head of School
Jean Paul Gagnier is a distinguished French-Canadian educator and educational leader from Pointe aux Roches, Ontario.
Raised in a francophone community, he completed his entire education in French while developing full bilingual fluency in both French and English.
His strong cultural roots and commitment to French-language education have shaped a lifelong dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and student success...
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Senior School Campus
Middle School Campus
Junior School Campus
Interested in Joining our Team?
We kindly ask you to send your application via our Career Site by clicking on the link below so we can consider your profile for possible vacancies. We inform you that any email received to other CSF email addresses will not be taken into consideration and will be deleted.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO OUR SCHOOL