Rooted in Vision. Growing Through Purpose.
Since 1993, The Linden School has been a bold experiment in feminist and socially just education.
Founded by Diane Goudie and Eleanor Moore, Linden was built on the belief that girls deserve more than a seat at the table—they deserve a school where their voices shape the learning experience. What began as a radical vision has grown into a hub for inclusive, innovative, and justice-driven education in Toronto.
From modest beginnings to a thriving school community, Linden’s story is one of vision, courage, and change. Our legacy is rooted in activism, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to student voice.
| How Linden Began: A Founder’s Reflection | |
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| On June 16, 2000, Diane Goudie, Eleanor Moore, and Rusty Shteir gathered in the Nancy Ruth Library to reflect on Linden’s founding. Their conversation captured the values, challenges, and ideals that shaped a school unlike any other—built to champion voice, equity, and purpose. | |
| The Search for a Name | |
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In 1992, Linden’s founding team met regularly to imagine a school rooted in feminist pedagogy and progressive education. Choosing a name became urgent when they booked an ad in The Globe and Mail, before settling on one. Suggestions ranged from the names of trailblazing women to symbols of transformation. The word “Linden” emerges, resonating with its gentle, inclusive sound and symbolism. A reference in The Women’s Dictionary described the linden tree as flexible, resilient, and culturally tied to femininity. It felt right. And it became real when it appeared in Linden’s very first public advertisement. |
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| Designing Linden’s Identity | |
| Linden’s visual identity was created with help from feminist designers. The logo, featuring three differently shaped leaves, reflects diversity, growth, and movement. The school adopted purple as its signature colour: bold, empowering, and nonconforming. While we chose not to use uniforms, a shared colour palette offered a sense of unity. | |
| From Vision to Action | |
| The first planning meeting was held at the home of activist Nancy Ruth, who offered financial support and strategic encouragement. The founding team comprised educators, feminists, and families seeking an alternative to the traditional school model. Their vision was bold, and their action was immediate. |  |
| Breaking Ground | |
| With early support from donors and allies, Linden began in a room in Diane’s home. The founders launched enrollment, developed programming, and started hiring. The work was unpaid and relentless, but deeply fulfilling. | |
| Building a Faculty & Finding a Home | |
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Linden’s founding faculty included:
After visiting multiple sites, the team secured 10 Rosehill Avenue as Linden’s permanent home. Families, educators, and volunteers came together—painting walls, answering phones, and bringing Linden to life. |
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| A Community from Day One | |
| Linden was built to disrupt hierarchy and foster authentic community. From co-principal leadership to students and staff calling each other by first name, every choice was intentional. Collaboration, care, and bold thinking defined the culture then, and continue to do so today. | |
| Bringing Linden to the Public | |
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The school’s first information night, held in 1993, filled Victoria College’s Alumnae Hall. Linden’s vision resonated widely. A feature by columnist Michelle Landsberg in the Toronto Star led to hundreds of inquiries. The community grew quickly, and Linden’s presence in Toronto’s educational landscape was firmly established. |
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Linden’s Founders
“In 1993, we thought that there was a need for a school that incorporated research on girls’ development and learning, which would prepare them to go out and make a difference in their worlds. Today, that need is greater than ever. The rights that were taken for granted over thirty years ago are now imperilled. The power of voicing one’s researched truth is threatened. More than ever, we need Linden graduates to take leadership in creating a sustainable and ethical world.”